Founded in 1964, the purpose-built complex is on a campus close to the centre of Amsterdam. It is well equipped with a theatre, computer centres, large library/media centre and specialised rooms for music, drama and art. There are two on-site gymnasiums and excellent sports facilities nearby. The school was founded as a co-educational school and has no religious affiliation. The language of instruction is English but the school has many nationalities (50+) among pupils and staff. The curriculum follows Anglo-American models with some adaptation, and offers the International Baccalaureate at all grades. The school regards its programmes as an experience in world living and aims to prepare students to enter or re-enter the educational systems of their home countries with minimal adjustment. The staff:pupil ratio is very favourable (about 1:7), which allows individual attention; 80% of the staff hold advanced degrees. Standards are high and results most creditable; leavers go on to degree courses in countries all over the world. Music and drama are well supported. There is an active physical education programme for all ages. A wide variety of extra-curricular activities is available and there are frequent excursions and trips. Considerable use is made of the cultural resources of Amsterdam. Pupils participate in local community service projects.
Pupils: Total age range 3-19; 953 day pupils (495 boys, 458 girls). Senior department 11-19; 413 pupils (227 boys, 186 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 7, 12 and 15. No entrance exams. No special skills or religious requirements.
The majority are in business.
Director: Dr Edward Greene, appointed 2003. Educated at Elmira College and the universities of New Hampshire (MA) and Florida (educational leadership). Previously Director of Louisiana Laboratory School, Louisiana State University; District Administrator, Chattanooga, TN (USA); teacher, IB Co-ordinator and Administrator in IB schools in Brazil, Japan, India and Bolivia. Teaching staff: 137 full time, 34 part time. Annual turnover 10%. Average age 35.
On average, 44 in upper fifth. IB: 41 in upper sixth. 94% pupils pass the IB in 6+ subjects, with an average of 34 IB points.
95% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course throughout the world (5% after a gap year or military service). 10% take courses in science and engineering, 25% in law, 40% in humanities and social sciences, 10% in art and design, 10% in other subjects eg music. Others typically go on to art or music colleges.
International Baccalaureate PYP, MYP and full Diploma; preparation for SATs. 24 subjects offered in IB Diploma year, including English, Dutch, German and Japanese as mother tongues. Special provision: ESL programme; special educational needs department. Languages: Additional French and Spanish offered. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum, eg research and presentation. 400+ computers around the school (9 hours a day), mostly networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 20% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include an orchestra, choir, string and rhythm groups. Drama and dance: Theatre offered at IB-level. Majority of pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 35 take IB level. Visual arts also offered. International portfolio day hosted at school,
Sport: PE compulsory. Extra-curricular sports: soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, tennis, softball, rugby, swimming. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold awards. Community service compulsory in sixth form. Up to 15 clubs, eg computer, dance and ballet, debating, photography, aerobics, piano, first aid, student government, Model United Nations, Amnesty International.
Uniform: No uniform. Houses and prefects: No competitive houses or prefects. School council. Religion: No religious worship. Social: Debating, drama, music and sporting activities with other local schools. Organised trips abroad to eg Spain, UK, France (art/geography); Austria (skiing); summer service trips to Tanzania and Sri Lanka. Pupils allowed to bring own car, bike or motorbike to school.
is run by Rob Boos, c/o the school.
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