St. John's International School
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources: Wikipedia, The Knowledge Review, International Baccalaureate
Description of St. John's International School
- Year of foundation: 1964
- Location: Waterloo municipality, Walloon Brabant province, Walloon region, Belgium
- Age of students: from 2.5 to 6 years (kindergarten), from 6 to 19 years (school)
- Type of facility: private school
- Language of instruction: English, French
- Type of program: joint
- Accommodation: residence.
St. John's International School is a prestigious private educational institution in Belgium, which has been leading its history since 1964 and has proved itself in the best way for more than half a century. The institution is truly international - today representatives of more than 60 countries of the world are trained here! The institution operates all levels of education, from kindergarten to senior high school grades, with all levels of the school being conducted according to the International Baccalaureate standard, one of the best and highest standards in the world. A high overall level of the institution is confirmed by accreditation and membership in prestigious organizations:
- Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
- Council of International Schools
- European Council for International Schools (ECIS)
- IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation)
The system of instruction is aimed at the all-round development of students, the education of the ideals of kindness, peace and mutual understanding in them. Students have excellent opportunities to develop their potential and talents, professional teachers and mentors do everything possible to create a cozy home atmosphere. Students of St. John’s International School demonstrate a high level of development and knowledge, enter the best educational institutions around the world and achieve brilliant results in the field of work and professional activities. The campus is located in the beautiful town of Waterloo just 15 kilometers from Brussels and has an exceptional level of equipment.
St. John's International School is the perfect choice for those who care for their student and wish him a better future!
Beyond teacher qualifications, what other aspects do families consider when choosing a school?
Families look at the quality of student life, campus safety and well-being, location, child care, food and accommodation quality, and the overall atmosphere. Both teaching quality and cost play significant roles in the decision-making process.
Things to know about
The campus is located in the beautiful town of Waterloo, just 15 kilometers from Brussels and has an exceptional level of equipment.
Programs and prices, tuition fees in St. John's International School
Early Education and Kindergarten
- Age: 2,5-6 years
- Program: Timbertops program.
St. John's International School conducts unique educational programs for early education and kindergarten for students aged 2.5 to 6 years. The institution operates its own system of students education - Timbertops program, which includes three stages and a number of outstanding achievements. Features include:
- Timbertops consists of three stages: TimberTOTS (early development), Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten
- Timbertops is a self-contained campus with well-equipped playground, vegetable garden, art room, library, music room, gym
- The program takes into account the achievements, methodology and curriculum of the International Baccalaureate (IB Primary Years Program (PYP))
- The special approach of Reggio Emilia is applied: as the work of students continues in the course of research, creation and testing of their hypotheses, they work together on solutions to emerging problems
Students are in the garden in exceptionally comfortable and pleasant conditions, teachers have a high level of skill and rich experience, they know how to build the right atmosphere. Students develop comprehensively, study reading, writing, various sciences, are engaged in creativity and sports, draw, sing, are engaged in a garden and plants and do many more interesting things. The fundamental foundations, which are laid at an early age, have a significant impact on the formation of personality, and correct and competent instruction at this stage determine the success of a person throughout life. After the completion of the preparatory programs and kindergarten, students move to primary school.
Dual Language Program
Beginning with the second stage of education (Pre-kindergarten), a special program of a dual language is built into the educational process, which involves conducting simultaneous sessions in two languages ​​and, accordingly, mastering them at the highest level. In the classroom there are two teachers (respectively English and French), each of which spends half of the session. Not only students and teachers are actively involved in the educational process, but also parents. Due to the high quality of the program and the professionalism of teachers, students actively learn languages ​​and move to school, having a good level of knowledge.
The cost of education in early childhood education programs and in kindergarten:
- Timbertots = 11240 € / year
- Pre-Kindergarten = 15530 € / year
- Kindergarten = 20875 € / year.
Primary School (Elementary)
- Classes: 1 through 5
- Age: 3-12 years old
- Program: IB Primary Years Program (PYP).
St. John's International School offers an elementary school program in accordance with the IB Primary Years Program (PYP). It is designed for students aged 3 to 12 years and includes extensive areas of knowledge, sciences and skills. It is an international transdisciplinary program designed to promote the holistic development of children - social, physical, emotional and cultural - in addition to a serious academic level. PYP provides basic principles and standards for what and how students should learn, includes recommendations on teaching methods and recommendations on best practice assessment. PYP offers an appropriate complex and attractive educational framework for all children, which provides better preparation for participation in the IB Middle Years (MYP) program.
The PYP program in St. Petersburg. John's International School includes 5 extensive basic elements:
1. KNOWLEDGE
Six basic subjects are studied for six special courses throughout the year:
- Language
- Mathematics
- The science
- Social Studies
- Art
- Personal, social and physical education.
The studies are divided into 6 interdisciplinary topics of global and local significance. Themes are held in an in-depth mode and include reflection on important issues:
- Who are we
- Where we are on the spot and time
- How we express ourselves
- How the world works
- How we organize ourselves
- Sharing the planet.
2. CONCEPTS
Through concepts, students are critical of the world around them. PYP identifies eight key concepts that are central to understanding:
- Form: What is it?
- Function: How does it work?
- Reasons: why is it so?
- Change: how does this change?
- Connection: how does this relate to other things?
- Perspective: What are the points of view?
- Responsibility: What is our responsibility?
- Reflection: How will we know?
3. SKILLS
Teaching and learning is aimed at developing the necessary skills that go beyond the subject. Skills are important for lifelong learning and include:
- Thinking
- Communication
- Communication
- Independence
- Scientific skills.
4. ATTITUDES ATTITUDES
Much attention is paid to the development of interpersonal communication skills, communication, mutual respect between people and the environment. PYP approaches cultivate the following qualities in children:
- Appreciation
- Commitment
- Confidence
- Cooperation
- Creativity
- Curiosity
- Empathy
- Enthusiasm
- Independence
- Integrity
- Respect
- Tolerance.
5. ACTION
As the knowledge and understanding of each child increases, teachers encourage them to think and reflect on their education and take appropriate responsible actions both inside and outside the school environment.
Teachers who work with children have an exceptionally high level of education and experience, build a special system of relations with children, where all participants in the process work closely and communicate on an equal footing. The evaluation system includes two types of assessments:
- Formal assessment. Formal assessment is intertwined with daily training and helps teachers and students find out what the students already know in order to plan the next stage of training. Formal assessment and training are directly related; none of them can function effectively or purposefully without the other.
- Summative assessment. Exhibited at the end of the unit of study and gives students the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
The qualitative curriculum and high professionalism of employees stipulate a high level of development and help children to enter the adolescence with a lot of knowledge and skills. Pupils easily transfer to the middle classes and continue their studies on the IB Middle Years Program.
Dual Language Program
A special program for preschool and early school children, which involves learning and learning in two languages ​​simultaneously: English and French. With the children there are two teachers at the same time, one of which spends his part of the session in English, and the second - in French. The program implies broad involvement in the learning process of the student, teachers and parents, whose joint efforts allow achieving effective results. The full program is designed for 7 years (preparation for kindergarten, kindergarten, grades 1 to 5), and its main result is the mastery of English and French as a native language.
Tuition fees for Primary School programs:
- 1-2 grades (Grades 1-2 (Primary School)) = 29200 € / year
- Grades 3-4 (Grades 3-5 (Primary School)) = 29750 € / year.
Middle School (Middle Classes)
- Classes: 6 to 10
- Age: from 11 to 16 years old
- Program: IB Middle Years Program.
In the middle grades of St. John's International School continues to study the International Baccalaureate Standard (IB) and begins its next step - Middle Years Program (MYP). The program is very flexible and takes into account all the features that have developed in the country, and also takes into account the requirements of the national education authorities to local training standards. MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16 years and provides training aimed at encouraging and developing creative, critical and reflective qualities. MYP especially focuses on the development of intelligence, helping children to put together their theoretical research into subjects with the realities of the world around them. This contributes to the development of communication skills, intercultural understanding and interaction, and the emergence of globally developed leaders who are able to change the world around them.
The global advantages of IB Middle Years include:
- Purposefully acts to create an environment where the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of children is a top priority
- Provides students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes and skills they need to develop self-confidence and take responsible action in the future
- Provides a wide development of knowledge and skills through deep immersion and study of subjects, divided into eight thematic groups
- At least two languages ​​are studied (one as the main language of instruction, the second as an additional language), which gives great advantages
- Provides the opportunity to participate in social programs and serving the community
- It provides a serious level of preparation for continuing education and future professional activities.
The program is based on the study of a complex of disciplines, divided into 8 broad groups:
- Linguistics (language acquisition)
- Language and literature
- Individuality and society (individuals and societies)
- Science
- Mathematics
- Art (arts)
- The science of health (physical and health education)
- Design.
In the course of the training, special projects are also conducted, which provide the pupils with the opportunity to demonstrate all the acquired knowledge and skills. The type of project depends on the length of the training according to the MYP standard:
- After 5 years of study, a personal project is carried out
- After 4-5 years of study, a group or personal project is carried out
- After 3-4 years - community project.
After successful completion of the school, the students go on to the next stage and continue their education in the senior classes.
Tuition fees for Middle School programs:
- Grade 6 (Middle School) = 31700 € / year
- Grades 7-8 (Grades 7-8 (Middle School)) = 33600 € / year
- 9th grade (Grade 9) = 34175 € / year
- Grade 10 (Grades 10) = 35550 € / year.
High School (High School)
- Classes: 9-10 (senior classes), 11-13 (graduation programs)
- Age: 16 years old
- Programs: The High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Thirteen Year Offering.
St. John's International School offers high school programs in the most stringent and best standards, including prestigious programs:
- Diploma Program (IB DP)
- Advanced Placement (AP).
Education is conducted during 11-12 classes, and a special program Thirteen Year Offering - in the 13th grade. Adolescents choose for themselves the preferred program and directions of development - regardless of the choice, all students receive a high level of knowledge and skills and enter adulthood, having an exceptional level of development and independence. The school gives graduates a diploma of high school (The High School Diploma) and through the accreditation of such prestigious organizations as the Association of Secondary Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools awards two diplomas on completed school education:
- General Diploma (General Diploma)
- Academic Diploma (Academic Diploma).
To receive a diploma, you must complete a full course of studies during the 9-12 grades. In addition, the student can study at the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which is awarded if the requirements of the International Baccalaureate Organization are successfully met.
Thirteen Year Offering
- Class: 13.
St. John's International School offers a unique program of the thirteenth year of schooling for students who need additional support and who want to solve certain tasks:
- Complete the IB Diploma Program (IB DP)
- Prepare for university studies, improve your skills and opportunities for university studies
- Improve your English skills.
Students attend class 12 classes + some additional courses and disciplines, attend creative classes and go in for sports. The program helps participants improve their knowledge and fulfill their goals.
Tuition fees for High School programs:
- 9th grade (Grade 9 (High School)) = 34175 € / year
- 10-13 grades (Grades 10-13 (High School)) = 35550 € / year.
IB
An academically challenging program with valuable rewards - the IB diploma is considered international, therefore it is accepted at universities around the world. In general, IB (full course) goes from primary school to 12th, graduation, however, foreign students most often prefer the stage for high school students aged 16-18 years of the IB Diploma Program.
Program structure:
- Choice of 3 subjects = Standard Difficulty (SL)
- 3 electives = Advanced Study (HL) *
- Universal Course in Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Writing an academic essay (volume from 3000-4000 words, the topic is consistent with the teacher and one of the selected subjects)
- General course CAS - Creativity, Action, Activity (3-4 hours weekly)
- Active development of academic skills, critical and analytical thinking with an emphasis on the practical application of knowledge.
* Successful students can choose 4 HL and 2 SL subjects.
Creative, sports development, socially significant programs (charity, volunteering) are closely related to the curriculum.
Items available for selection:
- English language
- English literature
- French
- Spanish language
- German
- Danish
- Korean
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Ecological systems and modern society
- Sports and health sciences
- Design and technology
- Mathematics
- Mathematics (computing)
- Microeconomics
- Geography
- History
- Philosophy
- Information Technology
- Business and management
- Music theory
- Dramatic art and theater
- Art and design.
High School Diploma
Universal high school course according to the American standard (this program at St. John's International School is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and the Council of International Schools).
The program is designed for 4 years (full course) - from grade 9 to 12. There is a system of educational loans:
- Academic diploma = 28 credits
- General diploma = 24 credits
- Honors Academic Diploma = up to 45 credits (maximum).
High school students devote a lot of time to clear planning and allocation of their time and energy. The school supports graduates in all spheres, strives for the equal development of everyone (academic, sports, creative, personal, social, spiritual). Developed critical thinking will allow you to focus as much as possible on the priority disciplines required for further education.
Advanced Placement (AP)
The course for high school students in the American format: AP is notable for its increased complexity, but is very readily accepted by admissions committees (especially in US universities). If a student is applying for a place in a prestigious university or for a highly competitive specialty, it makes sense to choose AP - efforts will be rewarded.
St. John's International School is the only school in Belgium to offer an AP accredited program. Graduates demonstrate excellent results:
- 70% = scored 5 points in exams
- 83% = passed exams with 4 and 5 points
- 94% received grades 3.4 and 5 on exams.
Items available for study at the AP level:
- French
- German
- Spanish language
- Mathematics (computing)
- Microeconomics.
Accommodation, meals, prices
The institution has a residence of a premium class, where everything is necessary for a comfortable life. Students live in 2 or 4-bed rooms with a full set of necessary furniture and household appliances, with bathrooms for each room. In addition to the bedrooms in the residence there is a large common area with a kitchenette, necessary appliances, furniture, comfortable sofas and a pool table. Also there is a mini-cinema for 30 seats with a large screen and ambient sound. Various utilities are available, including self-service laundries. Employees help students solve all problems and are ready to solve problems around the clock.
The food in the institution is managed by Sodexo, the world leader in quality nutrition, serving 75 million people a day. Sodexo does not just deliver products, but aims to help students and young people make the right choices and take care of their diet. The dining room offers a wide range of healthy dishes, including a salad bar, pasta dishes, vegetarian dishes, as well as healthy and tasty snacks such as fruit, cocktails, yogurt, sandwiches, breakfasts and soups. The cafeteria is not just a dining room, but a place for pleasant meetings, conversations and pastime in a pleasant friendly company.
IMPORTANT! The number of seats in the residence is limited, so you should deal with accommodation as early as possible.
Cost of living (per year):
- Full Boarding = 15400 €
- Weekly Boarding = 13225 €.
Activities St. John's International School
Sport
Along with the prestigious academic program. John's International School conducts an intensive and very successful program in athletics. Professional school teams regularly participate in International School Sports Tournaments (ISST), where for many years they have won awards in track and field athletics, volleyball, golf, tennis and basketball. Each level corresponds to certain sports: elementary school gives general physical training, in middle students are determined with their preferences, and the most advanced are the teams of the senior school. Available sports:
- Cross Country
- Football (male and female)
- Volleyball
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Baseball
- Softball
- Golf
- Tennis
- Track
Creation
Visual and performing arts also occupies an important place in the education system. The goal of the program is to give students the opportunity to realize their creative potential, developing critical thinking and understanding of the fundamental elements in each subject area. Types of creativity:
- Drama
- Visual art
- Music
- Dancing
- Theatrical technologies.
Extra-curricular life
Outside the classes and classes of students, an exciting and rich life awaits, the rhythm of which will not bore anyone. A large number of educational and entertaining events are held on and off the campus:
- Holidays, festivals and celebrations
- Talent Show, Culinary Show
- Evening film screenings
- Conferences and round tables
- Theater performances from students
- Musical concerts
- Sports
- Excursions around the city and the surrounding area
- Tourist trips to Brussels and other cities of the country
- Visiting the theater, cinema, concerts
- Shops and boutiques, shopping
- Restaurants and cafes.
Advantages
- Prestigious educational institution of joint education
- More than half a century of successful activity
- Programs on the IB standard at all levels of the school
- Comprehensive development of students: sports, creative, personal and spiritual and moral
- Focus on the development of independence, responsibility and global understanding
- Development of values ​​of humanism and sympathy
- Small class sizes and individual support system
- Highly qualified teachers and staff
- Comfortable accommodation
- High level of equipment.
Facilities and equipment at St. John's International School
The campus covers an area of ​​12 acres in the municipality of Waterloo near Brussels. There is everything necessary for comfortable study and life:
- Buildings for kindergarten and school
- Audiences for classes (with comfortable workplaces and multimedia equipment)
- Administrative offices
- Library
- Information and Computer Center
- Labs
- Studio of ballet and dance
- Theatre of Drama
- Art studio
- Individual music studios for practical classes
- Sports fields and grounds for different sports
- Two large gyms
- Gym
- Tennis courts
- Treadmills
- Residences
- Cafeteria.
Admission dates and extra charges
The academic year is divided into semesters:
- The first semester: from August 24 to January 12 (holidays from October 29 to November 2, Christmas holidays from December 21 to January 4)
- Second semester: from January 15 to June 20 (vacation from February 18 to 22, from April 15 to April 26).
Tuition fee (for the year, the price is indicated in €):
|
Level / Program |
Cost |
|
Kindergarten |
|
|
Timbertots |
11240 |
|
Pre-Kindergarten |
15530 |
|
Kindergarten |
20875 |
|
Elementary classes |
|
|
Grades 1-2 (Primary School) |
29200 |
|
Grades 3-5 (Primary School) |
29750 |
|
Middle Classes |
|
|
Grade 6 (Middle School) |
31700 |
|
Grades 7-8 (Middle School) |
33600 |
|
High school |
|
|
Grade 9 (High School) |
34175 |
|
Grades 10-13 (High School) |
35550 |
Additional charges:
- Registration fee = 1000 €
- Deposit confirming the place on the course
- Service Fee
- Examination Boards
- Deposit for tuition
- Air tickets in both directions
- Transfer in both directions
- Compulsory medical insurance
- Personal pocket expenses
- Visa fees and services, translation and certification of documents
- Consular fee (paid at the Embassy).
Extras:
- Application Fee 1000 EUR
Enrolment process
- Request the necessary information,
- Fill out an application for admission. The application includes filling out an official form, providing the necessary documents and paying the entrance fees,
- In some cases, the school may require an interview with the student and their parents. The interview can be individual or group,
- Depending on the age of the student, the school may require testing or assessment of the applicant's knowledge and skills,
- After successful completion of the previous stages, you will need to provide the necessary documents - copies of your passport, certificates of the results of previous education, medical certificates and others,
- If a student enrolls in the middle of the school year, the school can provide time for an adjustment period to help the student adjust to the new environment and learning.
Perspectives
- Many graduates of St. John's International School continue their education at prestigious universities in different countries - the school provides support and resources for successful admission,
- Graduates of St. John's International School have opportunities to develop a successful professional career,
- St. John's provides an international educational environment that opens doors to work abroad,
- Some St. John's alumni choose the entrepreneurial path of starting their own businesses and startups.
Entry requirements, how to apply, what is required to enrol
- Completed application
- Report cards from the previous place of study
- High overall level of development and knowledge
- Recommendations from teachers
- High level of English
- It is possible to conduct special tests to determine the level of knowledge in the subjects.
IMPORTANT! The main language of school is English. Admission commissions may decide to enroll a student who does not speak the language sufficiently if they are confident that the student will be able to raise the level to the required level within a certain period of time. Such a system operates up to grade 7.
Literature and references
Institution on the map
Residence permits, citizenship and other services
- Guardianship services during the studies
- Student supervision
Review about St. John's International School
Recommendations on when to apply
| Language courses, schools and children's language camps | Primary and secondary education - private schools | Preparation programmes for entering universities - higher education | Higher education (after completing accredited programs A-level, IB, High School) - Bachelor, Master, MBA |
| - we recommend to apply 6-9 months before the start of the course (some camps and schools offer discounts for early booking or for lengthy study programs) - there are some very popular and high demand children's camps, where the applications need to be submitted 1 year in advance (in particular Switzerland , Great Britain , USA , Canada , Austria) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the training program, - some schools have a specific time frame (September-November - please specify an individual school) - some schools require tests in several stages (UKISET, internal tests of the school: English, mathematics, logics, subjects, interview, some require a personal visit) | - we recommend to apply one year before the start of the program, - for Foundation and Pathway programs, IELTS and TOEFL certificates are usually required, respectively | - recommended submission one year before the start of the program, - the deadline normally closes in January, for TOP HEIs and, as a rule, in March in other universities - for a bachelor, a Foundation or Pathway preparatory program a completed A-level, IB, High School + IELTS / TOEFL are required - for Masters you need a graduated higher education, in some cases you need a pre-Masters program - MBA requires completed higher education, work experience preferably at least 2-3 years, etc. |
