ASM in Brief

Our Educational Program

At ASM, we work with each child to help her/him grow and develop to his/her full potential. We hold high expectations for all students and work, in partnership with parents, to see that each child meets or exceeds our expectations.

For the majority of our students, English is a second or a third language. They gradually learn their new language and are quickly able to study any subject in English.

Our focus on educating the “whole child” includes the teaching of values such as honesty, integrity, kindness, and responsibility. The development of respect for one’s self and others is a major goal for all members of the ASM school community. These values guide our efforts as educators and help our students to become true “global citizens”.

The school is organized into two sections: Lower School (Grades PK-5); and Upper School (Grades 6-12).

The educational program at The American School of Marrakesh is based on U.S. standards and benchmarks. Students in grades K-12 receive instruction in English in the areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science. Beginning in Grade 1, all students study Classical Arabic for one period each day. Beginning in Grade 5, students also have French classes for one period each day.

Our students also attend physical education, music, and art classes each week. The computer lab at ASM is available throughout the week for students in Grades K-12. Children in grades K-5 have regularly scheduled library visits on a weekly basis.

Teaching Methodologies

ASM teachers use a student-centered approach to teaching and learning. Assistants work closely with classroom teachers in order to meet the specific needs of individual students.

Classroom Resources

Textbooks and other educational materials are purchased in the United States and shipped annually to Morocco through International Schools Services (ISS) in Princeton, New Jersey.

ASM is dedicated to providing teachers and students with the resources they need to deliver a high quality educational program.

Assessment

The school collects and analyzes quantifiable and observable evidence of individual learning and growth from multiple reliable sources. Evidence of student learning is used to evaluate and improve curriculum effectiveness, instructional practices, professional development, and support services.

The American School of Marrakesh uses a variety of assessment methods to measure student learning and growth. In the classrooms, teachers assess student learning in the following ways:


Reporting Academic Progress

The ASM school year is divided into three trimesters of approximately 12 weeks. All students and parents receive a Report each trimester.

Beginning in Grade 1, students receive letter grades on their Report Cards.

Technology

The school is a wi-fi environment. It currently has one computer laboratory for all students, grades K-12. Each class is equipped with a computer station and a projector, some of them interactive. Our goal is to integrate technology into daily instruction.

Elective Classes for Secondary Students

Beginning in Grade 6, students are offered special elective classes that allow them to pursue their interests and develop their individual talents. Students in grades 7-10 are currently offered art, music and computer classes, whereas students in grades 11 and 12 may also choose from additional classes that include: International Relations, Physical Education, and playwriting/ Drama. Plans are currently being made to broaden the elective offerings for all students.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities are offered to all students in Grades 1-12. These activities take place on the ASM campus from 3:35 to 4:30, Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. These activities are specially designed to address the interests of students at each level.

Sample Program of Extracurricular Activities:


Sports at ASM

Students in Grades 6-12 are given the opportunity to participate in the following sports: Track and Field; Volleyball; Basketball; and Soccer. These sports are open to both girls and boys. The ASM Athletic Director organizes games and tournaments with both local schools and other institutions within Morocco.

Students in Grades 3-5 are also given the opportunity to represent their school through their participation in basketball and soccer games/tournaments.

Contact Us
 ASM logo
Copyright © 2011 The American School of Marrakesh. All rights reserved.