FAQS

1) The Form 1 to 3 curriculums are unclear to me, please can you advise on standards?
2) As from For 4 does the student have the choice of science or economics orientation as it is with the HSC?

The WISS program has been designed to ensure students are successful in passing their first external qualification after a two-year program, IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) which is an internationally recognised qualification. As mentioned in our presentation, at the end of Form 3, the students are required to take 8 subjects including the core subjects.

Our Forms 4 & 5 students will follow the Cambridge IGCSE program. The choices of subjects WISS has made for these school years are crucial. The IGCSE curriculum gives a broad based education to students to ensure that students are not specialising at an early age but have at least six subject areas which are required by the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Forms 6 & 7.

This is why WISS will propose a subject choice option, over and above, the core subjects; Maths, English and Science, which are compulsory. Students will therefore be asked to choose several other subjects which will be arranged in different groups. These subjects will play an important role in their choice of further education and future careers.

WISS curriculum for Forms 1 to 3 has been therefore based on recognised International standards and the Mauritian curriculum.

You will note that the Mauritian curriculum is also based on International standards because in Mauritius, students sit for Cambridge examinations at the end of Form 5. We are therefore, required to ensure that we also cover the Mauritian requirements which are set by the Private Secondary School Authority (PSSA) and Cambridge.

For more information: http://www.cie.org.uk/programmes-and-qualifications / www.ibo.org

Please find in the table below an idea for the choice of subjects for IGCSE.

Students are required to choose one or two subjects from each group.

Group 1
Languages

English Language & Literature

English as a Second Language

French Language & Literature

French as a second Language

Can choose only one second language

Group 2
Humanities and
Social Sciences

Economics

Geography

History

3rd language

Group 3
Sciences

Biology

Chemistry

Physics

Or Combined Science

Group 4
Mathematics

Mathematics

Additional Maths

Group 5
Creative, Technical
and sports

Business Studies SL

ICT

Art and Design

Design and Technology

Food and Nutrition

Fashion and Fabrics

Physical Education

3) What will be the school hours?

The school hours will be from 8hr to 15h10.

4) How many students per class?

The numbers per class will be a maximum of 25 students.

5) When can we purchase memberships?

The memberships are open until the 31st of December 2014

6) Forms 1-4: maths/science/English compulsory pass. What about if a child is more gifted in art or any other subject but weak in maths?

The student will have to pass all the core subjects to proceed further. However, if a child needs a special attention in maths for example, as he is having difficulties in reaching the required level, a special program may be implemented. This weakness will certainly need to be detected early in the year. Special programs will be implemented after a thorough assessment and consultation between the teacher, the student, the parent and the principal.

7) Is the IB as recognised as the French Baccalaureate or the HSC? And internationally?

After completing the IB, a student can study in French or English speaking countries. The IB is recognised by universities worldwide. The IB examination marks the end of secondary education, which opens the door to tertiary studies same as the French Baccalaureate or the HSC. Examples of some universities: Harvard, Oxford and La Sorbonne.

8) How can we buy shares at WIPS (Westcoast Primary)?

No more shares are available for the primary school. Shares were offered to parents in 2008 and 2009. Some parents who have acquired shares and who have left the country might be willing to sell their shares. Please contact the primary school who will act as a facilitator. Please note that the acquisition is done between the buyer and the seller only.

9) Lower school teachers must prepare students for the challenges of IGCSE and IB, will they be equipped for that?

Recruitment will be based on specific competencies. Teachers will be qualified to ensure the students have the best preparation to attend the exams of IGCSE.

10) What would the assessment process be for a home-schooled child?

Students are admitted to the school after a careful assessment in English and Maths and in any other subjects that may be required and after an interview with students and parents.

11) If my child is in WIPS (Westcoast Primary) and I am not a shareholder. Will I pay for the enrolment fees in the secondary school?

Yes, the two schools are two completely separate companies.

12) What is the definition of Resident and Non-Resident?

Residents: Mauritian citizens

Non-Residents: Non-Mauritian citizens

In order to qualify for Mauritian fees, a student must be in possession of a Mauritian birth certificate, Mauritian passport or have a parent in possession of a Mauritian passport.

13) What sports/ extra mural activities will be proposed in 2015 for Form 1?

Extracurricular activities such as Judo, Arts and many more as well as support classes for students with learning difficulties will be run after school hours.

Four periods per week will be allocated to sports and athletics. We aim to make available football; basketball and volley ball pitches. Other sports such as cricket, table tennis, badminton, touch rugby and swimming are also amongst our immediate consideration.

Two periods per week will be allocated to special activities to promote personal development. These will include marine awareness, drama, heritage and history, community service projects etc…

Cultural trips, field trips and educational visits which are essential supplements to classroom activities will be regularly proposed.

14) Why should I select IB for my child?

The purpose of IB is to produce global citizens.

The IB Diploma has earned universal reputation for rigorous assessment, giving students access to the top colleges and universities in the world.

The curriculum equips students with the tools needed to succeed in higher education, such as self-confidence, preparedness, research skills, organisational skills and being actively engaged in own learning. University admissions around the world are getting competitive by the day. Admission officers are increasingly looking for other evidence that a student will succeed in the university – such as exposure to quality curriculum, research abilities, international outlook and social service – all enhanced by IB.

15) When will the building at Cascavelle be ready?

The first phase of the building will be built in 2015 in order to be ready for mid 2016.

17) Will WIPS and WISS share the same holidays?

Yes, they will follow the same calendar

16) What will be the percentage increase in fees every year?

In the first years we will try to limit the increase to 10%. We cannot guarantee the percentage increase but what we can guarantee is that we will be offering very competitive fees as compared to other international schools over the island.

You are welcome to contact us any time,
to request more information