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Academics

With a world-embracing outlook, Townshend International School has for over 20 years welcomed students from 106 countries to the heart of Europe. At Townshend you will receive what students at all excellent international schools receive:

  • Outstanding academics

  • An international experience

  • A life-long network of global friendships

But something more distinguishes Townshend – something about the way we approach education and each individual student that makes Townshend a unique experience. We warmly invite you to learn more about our unique culture.

The language of instruction at Townshend is English. Many students come to Townshend to learn and master English, and our English Language Programme provides strong support for students from non-English speaking backgrounds.

Our teaching staff are a highly qualified group of individuals, with more than 80% holding advanced degrees and certifications, including masters and doctoral degrees. They come from over 15 countries, and bring with them life experiences that enrich the education of our students. Amongst this distinguished group of educators you will find published authors, entrepreneurs, opera singers, researchers, professional actors, business owners, artists, and doctors.

 

At any school the teaching staff is at the core of the educational process, and we are fortunate to have built such a talented and caring team.

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Primary

Kindergarten & Primary

Townshend International Primary School was established in 1996. From its small beginnings with only a handful of pupils it has grown and developed into a school with a vibrant kindergarten and thriving Upper and Lower Primary classes. It has been accredited with Cambridge International Primary School status and as such offers a primary programme based on the English National Curriculum.

Pupils enjoy excellent learning through small class sizes, individual attention from experienced teachers and the opportunity to apply their knowledge to the real world through Project Based Learning. We aim to educate the ‘whole’ child and alongside traditional subjects, we fully support learning through art, music and drama. We also value spiritual education and hope to nurture in our pupils an understanding of the school philosophy, “We are all flowers of one garden, the leaves of one tree, and the drops of one ocean.”

 

Townshend Primary students enjoy inspiring classrooms, a library, computer lab, and arts, music and drama studios. Our outdoor play area caters for all age groups and encourages a healthy lifestyle through stimulating play. Lunch is served each day in our school canteen overlooking Hluboká castle, and includes homemade soups, hot meals, and salads.

In the Primary school we have an exciting structured curriculum full of new experiences and lots of fun! The goal of our programme is to meet your child’s needs not only intellectually, but also physically, socially, and emotionally. Going to school is one of the most important experiences in a child’s life. Townshend International School is an exciting place where children meet new friends and participate in a variety of experiences. 

 

It is during the first years of life that children form attitudes about themselves, others, learning, and their environment. These attitudes last a lifetime, so we work very hard to provide your child with wonderful experiences that will help them to feel good about themselves and their school.

You are welcome to download our handbooks for additional information:

New Handbooks (2023):

Kindergarten Handbook (new)

Primary Handbook (new)

Old Handbooks:

Kindergarten Handbook (old)

Lower Primary Handbook (old)

Upper Primary Handbook (old)

Curriculum - English

Curriculum - Czech

Secondary

Secondary

Townshend is a Cambridge International School. Students in all grades are guided by experienced, passionate teachers, and benefit from a diverse curriculum, Enrichment Programme, and plenty of opportunities for Project Based Learning, through which learning is consolidated and applied to the real world.

Grades 7, 8 and 9
Students in Grade 8 and 9 study a broad range of subjects from the fields of Science, Humanities, Arts, Languages and Physical education. In small and friendly multi-cultural classes students receive plenty of teacher time. They learn through discussion, practical activities, excursions, and experimentation; through creative and imaginative tasks; and group collaboration. At the same time they consolidate and refine basic skills in communication, computer use, and self-management. The school has a strong English as a Second Language (ESL) programme, and is a very supportive environment for students who are learning in English for the first time. Teachers work closely with parents and Dorm Parents to ensure that students develop effective study skills.

Level I and II
In Levels I and II students study a broad range of subjects from the fields of Science, Humanities, Arts and Languages. Classes are small, and engage all students in active learning. Classes become more analytical, and students learn to apply knowledge in practical situations; to solve problems; to evaluate situations and propose solutions; to express themselves with fluency and vitality, and there is strong ESL support for students from non-English speaking backgrounds. Each course culminates with the
 Cambridge IGCSE examinations, which are taken at the end of Level II.

See complete IGCSE syllabus material from www.cie.org.uk

Levels III and IV
In these levels students prepare for entry to University. They select subjects closely related to their interests, their university entrance requirements, and their career aspirations. In these levels, courses are aimed to prepare students for Cambridge AS and A Level examinations, leading to the award of AICE (Advanced International Certificate of Education). They will undertake in-depth study of fewer subjects and may, by their choice of subjects, either keep their options open or specialise in the area that suits them. They will develop the skills to analyse, identify and explore links between subjects, evaluate material and opinions to arrive at their own conclusions, advocate solutions, work together and consult effectively to arrive at effective and appropriate courses of action; and they will be able to do so with a global perspective. The programmes are designed to enable students to emerge from their school years empowered to contribute positively and creatively to society.

See complete AS & A-Level syllabus material from www.cie.org.uk

Townshend Curriculum

Učební osnovy střední školy pro I. – IV. ročník

List of University Acceptances for Townshend students

English Support

English Support

At Townshend, there are three levels of English classes at the secondary school level:

English – Second Language (ESL): For students whose first language is not English, but have some facility with English. Depending on grade level, the programme consists of ESL classes, or small/individually tutored groups, or a combination of both, depending on the type of support necessary to accelerate language skills. There may also be additional classes scheduled instead of a third language subject.

English – Language: For students of English and non-English speaking backgrounds who are approaching advanced level skills in English and ready to work mostly with authentic texts, and to develop their understanding of language through the study of literature.

English – First Language: For students who are at a very competent native-speaker level, ready to tackle complex, culturally-loaded literature and canon texts.

We place students in the appropriate English level based on the results of placement examinations. For students 16 years old and above who are not native English speakers, the IELTS or other approved English exam must be taken at the time of applying.

Social Action

Social Action Programme

“Learning through action” is the principle that lies at the heart of the Social Action Programme. The programme, designed specifically for Grades 7, 8 and 9, combines knowledge developed in Civics units (like Health, Environment and Justice), with the study of character development themes and the planning of community service projects.

Creative attention is devoted to involving junior youth in activities that will engage their interests, mould their capacities for service, and assist them to positively influence their community.

Empowerment
The concept of ‘Empowerment’ is central to the facilitation of the programme. It means that young people are encouraged to take ownership of their personal development and building their capacity for meaningful social action in their communities. Within the group the youth study aspects of character development, develop their power of expression, discuss difficult issues with peers, create art, and plan and carry out service projects.

Animators
Crucial to the empowerment process is the role of the ‘Animator’, a trained older youth and/or teacher who facilitates participation in various efforts, such as discussions, arts and service projects.

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