Parents’ Handbook
International School Handbook/Prospectus
Please feel free to download our Parents’ Handbook/Prospectus for the International School of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
This ‘Parents’ Handbook’ includes policies and procedures that parents need to be aware of and provides general information about our services, ethos, and mission statement.
Click the button below to download a copy of the ISTCI Parents Handbook.
International School Policies
School policies are an essential part of every school. Our school has a wide variety of policies, aimed towards providing the best possible care for anyone who visits or attends our school. For your convenience, here are a selection of policies that might be of interest to you.
If you require further information on any of the items shown in this section or would like to discuss our other policies, please contact the school and we will do our best to help.
Read more about the International School Curriculum
Homework Policy
Homework given to students should reinforce what they have been taught in the International School. Homework is a valuable part of the curriculum. Please refer to our Homework Policy for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
The potential benefits of Homework are:
- Revision
- Consolidation
- Extension
- Reinforcement of learning
- Development of independence in learning
- Time management practice
- Communication between home and school
- Parental input
Numeracy and Calculation Policy
Our Numeracy and Calculation Policy provides a structured and systematic approach to the teaching of calculation. There is considerable emphasis on teaching mental calculation methods.
This calculation policy has been written in line with the programmes of study taken from the revised National Curriculum for Mathematics (2014). It provides guidance on appropriate calculation methods and progression.
The aims of the policy are to ensure:
- consistency and progression in our approach to calculation
- children develop an efficient, reliable, formal written method of calculation for all operations
- children can use these methods accurately with confidence and understanding
Spelling Policy
We have updated our Spelling Policy as the spelling content within our Curriculum has been changed to include lists of words that children must be able to spell by the end of Grades 2, 4 and 6. In addition, the children are now expected to learn more challenging spelling patterns at an earlier age.
As a school, we have purchased a new scheme called ‘Read Write Inc Spelling’, an educational company which produces a number of literacy resources including a phonics programme. Every child from Grades 2-6 in the school will be using the spelling programme.
It’s never too late to learn to spell but it’s never too early to start learning how to spell correctly. Learning how to spell is a useful lifelong skill. We have introduced a new programme at ISTCI so that, all things being equal, our children can leave us confident in their ability to spell.
Parents can help support their children by collecting/practicing/playing games with the appropriate words that match the sound combination their child is learning.
Physical Education Policy
Physical activity not only improves health, reduces stress, and improves concentration, but also promotes correct physical growth and development. Exercise has a positive influence on academic achievement, emotional stability and interaction with others. Therefore both teachers and children should be aware of its importance.
We provide the broad and balanced programme of physical education we believe every child should have; with activities designed to be enjoyable, vigorous, purposeful and regular. Through providing positive experiences, a lifelong interest in physical activity is encouraged.