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QSI International School of Astana

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Coordinates: 51°08′45.5″N 71°23′16.4″E / 51.145972°N 71.387889°E / 51.145972; 71.387889
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51°08′45.5″N 71°23′16.4″E / 51.145972°N 71.387889°E / 51.145972; 71.387889

QSI International School of Astana
QSI Astana from the front entrance (Sept. 2013)
Location
Map
15 Bayan-Sulu Street, Komsomolsky Village

Astana
,
Akmola Region
010000

Kazakhstan
Information
TypePrivate; Non-Profit
Established2005
School districtQuality Schools International
DirectorJoshua Garrett
GradesK-12
Enrollment350
Color(s)    red, white and grey
MascotAstana Wolves
Websiteastana.qsischool.org

QSI International School of Astana is a branch of Quality Schools International located in Astana, Kazakhstan. QSI Astana was founded in 2005 as a non-profit, private institution. QSI International School of Astana has an English language of instruction; it offers a curriculum taught entirely in English from elementary school to secondary school. In 2013 a new facility completed construction. The facility contains 32 classrooms, 3 computer labs, an auditorium, gymnasium, cafeteria, library, outdoor soccer field ( with an Olympic running track) and basketball court, and several playgrounds.[1] Classes range from Preschool to High School level.[2]

Accreditation

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QSI Astana is based on the American Education system. All subjects (excluding second-language classes) are taught in English.[1] Standardized MAP (Measurement of Academic Progress) tests have been adopted to provide an initial academic benchmark and intellectual progress of the school's students.[3] The school has been accredited by CEESA and MSA/CESS (Middle States Commissions on Elementary and Secondary Schools) since 2011.[4][5] QSI International School of Astana has also been certified as a legitimate testing center for the SAT Reasoning Test and all AP (Advanced Placement) tests.[1] PSAT (Preliminary SAT) exams are offered to all secondary students. The school is licensed by Kazakh Ministry of Education.[6]

Curriculum

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The QSI education system differs from the traditional American system in several aspects. The naming of the key stages in the QSI curricular system diverges from typical naming. Additionally, the different stages cover different age groups. The table below represents all the changes:

QSI Education System
Traditional American

Schools

QSI Schools Age Group
Preschool Pre-K 3-4
Kindergarten 4-5
Elementary School 5-6
Lower Elementary 6-9
Upper Elementary 9-11
Middle School 11-12
Middle School 12-14
High School Secondary 14-18

A variety of AP Courses is offered, ranging from AP World History to AP Chemistry. Apart from Spanish, Russian and Kazakh languages are also offered in QSI Astana. The school, being located in Kazakhstan, is obligated to abide by Kazakhstan's Ministry of Education's regulations.[6] To meet the regulations, QSI Astana, QSI Aktau, QSI Atyrau, and Almaty International School (QSI Almaty) made Kazakh History, Kazakh Language, and Military Preparation classes mandatory for all Kazakh nationals.[7] Intensive English class is compulsory for ESL (English as a Second Language) students who have struggles effectively communicating in English. A university counselor is also offered to the senior class. Study Hall is offered to high school students with tight schedules and/or numerous AP subjects.

The QSI grading system also differs from that of traditional American schools:

QSI Grading System
A level B Level N (Not Yet) W (Withdrawal) P (In Progress) H (On Hold) D (Deficient Effort me)
Student illustrated knowledge beyond mastery, went beyond what was expected of him/her and has completed all the TSW's Student illustrated mastery in the unit and completed all the TSW's Student failed to show mastery in the unit and has not completed all the TSW's Student withdrew from the particular unit or the subject as a whole Student is in progress of mastering the unit and has not completed the unit at that point in time. Student is placed on hold and starts attending unit recovery Student showed lack of effort, therefore, receives a D for a particular unit

TSW ("The Student Will") are a set of guiding points that illustrate what the student should learn in the unit/subject. A TSW sheet is created by a group of teachers with expertise in that particular subject. Every unit in every subject has a TSW sheet.

All QSI schools are based on the course credit system. Each whole-year subject contains 10 units. Each semester-long subject contains 5 units. A single completed unit with a grade of B or above will earn a student 1 credit. A pupil must earn 220 credits throughout his secondary (high school) years and complete all mandatory subjects such as Algebra I and Biology to earn a Standard Diploma. If a student wishes to receive an Academic Diploma, they must earn 240 credits and embark on additional English and Social Science classes. With a student wishes to receive an Academic Diploma with Honors, he/she must complete 2 AP subjects between Secondary 1 and Secondary 4 as well as meeting the requirements of both the Standard and Academic Diploma. The student must complete the subject's AP exam with a score of 3 or above.[8] The mandatory courses for the 3 diplomas are as listed:

QSI Diploma Requirements
English Mathematics Science Social Science Arts Phys. Ed. and Health Advanced Placement

(Only for Academic

With Honors)

Standard Diploma
  • Writing I and II
  • Literature I and II
  • Algebra I and II
  • Geometry
  • Physical Science
  • Biology
  • Physics or Chemistry
  • World Geography
  • Modern World History
 2 of the 3:
  • Drama (1 semester)
  • Music
  • Art
  • Fitness
  • Health (5 credits)
  • Phys. Ed.
 Any 2 of the following:
  • U.S. History
  • World History
  • Economics
  • Biology
  • Physics B
  • Physics C
  • Chemistry
  • Calculus AB
  • Literature
Academic Diploma +
  • Research Project
  • American Literature
  • British Literature or

AP Literature

------------------------------- -------------------------------- +
  • U.S. History
  • Economics (5 credits)
  • World Government

(5 credits)

------------------------------ -------------------------------
Academic Diploma With Honors ------------------------------- ------------------------------- -------------------------------- --------------------------------- ------------------------------ -------------------------------
The indoor gym facility.

Facility

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The newly built school offers students a much broader spectrum of extra-curricular activities. The facility contains a fully functional 400m track with proper markings. Inside the track is an official size soccer field, made from synthetic grass and rubber bits. Adjacent to the track is a Long Jump Pit and an outdoor tennis/basketball court.[9]

View of the facility from the track field.

References

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  1. ^ a b c "QSI International School of Astana - QSI International School of Astana". astana.qsi.org. 2024-03-11. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  2. ^ "Academics - QSI International School of Astana". astana.qsi.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  3. ^ "Adaptive Testing". Quality Schools International. Webmaster. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  4. ^ "CEESA | Central and Eastern European Schools Association - QSI International School of Astana". www.ceesa.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  5. ^ "School Profile". MSA-CESS. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  6. ^ a b "Astana, Kazakhstan: QSI International School of Astana: 2023-2024 Fact Sheet". United States Department of State. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
  7. ^ "Quality Schools International". www.astana.qsischool.org. Retrieved 2014-11-27.
  8. ^ "Quality Schools International". www.qsi.org/ast. Retrieved 2014-11-27.
  9. ^ "Facilities - QSI International School of Astana". astana.qsi.org. Retrieved 2024-03-11.
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