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MEF International School (MEFIS) is a private international school located in the Ortaköy district of Istanbul, Turkey. It was established in 1997 by Dr. Ibrahim Arikan . There are about 461 students who are enrolled from Preschool to Grade 12. The school's curriculum is centered mainly around the Cambridge and IB Diploma Program. The school's motto is "Building Bridges between Countries and Cultures" and the school's main focus is on being diverse and accepting different cultures. There are 52 different nationalities in MEF International School. As an International School it has a very strong English program for students who come to the school with limited or no English.

History

MEF International School Istanbul (MEFIS) was found in 1999 by Dr. Ibrahim Arikan, a well-known Turkish entrepreneur and businessman who heads various companies grouped under Arakanli Holding Inc. MEFIS was established following the foundation of the Turkish MEF National School and both schools share the same campus location in the Ulus Neighborhood of Istanbul. MEFIS was created to provide English language education from Pre-school, Elementary school, Middle school and High school levels for the International community based in Istanbul.

Foundation and vision

Before the national school was even open, about 10 years ago, the founder of our school put together a group of specialists and educators and he sent them off to various different countries all around the world. During that time their job was to investigate the different education systems in each of those countries.

Relation with Mef National School

Both schools share the same facilities on campus, but schedules differ. They don't have equal lunch and recess time. Though the MEF National school is longer and has longer periods. Plus the National and International schools do not use the same cafeterias. The teachers are different and some subjects are different.

Campus

The MEF International School Campus is really big. The school has a safe recess area so the children at school won't get hurt. MEF International School shares the same playground as the National School of MEF. All though the National Schools campus is bigger than the MEF International School campus.

Curriculum

There are the three separate curricula: Primary Years Programme for Preschool-Grade 5, Cambridge for grades 6-8, IGCSE for grades 9,10 and IB Diploma/IB Certificate for grades 11,12. The total of the students in the IB program is 34. The IB program started in 1998 which is 30 years after it was founded in Switzerland. Overall in the IB program there are 16 nationalities. In the IB program they use textbooks from the oxford and Cambridge press. In primary they do not use particular textbooks. These students have a small choice for specials and activities. MFL is also a small choice. MFL stands for modern foreign language. They also have an activities for non-english speaking people. It is like MFL but not Spanish or French. Just English.

Primary

At MEFIS primary there are approctimatley 256 students. There are at least 39 cultures. In primary the students have units. These units are the main thing students learn .For example 5th grade's unit could be civilizations so the whole unit 5th grade will learn about civilizations.Students also learn different things in classes like math or writing.Students also learn languages.The languages are Spanish,French,and English.

Secondary

In Middle School there is Cambridge curriculum for grades 6-8.

High School

The high school graduation rate is nearly 100%.In our IB program. Students have special textbooks which are made by the Oxford and Cambridge press.Our IB program started in 1998, 30 years after it was founded in Switzerland.There are 16 nationalities is the IB program and there are 34 students following this program.In our high school there are so many cultures. We truely are an International School.

Languages

As we know that MEFIS is an International School, there must be a lot of languages. For the no English speakers school has a special class that is called ELL. It is like MFL, but instead teaches teach English instead of French and Spanish. Building Bridges between countries and cultures means that every child are free to express themselves.There are many languages in MEFIS, but here are the main ones.

Science

The mefis science program uses the Cambridge program. Cambridge IGCSE Biology has an emphasis on human biology, and enables candidates to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Candidates learn about the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Candidates also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study, which are useful in everyday life. better understand the technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters recognise the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and how to apply this to other disciplines and in everyday life develop relevant attitudes, such as a concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, inquiry, initiative and inventiveness further interest in, and care for, the environment better understand the influence and limitations placed on scientific study by society, economy, technology, ethics, the community and the environment. Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry enables candidates to better understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments through learning about the basic principles of Chemistry through a mix of theoretical and practical studies learning how science is studied and practiced, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. Cambridge IGCSE Physics enables candidates to learn about the basic principles of Physics through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. Candidates also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study and skills which are useful in everyday life. As they progress, candidates learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. Successful candidates gain lifelong skills, including: confidence in a technological world, with an informed interest in scientific matters an understanding of how scientific theories and methods have developed, and continue to develop, as a result of groups and individuals working together an understanding that the study and practice of science are affected and limited by social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural factors an awareness that the application of science in everyday life may be both helpful and harmful to the individual, the community and the environment knowledge that science overcomes national boundaries and that the language of science, used correctly and thoroughly, is universal an understanding of the usefulness (and limitations) of scientific method, and its application in other subjects and in everyday life a concern for accuracy and precision an understanding of the importance of safe practice improved awareness of the importance of objectivity, integrity, inquiry, initiative and inventiveness an interest in, and care for, the environment an excellent foundation for advanced study in pure sciences, in applied science or in science-dependent vocational courses.Cambridge IGCSE Co-ordinated Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics within a cross-referenced, scientifically coherent syllabus. It is a double award, earning two grades. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. They learn how science is studied and practiced, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments. Cambridge IGCSE Combined Sciences gives learners the opportunity to study Biology, Chemistry and Physics, each covered in separate syllabus sections. Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of each subject through a mix of theoretical and practical studies, while also developing an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study. They learn how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment. As well as focusing on the individual sciences, the syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.

Arts

Throughout the year, students’ artwork is showcased in ongoing art exhibits around the school. The end of the year MEFIS Annual Primary Art Exhibition is a favorite school event. Each child has a selected artwork on display for the community to appreciate and reflect upon.

Sports

At MEFIS, students learn many types of sports including soccer, basket ball, tennis, swimming, running, ping pong and dodge ball. The school has a swimming pool and it belongs to the national school. There are 2 small gyms where the students normaly do their PE lessons.

Mathematics

In the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), mathematics is also viewed as a vehicle to support inquiry, providing a global language through which MEFIS make sense of the world around MEFIS. It is intended that students become competent users of the language of mathematics, and can begin to use it as a way of thinking, as opposed to seeing it as a series of facts and equations to be memorized. MEFIS number system is a language for describing quantities and the relationships between quantities. For example, the value attributed to a digit depends on its place within a base system. Numbers are used to interpret information, make decisions and solve problems. For example, the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division are related to one another and are used to process information in order to solve problems. The degree of precision needed in calculating depends on how the result will be used. Data handling allows us to make a summary of what we know about the world and to make inferences about what we do not know. Data can be collected, organized, represented and summarized in a variety of ways to highlight similarities, differences and trends; the chosen format should illustrate the information without bias or distortion. Probability can be expressed qualitatively by using terms such as "unlikely", "certain" or "impossible". It can be expressed quantitatively on a numerical scale. To measure is to attach a number to a quantity using a chosen unit. Since the attributes being measured are continuous, ways must be found to deal with quantities that fall between numbers. It is important to know how accurate a measurement needs to be or can ever be. The regions, paths and boundaries of natural space can be described by shape. An understanding of the interrelationships of shape allows us to interpret, understand and appreciate our two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) world. To identify pattern is to begin to understand how mathematics applies to the world in which we live. The repetitive features of patterns can be identified and described as generalized rules called "functions". This builds a foundation for the later study of algebra.

Library & Technology

The MEFIS library provides curriculum support and meets the recreational reading needs for the whole school from Pre-School PYP program to the IB Diploma, Grade 12.

Technology

At MEF International School, technology is another educational tool and is blended into the teaching and learning environment. Technology is used in communication, collaboration, creation, and demonstration of student work. It is also used for researching information with the purpose of enhancing the teaching and learning environment and equipping students with 21st Century Skills. Strong emphasis is given to becoming responsible digital citizens as a community throughout the academic year in all class levels. The Educational Technology Coordinator works together with the information technology department, teachers and students with the purpose of integrating technology as an added value to the teaching and learning environment in the school. Each student is provided with a MEF IS email account with different privileges and security rights depending on their grade levels. Students can communicate, collaborate and share information and knowledge within the MEF International School community through these school accounts. The school provides the technological infrastructure with the help of smartboards, Apple TV's, LCD projectors, classroom based access points as well as laptops and ipads for the teaching staff and access to a range of Microsoft, Google and Apple applications and programs for the whole community. "Bring Your Own iPad Program" is also in the process of being implemented in Grades 5 and 6.

Library

The MEFIS library provides curriculum support and meets the recreational reading needs for the whole school from PreSchool PYP programme to the IB Diploma Grade 12. The library in MEFIS is run by Beverley Stubbs and Şila Akohen. Opening Hours Monday | 8:00 - 4:00 Tuesday | 8:00 - 3:30 Wednesday| 8:00 - 4:00 Thursday | 8 :00 - 4:00 Friday | 8:00 - 3:30 The students are taught to find the books in the library. They learn about how the fiction books are organized by author's name and how the non fiction is organized by the code number system. LIBRARY CATALOG The Follett Destiny Library Catalog can be accessed at any time, from anywhere there is internet access. Students may login to: search titles, authors and subjects in the library book collection save personal resource lists, access Follett Shelf eBooks, access levelled Web Sites through WebPath Express create bibliographies. Circulation Limits (borrowing is for 2 weeks with a maximum of 3 renewals) PS to Grade 1 - 1 book Grade 2 and 3 - 2 books Grade 4 and 5 - 3 books Grade 6 to 12 - 4 books or by arrangement Parents - 10 books(1 by an author , 1 in a series.) To encourage variety in reading selections and to share popular books borrowing rules apply: if more than one book is checked out, they must be written by different authors only one book in a series can be checked out for each loan period variety in selection is encouraged e.g. 1 fiction, 1 nonfiction if a Graphic Media book is checked out, the student must also have a fiction chapter book on loan. Volunteers Parents are welcomed in the MEFIS library to volunteer. Currently, the main jobs are: reshelving books after the students have returned them to the library updating the spine labels on books and covering the sticker with a plastic protector. The library supports ebooks which consists of tumble books, Follett shelf ebooks, MEFIS give books, and storyline online. The library is also teaching the following Information Literacy, Study Skills, Writing Guides CORNELL NOTES - video explanation how to take organized notes EASYBIB: Automatic Bibliography and Citation Maker How to Study resources MLA CITATION STYLE (LIU) - Sample citations from different sources MLA FORMATTING AND STYLE GUIDE (Purdue University OWL - Online Writing Lab) - formatting, citations, endnotes, footnotes, intext samples and more... NOTE TAKING STRATEGIES (UBC Learning Commons Study Toolkits - 3 minute videos demonstrating note taking strategies STUDY GUIDES AND STRATEGIES - hints to aid learning and studying, internet, time management, writing and vocabulary, thinking and evaluation, reading and research, math and science.

Student Activities

In MEFIS, students go to activities and clubs. Some of the activities/clubs are Chess club from 3-5 grade, Little braniacs from Pre-school to Pre-K, Turkish/Modern dancing, from Kindergarden to 2 grade, and a lot of other clubs to do.

Activities

MEFIS has a verity of different activities. These activities are divided between primary and secondary. The activities for primary are: Little Brainiacs Ballet,Ceramics,Sculpture, Legos,Construction,modern dance,Modern Turkish Dance,Guitar/Piano,Movie Making,Flow Yoga,Chess,Running/Fitness,Fashion,Design,Modern Dance/Tap,So Lets Sew,Film Club,Code Monkey,Violin,Green Club, and Drama. The activities for secondary are: International Culture Club,Community Service Club,Photography,Stained Glass,Sculpture,Rockets,World Cinema,Newspaper,MUN,Chess, Math Olympiad,Student Government,Ultimate Frisbee,Basketball,Animal Lovers,Football,Volleyball,and Table tennis.

Athletics

"Physical Education in primary school is an integral part of the IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP). Its purpose is to develop a combination of transferable skills promoting personal, social and physical development; to encourage present and future choices that contribute to long-term healthy living; and to understand the cultural significance of physical activities for individuals and communities. GAMES Students identify and develop appropriate skills and strategies when playing a variety of team games. These games vary from simple, low-organization games for the lower primary grades to football, basketball, and volleyball for the upper primary classes. Students recognize the importance of teamwork; identifying and developing appropriate skills and strategies; recognizing the importance of rules and how they define the nature of a.game; modifying existing games and creating new games. Mefis have the sports day, this day you play the full day , each one has to be in one team blue, red, yellow and green you play soccer, baketball, activies, games, table tenis, jump rope, hula hoop and after the champion.

Clubs

MEFIS has many diverse and unique clubs. The clubs are divided between primary and secondary School. The clubs for Primary are: Little Brainiacs, Ballet, Ceramics, Sculpture, Lego, Construction, Modern dance, Modern Turkish Dance, Guitar/Piano, Movie Making, Flow Yoga, Chess, Running & Fitness, Fashion Design, Modern Dance/Tap, So Lets Sew, Film Club, Code Monkey, Violin, Green Club, and Drama. The clubs for Secondary are: International Culture Club, Community Service Club, Photography, Stained Glass, Sculpture, Rockets, World Cinema, Newspaper, MUN, Chess, Math Olympiad, Student Government, Ultimate Frisbee, Basketball, Animal Lovers, Football, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Code Monkey, Coding Computer, Short Movie, and Photography.

After school Activities

MEFIS has lots of different after school activities. The students get to choose the activities if they are interested. However, students have to pay some extra money to do the activities. The activities are different for primary and secondary and there are age limits for each activity. The activities start straight after school. After school offerings include; Brazilian Soccer School, Girls Soccer, Swimming, Zumba, Mad Science, Robotics, LOLA Art class, Turkish Language, Taekwondo, Spanish, Minecraft, Calligraphy and Gilding, Card Making, SAT Math Guidance, and ACT English Guidance.

Social Events

People

In MEFIS, the population of students is around 475 students, and there is around 52 nationalities. The primary school princpal is Dr.Mike and the secondary principal is Mr.Wooley. This school's high school graduation rate is nearly 100%. This school also follows the PYP program such as the learner profile. MEFIS wants the students to be open minded, to be kind to everyone, and make more positive comments. There is also another program that MEF follows. It is the IB program, which the secondary school follows.

Students

At MEFIS, the students try to build friendships with different cultures. MEFIS does this by encouraging children to do projects together. There are 52 nationalities at MEFIS and the high school graduation rate is nearly 100%. There are many social events that helps you cooperate with other children. There are color houses that children are put into and In PSE, students discuss ways how to make friends.

Faculty and Staff

Teachers are mostly American and Turkish; there are 79 teachers.While the campus is large, there is a strong, inclusive community atmosphere upon entering the front doors of the school. The primary school, grades 1-5, is situated on the first three floors of the building and grades 6-12 are on the upper two floors. The primary school includes a primary assembly area where monthly assemblies are held, a computer lab, and whole school library, which houses a rich collection of books and electronic resources for students and families. The secondary school also has a fully networked computer lab, chemistry, biology and physics laboratories, and canteen for purchasing small snack foods.

See also

School Website

References

1. http://www.mefschools.com/
2. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/curriculum/preschool.asp
3. http://www.mefschools.com/secondary/curriculum/overview_of_programs.asp
4. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/primary.asp
5. http://www.mefschools.com/secondary/secondary.asp
6. http://www.mefschools.com/images/download/MEF-International-School-Profile.pdf
7. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/curriculum/visual_arts.asp
8. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/curriculum/pe.asp
9. http://www.mefschools.com/secondary/student/athletics.asp
10. http://www.mefschools.com/library.asp
11. http://www.mefschools.com/technology.asp
12. http://www.mefschools.com/technology.asp
13. http://www.mefschools.com/library.asp
14. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/student/clubs-and-after-school-activities.asp
15. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/curriculum/pe.asp
16. http://www.mefschools.com/secondary/student/athletics.asp
17. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/student/clubs-and-after-school-activities.asp
18. http://www.mefschools.com/primary/student/clubs-and-after-school-activities.asp

External links

• The school's listing on the International Baccalaureate Site

• Education in Istanbul