CIS - Evaluation Visit Reflection

Our school has an International Accreditation with the Council of International Schools (CIS) and as a member of this organisation, our educators have opportunities to participate in additional training, including the Evaluator Development Programme. By successfully completing this course you can be selected to participate in Evaluation Visits on a local and global scale. This year I have been fortunate to participate in two Team Evaluation Visits. In May, I was part of a Pathway Two CIS Evaluation Team at Serpell Primary School, in Templestowe and just last week returned from a Pathway One Evaluation Team visit at Makuhari International School (MIS) in Chiba, Japan.

The Evaluation Team at Serpell Primary School consisted of Azra Pathan from The International School of Kuala Lumpur, Mark Verde from the Bangkok Patana School and Frank Catalano the Principal from Glen Waverley Primary School. At this visit we explored the school’s approaches to supporting English as Additional Language Learners, their implementation of the revised Mathematics Curriculum 2.0, the Philosophy Program and extra-curricular learning opportunities. As we are undertaking a Pathway Two Accreditation Cycle with the CIS, this visit provided insightful learning opportunities to support our work at ENPS and informed our decision to focus our projects on Learning and Teaching.

The Evaluation and Leadership Team of Makuhari International School. Trent Citrano, Principal of Makuhari International School, Sasi Marioni from HELP International School, Edward Gilbreath, Dorothy Hayes, Anthony Hall, Assistant Principal of Makuhari International and Robin Schneider from Fukuoka International School. At this Pathway One visit I had the responsibility of reviewing Domain C: Curriculum and Domain H: Community and Home Partnerships, whilst supporting the evaluation and report writing of Domain D: Teaching and assessing for Learning and Domain E: Wellbeing. The service learning opportunities, global citizenship program, approaches to differentiation and bilingual education at MIS were real strengths and this professional development will certainly support the work in our upcoming CIS Projects. 

As an evaluator it has been a privilege to gain experience from schools, systems and other educators from around the world. Working as a team, sharing ideas and reflecting on the accreditation standards and main drivers has been invaluable. I have made wonderful connections with other evaluators, have so many new ideas to bring back to ENPS and some great recommendations for sushi restaurants! A huge thanks to Kate and our ENPS community for their encouragement and support to undertake these opportunities.

Kind regards and happy holidays,

Alice McKenzie

Assistant Principal