Philosophy

Luanda International School believes that education should foster the development of the whole person. We believe students need to develop the ability to think critically, creatively and independently, and to reach their academic and personal potential. We want students to lead constructive and fulfilling lives, to appreciate and respect a diverse range of cultures and to have a sense of service and responsibility towards the world community.

Luanda International School believes the following about these school components:

The School Community

• A diverse student body and diverse teaching staff enrich the school community and provide a wealth of experience, resources and perspectives.
• Every effort will be made to recruit and retain faculty and staff of the highest quality and contribute to and encourage their continued professional development in a variety of ways.
• The school will foster the development of the following attitudes: appreciation, commitment, confidence, cooperation, creativity, curiosity, empathy, enthusiasm, independence, integrity, respect and tolerance through the examples of adults, design of activities and regular, constructive feedback.
• Cooperation and collaboration are essential ways of working and learning and must be encouraged by teachers and students.
• Practices and events organized by the school will reflect students’ learning, performance and self-esteem as these are improved through intrinsic rather than extrinsic motivation.
• A community of supportive, cooperative, caring and respectful individuals including students, parents, faculty, administration and the school Board creates the best culture for learning.
• Adults in the community will actively model the behaviors and dispositions desired in the students

The Curriculum

• Curriculum content will be selected on the basis of relevance and significance and will reflect developments from a range of different national and international sources.
• Curriculum will identify and develop enduring intellectual understandings of significant and essential knowledge for the 21st century.
• Curriculum will develop students’ essential skills, such as the ability to conduct research, communicate effectively, function successfully in different social contexts, manage one’s health and life, and think critically and creatively.
• Curriculum will take advantage of the possibilities for enrichment afforded by the cultural and linguistic setting of Luanda and by the diverse backgrounds of our students, faculty, and parents.
• Curriculum will be under constant review; teachers and administrators will be alert and responsive to new ideas and research in education.

The Learning

• Learning occurs best in a safe, secure, stimulating environment with active engagement of the learner and regular constructive feedback.
• Learners construct meaning by building upon what they already know and understand.
• Learning through inquiry, which develops understanding and the habits of mind, will sustain further intellectual growth.

The Teaching

• Effective teaching acknowledges differing learning styles and fosters positive student-teacher relationships conducive to good learning both inside and outside the classroom.
• Differentiated instruction meets the needs and capacities of students, assisting each to attain his or her full potential.
• Teaching for understanding requires careful consideration of the quality and quantity of content, provision of authentic contexts as well as the opportunities for application in new and flexible ways.
• Assessment is integral to all teaching and learning, and its purpose is to improve student learning.

The Student

• Every student has an individual and a cultural set of experiences, skills and interests, all of which must be considered in the teaching process.
• In becoming international citizens, students should explore an international knowledge base from multiple perspectives.
• Students must be provided with the tools and skills to be able to evaluate critically the range of information available.
• Students need to learn essential skills, knowledge and techniques and have extensive and varied opportunities to apply them.
• Students need to develop the ability to recognize and analyze, and to pose problems and formulate creative solutions to them.
• Students need to develop a sense of self-discipline and responsibility and the ability to think and make decisions, both on their own and collaboratively.
• Students will be given opportunities to develop physical and mental balance through participation in a physical and health education program.
• Students need to develop an appreciation for the fine and performing arts through regular and contextual experiences.
• Students need to develop an acute awareness of environmental and humanitarian issues in the local and global community.