Our school counselor works alongside teachers and parents to help students develop socially, and emotionally and to help remove any barriers they have to learning! 

The counselor provides classroom lessons teaching social skills, how to manage strong feelings, study skills, etc. Small group counseling Short-term individual counseling Consultation with parents and teachers, Crisis intervention,  Academic Support,  Social/Emotional Support,  Career Readiness, Community referrals (including longer term therapy services),  Schoolwide Programming (Kindness Week, Career Day, College Week) 

ESL (English as a Second Language) refers to the teaching of English to people whose native language is not English. The goal of the ESL program at AISC is to help students who are non-native speakers develop proficiency in English language so they can communicate effectively in various contexts such as the academic and social. ESL learners will develop the four main language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. In addition, they will acquire vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and cultural understanding. Students will benefit from the following language acquisition strategies to develop and hone their English skills:

1. Interactive and Communicative Activities - activities that simulate real conversations and help improve fluency and build confidence in speaking.

2.  Vocabulary Building Activities - use of flashcards, word games, or vocabulary journals to help students learn new words and phrases and learning words in context to improve retention and understanding.

3.  Peer Collaboration - students engage in collaborative tasks to help them practice language skills in a social context. Peer feedback can reinforce learning.

4. Pronunciation Practice - pronunciation drills, phonetic exercises, and listening activities that focus on sounds and stress patterns.

Supporting Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN)

At American International School of Conakry (AISC), we are committed to providing an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students, including those with special educational needs. We recognize that every child is unique, with individual strengths and challenges, and we work collaboratively to ensure that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Although we currently do not have a dedicated Special Education Needs (SEN) Department, we prioritize the needs of our SEN students through a variety of strategies and resources. Our approach includes:

• Individualized Support: We strive to accommodate the needs of students with special educational requirements by honoring the Individual Education Plans (IEPs) provided to us. We are dedicated to implementing the accommodations outlined in these plans to the best of our ability and resources,  and monitoring student progress to ensure they receive the necessary support to thrive in our school environment.

• Collaborative Teamwork: A weekly meeting involving the Director, Associate Director, Division Heads, and School Counsellor focuses on discussing the needs of SEN students and how we can enhance classroom support. This collaboration ensures that all stakeholders are informed and aligned in providing the best possible support for our students.

• Teaching Assistant (TA) Support: TAs are available to students across many of our primary grade levels. Their primary function is to support the teacher but are also   available as time permits for additional  support for our SEN students.

• Ongoing Professional Development: We are committed to the continuous professional growth of our staff. Several of our teachers are currently taking specialized courses in Special Educational Needs, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to better support students with diverse learning needs.

At AISC, we believe that with the right support and an inclusive approach, every student can thrive. We are dedicated to fostering an environment where all students feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed academically and socially.