Welcome to High School

 

Welcome to the High School section of The American International School of Muscat web site.

 

My guess is that you are visiting TAISM's web site and this welcome page in order to learn more about what The American International School of Muscat has to offer. As stated in the school's mission statement

 

"The mission of The American International School of Muscat is to pursue academic excellence for students in the international community through an American-based education that develops ethical, responsible, and globally conscious life-long learners."

 

But what does this Mission Statement really mean and how does it translate into the academic setting?

 

An "American based education" means that TAISM follows a curricular model based on a typical "American" High School. Translated into courses, this means that we offer distinct mathematic classes in a sequence that is found in many American High Schools (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, Pre-Calculus and Advanced Placement Calculus) as opposed to an integrated mathematics course that many national models offer. Another concrete example of an American High School curricular model can be seen in our science offerings. We offer distinct, year long science courses in science disciplines (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) as opposed to an integrated general science class. We anticipate all High School students will complete three years of science with a year long course from each of the scientific disciplines – Biology, Chemistry and Physics.

 

Please review our complete course offerings by clicking on this link.

 

Another hallmark of an American High School model is that we believe that daily class work progressing each semester is more important than a final examination assessment. TAISM has final exams each semester in the High School, but generally they account for less than 20% of a student's grade for any given course. This feedback and assessment model is sometimes far different from other High School systems from around the world.

 

A third hallmark of an American High School experience is that we firmly believe in a "Liberal Arts" education. This means that the High School at TAISM focuses on Math, Science, the Social Sciences, English Literature and an acquisition of a Foreign Language as well as requiring Physical Education, Health, the Arts (a selection from vocal, instrumental, drama and studio art) and some basic competency in technology. TAISM believes in order to achieve its mission, students must be well rounded.

 

A fourth hallmark of an American High School experience is that we firmly believe in offering a wide range of after school, co-curricular activities in which students can develop their interests and pursue their passions. TAISM offers co-curricular drama, interscholastic athletics (volleyball, swimming, soccer, basketball, track and field, etc.), clubs (Service, History, chess, etc.) and Model United Nations. Again, these co-curricular activities serve as a means for students to develop as "ethical, responsibly and globally conscious life long learners".

 

A final hallmark of an education in the High School at TAISM is our commitment to learning about and exploring the host country – Oman. TAISM's Discover Oman program is second to none. Each year TAISM suspends classes for one week in order for students to join expeditions throughout Oman to learn more about Oman (culture, geography and environment), each other and themselves. I think if you had the opportunity to ask a student who has been at TAISM, Discover Oman is frequently a highlight of their time at TAISM.

 

Please take the time to explore the rest of the pages on TAISM's web site. If you have any questions, please feel free to write to TAISM. Someone will respond with an answer or pointing you in the right direction to find the answer.

 

Sincerely,

 

Keith Boniface
High School Principal