.

.

.

1911-2011Years of Academic Excellence

WHAT DOES A TEACHERLOOK FOR IN THE INTERNATIONAL

SCHOOLTHEY CHOOSE?

'

...

What are you looking forin your next school?

A leadership team that recognizes teachers as the

community s core asset..

A school that values and invests in its faculty..

A school that acts on its commitment to constant

improvement

A city where extensive cultural and social

opportunities enhancethe quality of life..

And a country that will be an adventure to explore.

Lauren Grahame and her classHolifest fundraiser for Project Nepal

Istanbul International Community School, estab-lished in 1911, is one of the oldest international schools in the world.

A non-profit day school, IICS is the only Early Years through Grade 12 school in Istanbul fully authorized and globally accredited by the IB, CIS, and NEASC. IICS offers all 3 IB programs.

With a century of academic excellence, IICS offers impressive facilities, a friendly work environment, engaged and enthusiastic students, and an involved parent body, while the city of Istanbul offers a welcoming, multi-cultural atmosphere.

Our total enrolment is currently 631 (as of Decem-ber 2014) with class sizes throughout Early Years to grade 12 typically ranging from 16 to a maximum of 20 students. The primary school is comprised of 339 students between the ages of 3 and 11. The Second-ary School currently has 292 students from ages 11-18.

WHO ARE WE?WHO ARE WE?OUR QUALITY FACULTY“Our teachers create a positive environment to learn in. Even in the subjects that are a challenge for me, I enjoy walking into that class. The teacher makes it an engaging learning atmo-sphere. In my previous school it felt like ‘if you don’t know, you don’t belong’ but here it’s like ‘if you don’t know that’s okay, we’ll help you out.’ And that feels really good. It makes you WANT to work.” --Cenk, Secondary Student

“IICS teachers are very friendly. Previously I only attended Korean schools, where there was hierarchy: teachers give knowledge and students absorb it. In IICS, teachers and students discuss. It makes me engage and become more responsible for my learning. Teachers don't just ignore students who have different opinions, either, but share ideas instead. Even teachers from my previous grade kept encouraging me after I was no longer their student. This was very different from my old school where teachers were not concerned with students they were no longer teaching.” --Ga Eun, Secondary Student

The teachers at IICS make the school the exceptional learning environment that it is. The staff is comprised of carefully selected, highly-qualified and experienced educa-tors hailing from the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. Of the 2014-15 faculty, 100% hold a Bachelor’s degree, 42% hold a Master’s degree, and 4% hold Doctorates. The average teaching experience is 15 years. That said, to maintain an active and dynamic faculty, we strive for a balance of experienced and new teachers and a diverse blend of cultures. For us, the recruitment of quality staff from around the world is essential to ensure our programs are consistently improving. Diversity coming into our school challenges what we’re currently doing while extending our learning as an organization.

“When you walk around either IICS campus, the school is filled with happy teachers who love their jobs and their students. Going to IICS is like one big family that supports our kids to become better students and better global citizens.”Melanie Wrigglesworth, PTA Board Member and Event Coordinator

WHAT ISIMPORTANT TO US?WHAT ISIMPORTANT TO US?

IICS MISSIONSTATEMENT

Through its challenging curriculum and

strong staff-student relationships,IICS provides

a caring environment that inspires each student

to excel and to be inquisitive, creative,

compassionate, balanced, andinternationally-minded.

Student Leadership Event

Chess Teams coached by Grandmaster 3 Science Labs and a Design Technology Lab Tech-Forward Schoolwide

OUR PURSUIT OF ACADEMIC EXCELLENCEIICS is committed to the IB curriculum and was one of the first in the world to be fully authorized to deliver IB’s full range of educational programs:• PYP since 1999• MYP since 1997• DP since 1996IICS had a successful 5-year review for IB, CIS, and NEASC in 2011/12.

“The Teaching Staff ’s highly dedicated efforts in bringing about a rigorous program have come as a result of a well-orchestrated planning schedule made possible by the leader-ship team.” --CIS/NEASC Accreditation Report

Many IICS teachers are examiners, moderators, and/or trainers for the IB. IICS believes in continuing professional development and offers teachers opportunities. To develop ourselves as an organization, we engage in ongo-ing international benchmarking of our programs and processes. The curriculum is complemented by a varied co-curricular activities program. IICS is a member of the Central and Eastern European Schools Association (CEESA), the Overseas Association of College Admission Counselors (OACAC), and the College Board.

PERSONALIZED LEARNINGDifferentiation in the classroom at IICS has developed into a whole school goal to create personalized learning from our Early Years through Diploma Program. Personalized Learning Communities (PLC) are addressing different aspects of the learning journeys at IICS and have begun implementation focusing on the following modalities:

• PYP Early Years: Play-based Learning• PYP Lower and Upper Primary: Student-led Inquiry• MYP: Interdisciplinary/Problem-based Learning • DP: Self-Directed Learning

WHAT DOTEACHERS SAY

ABOUT IICS?

WHAT DOTEACHERS SAY

ABOUT IICS?“The best part of my day is interacting with students. The

teacher-student relationships here are phenomenal and the school actively fosters that. The students are polite and genuinely

enjoy interacting with you. And I work with a group of colleagues that collaborate and support each other. The school provides planning time for departmental work. We work hard but the work is enjoyable and there are new challenges that

allow you to find better ways to teach, like recalibrating lessons for the new Student Directed Learning in DP.”

–Jaima Holland, Physics Teacher

“My experience here has been amazing; such a wonderful atmosphere. My colleagues are supportive, helpful, and under-standing… And the students really make my day. You really do

feel like part of the IICS family from day one!” --Deniz Yaylim, Turkish Language & Culture Teacher

“My experience at IICS has been a remarkable one. The staff at IICS has made me and my family feel welcome from the

minute we were met at the airport by a contingent of helpful colleagues. IICS is very much a caring community that lives the

Learner Profile and their mission statement. The students are fantastic group of children who rise to meet the learning

challenges. We have found the city itself breathtaking--the cultural flavors and history of the city are everywhere and local

residents are friendly, helpful and very welcoming.” –Carl Kirkpatrick, PYP Coordinator

WHAT ISIMPORTANT TO US?WHAT ISIMPORTANT TO US?

Every teacher’s needs are different, so we invite you to get a glimpse of our school culture: visit our website;

watch online videos of teachers, parents, and students; even email a teacher or two to get the opinion of people

currently working here. Happy teachers make a better learning environment for our students. If our school’s

values and culture resonate with your professional philosophy and aims, then we would like to hear from

you. Please email us at: iicssecretary@iics.k12.tr

IS IICS RIGHTFOR YOU?

Head of School, Jane Thompson, at assembly Grade 4 learns the math of building igloos Ian Penrose and his class

Primary Vice Principal Judith Kingsbury & MYP/DP PhysicsTeacher Jaima Holland explore Istanbul’s aquariumDP Visual Arts Teacher Mira Modly performing at International Day

Primary Principal Angela Steinmann participates in International Reading Day DP students performing in the garden

Benefits for teachers hired overseas include: • Salaries are paid net in Turkey in USD (taxed in Turkey) • Assistance and support in managing all standard visa, work permit, and residency permit processes (school pays for work and residency permits) • Assistance and support in managing residency permit process for one dependent (school pays) • Baggage allowance at beginning and end of contract • Assistance and support in finding and managing housing • Settling-in allowance • Housing allowance • Private medical, dental, life, and long-time disability insurance • Retirement plan option after two years of employment • Free tuition for 1 qualified dependent EY3-G12 (if foreign hire), 2 qualified dependents EY3-G12 (if local hire), excludes bus fees • Airfare for employee and 1 qualified dependent 1 x per year for home leave • Airfare for employee and 1 qualified dependent at beginning and end of contract • Periodic professional development opportunities • School lunch • Transportation to school is provided from various pick-up points. Buses have wi-fi and air conditioning

HOW WELL DO WE PROVIDE FOR TEACHERS?HOW WELL DO WE PROVIDE FOR TEACHERS? IICS offers a competitive salary and benefits package for

overseas hires. IICS benchmarks its package regularly against a group of comparable international schools. The average length of stay for faculty is 5 years.

OUR QUALITY FACULTY“Our teachers create a positive environment to learn in. Even in the subjects that are a challenge for me, I enjoy walking into that class. The teacher makes it an engaging learning atmo-sphere. In my previous school it felt like ‘if you don’t know, you don’t belong’ but here it’s like ‘if you don’t know that’s okay, we’ll help you out.’ And that feels really good. It makes you WANT to work.” --Cenk, Secondary Student

“IICS teachers are very friendly. Previously I only attended Korean schools, where there was hierarchy: teachers give knowledge and students absorb it. In IICS, teachers and students discuss. It makes me engage and become more responsible for my learning. Teachers don't just ignore students who have different opinions, either, but share ideas instead. Even teachers from my previous grade kept encouraging me after I was no longer their student. This was very different from my old school where teachers were not concerned with students they were no longer teaching.” --Ga Eun, Secondary Student

The teachers at IICS make the school the exceptional learning environment that it is. The staff is comprised of carefully selected, highly-qualified and experienced educa-tors hailing from the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, New Zealand, and many other countries. Of the 2014-15 faculty, 100% hold a Bachelor’s degree, 42% hold a Master’s degree, and 4% hold Doctorates. The average teaching experience is 15 years. That said, to maintain an active and dynamic faculty, we strive for a balance of experienced and new teachers and a diverse blend of cultures. For us, the recruitment of quality staff from around the world is essential to ensure our programs are consistently improving. Diversity coming into our school challenges what we’re currently doing while extending our learning as an organization.

“When you walk around either IICS campus, the school is filled with happy teachers who love their jobs and their students. Going to IICS is like one big family that supports our kids to become better students and better global citizens.”Melanie Wrigglesworth, PTA Board Member and Event Coordinator

Outdoor tennis and basketball courts Marmara Campus, a 16 hectare campus

WHAT DOES IICS OFFER?WHAT DOES IICS OFFER?EXCELLENT FACILITIESIICS has two campuses: the Hisar campus, near the Bosphorus straits overlooking the Hisar castle ram-parts, serves children ages 3-9 (Early Years – Grade 3) ; and the purpose-designed Marmara campus overlook-ing Büyükçekmece Lake, serves children ages 3-18 (Early Years – Grade 12).

Hisar CampusThe smaller Hisar Campus (Early Years – Grade 3) is part of the school’s original grounds from its inception in 1911. Located in a wooded, historic neighborhood in Bebek near the Bosphorus, the Hisar campus is situated in a beautiful, mature garden overlooking the Hisar castle ramparts with a traditional villa surrounded by modern classroom buildings. The cozy setting is inviting and comforting for young learners. Faciltiies at Hisar include a library, a large PE and music room, a rubberized sports court and upper playground with a climbing wall, zipline and plenty of outdoor space for children at play.

A GROWING COMMUNITYThe school has been growing steadily over the past decade, with a 62% increase in enrolment since 2004. We look forward to continued growth and to the prospect of additional physical expansion to meet the ongoing program and faculty expansion.

“When we arrived here in Istanbul, it was our children’s first experience abroad, coming from a little town in ıtaly. It wasn’t difficult here, though, because the environment is strongly multicultural. I think that helped make them feel easily at home.” –Madalena Tarabini, IICS Parent

Marmara Campus The main, purpose-built Marmara campus (Early Years – Grade 12) is 25 miles west of the city center amid rolling hills, overlooking a large lake.

Facilities at the Marmara campus include:• Completely automated library with computer stations• Double gymnasium with multi-purpose salon and dance studio• Outdoor basketball and tennis courts with rubberized surfaces• Outdoor sports field with full sized football pitch• Spacious playgrounds• Three fully equipped science labs and a design tech nology lab• Theater and outside amphitheater• Visual arts atelier• Music rooms and practice rooms• Large classrooms• Early Childhood Center for Early Years 3, 4, 5• Restaurant with a panoramic view and Secondary student lounge

All situated on a 160,000m2 (16 hectare) campus.

“I like the school’s location just outside the city because it is spacious, open, quiet, green and you can see a lot of nature. I think it is an ideal environment for children. IICS has both the facilities of the city nearby and the wonderful campus on the outskirts of Istanbul, where it is quiet and nice. I think it is the perfect combination.” –Anoemie Ooms, IICS Parent

WHAT KIND OF LIFESTYLE DOES IICS &ISTANBUL OFFER?

WHAT KIND OF LIFESTYLE DOES IICS &ISTANBUL OFFER?

Historical capital of the Byzantine and the Ottoman empires, Istanbul's rich, multicultural heritage is its legacy. Istanbul, once touted as the “envy of kings”, offers a lively and multicultural atmosphere. Ranked the #3 country destination in Conde Nast’s 2011 Reader's Travel Awards. Istanbul has also been named by Travel & Leisure as the #3 European destination and #8 top city in the world. The city was further declared a place with “more fashion than Milan” by Santo Versace. Istanbul was selected as the European Culture Capital for 2010 and its popularity continues to increase.

Astride two continents, Istanbul's charm and character complement its cosmpolitan and cultural attractions. From museums to film festivals, concerts to vibrant nightlife to Europe's largest shopping mall, the city offers abundant entertainment. The Bosphorus strait afford breathtaking waterfront vistas from the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

“Istanbul is exciting. Anyone who comes here you can just feel the magic of it. It's never boring. It's just a mixture of all sorts of flavors, old and new. People come thinking they're going to stay for a short time and they end up staying a long time, so be prepared to stay for awhile.” --Lauren Grahame, Upper Primary Teacher

A predominantly Muslim country with culturally Medi-terranean overtones and a secular --though currently conservative-- government, Turkey is a blend of Western and Eastern traditions. Its economy and political systems are based on Western models.The country's tolerant nature is welcoming to foreigners, who can feel safe and comfortable. Typical attire is a conservative Western standard. Turks are a child-loving people; you may be surprised at how much attention your children receive!

Turkey's tradition of genuine hospitality puts one at ease, while its natural beauty and historic sites afford ample opportunity for travel. Turkey's abundance of amazing archeological sites ranging from pre-Sumerian civiliza-tions to the Ottoman Empire will allow you to travel to places once inhabited by the likes of Aristotle, Alexander the Great, Helen of Troy, Rumi, St. Paul and innumerable others. Aegean and Mediterranean coastal towns are one hour away by air, like Bodrum, which was named “the new St.Tropez” by the NewYork Times.Winter sports venues are a few hours' drive from Istanbul.

AN ENIGMATIC COUNTRY

IICS is the only PK 12 International Schoolin Istanbul Fully authorized and globally accredited

by the IB, CIS and NEASC.

Hisar Campus: Nafibaba Sokak No:6, Rumeli Hisarı, Istanbul, Turkey 34470Tel:+90 212 287 2770 Fax: +90 212 265 0580

Marmara Campus: Karaağaç Mahallesi, Kahraman Cadde 1/1, Büyükçekmece, Istanbul, TurkeyTel:+90 212 857 8264 Fax: +90 212 857 8270

www.iics.k12.tr