Teach Middle East Magazine Nov-Dec 2015 Issue 2 Volume 3 | Page 17

Featured School a balanced learning program that fosters excellence in academics, athletics, the arts and service, the four pillars underpin the Mission and Vision of ACS.” the social and emotional needs of the whole child. Our outstanding teachers help our students become responsible, well-rounded leaders,” states Dr. Heslip. The academic program at ACS prepares their culturally diverse student body for a lifelong commitment to learning, service and global citizenship. She adds that the school consistently has successes academically, specifically in the IB Diploma program, where all students do extremely well on their IB exams and the IB Diploma results. The school’s 2012-2015 School Profile lists an impressive acceptance rate for graduates who have secured admission to Ivy League and other prestigious universities worldwide. She continues, “Our dynamic educational approach promotes excellence in academics, athletics and the arts. ACS offers a comprehensive extracurricular program, which provides our students with opportunities to pursue their interests and passions in clubs, activities, the arts and athletics.” A commonality among some of the top schools in the United Arab Emirates to date is that of having a dedicated team of educators makes all the difference to the success of the school. This is also one of the hallmarks at ACS. “The ACS faculty consists of a talented team of educators whose dedication not only cultivates academic skills needed for success but also supports The school also enjoys successes in sports via numerous competitions locally and regionally with other American International schools. ACS, despite being one of the smallest schools in the Middle East South Asia Conference (MESAC) has repeatedly secured first place in many of the competitions. “What I am most proud of is that, our teams frequently win the sportsmanship award, which is a reflection of their character,” cites Dr. Heslip, “for me, that’s more important than the other trophies or awards that you can win. It’s about who you are. It’s not a test score. If you have integrity and demonstrate the value of being a good person who will serve and go out and do your best, then we are on the road to success as a school.” ACS has a very successful Robotics program as part of their curriculum and extra-curricular options. Robotics has been on offer at the school for several years. However, three years ago, they enhanced the program to include elective robotics classes during the school day, as well as a more structured after school activity for high school and middle school students including involvement in the World Robotics Olympiad (WRO). “In the first WRO in June 2014, we had three teams competing and one of our high school teams was placed first in the UAE national level competition. The first place finish qualified our team to participate in the international level of the WRO, representing the UAE in Sochi, Russia in November 2014. Concerns regarding the safety of the location led to a cancellation of the involvement of the UAE teams in the international competition,” explains Dr. Heslip. Ms Kasey Kozara engages her Grade 9 students during Global Studies. D r. Robin Heslip, Superintendent of American Community School. A view of the Biology Laboratory at ACS. The Viper Pit carries school memorabilia and more. Class Time | | Nov - Dec 2015 | 15