What is the IB?
It is an International System of education derived from extensive research on many national systems worldwide. Being a rigorous inquiry based program it requires students to think broadly and critically, searching for and analyzing information and findings to reach conclusions. It also requires students to be involved in social and community work so they become valuable contributors to their community and the well-being of humanity.

The IB is split into 3 stages:

Primary Years Program (PYP)          Age 4-12 years
Middle Years Program (MYP)           Age 11-16 years
Diploma Program (DP)                    Age 16-18 years

What is special about the IB too, is it enables us to embed teachings of our own culture and history into the system. As such it produces a well-rounded student showing academic excellence, demonstrating awareness of the world around them and an understanding of other cultures whilst at the same time adhering to his own cultural identity and heritage. These traits go hand in hand with our mission. 

Students holding the IB are in high demand locally and internationally. Renowned universities like Harvard and MIT are always on the lookout for IB holders to apply there.



How is the IB compared to American Diploma or the British IGCSE?
I am sure you can go online and research that, but to save you time, most reputable international schools are now considering switching to the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to replace their elementary program, and most of them already offer the Diploma Programme (DP). 

The IBO which is the international body governing IB schools worldwide has rigorous standards which must be adhered to. The school, after meeting certain criteria, is under trial for three full academic years of operation, if it is new. During this time trainers from the IBO are asked by the school to come in for in-house training for the staff. The school is also paid a visit by inspectors from the IBO. They stay for a week or as they deem necessary, entering classrooms and observing teachers in action. They then submit a report indicating their approval upon which the school is granted accreditation.

It does not end there. Every 2-3 years the IBO will revise the schools membership by paying them another inspection visit to ensure the school is still applying all the standards set by them.

The other difference is that the IB in itself is different in that it is an inquiry based program. Children by nature being curious inquirers are encouraged by this system to pursue their search for answers. It teaches them to look at topics or issues from many perspectives so they see the broader picture and understand how everything in this world comes together. They become critical thinkers and in their pursuit of knowledge and answers they become life-long learners.

The other extremely important advantage to the IB is it allows for the accommodation of Egyptian History and Geography in the relevant units of study which does not happen in the other systems.

IB students are accepted by which universities?
As we said before IB holders are globally recognized and are in high demand. At many universities like the AUC in Egypt for example IB holders may be exempt from up to a 30 credit hours (2 semesters) of study based on how many points they achieve in the IB diploma. They are eligible for scholarships too. 

Is the school accredited?
Our school principal, Mrs. McLaughlin, has done a lot of work with accrediting around the world. It is her opinion that we are in complete alignment with requirements for full accreditation.

The IB has an “Authorization” process for all NEW schools worldwide that takes a minimum of three years. We will apply for “Candidate” status soon after opening, and expect to be “Authorized” 3 years after that, God willing. We are also looking to be accredited by the MSA (Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools), which by the way has given accreditation to 3 schools only in Egypt: CAC, AIS and the MES.

Till what year will you be opening up?
We will be opening up from Early Childhood (age 3) till Grade 3 (age 8) for the academic year 2007-2008. We will be taking in around 220 students for that year. The school will grow with its students in the coming years until graduation in Grade 12.

Will you be accepting students from other schools in the higher grades?
This all depends on the student assessment and interview. If we find that the student complies with our philosophy and mission and shows a satisfactory academic level then they would be considered for acceptance. We are aiming to bring up our children bearing our vision and mission and would like to see a school community in complete harmony.

What is the assessment like?
It is a test of the student's abilities and their skills to see whether they comply with their age. We also need to know the child's needs and how best we can serve them. We try to discover each child's attributes and strong points and their best learning styles based on the theory of multiple intelligences. This will help the teacher in determining the optimum teaching method for each child. 

Are there end of year exams? Are there standards set by the IBO for these exams or are they just set by the school?
For the PYP and MYP there will be ongoing assessments throughout the year in the form of tests and projects. These will be set by the teachers. They will be guided by the structured framework of the units of inquiry and set international standards.

The PYP and MYP provide us with objectives and skills that have to be achieved by the end of each year and a copy of these will be issued to the parents at the beginning of the school year.

Will you be having foreign or Egyptian teachers? How qualified are they?
We are currently in the process of recruiting highly qualified certified teachers from abroad. We will also have local junior teachers to maintain a balance in the teaching faculty. Our qualification process is not based on Citizenship, but on qualifications and experience. All of our homeroom teachers must have a degree in education.

Is NVIS an Islamic School?
It is an International School which embraces Islam:

• We are expecting to take in international students.
• We have a diversity of international staff.

At the same time:

• We offer a strong Arabic and Religion/Character Development Program.
• We administer the correct teachings of Islam, be they the core values or the "branches" taken from the Prophet Mohammad PBUH, in a loving context to bring it closer to the children's hearts. Certainly we will work from the base up, that is work on the five pillars, then keep moving to branches until we cover what a normal person needs to know to live his life according to the “Sunna”, God willing.
• We will have 20 rooms for Quran recital and learning by heart.
• We will have 2 large prayer areas for “Jama’a” prayers.
• There will be a dress code for the school both staff and students.
• Girls in Grades 6 and above as well as female teachers will not be expected to wear shorts or sleeveless shirts.
• Students in Grades 6 and above will be separated in the swimming pool area. That is girls will swim at a different time from boys.
• No “show of affection” (kissing, hugging of the other sex) will be allowed on campus.
  
  

Will girls and boys be segregated?
Up until grade 6 they will be together in classes and activities. At grade 6 we will offer parents the choice of either having them together or separate. Either case they are still together on the buses and in the playground. Studies worldwide have shown much higher achievers amongst those schools that have their girls and boys separated. In England for example they are now considering implementing this in all public schools.

Are your teachers Muslim?
Not necessarily, but they will be carefully chosen so they are familiar with and respectful of our religion and culture.

What are the Arabic and Religion Programs that you offer like?
Arabic and Religion curriculums are the Egyptian Ministry of Education Curriculums. In addition we will offer the UAE Islamic religion Curriculum.

What is the Character Development Program like?
 In its early childhood and PYP years, students will be taught the values and virtues which should govern our everyday lives. These will be backed up by citations from the Prophet Mohamed PBUH to allow for integration between the two disciplines. Homeroom teachers will also find occasion to bring these virtues contextually into their classrooms so we achieve full integration.