Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
132 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
30 |
Most common nationality |
Slovene |
Ratio of local students to international students |
1:5 |
Native English speaking teachers |
Yes |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language (EAL) support classes are offered to students who require additional assistance with acquiring or solidifying their English language skills. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, Spanish, French |
Max. number of students per class |
15 |
Average number of students per class |
9 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
The use of technology is integrated across the curriculum and is a part of the school’s culture. Technology includes interactive boards, laptop computers and a variety of advanced software to enrich the academic curriculum and facilitate interactive learning experiences among students and teachers. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
No |
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
Yes |
External examinations or assessments available |
AP |
Results in these examinations |
It varies from year to year. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, when needed. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
PYP-15-30 minutes per day
|
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
100% |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
Learning support offered |
The SEN teachers and Counselor provide support and accommodations for students with IEP's |
The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
The mastery learning educational model allows for differentiation and more individualized instruction. Grades 11 & 12 have the opportunity to Advanced Placement classes and Exams for University credit. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Entry evaluation for students |
Placement test and interview |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
- LIS uses the NWEA Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) computerized adaptive test to provide initial placement data.
|
Waiting list |
Not currently |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We have an open enrollment. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School start time |
8:00 |
School finish time |
3:30 Monday-Thursday
|
Supervised care before/after school |
No |
School bus service available |
No |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
There is a vegetarian option. |
Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Sports, music, languages |
Sports activities included |
Physical Education |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Not currently |
Facilities at the school |
Science lab, Gymnasium, Library |
Sports facilities at the school |
Gymnasium will open in December of 2023 |
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
LIS Values, Social-Emotional Development, and Child Protection Success is so much more than receiving a grade of an “A” and a “B”. We understand how important it is for students to develop the many good habits and skills that lead to being successful. LIS strives to have all students grow in leadership, confidence, creativity, and in their capacity to collaborate with others. We teach and help students to be empathetic, kind, to appreciate beauty, trustworthy, inquisitive, humble, and to have resiliency as they mature. We call these our LIS Values. EMPATHY - Showing concern for others as a part of a larger, diverse community. KINDNESS - Using polite language, tone and behavior towards others. BEAUTY - Noticing and appreciating the beauty around them, both inside and outside of the school. TRUST - Being honest and forthright. INQUISITIVENESS - A willingness to discover as much as they can about things. HUMILITY - Remembering that they are a part of a world that is “bigger than themselves” and that what they study or observe has meaning. RESILIENCE - Doing their best, especially in the face of a challenge. LIS is committed to teaching children, habits and skills that help them to build character, manage emotional and social situations, and to keep themselves safe. Currently, we offer a full range of lessons on Child Protection which are taught to children of all ages. We are also developing specific, age-appropriate lessons to encapsulate the LIS Values and to assist with students’ social-emotional development. IB Learner Profile In addition to our very own LIS set of values, students are exposed to the ten attributes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Learner Profile. We aim for our students to be inquisitive and knowledgeable thinkers who communicate effectively and act with principled integrity, embracing diversity with empathy, taking calculated risks and seeking balanced growth while reflecting on their experiences to become caring lifelong learners. The IB learner profile is a set of ten attributes that the IB aims to develop in students to foster their intellectual, personal, emotional, and social growth. These qualities are designed to help students become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who contribute positively to society. Here is a summary of the IB learner profile:
Inquirers: They are curious, eager to learn, and ask meaningful questions to gain a deeper understanding of the world around them. Knowledgeable: They acquire and apply knowledge across a range of subjects, seeking to understand and explore ideas beyond their immediate experiences. Thinkers: They use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze complex issues and develop innovative solutions. Communicators: They express themselves effectively in multiple ways, confidently sharing ideas and information with others. Principled: They act with integrity, honesty, and a strong sense of fairness, taking responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. Open-Minded: They embrace and respect diverse perspectives and cultures, demonstrating empathy and a willingness to consider different viewpoints. Caring: They show empathy, compassion, and respect for others, and they take action to help others and make a positive difference in their communities. Risk-Takers: They are willing to take calculated risks and embrace new challenges, showing resilience and determination in the face of setbacks. Balanced: They strive for a well-rounded lifestyle, seeking physical, emotional, and intellectual balance in their lives. Reflective: They thoughtfully evaluate their strengths and weaknesses, learning from their experiences and actively seeking self-improvement.
The IB learner profile is an integral part of the International Baccalaureate educational framework and serves as a guide to develop internationally-minded individuals who contribute positively to a better and more peaceful world. |
Teaching approach of the school |
At Ljubljana International School, we use the Mastery Learning Model of instruction. Mastery learning is a research-based teaching and learning strategy that focuses on ensuring students fully comprehend a specific topic or skill before moving on to more advanced material. The main goal is to ensure that every student achieves a deep understanding and proficiency in the subject matter, rather than just meeting a certain time-based requirement.
Mastery learning operates with several key principles that aim to optimize a student’s learning experience. In a mastery learning setting, students are granted the freedom to progress at their own pace, allowing them to dedicate more time to a topic until they have demonstrated mastery before moving on to the next concept. Teachers employ formative assessment techniques throughout the learning process to continuously evaluate students' understanding, identifying areas of strength and weakness to tailor instruction accordingly.
When a student faces challenges with a specific concept or skill, mastery learning offers targeted remediation and support. This could involve providing additional resources, one-on-one guidance, or extra practice to help the student master the difficult material. The approach has been associated with higher levels of achievement among students, as it emphasizes establishing a strong foundation in fundamental concepts that facilitates comprehension of more complex topics. Moreover, mastery learning contributes to the development of increased self-confidence among students, as they experience success in mastering each concept. This positive reinforcement acts as a powerful motivator for continued learning. Additionally, mastery learning has the potential to narrow achievement gaps between students with varying learning abilities. By accommodating individual learning styles and pacing, the approach ensures that all students have the opportunity to succeed.
In the context of Mastery learning, continual progress tracking supersedes traditional grading systems. This focus on mastery, rather than mere letter grades, allows parents and teachers to monitor a student's progress more accurately. Consequently, they can readily identify areas that may require improvement and celebrate the student's achievements along the way.
Incorporating Mastery learning into a child's education can yield several benefits, including a deeper understanding of subjects, enhanced self-confidence, and a more positive overall learning experience. To maximize these advantages, collaboration between parents, teachers, and students is crucial. By working closely with teachers and ensuring that their unique needs are met with appropriate support and resources, students can thrive academically and foster a lifelong love for learning. |