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Teaching his way to success
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The American International School in Chennai follows an exclusive curriculum that helps students face any challenge...
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WITH AN increase in the number of schools, many city schools are striving to maintain international standards. Some schools have succeeded to an extent like the American International School, Chennai (AISC).
Started in 1995, the school caters for educational needs of the expatriate community in Chennai. "A five member council governs the school of which three are from the American Consul," says the new Head, Barry Clough. He was the Assistant Head of the school for instruction and curriculum at the Overseas School of Colombo prior to his appointment in Chennai. With just 210 students, the school has very few Indian students. "The majority of them are Koreans while there are some English, Americans, Canadian students too," he says.
As for the school, "It follows the American curriculum and involves Graduate program and Advanced Placement Program (APP) where examinations are conducted at the end of every year. And as a measure to acquire international recognition, the school follows the credit rating system and minimum requirement for graduation is 24 credits or equivalent from the required subjects."
With the experience as the Superintendent of Schools in the U.S. for 16 years behind him, Clough says his mission is to start the accreditation for the school. Both the European Council of International Schools and Middle Schools Association have accepted AISC as a candidate for accreditation. "The school is preparing a self-study document which will include all facets of the school's programme including the curriculum and all other operations that have to be analysed. The accreditation will serve as a guideline for improvement. Also, the Universities abroad favour these international accreditations."
Clough considers their exclusive curriculum the strength of the school. "It provides the necessary tools to accept any challenge and face any situation. It helps them strike a balance between critical thinking and acquiring knowledge." He also feels, "the advent of IT and electronics has led to changes in the pattern of learning. Now, it is necessary that we train children not to just acquire knowledge but also to work as a team. Learning is not always fun, more often it is only hard work. Now the trick is to make the students enjoy their hard work."
The former headmaster of Fukuoka International School, Japan, who has travelled widely, especially South Asia, Clough feels that regional studies should be given importance.
The school also has PTA, which acts as a communicator between parents and school and also supports and sponsors certain events apart from its monthly meetings. "Most of our faculty members are trained abroad and play a crucial role in deciding the suitable examination pattern for each subject."
The school will soon move in to a new premises in Taramani. "At the threshold of new developments, the school is yet to face more challenges. But with the positive attitude that is prevalent among the faculties and students, I am sure we will be able to overcome any challenges".
According to him, the most challenging part of his career was his brief stint (1992-95) as Middle School Principal for the American International School in war-torn Kuwait.
A parent himself, he feels Indian students fare better when it comes to Mathematics and Science. What do the Cloughs feel about Chennai? "Chennai-ites have managed to retain their tradition and culture. Another striking feature about Chennai is that as a metropolis it has still preserved a lot of trees right here in the city."
Clough, his wife Thaworn Clough, a native of Thailand and his three-year-old son are looking forward to a pleasant stay in the city.
PRASSANA SRINIVASAN
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