Family Handbook - The Anglo-American School of Sofia

Family HandbookAASInstructionOther Curricular ProgrammingThe following enhance our students‘ learning and support our four core elements:art, music, drama, personal, social, and health education, physicaleducation and Bulgarian cultural studies. At all levels, the students‘ work isfurther enhanced by their use of the Library, and of Information and CommunicationTechnology (Computers). French, Spanish and Bulgarian languagesare available, based on student interest and staffing availability.English as a Second LanguageThe English as a Second Language (ESL) program is provided for those studentswho are non-native speakers of English and are not able to participatefully in the academic program. Once the language level is determined by theESL team, a student is given assistance at the appropriate level. For elementarystudents in grades two through five who enter with little or no English, atypical ESL program would consist of focused ESL classes during the languageand literacy part of the day. Beyond grade five, students are expected tohave enough English proficiency to be able participate in the mainstreamprogram in all subject areas. In grades one to eight, additional English LanguageEnrichment is provided during the time designated for foreign language.Communication Technology (Computers)The School regards computers as an indispensable tool, both for the student‘swork in school and throughout later life. The objective is to provide appropriateopportunities for the use of computers in the classroom, as well as in theroom specifically designated for computer use. Computers offer students significantopportunities for interactive learning and research and for the publishingof their work. Where appropriate, computer use will be linked to the Internetand the school has an Acceptable Use Policy, which must be signed bystudents and acknowledged by the parents. The use of computers is supportedby a developmental curriculum to make effective use of the latesttechnologies.LibraryThe School library has over 13,000 volumes in its collection, which is being constantlyexpanded. The reference section is supported by computers with CDROMs, and with access to the Internet. Students in Kindergarten through gradefive have a regularly-scheduled library period once a week. In addition, the14www.aas-sofia.org