Westwood International School
Westwood International School is an English medium international school in Gaborone, Botswana. It was founded in 1988 with sponsorship from the American and British governments and in collaboration with the Botswana Ministry of Education. US, British and South African teaching materials are employed.
In 2008-9 there were 550 students and 55 faculty members. The school has a 46,000-square-metre campus with 37 classrooms. Westwood is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the European Council of International Schools.
Principal Mrs Phyllis Hildebrandt is Canadian. Director Micheal Francis is Australian.
History
Westwood International School was founded in May 1988 under the sponsorship of the British and American governments and local companies in collaboration with the Botswana Ministry of Education.
Educational program
The school's educational program extends from kindergarten through grade 13. The school year, beginning in January and ending in December, comprises 3 trimesters: mid-January to mid-April, mid-May to early August, and mid-September to early December.
Curriculum and accreditation
The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students transferring to or from U.S., British, or international schools abroad. The elementary school was authorized to teach the IB Primary Years programme in 2005 following the authorization for the IB Diploma in 2002. In the Middle Years the school offers the IGCSE; however, this is being phased out in favour of the IB Middle Years program. U.S. textbooks are used, as are texts from Britain and South Africa. Standardized tests in reading are used throughout elementary and an ESL and a special-needs program are offered. The school was accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools in 2003 (Kdg.-grade 7). Grades 8-12 will proceed for accreditation in November 2008.
Faculty
In the 2008-2009 school year, there were 55 faculty members.
Enrollment
At the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year enrollment was 400 from over 40 countries.
Facilities
Westwood is located in a 4.6-hectare campus with 37 classrooms, a library, two computer centers, and an office building. A school auditorium with sound and lighting completes the buildings. A swimming pool is available along with basketball and tennis courts. A building program is set to commence in 2009 with a new library and physical education facility, secondary Science, Arts, and Design and Technology. There is an after-school program offering sports, clubs, and interest groups.
Fees and finances
During the 2008-2009 school year over 95% of the school's income derives from tuition fees. Annual tuition rates, in US Dollars, are as follows:
| Grade | Rate |
|---|---|
| Kdg.- 3 | $6,350 |
| 4-6 | $6,700 |
| 7 | $8,100 |
| 8-9 | $9,750 |
| 10-11 | $10,700 |
| 12-13 | $11,000 |
(Accurate as of August 30, 2008) For new students, there is a one-time, non-refundable fee equivalent to one term (1/3) of the appropriate grade tuition fee. There is also a testing fee.
Westwood International School Council
Authority of the School Council and articles of association
The school council acts as the overall legal and corporate authority of the School. All activities, programmes and groups within the Westwood International School community fall under the legal authority of the School Council. Decisions regarding the direction of the school programme as well as all decisions of a general policy nature are taken at the level of the School Council.
Election and appointment process
The school council consists of twelve members (Councillors). Four members are elected from the body of parents in the community, four members are elected from the corporate community in Westwood and one member each is appointed from: The Ministry of Education, The British High Commission, and The U.S. Embassy. The twelfth position is by Council invitation.
Westwood Community Association (WCA)
Members of staff, pupils and parents/guardians are members of the Westwood Community Association (WCA). The role of the WCA is to facilitate a limited number of enjoyable events during the year.
The WCA committee consists of a Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, New Parent Coordinator, Publicity Coordinator, Class Parent Coordinator, Primary School, Representative and Secondary School Representative. That being said the WCA is open to all members.
See also
External links
Coordinates: 24°40′41″S 25°53′15″E / 24.6781°S 25.8875°E