ACS International Schools
Encyclopedia
ACS International Schools is a group of three schools based in England and one in Qatar. Until 2005, the organisation was known as American Community Schools. The four campuses are located in Cobham
and Egham
in Surrey
and in the London Borough of Hillingdon
and Doha, Qatar which is due to open in September 2011. ACS Doha is situated in the Gharrafa district of Doha, near the Al Ittihad Sports Complex and just to the west of the Landmark Shopping Mall.
ACS International Schools was founded in 1967 to serve both local and international communities. Approximately 2,600 students from more than 70 countries attend the three London area campuses (Cobham, Egham, and Hillingdon).
The schools are non-sectarian and co-educational, with both day and boarding available. The UK campuses offer the three International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma), and an American curriculum including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling ACS graduates to attend many of the world's finest universities.
The Hampstead School 1967-1981: ACS began life in 1967 as the Overseas School of London. It opened with only 35 students but grew to its capacity of 220 students in just three months. Due to its popularity, a sister school opened in Knightsbridge the following year.
The Knightsbridge School 1968-1980: The Knightsbridge School opened its doors in 1968 to Kindergarten - 5th Grades and 9th - 12th Grades. Introducing the International Baccalaureate Programme and became a Middle and High School.
The Hyde Park School 1973-1980: The Hyde Park School opened in 1973 with 176 Kindergarten - 8th Grade students.
The Wimbledon School 1974-1980: The Wimbledon School opened in 1974 to full capacity. It was the first American elementary school south of the Thames.
The Cobham School 1975 – Present: Early childhood – Grade12, the school opened in 1975 on The Heywood Estate, which was a perfect location with its historic buildings and vast grounds. ACS Cobham currently enrols 1,400 students aged 2 to 18.
The Parkside School 1977-1979: The Parkside School was leased on a two year contract to deal with growing enrolment demand, while the Cobham School waited for the completion of the A3 and planning permission.
The Hillingdon School 1978–Present: Pre-K - 12th Grade. In 1978, ACS found its Middlesex campus, which had once been a girls' school called the Hillingdon Court School. ACS Hillingdon currently enrols 600 students aged 4 to 18.
The Egham School 1995–Present: The latest addition to ACS is the Egham School, opened in 1995 with 70 Kindergarten - 7th Grade students. The Egham school is one of only four schools in the UK to offer all three IB programmes: The PYP (Primary Years Programme), the MYP (Middle Years Programme) and the Diploma programme. ACS Egham currently enrols 600 students aged 2 to 18.
(IBDP). ACS Egham is one of only four schools in the UK to also offer the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), and the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).
The ACS academic offer includes the following programmes:
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP): Recognised for its academic integrity, subject range, extracurricular and community service projects, and the high level of study skills it helps develop, the IB Diploma is structured to motivate and encourage all students to realise their full potential. Students may elect to pursue the full IB Diploma, or earn IB Certificates in individual subjects. Standards of IB assessment are the same worldwide. The academically rigorous, two-year IBDP is offered at all three ACS schools in the UK, and is fully recognised as a quality entrance qualification to universities in over 115 countries.
The IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP): This course of study is specifically designed to meet the educational requirements of students aged 11 – 16. It is particularly sensitive to the social, physical, and emotional changes occurring at this age. Students in the IBMYP cover all of the major disciplines, and where appropriate link their learning to the real world and current global issues. Offered at ACS Egham & ACS Hillingdon.
The IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP): Developed for students aged 3 – 11, the IBPYP provides a framework for the youngest learners to construct meaning, principally through concept-driven inquiry. The IBPYP focuses on the academic, as well as social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of students. Offered at ACS Egham.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses: The AP courses are designed to expose able and motivated High School students to college-level academic material. Success in AP examinations can earn students valuable credits or placement (e.g. Sophomore standing at university) in a wide range of subjects. Offered at ACS Cobham and ACS Hillingdon.
All students who graduate from an ACS International School in the UK automatically earn an American High School Diploma. An Honours Diploma is awarded to graduates who successfully meet additional requirements.
ACS International Schools are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and authorised by the International Baccalaureate to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).
Activities and field trips include unique trips like the Model United Nations in Beijing
, social studies trips to Florence
and Ypres
, English and drama trips to Shakespeare’s Globe and other London
theatres.
Students also participate in many local and international community activities including Habitat for Humanity and Mission Antarctica, as well as ongoing projects to Argentina, India
, Zambia
, Kenya
, and Namibia
.
Students who participate in Spanish or French classes take trips to France and Spain.
ACS Cobham typically enrols around 1,400 students from 2 to 18 years of age, including 200 in Early Childhood, 400 in Lower School, 400 in Middle School, and 400 in High School.
The school has an excellent range of quality sports facilities{fact}, including soccer and rugby fields, softball and baseball diamonds, an all-weather Olympic-sized track, tennis courts, and a six-hole golf course. It also has a Sports Centre with competition-class swimming pool, sports arena for basketball and volleyball, a fitness suite, and dance studio.
There is also an Interactive Learning Centre complete with audio and video conferencing, delegate voting, microphones, cameras, DVD, VCR and online streaming media, WiFi access and full lecture facilities
The school typically enrols around 600 students from 2 to 18 years of age, including 80 in Early childhood, 200 in Lower School, 150 in Middle School, 170 in High School. ACS Egham facilities include soccer and rugby fields and tennis courts on campus.
and Hillingdon tube station
s. The school is centred on Hillingdon Court
, purchased by the organisation in 1978. New buildings adjoining the mansion were built in 1986 incorporating a gymnasium and cafeteria; a new wing was built in 1997.
ACS Hillingdon offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years Programme, as well as an American curriculum including the Advanced Placement course. ACS Hillingdon typically enrols around 600 students from age 4 to 18, including 170 in Early Childhood and Lower School, 210 in Middle School and 220 High School.
This campus is a centre of excellence for the Arts, with a bespoke music centre, Harmony House, complete with digital recording studio, rehearsal rooms, practice studios, and a computer lab for music technology. Additionally the school houses a full-size gymnasium, tennis courts, and grass sports fields.
Cobham, Surrey
Cobham is a town in the Borough of Elmbridge in Surrey, England, about south-west of central London and north of Leatherhead. Elmbridge has been acclaimed by the Daily Mail as the best place to live in the UK, and Cobham is a prosperous part of the London commuter belt...
and Egham
Egham
Egham is a wealthy suburb in the Runnymede borough of Surrey, in the south-east of England. It is part of the London commuter belt and Greater London Urban Area, and about south-west of central London on the River Thames and near junction 13 of the M25 motorway.-Demographics:Egham town has a...
in Surrey
Surrey
Surrey is a county in the South East of England and is one of the Home Counties. The county borders Greater London, Kent, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire and Berkshire. The historic county town is Guildford. Surrey County Council sits at Kingston upon Thames, although this has been part of...
and in the London Borough of Hillingdon
London Borough of Hillingdon
The London Borough of Hillingdon is the westernmost borough in Greater London, England. The borough's population was recorded as 243,006 in the 2001 Census. The borough incorporates the former districts of Ruislip-Northwood, Uxbridge, Hayes and Harlington and Yiewsley and West Drayton in the...
and Doha, Qatar which is due to open in September 2011. ACS Doha is situated in the Gharrafa district of Doha, near the Al Ittihad Sports Complex and just to the west of the Landmark Shopping Mall.
ACS International Schools was founded in 1967 to serve both local and international communities. Approximately 2,600 students from more than 70 countries attend the three London area campuses (Cobham, Egham, and Hillingdon).
The schools are non-sectarian and co-educational, with both day and boarding available. The UK campuses offer the three International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes (Primary Years, Middle Years, and Diploma), and an American curriculum including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, enabling ACS graduates to attend many of the world's finest universities.
History
In 1967, Mr. Speed and Mr. Poularas founded ACS at Netherhall Gardens in Hampstead, London. At the time, both founders were actively involved with every aspect of school life, from painting classrooms to registering admissions and leading field trips.The Hampstead School 1967-1981: ACS began life in 1967 as the Overseas School of London. It opened with only 35 students but grew to its capacity of 220 students in just three months. Due to its popularity, a sister school opened in Knightsbridge the following year.
The Knightsbridge School 1968-1980: The Knightsbridge School opened its doors in 1968 to Kindergarten - 5th Grades and 9th - 12th Grades. Introducing the International Baccalaureate Programme and became a Middle and High School.
The Hyde Park School 1973-1980: The Hyde Park School opened in 1973 with 176 Kindergarten - 8th Grade students.
The Wimbledon School 1974-1980: The Wimbledon School opened in 1974 to full capacity. It was the first American elementary school south of the Thames.
The Cobham School 1975 – Present: Early childhood – Grade12, the school opened in 1975 on The Heywood Estate, which was a perfect location with its historic buildings and vast grounds. ACS Cobham currently enrols 1,400 students aged 2 to 18.
The Parkside School 1977-1979: The Parkside School was leased on a two year contract to deal with growing enrolment demand, while the Cobham School waited for the completion of the A3 and planning permission.
The Hillingdon School 1978–Present: Pre-K - 12th Grade. In 1978, ACS found its Middlesex campus, which had once been a girls' school called the Hillingdon Court School. ACS Hillingdon currently enrols 600 students aged 4 to 18.
The Egham School 1995–Present: The latest addition to ACS is the Egham School, opened in 1995 with 70 Kindergarten - 7th Grade students. The Egham school is one of only four schools in the UK to offer all three IB programmes: The PYP (Primary Years Programme), the MYP (Middle Years Programme) and the Diploma programme. ACS Egham currently enrols 600 students aged 2 to 18.
Governance
ACS International Schools is guided by a Board of independent, non-executive directors, with a wealth of international and UK experience across a range of areas including education, finance, and law. The Board supports the development and day-to-day operations of the schools.Curriculum
All the UK-based campuses are International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools, offering the IB Diploma ProgrammeIB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by...
(IBDP). ACS Egham is one of only four schools in the UK to also offer the IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), and the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).
The ACS academic offer includes the following programmes:
The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP): Recognised for its academic integrity, subject range, extracurricular and community service projects, and the high level of study skills it helps develop, the IB Diploma is structured to motivate and encourage all students to realise their full potential. Students may elect to pursue the full IB Diploma, or earn IB Certificates in individual subjects. Standards of IB assessment are the same worldwide. The academically rigorous, two-year IBDP is offered at all three ACS schools in the UK, and is fully recognised as a quality entrance qualification to universities in over 115 countries.
The IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP): This course of study is specifically designed to meet the educational requirements of students aged 11 – 16. It is particularly sensitive to the social, physical, and emotional changes occurring at this age. Students in the IBMYP cover all of the major disciplines, and where appropriate link their learning to the real world and current global issues. Offered at ACS Egham & ACS Hillingdon.
The IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP): Developed for students aged 3 – 11, the IBPYP provides a framework for the youngest learners to construct meaning, principally through concept-driven inquiry. The IBPYP focuses on the academic, as well as social, physical, emotional, and cultural needs of students. Offered at ACS Egham.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses: The AP courses are designed to expose able and motivated High School students to college-level academic material. Success in AP examinations can earn students valuable credits or placement (e.g. Sophomore standing at university) in a wide range of subjects. Offered at ACS Cobham and ACS Hillingdon.
All students who graduate from an ACS International School in the UK automatically earn an American High School Diploma. An Honours Diploma is awarded to graduates who successfully meet additional requirements.
ACS International Schools are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and authorised by the International Baccalaureate to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IBMYP), and the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP).
University Placements
ACS Cobham students have established a tradition of posting excellent exam scores in both the International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement. Graduates go on to attend some of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, the Far East, and worldwide including Harvard University, University of Cambridge and University of Tokyo.Extracurricular activities
ACS International Schools encourage every student to engage in a rich and diverse student life. Each school supports a range of extracurricular activities, sports, field trips, community service and visiting artist programmes for both day and boarding students from Pre-K to 12th grade.Activities and field trips include unique trips like the Model United Nations in Beijing
Beijing
Beijing , also known as Peking , is the capital of the People's Republic of China and one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of 19,612,368 as of 2010. The city is the country's political, cultural, and educational center, and home to the headquarters for most of China's...
, social studies trips to Florence
Florence
Florence is the capital city of the Italian region of Tuscany and of the province of Florence. It is the most populous city in Tuscany, with approximately 370,000 inhabitants, expanding to over 1.5 million in the metropolitan area....
and Ypres
Ypres
Ypres is a Belgian municipality located in the Flemish province of West Flanders. The municipality comprises the city of Ypres and the villages of Boezinge, Brielen, Dikkebus, Elverdinge, Hollebeke, Sint-Jan, Vlamertinge, Voormezele, Zillebeke, and Zuidschote...
, English and drama trips to Shakespeare’s Globe and other London
London
London is the capital city of :England and the :United Kingdom, the largest metropolitan area in the United Kingdom, and the largest urban zone in the European Union by most measures. Located on the River Thames, London has been a major settlement for two millennia, its history going back to its...
theatres.
Students also participate in many local and international community activities including Habitat for Humanity and Mission Antarctica, as well as ongoing projects to Argentina, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, Zambia
Zambia
Zambia , officially the Republic of Zambia, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. The neighbouring countries are the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the north, Tanzania to the north-east, Malawi to the east, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia to the south, and Angola to the west....
, Kenya
Kenya
Kenya , officially known as the Republic of Kenya, is a country in East Africa that lies on the equator, with the Indian Ocean to its south-east...
, and Namibia
Namibia
Namibia, officially the Republic of Namibia , is a country in southern Africa whose western border is the Atlantic Ocean. It shares land borders with Angola and Zambia to the north, Botswana to the east and South Africa to the south and east. It gained independence from South Africa on 21 March...
.
Students who participate in Spanish or French classes take trips to France and Spain.
Global Community Outreach
ACS students have been privileged to have the opportunity to participate in global community service. School expeditions have included trips to Namibia and Kenya in South West Africa to help build facilities and bring support to schools and children and some students have taken part in a programme on-board the world’s only Flying Eye Hospital in Vietnam.ACS Cobham
Situated in Surrey, 15 miles from Central London, ACS Cobham offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and an American curriculum including the Advanced Placement courses. Accommodating both day and boarding requirements, with separate-wing dormitory facilities for over 100 boys and girls grades 7 to 12.ACS Cobham typically enrols around 1,400 students from 2 to 18 years of age, including 200 in Early Childhood, 400 in Lower School, 400 in Middle School, and 400 in High School.
The school has an excellent range of quality sports facilities{fact}, including soccer and rugby fields, softball and baseball diamonds, an all-weather Olympic-sized track, tennis courts, and a six-hole golf course. It also has a Sports Centre with competition-class swimming pool, sports arena for basketball and volleyball, a fitness suite, and dance studio.
There is also an Interactive Learning Centre complete with audio and video conferencing, delegate voting, microphones, cameras, DVD, VCR and online streaming media, WiFi access and full lecture facilities
ACS Egham
A day school situated on a 20 acres (8.1 ha) campus, in Surrey, opposite Windsor Great Park. ACS Egham specialises in the International Baccalaureate, and is one of only four IB World Schools in the UK authorised to offer all three programmes: the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), the Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) and the Diploma (IBDP).The school typically enrols around 600 students from 2 to 18 years of age, including 80 in Early childhood, 200 in Lower School, 150 in Middle School, 170 in High School. ACS Egham facilities include soccer and rugby fields and tennis courts on campus.
ACS Hillingdon
A day school, less than 15 miles (24.1 km) from Central London, located near UxbridgeUxbridge tube station
Uxbridge is a London Underground station in Uxbridge in the London Borough of Hillingdon, north-west London. The station is the terminus of the Uxbridge branches of both the Metropolitan Line and the Piccadilly Line. The next station towards London is Hillingdon. The station is 15.5 miles west of...
and Hillingdon tube station
Hillingdon tube station
Hillingdon tube station is a London Underground station in North Hillingdon in the London Borough of Hillingdon, west London.The station is on the Uxbridge branch of both the Metropolitan line and Piccadilly line, between Ickenham and Uxbridge stations and in Travelcard Zone 6.-History:The...
s. The school is centred on Hillingdon Court
Hillingdon Court
Hillingdon Court is a Grade II listed mansion in Hillingdon, within the London Borough of Hillingdon. Originally built in 1858 as the family home of the Mills family, the mansion has formed part of the ACS Hillingdon International School since 1978...
, purchased by the organisation in 1978. New buildings adjoining the mansion were built in 1986 incorporating a gymnasium and cafeteria; a new wing was built in 1997.
ACS Hillingdon offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma and Middle Years Programme, as well as an American curriculum including the Advanced Placement course. ACS Hillingdon typically enrols around 600 students from age 4 to 18, including 170 in Early Childhood and Lower School, 210 in Middle School and 220 High School.
This campus is a centre of excellence for the Arts, with a bespoke music centre, Harmony House, complete with digital recording studio, rehearsal rooms, practice studios, and a computer lab for music technology. Additionally the school houses a full-size gymnasium, tennis courts, and grass sports fields.
ACS Doha
The newest campus opens in September 2011, initially enrolling students from 3 to 14 years of age, with the High School opening from 2012. The school will offer the same academic programmes as those in England.Facilities
All schools have state-of-the-art facilities that support academic, athletic, and arts programmes. Each campus comprises period buildings enhanced by modern, purpose-built classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, and sports facilities. The Cobham campus also features a dormitory that houses over 100 students from around the world.Results
ACS IB Diploma results: These exam results represent the combined scores of ACS students from the three UK campuses.ACS International Baccalaureate (IB) results
Average IB Diploma score for ACS students passing the full Diploma (maximum score 45 points)| Year | Average points |
|---|---|
| 2009-10 | 33 |
| 2008-09 | 33 |
| 2007-08 | 33 |
| 2006-07 | 33 |
| 2005-06 | 33 |
Notable former pupils
- Aaron EckhartAaron EckhartAaron Edward Eckhart is an American film and stage actor. Born in California, he moved to England at the age of 13, when his father relocated the family. Several years later, he began his acting career by performing in school plays, before moving to Sydney, Australia, for his high school senior year...
(1986) actor - Alex CorbisieroAlex CorbisieroAlex Corbisiero is a rugby union player who plays at prop for London Irish in the Aviva Premiership.-Biography:...
(2005) Rugby Player.