- English Language within the national curriculum
- Global student and teacher exchanges and connections
- Foreign English language teachers
- Textbooks, curriculum material, Examinations, guidelines, teacher support
AISC – 'The Global Package – the best of both worlds'
Australian International Schools Certificate ™ (AISC)
CURRENTLY (2018) UNAVAILABLE - OUT OF PRODUCTION/UNDER REDEVELOPMENT
We live in a time when national boundaries no longer represent a barrier to communication and connection. Nations are connected by the movement of people, resources, goods and ideas. Movement is relatively fast, efficient and encouraged. Developments in one nation affect the community and the economy in other nations. Global interconnectedness characterises the contemporary world.
The English language is the dominant mode of communication between nations. It is important that all young people have access to this language. From an early age, young people should be exposed to reading, writing, listening and speaking skills in the English language. These skills are crucial for effective participation in the contemporary global community.
At the same time it is important that young people retain an understanding of, and a commitment to the culture and language of the nation to which they belong. To achieve this it is preferable for the young person to complete most or all her schooling in her own country with the nurturing of her 'familiar' home and community.
How to achieve a satisfactory deep blending of these two goals – familiarity and skills in the use of the English language, and schooling in the home country, has been the challenge confronting the designers of the Australian International Schools' Certificate ™ (AISC). The AISC is a student award which recognises completion of, and achievement in, a range of specified Global courses of study where Global English and Global Commerce are mandatory. The AISC is intended for students whose first language is not English and who are studying these courses of study in a country where the English language is not the first language of choice in education institutions. Generally, Global courses will be taught alongside and additional to the dominant local programme of study. Global courses supplement the local programme of study. The AISC may be awarded to a student at the completion of one or more of the Global courses of study. A Global course of study will normally extend for a minimum number of four hundred hours. The AISC is a proprietary student award owned by Schools Active World Wide (SAWW) and can be awarded to a student when SAWW or its licensed representative is satisfied that the required standards have been met.
The AISC is intended to:
(i) form one of a number of credentials that will assist students in accessing tertiary institutions in Australia and elsewhere, and in preparing students for active engagement in further study where English is the primary medium of instruction;
(ii) assist in preparing students for high level performance in tests of English language competency and proficiency such as the academic IELTS;
(iii) assist students in furthering their understanding and knowledge of the global community, in particular, though not exclusively, those countries commonly known as 'first world' or characterised by 'developed economies', without the student having to travel and study outside of his/her home country;
(iv) engage and challenge students to develop their individual talents, capabilities and personal and community values.
AISC – The Board
A small group of educators meets four times / year to give guidance, supervision and advice to the Directors. This governing Board assists with direction and development of the AISC and advises on quality control and standards.
In 2010 / 2011 the Board is composed of
Dr William McKeith AM,BA,DipEd,MA,MBA,EdD,FACE,FAIM (Managing Director)
Ms Leonie Brewer BA,DipEd,MEd,COGE
Mr Mohan Dhall BComm,GradDipEd,Grad Dip Workplace Relations,COGE,MACE,AAIM,MATA
Mrs Susan McKeith B.A.,DipEd,GradCTESOL (Director)
The Credential – Guidelines & Rationale
Certificate and Statement of Achievement
Examination papers
2011 English Examination Paper
2011 Commerce Examination Paper
2010 HD English Examination Paper
2010 HD Commerce Examination Paper
Direct Articulation
What is direct articulation?
In the global education community, 'direct articulation' means a graduating school student who achieves to an agreed standard on a recognised credential gains direct entry to a tertiary, usually a University, undergraduate course, such as a BA or BCom.
The student who takes direct articulation does not have to complete other entry requirements such as an IELTS test. It is assumed that a sufficiently high standard has been achieved by completing the requirements of the particular credential to the agreed standard.
The AISC is a credential that is increasingly being accepted for direct articulation.
However, the most important benefits of the AISC are that the AISC Global courses prepare students for a high level of English language proficiency and that the courses are taught by foreign teachers who are native speakers of English, using modern western teaching techniques that are also used in western universities. Direct articulation is an additional benefit that is emerging for students who hold the AISC at Credit level or above. Before contacting or applying to these Universities, students should check at their school to see if any extra University entrance requirement, special provisions or limitations apply.
At September 2011, following thorough assessment, direct articulation has been granted to students with AISC Credit level passes or above, by:
- Central Queensland University, Australia
- British University of Vietnam
- Staffordshire University, UK
- University of Sunshine Coast, Australia
- St Marys College of Maryland, US
- Monash University, Australia
- James Cook University, Brisbane