Xiamen International School
Xiamen International School (XIS) is a private, international school in Xiamen, China. It was the first international school to be established in Fujian Province by the Chinese Ministry of Education.
| Xiamen International School 厦门国际学校 | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| |
262 Xingbei San Lu, Xinglin, Jimei District Xiamen , Fujian China | |
| Coordinates | 24.58538°N 118.04147°E |
| Information | |
| School type | International School Private |
| Established | August 1, 1997 |
| Lower School Principal | Angela Speirs |
| Upper School Principal | Peter Burnside |
| Headmaster | Deron Marvin |
| Deputy Headmaster | David Wei |
| Language | English |
| Colour(s) | Blue, Gold |
| Mascot | Dolphin |
| Tuition | 23000 USD |
History
Xiamen International School (XIS) was established in August 1997. It is on the southern coast of China in Fujian Province. XIS was the first international school in Fujian Province to be authorized by the Ministry of Education to accept expatriate students.
XIS moved to its current campus in June 2002. The full-featured facility is over 30,000 square meters in size and includes a gymnasium, a soccer field, a running track, three basketball courts, and an indoor swimming pool. There is a library, science labs, IT labs, and a large cafeteria that can accommodate all students and staff.
Academics
This school offers academic programs ranging from pre-kindergarten to high school, based on the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The current population of XIS is about 550 students. XIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
XIS is a member of the Association of China and Mongolia International Schools (ACAMIS). Students at XIS actively takes part in ACAMIS-organised events. On many occasions, these allow students to compete against other schools across China.
Elementary school program
XIS strictly implements the framework of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB-PYP). THE IB-PYP include academic instructions in English, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. In addition, students are able to visit specialized classrooms to learn Art, Music, Physical Education and Information Technology. Students at XIS are offered a chance to learn a second language: either Mandarin or Korean.
Middle school program
XIS Middle School offers the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program (IBMYP). The MYP is a course of study designed to meet the education needs of students ages 11–16 years. XIS was authorized to offer the MYP in 2004. In addition to the core subjects — English, Mathematics, Science and Humanities — all students attend classes in Art, IT, Physical Education, and a second language — , Mandarin or ESOL (English for speakers of other languages). Music is available for all grades.
High school program
XIS High School strictly implements the framework of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The first graduating class of this program completed in May, 2008.
Extracurricular
The school offers activities such as volleyball, soccer, basketball, table tennis, badminton, swimming, yearbook, Model United Nations, etc.
Transport
XIS offers optional transport service to students who live in most areas of Xiamen.
Faculty
XIS recruits and hires teachers from many countries. While most teachers at XIS come from the United States, XIS also recruit teachers from China and other countries. Most teachers at XIS hold at least a bachelor's degree from a university and have been trained to instruct the International Baccalaureate curriculum.
Admission policy
The admission policy of the school allows only students with foreign passports to enroll. Some mainland China families have criticized the admission policy, casting the issue as a question of the provision of equal education opportunity regardless of race or ethnicity. The school is limited in this regard by the license it holds from the government. This license only allows it to admit students holding a foreign passport or Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Macau ID or students who have a parent or legal guardian with who holds one of the previously mentioned documents.