TASIS The American School in Switzerland
A Unique and Exceptional Learning Environment
TASIS The American School in England is a leading co-educational, international school educating over 650 day and boarding students. Located 18 miles southwest of London and 8 miles from Heathrow airport, our beautiful 46-acre village campus seamlessly combines historic buildings with modern facilities.
Students from over 50 nations thrive in an environment that nurtures their intellectual curiosity. The School’s three sections – Lower (ages three to nine), Middle (10-13), and Upper (14-18) – have their own distinct classroom areas but also have the advantage of sharing the extensive facilities for art, drama, music, and sports.
Inherently linked to the skills of 21st century leadership are the concepts of international-mindedness, empathy, and cultural awareness. TASIS England’s enduring goal is to provide a busy and happy environment in which each student flourishes as a principled, open-minded, and compassionate member of our global community. Our students’ confidence, resilience, and empathy as well as their academic achievements will serve as foundations for their future success in the ever-changing landscape of the world.
International-mindedness
This phrase, coined by the International Baccalaureate (IB), can be defined as the ability to interpret and analyze issues from different perspectives through the lens of intercultural understanding and a respect for others. Further, the IB provides a list of attributes known as the Learner Profile. Students who engage in a curriculum that promotes international-mindedness are:
Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled,
Open-minded, Caring, Risk-Takers, Balanced, and Reflective.
By moving beyond subject-based learning outcomes and providing students with multiple opportunities to develop these attributes that they, as global citizens and leaders, are going to need to confidently embrace future challenges and opportunities, TASIS England encourages students to develop international-mindedness and educate the human spirit, focusing on the importance of relationships and mutual respect.
A Challenging Curriculum
TASIS England’ educational pathways include the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) and a broad-based American curriculum with Advanced Placement (AP) classes, which follow American College Board standards. English-as-an-Additional Language support is provided for students whose first language is not English. A full range of elementary and middle school courses include English, history, mathematics and sciences, as well as language courses at several levels. Elective classes offer specialized study in the fields of the humanities, social sciences, computer science, theatre, and the fine arts.
TASIS England offers the IBDP to eligible students entering eleventh grade. This challenging two-year course of study encourages critical thinking, research skills, and service as part of the learning process and is recognized by universities around the world. Engagement in AP courses also has a direct link to success in university. These one-year subject-specific classes are rigorous and thorough and teach students how to write, think, problem solve, and calculate with clarity and authority. Many American and Canadian universities award advance credit for successful completion of AP courses.
These strong academic programs, along with numerous community service and leadership opportunities, prepare students for life-long learning and active participation in society as global citizens. Experienced and dedicated teachers provide a good balance of challenge and support as they nurture each student’s potential with individualised attention in small classes (average 15).
Prepared for Ongoing Success
Upper School students work on a one-to-one basis with university counselors as they research and apply to the universities that best fit their educational and career aspirations. TASIS graduates gain acceptance to excellent universities in the US (50% of students in 2019), the UK (30%), and worldwide (20%). These include Cornell, Notre Dame, University of Pennsylvania, London School of Economics, King’s College London, Edinburgh, Amsterdam, École hôtelière de Lausanne, and McGill, to name but a few. In 2019, over 90% of TASIS graduates gained acceptance into their first- or second-choice universities
Among other achievements, the 113 graduates in the Class of 2019 received 78 scholarship offers. The 43 IBDP candidates achieved a 100% pass rate, with 46% earning bilingual diplomas. The Upper School students taking AP classes achieved an 89% pass rate, and the TASIS England mean score in 18 subject areas was above the global mean.
Extending Horizons
At TASIS England, we recognize the challenge to see beyond a narrow definition of academic excellence and to help our students develop essential attributes such as resilience, adaptability, curiosity, and reflection. Multi-faceted opportunities enable students to learn new skills, explore their interests, and excel wherever their individual strengths may lie.
Taking full advantage of the School’s proximity to London, learning extends beyond the classroom through field trips and a wide range of after-school and weekend activities, both on and off campus. Our Academic Travel Program provides our older students with an outstanding opportunity to spend time in another country, learning its history and gaining an understanding of its culture and political landscape.
TASIS England encourages participation in an extensive recreational and competitive sports program that includes both individual and team-based sports. Membership in both the London School Sports Association (LSSA) and the Independent Schools Association (ISA) provides our sports teams with variety of competitions throughout the school year against independent and international schools based in the UK. As a founding member of the ISAA (International Schools Athletic Association), TASIS Varsity sports teams also regularly attend and host international school sports competitions. ISAA member schools are located throughout the world and provide student-athletes with some incredible opportunities to not only visit other countries and experience their cultures, but to socialize with other international students as part of a worldwide community.
The School’s Arts programs include Studio Arts, Theatre, Dance, Music, Photography, and Film taught by specialist teachers. In our beautiful, modern, and well-equipped facilities students participate in many music recitals and concerts, theatre productions, art and photography exhibitions, and dance performances during the school year.
Boarding’s Lasting Benefits
Our diverse boarding community includes more than 30 nationalities among the students (aged 13 to 18) who live, work, and learn together in a structured and supportive environment. As they discover the varied cultures and backgrounds of others, these young people learn to appreciate the value of collaboration and mutual respect. Growing in personal responsibility and maturity, they learn to make good choices in their daily lives and find their own unique passions and purpose – all while forging life-long friendships with students from around the globe. Our alumni regularly return “home” to visit and recount the positive impact their TASIS experience made on their lives.
TASIS England also offers three- and six-week English language and enrichment courses during the summer. Students (ages 10-17) come from around the world to pursue an area of special interest or improve their English as they participate in an exciting holiday experience. With sports and activities, sightseeing excursions, and theatre trips to London, the Summer Programs provide a perfect way to sample the boarding experience. The English Language courses and IELTS Preparation class are accredited by the British Council.
We encourage you to visit our campus and see first-hand why TASIS is the school of choice for so many families. Please contact our Admissions team to arrange for your personalized visit via email at ukadmissions@tasisengland.org or by calling +44 1932 582 316.
You are also very welcome to attend our next Open Morning on Friday, October 4, 2019. Please complete the brief registration form by going to www.tasisengland.org/visit. The information you provide will help us focus your visit on the section of the School that is most relevant to you.
