Guide to International Schools 2017 | Page 8

AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL TESTIMONIALS What were the most important factors for you in selecting a school? “We wanted a school with ties to Australia and the Australian curriculum but most importantly for us, was a school that offered play based learning within a nurturing environment. Our children are very young and we wanted them to explore and learn in a stimulating environment that promotes and believes in enriching their lives through play. I strongly believe children should be outside playing, painting, getting messy and learning through experiences rather than sitting inside at a desk. In addition, we really wanted a 3 day program so that they weren’t in full time school from such a young age. Many other schools don’t offer this and for us, it was like another indicator that AIS is focused on making sure that each child’s needs can be catered for and that there are opions available to suit everyone. We viewed a number of schools and, as luck would have it, AIS was the last school we visited before we made our decision. During our first visit to the school, I very quickly realised we didn’t need to look any further. From a parents perspective there is something to be said for the ‘feel’ of a place and AIS felt right from the moment we walked through the door. Everyone from the admissions staff through to the Head of Early years was so accommodating and helpful throughout the entire process. I remember sitting on the pre-school sized chairs with the Head of Early years while she was playing with my 3 year old (at the time) and it was just so natural and open. Her focus wasn’t on me or trying to sell the school to me, it was on showing my little girl a learning environment and play space and moving through it at Brooklyn’s pace even if it was only ever just for that one moment in time.” - Kylee & Robert Smith Parents of Brooklyn Smith, 5 years old, Prep school & Jackson Smith, 3 years old, Nursery