here - Copenhagen International School

Copenhagen International School
Senior School
Student & Parent Handbook
Table of Contents
FACULTY & STAFF 4
CONTACT DETAILS 5
CIS MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY 5
PHILOSOPHY 5
THE IB MISSION AND LEARNER PROFILE 5
Academic Program 6
Academic Honesty 6
Academic Probation 7
Accidents, Injuries and First Aide 8
Accident Insurance 8
Alumni Association 8
Attendance Policy 9
Behavioral Expectations 10
Bullying 10
Calculators 11
CAS Program 11
Changing Subjects 12
Channels of Communication 12
Dress Code 13
Drugs, Alcohol and Tobacco 13
Tobacco 13
Alcohol 13
Drugs 13
Emergency Contact Details 13
Emergency Evacuation 14
Entering City Campus 14
Examinations 14
Guardianship 14
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Grading 15
Graduation Requirements 16
Homework 17
Homework Cafe 17
Laptops 17
Library 17
Lockers 18
Lunches 18
Missed Deadlines and Failure to Submit Work 18
Open Campus 18
Parent Coffee Mornings 18
Parent Teacher Association (PTA) 19
Physical Education (P.E) 19
Publications 19
SAT Testing 19
Sports Activities 19
Student awards 20
Student Support Services 23
Student Well-Being 25
Timetable 25
Trips 26
Social Overnight/DP Retreat 26
Activity Week 26
Textbooks 26
Transcripts, IB Results and Diplomas 27
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Principal’s Welcome Message
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to the CIS Senior School. The Senior School comprises grades 9-12. It was created
as a separate division of the school, and relocated to the City Campus, in 2011. This allowed
not only for the growth of the school, but also for particular focus on the social, emotional
and academic development of Senior School students.
In 2013-14 the Senior School will have around 240 students, representing over 50
nationalities. Cultural diversity is important to us, and we very much appreciate the variety
of backgrounds and experiences that our students and their families bring to CIS. We also
value our wonderful local community, and appreciate opportunities to incorporate Danish
culture into our curriculum and school life. Copenhagen is a culturally and intellectually rich
city, of which we are fortunate to be a part.
CIS offers a rigorous Senior School academic program, driven by a strong commitment to our
mission to develop the potential of each student in a stimulating environment of cultural
diversity, academic excellence and mutual respect. We offer the IB curriculum throughout
Senior School, comprising the 4 th and 5 th years of the Middle Years Program in grades 9 & 10,
and the Diploma Program in grades 11 & 12. Our graduates receive a CIS High School
Diploma, accredited by the U.S North Eastern Association of Schools and Colleges, and the
Council of International Schools. The majority of our students also complete the full IB
Diploma.
CIS also offers a range of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities, and there are many
ways to be involved in the life of the school beyond the classroom. We encourage our
students to become involved in, develop and lead improvement initiatives, service learning
opportunities and community events. Faculty and staff are always available for support and
encouragement.
This handbook is designed to be a reference so that you have necessary information readily
available. It is important that you are familiar with school policies and procedures. The
school website, http://www.cis.dk, also has up to date information, provides contact details
for faculty and staff, and should be checked regularly for details of school events.
I look forward to working with you throughout the school year
Best wishes,
Caroline Brokvam
Senior School Principal
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FACULTY & STAFF
Name
Mercedes Alborelli
James Atkin
Lydia Bernal Rodriguez
Gideon Boulton
Caroline Brokvam
Ståle Brokvam
Tristan Bunnell
Bob Carignan
Fred Chiappini
Anne Collignan
Joelle Dines
Daniel Cooper
Kristina Dodier
Mary Donnellan
Caroline Dourley
Karsten Engelberg
Aletta Faber
Amy Faircloth
Gora Lizaso
Heidi Helmich
Ina Hemme
Lorenz Hindrichsen
Karen Hornsøj-Møller
Darren Howard
Maria Iraci
Mette Jessen
Kristjan Jespersen
Thomas Kunze
Glen Johnson
Shashi Krishna
Katherine Krom
Justin Kurrass
Colin LaForet
Rebecca Lindroos
Garry McIntyre
Paul Mitchell
Richard Martens
Vincent Murphy
Anders Nielsen
Lena Noring
Olella Nyiendo
Sze Yee Ong
Ute Reichert
Werner Reidel
Daniel Sarstedt
Oliver Todd
Joyce Tromba
Benjamin Ward
Karen Watts
Theo Wilhelm
Lorraine Wykes
Charlotte Zeeburg
Position/Subject
French
Labratory Assistant
Spanish
Physics/Science
Principal
IT Director
Economics
Art
Maths/Gr.11 Team Leader
Learning Support
French/HOD Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Humanities
Counselor
Diploma Program Coordinator/TOK
Learning Support Coordinator
Assistant Principal/CAS Coordinator/English
HOD Mathematics
Social & Cultural Anthropology/Humanities
Art
German
Danish A/Danish B
HOD Language A/English
Danish B/French
Music
English as an Additional Language/Gr. 9 Team Leader
Danish A
Economics
German
Curriculum Coordinator/MYP Coordinator
Computer Technology
HOD Humanities/Geography
Counselor
Learning Support Assistant
English
Science/Chemistry
Physical Education
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physical Education
Drama/Danish B
History/TOK
Mathematics
HOD Language B/German
Biology
HOD Arts/Drama
English/Gr. 10 Team Leader
HOD Science/Design Technology
Mathematics/Student Leadership Coordinator
Director Student Support Services
English/Humanities
Biology/Design Technology/Gr. 11 Team Leader
Nurse
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STAFF
Jonathan Lerwill
Flemming Nielsen
Lesley McDonald
Leena Raassina
Usman Hanif
Position
Janitorial Support
Operations Manager
Administrative Coordinator
Reception/Catering Manager
IT Support
CONTACT DETAILS
Address: City Campus, Stockholmsgade 59, 2100 København Ø.
Phone: 39 46 33 08
Office email: LesleyMcDonald@cis.dk
CIS MISSION STATEMENT AND PHILOSOPHY
Mission Statement
Our mission is to develop the potential of each student in a stimulating environment of cultural diversity,
academic excellence and mutual respect.
PHILOSOPHY
At Copenhagen International School we endeavor:
• to educate our students in a stimulating environment to the highest possible academic
standards using the International Baccalaureate Programs (PYP, MYP, DP).
• to educate world citizens who, celebrating both their shared humanity and cultural
diversity, will shape a more peaceful world.
• to instill respect, tolerance, integrity and compassion; to promote the confidence and
independence to be risk-takers; to create students who are open-minded, questioning
and understanding.
• to be aware of the social and emotional needs of each individual student and work
with the home in a caring atmosphere, to provide a sense of stability.
• to inspire creativity in each student in its broadest aspect and help to enlarge the
human spirit both aesthetically and morally.
• to create students who are respectful of, and knowledgeable about, their local and
global environment.
THE IB MISSION AND LEARNER PROFILE
As an IB World School, CIS also supports the IB mission, “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring
young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and
respect… to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with
their differences, can also be right.” We also work towards the IB Learner Profile. IB learners strive to be:
• inquirers
• knowledgeable
• thinkers
• communicators
• principled
• open-minded
• caring
• risk-takers
• balanced
• reflective.
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ACADEMIC PROGRAM
The school’s curriculum is international in nature. Upon successful completion of the course of studies,
students will be prepared for higher education in their home countries or elsewhere. The language of
instruction is English and, where appropriate, the school provides support to students through EAL
instruction. When students have identified learning needs, the school offers Learning Support.
The School Board has adopted the following educational programs:
1. The Primary Years Program (PYP) for Kindergarten to grade 5.
2. The Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6 through 10.
3. The Diploma Program (DP) for grades 11 and 12.
While CIS only offers Diploma Program classes in the final two years of high school, it is not necessary for a
student to take the full IB Diploma. Alternatively, a student might work towards a CIS High School Diploma
by taking a number of Diploma Program Courses, and might follow some, all, or none of the Core
Requirements (the Extended Essay, TOK and CAS). In this case, the student will receive an IB Certificate for
any subjects taken at examination level, and the CIS High School Diploma providing graduation requirements
are met. It may also be possible for students in grades 11 and 12 to have online or tutored courses credited,
or to enroll in language, arts, P.E or technology courses not at the Diploma level. CIS aims to be flexible and
to provide a suitable academic program to meet the needs of all of our students. Student progress is
monitored closely to ensure that courses selected are suiting students’ differing learning needs, tertiary
study and career plans.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
All Senior School students are required to read these guidelines in order to be fully aware of, understand,
and agree to adhere to the standards and policies of CIS and the IB with respect to Academic Honesty.
Academic honesty requires that all students and teachers respect the integrity of one another's work and
recognize the importance of acknowledging and safeguarding intellectual property.
Academic dishonesty is a serious violation of the trust upon which our academic community depends. We
are committed to the basic academic right that students receive due credit for work submitted for
assessment. It is clearly a breach of integrity for students to submit work that represents the work of others
as their own. The types of and consequences for such breaches of integrity are outlined below.
Academic Malpractice
Malpractice is behavior that results in, or may result in, a student (or students) gaining an unfair advantage
in an assessment. Malpractice includes:
1. Plagiarism: This is when a student represents the ideas or work of another person as their own. This can
be intentional or unintentional, the consequence is the same.
2. Collusion: This is when a student supplies their work to be copied or submitted for assessment by
another student. The consequence for both students is the same.
3. Duplication: This is when a student presents the same work for different assessments, (double dipping).
4. Any other behavior that gains an unfair advantage. This includes cheating on an exam or test, taking
unauthorized material into an exam or test, misconduct during an exam or test, falsifying a CAS record,
etc.
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Consequences of Malpractice at CIS
If a student is found guilty of malpractice, the following will occur:
• 1st Offense: The student is required to re-do the work and reminded of CIS’s academic policy. Parents
are notified by the teacher and the malpractice is noted in school records.
• 2nd Offense: The student is given zero for the work, parents are notified by the Principal, and the
student receives disciplinary consequences. This second malpractice offense is noted in school records.
• 3rd Offense: If a student is found guilty of a 3rd breach of academic honesty, they will receive no credit
for the relevant course, and may be recommended for withdrawal.
Any student who is found guilty of repeated malpractice, (or a serious first offense) is ineligible during the
school year for any award or citation that requires good moral character as a criterion for selection.
Note: CIS has the responsibility and reserves the right to contact prospective colleges and/or universities
when a student has committed a serious breach of our Academic Honesty policy, to notify them of the
nature of the malpractice.
Consequences of Malpractice at IB
If the IB finds a student guilty of malpractice, the following will occur:
• If the amount of plagiarism is considered to be minimal, zero marks will be awarded for the
assessment component, but a grade will still be awarded for the subject. This is referred to as
‘Academic Infringement’
• If a candidate is found to have plagiarized all or part of any assignment then no grade will be
awarded for the subject. This automatically means that no Diploma can be awarded.
• Misconduct during an examination will result in no grade being awarded for the specific subject
involved. This automatically means no Diploma can be awarded.
• If a candidate falsifies a CAS record, no Diploma will be issued until 12 months after the examination
session have passed. The CAS record will need to be correctly completed.
• If the case of malpractice is very serious, the candidate may not be allowed to re-register for
examinations in any future session
• An IB Diploma may be withdrawn from a candidate at any time if malpractice is subsequently
established
A full outline of the IB Academic Honesty Policy is available on the School and IB websites, and from the DP
Coordinator.
ACADEMIC PROBATION
In order to ensure that students are able to cope with the demands of the Diploma Program, certain
expectations are in place concerning the transfer between the Middle Years and Diploma Programs.
Students must receive a minimum of 40 points in the MYP if they are to proceed directly to the Diploma. If a
student receives between 36 and 40 points, they enter the Diploma on Probation.
Probation means that they will begin Grade 11 following the full Diploma Program, but their progress will be
monitored carefully. They will be expected to take advantage of all pastoral, academic and linguistic support
offered. Should it be felt that the full Diploma course load is proving to be too challenging an experience,
students will be required to switch pathways, and to focus on achieving the CIS High School Diploma rather
than the IB Diploma. If a student is failing to achieve 24 points by the end of Semester 1 in DP, such a switch
will be strongly recommended. Students who score lower than 36 points in the MYP are not recommended
to enter the Diploma Program.
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ACCIDENTS, INJURIES AND FIRST AIDE
Several staff members have been trained in First Aid and First Aid kits are located in the Senior School
office. Leena Raassina is responsible for First Aid at City Campus when the Nurse is not present. Whenever
a student is injured at school or requires first aid, the student will be given immediate attention. Every
effort will be made to contact the parents, either at home or at work. If necessary, Falck (the Danish
emergency service) or the local ambulance service will be contacted to take the student to the casualty
ward at the local hospital. The school nurse or a staff member will accompany the student and stay with
them until a parent or relative arrives. It is important that all families provide the school with emergency
contact details, including mobile phone numbers, for use in the case of accident or injury.
ACCIDENT INSURANCE
In Denmark the general rule is that children are covered by their family insurance. A standard Danish
insurance will cover children at least until they turn 19. It is therefore the responsibility of the parents to
ensure that their children are sufficiently covered while they are in school or on school trips.
Students are only covered by the school’s insurance – on campus or on school trips anywhere in the world
– in case of serious accidents leading to disability (fully or partially) where compensation of up to DKK
265,000 will be paid out and a sum of up to DKK 5,000 for dental injuries other than from chewing.
Students are otherwise covered by the yellow CPR card, which they receive when the family has registered
with the local Danish authorities (kommune). The card also functions as an insurance card when it becomes
necessary to see a doctor or go to hospital. The card is only valid within the EU. A number of countries
outside the EU, for example Norway, Switzerland, and the small countries of Europe such as Andorra,
Liechtenstein, Monaco, San Marino and The Vatican State also honor the card.
Transport home due to illness or an accident is not covered except in the Nordic countries. Please note the
refund will cover the additional cost incurred due to the illness/accident. Parents therefore have to ensure
that they have insurance that covers transport home for their children.
Children of parents with diplomatic status are not eligible for a yellow CPR card. If they are from EU
countries they can obtain an EU health insurance card from their respective Danish kommune provided
they submit a form brought from their home country. This card must be renewed annually. In line with the
above, parents must ensure that they have insurance that covers transport home.
The yellow card does not cover travel outside Europe and students must be covered separately.
Students who spend a period on a practicum assignment at a business are covered by the school’s thirdparty
insurance during the assignment.
The school has an agreement with Falck to ensure transport to the hospital in case of emergencies or
accidents.
ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
CIS has an active and growing Alumni network. We encourage all CIS graduates to join our Alumni
Association. Please email Suzanne O’Reilly (sor@cis.dk) for details.
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ATTENDANCE POLICY
At CIS we believe that learning is a social activity. When students are not in attendance they are not just
missing information, they are failing to participate in the learning process. Many learning strategies are
collaborative, aimed at building collective understanding through the participation of all class members.
These strategies cannot be replicated outside the classroom nor repeated for absent students. Student
absences also result in teachers having to re-teach material, and potentially disrupt the learning of others.
Graduation from CIS is based on a credit system. If a student is frequently absent from a class, then they
cannot be said to have completed that class and will not be granted credit. In order for a student to receive
credit for a class, they may miss that class no more than 8 times each semester. If more than 8 classes are
missed, the student will still receive a grade, but no credit will be awarded towards the CIS High School
Diploma.
As our program is academically challenging, a student may lose their place in a class if regular absences
mean that they can no longer be successful.
The allowance of 8 absences is designed to cover short-term illnesses and necessary time off for medical,
personal and family reasons, as well as participation in school extra-curricular activities. Parents should
take this absence limit into account when considering whether to take students on extended trips.
It is expected that parents will monitor their child’s attendance through Veracross. A letter will be sent
home once the student has missed 4 classes in any subject. If a student should miss more than 8 classes,
Dr. Engelberg will notify the student and parents of loss of credit.
Procedure for notification of Absences
If a student is going to be absent, parents should contact the Senior School Office by phone or email,
stating a reason for the absence. The absence will then be marked as ‘excused’. (All absences – excused or
not – count towards the 8 absence limit).
Planned absences should be discussed with Dr. Engelberg (KarstenEngelberg@cis.dk) before arrangements
are made, in order to ensure that the student is not in danger of going over the absence limit. A ‘Planned
Absence Form’ for all trips, both school and personal, should then be submitted. This form must be signed
by all teachers, ensuring that discussion has taken place regarding work that will be missed.
Making up missed work
For absences which are excused, students will be given the opportunity to make up missed daily work
during a period of time agreed by the teacher. For long-term assignments, the teacher has the right to
adhere to a given deadline. For an extension of a long-term deadline, the teacher must be contacted
before the due date.
For absences that are unexcused, students will not necessarily be given the opportunity to make up missed
work, or may not have the grade for that work count towards their semester grade.
Tardiness
Students are expected to arrive in school on time each morning. They are also expected to arrive on time
to all classes. Neither the teacher nor the other students need to accept interruptions due to students
arriving late. Students who arrive more than ten minutes late to class will have an absence recorded. This
absence will count towards the absence limit for that class.
Requests for a waiver
If absences have been caused by extenuating circumstances such as extended illness or a family
emergency, parents should write a letter, addressed to Dr. Engelberg, requesting a waiver to the 8 absence
limit. Proper documentation such as a doctor’s certificate will be required, and waiver requests will be
considered on a case-to-case basis.
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BEHAVIORAL EXPECTATIONS
In the Senior School at CIS our belief is that students are mature individuals who can make appropriate
choices in their behaviour, and show respect for the rights and feelings of others. As we are multi-cultural,
this entails respect for diverse religious and cultural heritage. Staff members will consistently and positively
reinforce student behaviors that demonstrate dignity and respect for others. In order to encourage
appropriate behavior, we ask that teachers, students and parents model the following behaviors.
• Treat people and property with dignity and respect
• Participate actively in the learning process
• Exhibit a positive attitude
• Act responsibly and honestly
• Use appropriate language
When at school or in attendance at school sponsored activities, students are expected to:
1. Display an attitude of mutual cooperation and respect for other students, staff and guests;
2. Respect school and personal property;
3. Not have weapons, matches or lighters;
4. Not fight or endanger the safety of others;
5. Use appropriate and courteous language;
6. Dress in clothing that is clean, neat and modest;
7. Display honesty in all aspects of their studies;
8. Turn off phones, iPods etc. during class time.
The CIS staff will help students understand and follow behavior expectations, treating all students in a fair,
clear and consistent manner, using one or more of the following management procedures when students
exhibit inappropriate behaviors:
• Discussion with teacher, counselor or administrator
• Detention
• Parent conference
• In-school suspension
• Suspension from school
BULLYING
There is an anti-bullying policy at Copenhagen International School.
Bullying is repeated, long-term negative behavior, which leads to an individual or group being victimized by
another individual or group. It can be verbal, for example, teasing, rumor-spreading, insults and name
calling. It can be physical, for example, physical violence or violation of personal property. It can be direct,
as described, or indirect, such as social isolation or being excluded from a group. It can be electronic, for
example, text messaging or cyber-bullying. Bullying creates an imbalance of power in which the victim can
lose status and self-esteem.
School Approach:
CIS approaches bullying in a proactive and constructive manner. ‘Respect for yourself and respect for
others’ is a core principle in the School. Students with relationship issues are identified as soon as possible
and intervention is provided through counseling or mediation. Students with social and/or behavioral
issues are identified as soon as possible and an intervention plan is put in place.
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Through collaborative efforts of administration, parents and staff, awareness of expectations for the way
people treat each other in the CIS community is constantly in the forefront. Through advisory classes,
assemblies, and small and large group work, strategies are taught for identifying bullying, dealing with
bullies and preventing victimization. Though much of this work takes place in the Primary and Middle
Schools, the expectations continue in the Senior School.
Cyber-bullying
The school becomes involved in a student’s online activities when they are directed negatively towards other
members of the school community, and therefore impact at-school life. If the actions of students outside of
school result in students feeling unsafe or uncomfortable at school, then CIS administration will act to
remedy this. Additionally, if members of CIS staff or its community are targeted, then this becomes a school
matter.
It is important that students are aware of the implications of their actions online, both on themselves and on
others. The actions students take on social networking sites like Facebook can impact their university
applications, job searches, and overall reputation.
CALCULATORS
All Senior School students are required to have graphic calculators. Students are required to purchase their
own calculator. In line with curriculum changes within the Diploma Program, the Mathematics department
at CIS has decided to phase in TI-Nspire calculators, starting with grade 9 in 2012. Older students will
continue to use TI 84 calculators, but by 2015, all students should be using the TI-Nspire calculators.
Instructions in the classroom will still be given with each of the following calculators until this phase is
complete:
School year Grades 9 & 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
2013 – 2014 TI-Nspire non CAS
TI-84 TI-84
Version 1.3 or higher
2014 – 2015 TI-Nspire TI-84
2015 - 2016 TI-Nspire
When purchasing a new calculator please make sure that you buy the non CAS TI-Nspire version 1.3 or
higher. We also recommend a handheld with a touchpad. The earlier versions of the TI-Nspire are
prohibited in the IB exams. Questions should be addressed to the Head of the Mathematics Department,
Aletta Faber: AlettaFaber@cis.dk
More information can be found at: http://education.ti.com/calculators/products/US/Nspire-Family/
CAS PROGRAM
All Senior School Students are required to participate in CAS, which stands for Creativity, Action and
Service. This is a fundamental part of the IB Programs, as well as basic to our school values. In grades 9 &
10 students must complete at least 15 hours of Community Service. Over the two years of the Diploma
Program, students must complete approximately 150 hours of CAS, to include at least one long-term
project.
In grades 9 & 10, students work with their Advisor, overseen by the Grade Level Team Leader, to ensure
meaningful participation in CAS activities. As of 2013-14, all students will use ManageBac to record and
reflect on their CAS.
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The CAS Coordinator for the Diploma Program is Dr. Engelberg. Advisors supervise their student’s progress,
both in terms of their involvement in activities and their recording and reflection processes. CAS comments
are included in reports in second semester of Grade 11 and first semester of Grade 12.
Many CAS activities are made available through the school’s extra-curricular program. A CAS Fair is organized
early in September each year during which students can sign up to participate in a variety of appropriate
activities. CAS requires DP students to work with their own strengths and weaknesses to design a program
that offers them relevant individual challenges. Some of these challenges can be met by joining existing CAS
activities at CIS, but each DP student needs to devise unique personal activities.
It is important that students take CAS seriously. On a world basis, failure to complete CAS is the main reason
each year why students who receive 24 points or more still fail the IB Diploma.
CIS is always interested in developing new CAS activities for our students, and we welcome input from the
community. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Engelberg with ideas for potential service projects.
CHANGING SUBJECTS
The academic timetable in the Senior School is created based on student demand, and resources and staffing
allocated accordingly. Students are given the opportunity to change subjects within the first three weeks of
the school year. It should be noted, however, that it might not be possible to change subjects, based on class
sizes and timetable restrictions. Students wishing to change subjects should collect a form from the MYP or
DP Coordinator. Teacher and parent signatures are required.
In the Diploma Program, it may be possible to switch subjects, or levels within the subject, at a later date if
there is a significant reason. Such changes affect a student’s university and career opportunities, and will be
thoroughly investigated before being made. Once final registration of a student for the IB examinations has
been completed, changes are not possible
CHANNELS OF COMMUNICATION
The school communicates regularly with parents through the website, teacher portal pages, Open House,
weekly announcements, Parent coffee mornings, conferences, semester reports and a once yearly open
Board meeting. There are also informational meetings held throughout the year on a variety of topics. As
partners in your child’s education we encourage you to address any questions or concerns in a timely
manner. Teachers are always willing to meet and talk with parents at a mutually scheduled time, or to
discuss concerns over the telephone.
If a parent has questions or concerns, they should follow these channels of communication:
• Questions or concerns within the classroom or regarding a student’s academic progress in a
particular subject should be discussed with the individual teacher. Most problems are resolved at
this initial level.
• Questions or concerns regarding a student’s general academic progress, or CIS’s Academic
Programs, should be directed to the DP or MYP Coordinator, as relevant.
• Questions or concerns of a pastoral nature, regarding student well-being, should be addressed to
the student’s Advisor, Grade Level Team Leader or Counselor
• Any concerns that cannot be resolved with the teacher involved should be directed to the
Principal.
• Questions of a more general nature concerning the operation of the school and its programs
should be directed to the Principal.
• Questions regarding attendance should be addressed to the Assistant Principal.
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The Principal, Assistant Principal and Coordinators operate with an open door policy, however for
important matters it is advisable to make an appointment to ensure mutual availability. Please email, or
contact Lesley McDonald in the Senior School Office to set up a time. (LesleyMcDonald@cis.dk).
DRESS CODE
There is no school uniform at Copenhagen International School though everyone is expected to dress in a
neat, clean and modest manner appropriate for the particular school day or school activity. Students
should dress appropriately for the weather as well. Slogans and pictures on clothing should be appropriate
to school values, contain appropriate language and not relate to illicit substances or alcohol.
DRUGS, ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
CIS is committed to having an educational program that stresses responsibility for one’s own behavior and
promotes the prevention of unhealthy practices in relation to drugs, alcohol and tobacco use. Our policy is
based on the ideals of health and well-being, and an understanding of the effects of substance use on the
development of the teenage brain. We have developed a relationship with the Freedom from Chemical
Dependency (FCD) group, based in the U.S, and a consultant will visit each year and work with our Middle
and Senior School students. The consultant will also hold an evening session for parents, and be available
to meet with other members of the CIS community. It is strongly recommended that parents attend the
parent session. FCD’s website can be found at www.fcd.org.
Tobacco
Danish law prohibits smoking on school premises. Copenhagen International School is a non-smoking zone.
Smoking is prohibited in all parts of the School and its grounds, within sight of the City Campus building,
and at all school events. Parents and students should be aware that the legal age to buy tobacco in
Denmark is 18.
Alcohol
No one is permitted to drink on or in the vicinity of the campus during school hours or arrive at school or
school events in an intoxicated condition. At the discretion of the Director at school-sponsored events after
hours, attended by parents, teachers and students, those over the age of 18 may consume beer or wine in
moderation.
Drugs
The possession and/or use of non-prescribed drugs is illegal in Denmark. The possession of drugs, being
under the influence of drugs, or being in any way involved in the trafficking of drugs is strictly forbidden.
Consequences
Violations of the Policy will result in disciplinary action. Both alcohol and drug abuse will result in
immediate suspension and possible expulsion. Students will be expected to attend substance abuse
counseling at parent expense. Second offenses will result in expulsion. The distribution or dealing of drugs
at school or at a school event will result in expulsion, and may be reported to the Danish authorities.
CIS is committed to helping students and their families with substance use and abuse concerns. Counselors
and the School Nurse are available for confidential consultation, and can refer to external support
resources if required.
EMERGENCY CONTACT DETAILS
Every student must have complete and up-to-date family contact and student medical record information
on file in Veracross. In the case of accident or illness, the order of calling is as follows: (1) Parents at home,
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(2) Parents at work, (3) Emergency Contact, (4) Emergency services. In the case of a serious emergency,
emergency services will be called first.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
In the event of an emergency in school, an alarm will sound continuously, signaling to teachers and
students that they should evacuate the building. A plan for the orderly evacuation of students is
reviewed annually to guarantee that students can exit the building quickly and safely in the event
of an emergency. An evacuation practice drill is held each semester.
ENTERING CITY CAMPUS
All Senior School students will be issued with a tag, containing a personal code, which can be swiped across
the electronic pad to open the door to City Campus. It is the responsibility of all students to safeguard their
tags. Lost tags are a security risk and should be immediately reported to the office so that they can be
disabled. There will be a replacement charge of 100 kroner for lost tags.
The tag works only on the glass inner door. Students cannot unlock the outer door. The outer door will be
open 8 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. on school days. Students should only be at school outside of those hours if they are
at a teacher-supervised activity.
Parents and visitors to City Campus should ring the doorbell to gain access, and sign in at reception.
EXAMINATIONS
Senior School students have two sets of examinations each year – the first in December and the second in
June. Exams are generally two hours in length, but may vary to suit the subject and examination material.
Grade 12 students sit Mock Examinations in December. Exam procedures required by the IB are followed
closely, and formal examination conditions prevail. Where possible, students take the full set of exams – two
or three papers and four to five hours of exams - in each subject.
The IB Diploma examinations occur in May of each year. The IB sets dates and times, and changes to the
examination timetable are not possible. The exams continue over a three week period – and take no account
of Danish Public Holidays. These exams are very formally operated and students’ behavior is expected to be
of the highest standard. CIS is strongly committed to the integrity of the examination process. The school can
be subjected to an unannounced examination inspection from the IB, to ensure our high standards.
Registration for IB exams takes place in October of grade 12. The Diploma Coordinator will advise students
and parents of the process. All instructions must be complied with and deadlines met in this important
process.
GUARDIANSHIP
The best learning environment for students is achieved when home and school work in partnership.
Students enrolling at CIS must be in residence with a parent at all times. Under extenuating circumstances,
a student may be allowed to live with a designated adult guardian approved by the school. Requests for
considering applicants under guardianship require the Director’s approval, which is generally contingent on
evidence that the student will be supervised by a close relative able to provide the support and care of a
family home.
Guardianship arrangements typically occur when a student’s parents are transferred and it is in the
student’s best interests to remain at CIS to complete the academic year. Guardianships are not intended to
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eplicate boarding environments and will be approved only for students already enrolled at CIS that are
facing extenuating circumstances. Guardianship arrangements are unlikely to be approved for more than
one year.
The guardian will assume the role of the parent (in loco parentis). Specifically, the guardian will:
• Provide appropriate supervision
• Monitor school performance, study habits, attendance, homework completion, etc. and make
appropriate interventions
• Communicate with the school, attend parent conferences, monitor Veracross and class portal
pages.
• Provide a safe environment that is conducive to study and well-being
• Ensure timely and appropriate medical care as needed
• Assume all legal responsibilities for the student
The student must be residing with the guardian on a full-time basis. The guardian will inform the school if
he/she will not be immediately available due to travel or other reasons and will supply the school with
contact details of alternate supervision.
The parent and guardian will inform the school of any extensions or changes in the time period of
guardianship and/or address, email, or phone number changes.
The student must attend all classes and demonstrate continued academic progress.
Failure to follow these guidelines may result in a loss of guardian status and/or a student being asked to
leave CIS.
Further information and a copy of the Guardianship agreement are available from the Admissions Office.
Please be aware that under Danish law CIS has an udvidet oplysningspligt, a duty to report any suspicions
that a child is not living in a safe and supportive home environment, to the local kommune.
GRADING
The scales below will be used to reflect student achievement in all of their subjects at the completion of
each semester. Full academic reports are given at the end of each semester and include for each subject a
global achievement grade on the 1-7 scale and an effort grade. In order to gain credit towards graduation,
a student must receive a 4.
Middle Years Program
Grade
Comment
1 Minimal achievement in terms of the objectives.
2 Very limited achievement against all the objectives. The student has difficulty in
understanding the required knowledge and skills, and is unable to apply them fully in
normal situations, even with support.
3 Limited achievement against most of the objectives, or clear difficulties in some
areas. The student demonstrates a limited understanding of the required knowledge
and skills and is only able to apply them fully in normal situations with support.
4 A good general understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the ability to
apply them effectively in normal situations. There is occasional evidence of the skill of
analysis, synthesis and evaluation.
5 A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the
ability to apply them in a variety of situations. The student generally shows evidence of
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analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate and occasionally demonstrates
originality and insight.
6 A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and the
ability to apply them in a wide variety of situations. Consistent evidence of analysis,
synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student generally demonstrates
originality and insight.
7 A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge and skills, and
the ability to apply them almost faultlessly in a wide variety of situations. Consistent
evidence of analysis, synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student
consistently demonstrates originality and insight and always produces work of high
quality.
Our assessment of student achievement in the Middle Years Program is criterion-referenced against welldefined
subject outcomes. In line with this our reporting of student achievement is intended to be both
formative in that it should inform student learning, and summative in that students will receive a global
grade of achievement in each of their subjects.
Diploma Program
The grading system used for the IB Diploma is as follows.
Grade
Comment
7 Excellent performance
6 Very good performance
5 Good performance
4 Satisfactory performance
3 Mediocre performance
2 Poor performance
1 Very poor performance
To pass the IB Diploma a student must:
• gain at least 24 points;
• gain 12 points in their Higher Level subjects;
• gain 9 points in their Standard Level subjects;
• receive no grade 2 in a Higher Level subject;
• receive no more than one grade 2 in a Standard Level subject;
• receive no grade 1 in any subject;
• receive no more than three grades 3 or below;
• gain a grade from A to D in both TOK and the Extended Essay;
• Complete the CAS requirements.
The above list is not exhaustive, and may be subject to change but gives a clear indication of the criteria that
students need to meet in order to gain their IB Diploma.
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
Students needs to earn the following credits to obtain a High School Diploma:
English
Foreign Language
Social Studies
Science
Mathematics
4 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
3 credits
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Physical Education
Electives
2 credits
4 credits
Total: 22 credits
Electives may include selections from the Arts, Technology, extra Science, Humanities or Language classes.
CIS will transfer credits earned at other high schools, which meet our own standards for a credit in terms of
academic rigor and time required to complete the course.
A credit is earned upon successful completion, minimum grade of 3, of a subject that is studied for one full year.
The fourth credit in English must be completed in grade 12. Students must be enrolled as full-time students
taking a minimum of five courses in grade 12, in order to qualify for the High School Diploma. (Exceptions to this
rule may be made for students transferring into grade 12, at the discretion of the Principal).
A student must attend CIS for at least one full academic year in order to be eligible to graduate with a CIS High
School Diploma. Students transferring to CIS during grade 12, who are coming from a credit-based system such
as the U.S or another international school, should arrange to graduate from their previous high school before
enrolling at CIS. CIS will work with the previous school to ensure courses undertaken at CIS will help the student
to meet that school’s graduation requirements. Students who cannot make such arrangements will have their
graduation requirements considered on a case-by-case basis.
HOMEWORK
Homework is an important part of the academic program and is considered to be an extension of classroom
activities. It should be meaningful and targeted to improve an individual’s skills. In most classes students will
be assigned regular homework and may have the opportunity to begin those assignments during class time.
Homework assignments may be long-range projects with a due date set several weeks in the future. Other
assignments may include studying for upcoming exams or quizzes. Students should attend to these on a daily
basis and not expect to satisfactorily complete them at the last minute. Students who are absent are
responsible for obtaining their assignments from their teachers as soon as they return to school. Teachers
will allow a reasonable amount of time for the completion of homework. All homework assignments are
posted on teacher portal pages and in the Veracross Major Assignment Calendar. DP deadlines also appear
on the calendar on the CIS Website. Concerns about the spacing of due dates should be addressed to the DP
or MYP Coordinator.
HOMEWORK CAFE
Homework café operates after school on Thursdays in the Library. This is an informal learning environment
where students can work together or individually, and teachers drop by to give help. Different workshops
are also run at this time. Snacks are provided and food is also sold by Charity Club.
LAPTOPS
All Senior School students should bring a laptop to school each day. They will be used regularly in the
learning process, and some texts are now ebooks. CIS supports both MAC and PC platforms. Lockable
charging stations are available in two locations on City Campus. Keys can be obtained from the Office, should
students need to recharge laptops during the school day.
LIBRARY
The Senior School Library is located in the F floor Common Room. The CIS Librarian will be present two
days a week, and the rest of the time it will be staffed by volunteers and administrative staff. The aim of
the library is to support the school curriculum. The collection includes books, magazines, periodicals and
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audiovisual materials. The catalog is available online, along with a research guide and information, lists of
recommended books, and subscription databases. There is also a smart phone application available, and a
kindle collection. Students can check out six items at a time for two weeks. Students are responsible for all
borrowed materials. A replacement fee will be charged in case of a lost item. Enquiries should be
addressed to the CIS Librarian, Urania Beyer: UraniaBeyer@cis.dk
LOCKERS
Lockers are available for all Secondary School students. Students are encouraged to keep anything of value
in these lockers. If a student must bring something of greater value to school, he/she may keep it for a
short time in the Office, with the agreement of Office staff. Students are responsible for their lockers and
locker keys and they will have to pay for the replacement of any lost keys. Lockers must be cleaned out
with soapy water and left empty and locked at the end of the school year.
LUNCHES
Lunches are delivered from the Hellerup Campus and served from the A floor Lounge. Students may collect
and pay for their lunches in the Lounge, and take them where they choose to eat. Dirty plates and cutlery
should be returned to the Lounge and placed in the dishwasher by the student. Tables to eat at are also
available in the Grade 11 and 12 Lounge, in the F Floor Common Room and in the Courtyard. Plates and
cutlery belonging to the school should not be taken off the school premises, however students may supply
their own if they wish to take their food off-campus.
MISSED DEADLINES AND FAILURE TO SUBMIT WORK
The IB Programs are assessed against IB-set criteria. Teachers can only accurately assess student progress if
they have enough evidence by which to judge the progress. It is extremely important for student learning
that all set work is submitted.
Teachers set deadlines for homework and major assignments in order to help the students plan their work. If
a student fails to meet a deadline then the teacher is not required to give credit for the work. This may result
in the student receiving a ‘0’ against a particular criterion in the MYP, which will directly impact the overall
grade for that subject. In both the MYP and the DP, if a teacher does not have sufficient evidence on which
to judge a student’s progress, then the student may be given ‘no credit’ in that course.
Failure to meet deadlines for DP Internal Assessment tasks can result in failure of the IB Diploma.
OPEN CAMPUS
Senior School students may leave campus, without written permission from parents, when they do
not have a class. This includes break and lunchtimes for all students, and unscheduled lesson time
for years 11 and 12. Students availing of this privilege are expected to be at their following classes
on time, and to represent the school appropriately during their time off campus. School rules
apply.
PARENT COFFEE MORNINGS
Parent Coffee Mornings are held regularly and all parents are welcome to attend. The purpose of the
meetings is to socialize with other community members, give and receive information, and provide a forum
for open dialog and feedback on school programs and new initiatives. Besides the Principal, the Curriculum
Coordinators and Counselors, as well as other faculty members will regularly attend. Issues discussed will be
of a broad, school wide nature. Individual parent concerns about a child's placement or progress are not
discussed.
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PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)
All members of the parent and teacher bodies are automatically members of the PTA for the school year.
The PTA membership fee is included in the school tuition. The main purpose of the PTA is to serve the
students of the school. The objectives and functions of the PTA, therefore, will be to promote activities that
further the welfare of the school and students, and better understanding between parents and the school.
These activities will include the following:
(a)
(b)
(c)
Arranging meetings and discussions
Arranging and encouraging fund raising and social activities for the benefit of the students
Facilitating the circulation of information and contacts beneficial to its members.
The PTA officers are elected each spring from a set of candidates nominated by the parents. An Executive
Board composed of the officers, parents representing the classes of the three divisions of the school,
teacher representatives of the three divisions, and the school administration is charged with the
management of the PTA and its activities.
The PTA offers an opportunity for parents to volunteer in various ways in the school. Committees for
organizing special events, hospitality, fundraising, bake sales, book sales, and the like are typical annual
activities. Parents are encouraged to serve and support the school through the various events and activities
sponsored by the PTA.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION (P.E)
All grade 9 & 10 students participate in P.E classes off-campus. Most classes take place at facilities at
Svanemøllen, but there may also be other locations depending on the activity. Students are responsible for
their own travel to and from P.E. They should be ready to begin their lesson at the allocated start time, and
should therefore take travel time into account. This also applies to the lesson after P.E. If a student does not
have a travel card or ride a bike, then the school will reimburse klippekort that are used only for P.E classes.
Completed klippekort should be submitted to the P.E teacher for validation and reimbursement.
PUBLICATIONS
The school yearbook is published at the end of each school year and presents the various events and
activities that have taken place during the school year at CIS. The cost of the yearbook is included in the
fees and it is distributed to students in the last week of the school year. The yearbook is created by
students, with teacher support.
The Senior School also publishes Labyrinth, a Journal of the Arts, annually. The publication is available on
the CIS website. To view the latest edition, click here.
SAT TESTING
CIS is one of the few centers for SAT testing in Scandinavia. Both CIS and outside students may sit the exams
using our facilities. P-SAT tests can also be taken at CIS. There is an SAT preparation program at CIS each
year, which is run by an external company. All SAT queries should be directed to Senior School Counselor
Kristina Dodier: kristinadodier@cis.dk
SPORTS ACTIVITIES
CIS is an active member of the NECIS Sports Program (Northwest European Council of International
Schools). The program provides the opportunity for students in grades 5-12 to participate in a variety of
seasonal sports and international tournaments. There are nine other international schools in the
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organization from Norway, Sweden, Germany, Holland, Belgium and Luxembourg. Presently our
involvement in NECIS includes soccer, volleyball, basketball, softball, swimming, athletics, rugby and tennis.
Students who are selected as a member of one of our sports teams are expected to attend all practices and
scheduled games and of course take part in the friendly exchanges and end of season tournaments. There
is travel involved, including staying away overnight, possible hosting of invitation teams, as well as some
financial commitments.
We believe that participating in team sports enhances the ability to perform academically, and teaches
important social and leadership skills. All students who participate in our Sporting Program are expected to
maintain good Academic standing. Students who travel with sports teams will miss classes, and must be
able to handle this academically, and take the 8 absence limit per semester into account. Discussion will
take place between teachers and sports staff to ensure that our Academic and Sporting Programs support
each other. Policy in this area is in development, and this section of the Handbook will be updated during
the school year.
All enquiries should be directed to the Athletics Director, Robert Reynolds: RobertReynolds@cis.dk
STUDENT AWARDS
Awards Process
Students are nominated for Awards by Faculty. Citizenship awards and some of the Grade 12 awards are also
nominated by the students in the relevant grade levels. The number of nominations a student receives will
be one of the deciding factors in the process. Criteria eligibility for nominees will be checked by Grade Level
Team Leaders, IB Coordinators, and the Principal, and lists of nominees shared with the Faculty for further
discussion. Final decisions will be made by relevant Faculty Teams in collaboration with the Grade Level
Team Leaders and Principal.
Students who have disciplinary or academic honesty infractions, in the current school year, may not be
eligible for Awards. ‘Integrity’ is a criterion for all CIS Student Awards. Students who are on academic
probation or have ongoing attendance issues may also be ineligible for awards, unless there are extenuating
circumstances.
Grade 9 – 11 Awards
Outstanding Student Award
• Outstanding academic performance (as a guide: average grade of 6)
• Achievements in extra-curricular activities
• Exemplary involvement in community service
• Well respected by classmates and teachers
• Consistently positive attitude and effort
• High personal integrity
- Maximum of 6 recipients per grade level.
Citizenship Award
• Exemplifies CIS’s values of respect, tolerance, integrity and compassion.
• Appreciates diversity and the perspectives of others.
• Has an infectiously positive attitude; influences others in a positive way.
• Cares for and supports classmates and teachers.
• Participates well in school and community activities; demonstrates a willingness to contribute to
society.
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- Maximum of 2 recipients per grade level.
Leadership Award
• Shows leadership through initiative, involvement, enthusiasm, imagination, and consistency.
• Gives extra time, energy, and thought to class and school issues, student programs, and
CIS activities.
• High personal integrity
Community Service Award – grades 9 & 10
• Actively involved in an ongoing service activity in the Danish or global community for a minimum of
30 hours in one year.
• A role model, demonstrating compassion, integrity, initiative, and a genuine commitment to serve
others.
CAS Award – grade 11
• At least one particularly original and challenging activity
• Good authentic reflections
• A CAS folder demonstrating enthusiastic commitment to the spirit of the CAS programme
Environmental Award
• Promotes environmental awareness within the school community.
• Facilitates and organizes appropriate initiatives to reduce CIS’s environmental impact.
• Disciplined, responsible, creative, dependable, and consistent in the support of environmental
sustainability.
PTA Awards for Attitude and Effort
• Takes great pride in his or her work.
• Committed to doing his or her best.
• Shows resilience; overcomes obstacles in order to accomplish goals.
Grade 12 Awards
Departments give awards based on interest and dedication to the subject, academic merit and
improvement, as well as the awards outlined below.
Valedictorian
Presented to the student who has the highest GPA over the two years of Diploma Programme.
Salutatorian
Presented to the student who has the second highest GPA over the two years of the Diploma Programme.
Academic Merit Awards
Presented to the students who, with the Valedictorian and Salutatorian, make up the top 10% of the grade
level academically.
Student of the Year
This award is given to the student who the Faculty feels has made the greatest contribution to school life
during the past school year.
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Academically, this student, in the top third of the class, has demonstrated a keen quest for knowledge, has
had excellent attendance; has participated in many activities for the benefit of the school and could always
be relied on to work conscientiously for the public good.
The Student of the Year enjoys the respect and warm regard of his or her peers and Faculty members
The Bob Carignan Art Purchase Award
Each year, a panel of judges selects from the portfolios of our IB artists two works of painting, photography,
sculpture, or digital art to add to our growing collection. This award is named in honor of Bob Carignan, our
resident artist and teacher, who created and set into motion our art program way back in 1980, who
established the Art Purchase Award, and who has ever been an inspiration for our students.
Godfrey D. Sullivan History Scholarship
This award is given to the DP2 student in the top third of his/her class who in the opinion of the Faculty
demonstrates:
• a genuine and profound interest in the field of history and
• a significant commitment to international understanding, as evidenced by service to school activities
of an international character and positive constructive relationships with schoolmates
Red-Headed League Award
This award honours the memory of Britta Pierce, who served CIS as a teacher, counselor, and IB Coordinator
from 1982 -2002. The winner of this award is chosen by the graduating seniors and their teachers. The
award is presented to the student who best exemplifies those values Britta lived by:
1. the understanding that all people, regardless of birth or belief, are equal and equally deserving of
respect and regard;
2. the knowledge that one’s fullness of being lies in doing unto others as one would have done unto
oneself;
3. the realization that through honesty to others and to self one finds freedom;
4. the self-respect to be gained by living according to one’s ideals, especially when they are different from
that of society;
5. the courage to champion justice;
6. the ability to appreciate, celebrate and enjoy others for who they are;
7. the awareness that humour must be forgiving to be truly funny;
8. the recognition that love generously offered is a gift that returns ten-fold.
The ECIS Award for International Understanding
Awarded to student who is a good representative of their own country, with a positive attitude toward the
life and culture of others. Who is able to converse in at least two languages and a contributing force in the
life of the school, with the ability to bring differing people together into a sense of community, thus
furthering the cause of international understanding.
CIS Ambassador-At-Large
This award is given to that student whose character and achievements have made him or her the best
Ambassador for the school anywhere around the globe. The student achieved academic excellence through
rigorous effort and intellectual curiosity, as well as a hunger for knowledge that transcended concerns for
grades. This person has demonstrated an international spirit, tolerance and compassion that are central to
the CIS philosophy. This is a student who will be fondly remembered and profoundly missed.
Gammel Dansk Award
This certificate is presented to students who have attended Copenhagen International School from Pre-
School or First Grade through graduation from the Senior School. Your long-standing contribution to CIS is
commendable and worthy for special recognition.
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Vera B. Gellar Humour Award
This award is given to the student at CIS who, in the opinion of the faculty, most exemplifies the character
and personality of Vera B. Gellar, first and foremost, an ever-ready with and sense of humour, a spirited love
of life, and kindness and generosity to others, particularly towards young people.
Community, Action and Service Award
This award is given to the student that has shown the utmost dedication to CAS. He or she has been involved
in all 3 areas of CAS: Creativity, Action and Service, and personifies the spirit of CAS through their
commitment and service to others.
Student Council Most Spirited Award
This award is given to the student who has shown school most school spirit during the school year. The
award is voted on by students, as organized by the Student Council.
Leonard Euler Award for Mathematics
This award goes to the student who has shown the greatest peculiarity of thinking that sets him or her at an
advantage when solving abstract mathematical problems.
Jon Arup Danish Scholarship
This award is given to the student who has studied Danish to a high standard at CIS and has demonstrated a
keen interest in and commitment to the learning of the Danish language.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
CIS uses English as its language of instruction. CIS offers English language support at different levels for
students whose first language is other than English, in order that they may participate fully in all aspects of
school life. The EAL Program provides instruction in the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing.
The program focuses on developing and consolidating students’ effective use of receptive and expressive
vocabulary skills, reading, decoding and comprehension skills, grammar and written language skills.
Students are identified for EAL through the Admissions process and through testing.
To be accepted into the Senior School, a student must be able to access the Academic English content of
our courses. While EAL support is available, and course modification may be possible, Academic English
demands are still high. Enquiries regarding our EAL Program should be directed to Karen Watts, Director of
Student Support Services.
Learning Support
The Director of Student Support Services, in collaboration with the Principal and Learning Support
Coordinators, directs the support programming for students with learning disabilities and other special
needs. This work is done in consultation with the parents, teachers, counselor and other support staff, such
as the speech pathologist, occupational therapist and nurse.
The Learning Support Program for any particular student may focus on one or more of the following:
remediation of basic skills, support with approaches to learning and study skills, the development of coping
strategies for organizational weakness, support for projects and other long term assignments, and the
demystifying of learning disabilities. Students have regular contact with their Learning Support teachers.
This contact may be support in regular classes, in small pullout groups or one-on-one, or a combination of
all three. In addition, Learning Support teachers provide classroom teachers with suggested strategies for
support and differentiation in the classroom. The School supports the inclusive model as much as possible,
but a combination of in-class and pullout support often represents the least restrictive environment (LRE)
for the student.
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Standardized testing along with parent and teacher consultation is used to determine a student’s eligibility
for Learning Support. Students who have been in the Learning Support Program may be eligible for special
accommodations, including at the DP level. The Learning Support schedule remains flexible in order to
better address the needs of the students. The purpose of the program is to develop student ability to
function independently and the goal is always inclusion--with the appropriate level of support--within the
mainstream program.
Learning Support Assistants (LSA’s)
Students who require support beyond the normal resources of the school will be referred to the Learning
Support Assistant Program. Support may be for students requiring EAL support, as well as for students with
physical, emotional, behavioral, and/or severe learning difficulties. This program requires that parents
provide the necessary funding for their child’s necessary support. The AISS program is individually designed
and may take many different forms, including a combination of the following:
• Individual in-class support
• Individual pullout program
• Individual tutoring
All students referred to the AISS Program will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which outlines goals,
objectives, teaching strategies with suggested materials, as well as differentiation strategies for the
student within the classroom setting.
The need for LSA is usually identified through the admissions process. The Director of Student Support
Services will advise the Admissions Officer when support is needed in order to ensure an appropriate
program be provided for the student seeking admission. Following a consultation with the parents about
the amount of recommended support and its accompanying costs, an appropriate support person will be
hired for the student. Students will not attend school until support is in place.
The implementation of the LSA Program is coordinated by the Director of Student Support Services with
support from the Student Services Team. The Team members are responsible for direct supervision and
program planning, in collaboration with the LSA staff and the classroom teacher.
Learning Assistance Program
The LAP Program is a volunteer program staffed by parents and senior students (grades 11 & 12). The
program is designed for students who may benefit from additional one-on-one support within the school
setting. The program is administered by the LAP Coordinator who works closely with the relevant
Counselor and the Student Services Team.
The school is a community of learners. Volunteer support by parents and senior students encourages and
develops a sense of community service and involvement within the school. In addition, students who
receive LAP support are not only assisted in realizing their learning potential, but also are introduced to the
meaningfulness and credibility of life-long learning.
Students are generally referred to the LAP by teachers. Support may be available for classroom work, longterm
assignments, organization, study skills, second language practice, vocabulary development, extension
of an interest, project work, and development of communication and social skills.
In the majority of cases, the LAP Program is delivered on a one-to-one basis during, or immediately
following the school day.
Counseling Services
There are two full time counselors in the Senior School: Justin Kurrass and Kristina Dodier. Counseling is an
integral part of the educational process, assisting students with issues affecting personal and academic
development, consulting with teachers and parents, and monitoring the progress of students, as well as
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providing career and university planning services. They will work closely with Grade Level Team Leaders in
the development of the Advisory Program, and with faculty to promote student social and emotional wellbeing.
They are available to students for personal and academic counseling, and can refer students and
their families to external support resources as required. The work of the counselors is directly related to
CIS’s philosophy and mission statement.
Along with the DP and MYP Coordinators, the counselors supervise the orientation of new students to the
school. As a general guideline, Kristina will work with students with surnames A-K, and Justin with L-Z,
however students may change counselor without process. Students can see the counselor either by
dropping in or requesting an appointment time. Parents should contact Lesley McDonald in the school
office in order to make an appointment to see one of the counsellors: LesleyMcDonald@cis.dk
Health Services
CIS has a full time School Health Nurse, Charlotte Zeeberg. Her office is located at the Hellerup Campus, B
floor by the Primary Office, however she spends one day a week at City Campus and can be available at
other times by appointment. She can be reached via phone 3946 3327 or e-mail: nurse@cis.dk.
Please contact the CIS School Health Nurse with any problem your child may be facing, which could directly
or indirectly affect their well-being and performance at school.
Medical Records
Every student must have a complete and up-to-date medical record form in our database (Veracross).
Parents can update this information at any time throughout the year.
Medication
Any prescription/medication a student brings to school must have clear written instruction from home as
to the dosage of the medication and instructions for its administration. The Nurse’s office should be
notified in writing of this medication.
STUDENT WELL-BEING
Advisory
All students meet regularly in groups with their advisor. These groups will work with matters and conditions
that affect students’ life at CIS. The advisor program aims to raise student awareness and to give them tools
that will allow them to manage significant aspects of their lives as students. The program explores a variety
of study skills such as time management and students’ personal learning profile, significant social concerns
such as peer pressure and substance abuse, as well as a range of practical conditions and procedures that
students need to be familiar with. The program also actively involves the counselors.
Advisors cooperate closely with the grade level team leaders who are responsible for the well-being of
individual grade levels. Team leaders will help students to organize events and activities designed to
strengthen the cohesion of each grade level and the school spirit overall.
TIMETABLE
The Middle and Senior schools at CIS operate a 9-day rotating schedule. Senior School classes are generally
90 minutes in length, with 4 periods a day. The school day is from 8.45 to 15.45, with higher level classes in
the Diploma Programme also being run 8.00-8.45. Lunch is from 11.55-12.40. There is some variation to
the length of classes, according to grade level. All students will be provided with a copy of their schedule,
and it can also be accessed online through Veracross. Master Schedules will also be posted throughout the
school.
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TRIPS
Field Trips
Classes will take field trips to enhance learning opportunities throughout the year to places in and about
Copenhagen. In so far as possible, these trips will be taken on public transport. Students must have their
parents' permission to attend all trips. A field trip permission form must be filled in on our database
(Veracross) when your child joins Copenhagen International School and will cover his or her time in the
School. The School has high expectations of students and their good behavior while on trips, as they will
represent not only themselves but also the School. If students on trips misbehave and violate the trust the
School has in them, they may be sent home at the expense of the parents and banned from future trip
opportunities.
Operation Dagsverk
Each year Danish Schools participate in one day of work outside of school, donating their wages to raise
money for charity. At CIS grades 11 & 12 students participate. There are no classes in Senior School on this
day. The school will be closed for Faculty Professional Development.
Longer Trips
A variety of curricular trips are also organized for Senior School students, including theatre, science and
language trips, some of which involve overseas travel. Students are strongly recommended to attend all
trips that are related to the Diploma curriculum, as failure to attend may impact learning. There are also
opportunities to attend trips that are subject but not curriculum related, such as Mathletes competitions
and ISTA drama trips.
Students participating in MUN have the opportunity to attend the conference in the Hague each year, and
there are several Service Learning clubs which also offer opportunities to travel.
Social Overnight/DP Retreat
All students will spend one or two nights in late August off campus, with the purpose of building
community. It is an opportunity for students and teachers to get to know each other outside of the
classroom. The focus is on team building activities to promote friendship, respect and mutual tolerance.
These will be run at three different venues and will involve activities to welcome and orient students into
their respective grade levels. Grades 11 & 12 go together to the DP Retreat, as there are also curricular
elements to this trip.
Activity Week
In May of each year, students in grades 9 & 10 spend a week away with their grade level. This is called
‘Activity Week’. The program for the week is an extension of the school’s curriculum and is an integral part
of the students’ academic program.
The costs of the both the Social Overnight and Activity Week are covered by the school fees. There is no
additional charge and participation is mandatory.
School Rules Apply
All school rules apply on Field and Overnight Trips. Students who do not adhere to school rules will be sent
home at parent expense, and face disciplinary consequences at school. Depending on the age, parents may
be required to collect their child from the location.
TEXTBOOKS
All textbooks are provided by the school, and distributed by teachers as required. Students have the option
to purchase some Literature texts and Language exercise books. Students are required to return their
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textbooks at the end of the program (this could be at the end of the school year or after two years for the
Diploma Program). A fee is charged for unreturned textbooks.
TRANSCRIPTS, IB RESULTS AND DIPLOMAS
Students leaving CIS should apply to Lesley McDonald in the Senior School Office for a transcript. Transcripts
are generally sent directly to the next educational institution. Please note that the end of the school year is a
very busy time in the office, and it may take a week after second semester reports are released for
transcripts to be ready.
For graduating students, their Counselor will ensure that final school transcripts are forwarded to any
universities who require this document.
Graduating students who wish to ensure that the IB informs their chosen universities of their Diploma results
need to fill in the relevant form in April of the final year. The IB will ensure that up to 6 universities (only one
of which can be in the US) will be provided with a transcript of his/her Diploma results.
It is the responsibility of each student to let their Counselor and the DP Coordinator know to which
university information needs to be sent.
The IB Diploma, and the Diploma Results Document, generally arrive at CIS in late August. These are sent to
students as quickly as possible, providing that an accurate postal address has been provided.
Some universities, as part of the application process, require an original Diploma earlier than the arrival of
these documents at school. Unfortunately, there is no means for supplying this. In such cases, a certified
copy of the IB results document from the website may suffice.
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