In a world where
education can sometimes feel like a race
against the clock, imagine a classroom where time slows down just enough for every question to matter, every idea to bloom, and
every student to feel seen. Teachers who truly care for every student turn this
vision into reality, creating a sanctuary
of learning where curiosity is nurtured, creativity is sparked, and confidence is cultivated. In these
classes, teachers become guides, mentors, and collaborators, tailoring lessons
to the unique rhythm of each learner. Here, education is not just about
acquiring knowledge; it is about discovering potential, celebrating individuality,
and growing within a community that truly cares.
The Australian Independent School Indonesia (AIS) is
exactly this kind of place,
a school where personalized learning
comes alive and every student’s journey is celebrated. With thoughtfully sized
classes, inquiry-based teaching, and a culture rooted in empathy and
collaboration, AIS transforms learning into an experience that is both deeply
supportive and intellectually stimulating.
For over 27 years, the Australian Independent School (AIS)
Indonesia has nurtured young minds
and evolved to meet the educational needs of a rapidly changing
global society. In today’s world, where technology and social media
shape how people connect, communicate, and share information, AIS recognizes
the importance of developing responsible digital citizens. The
school’s approach
has grown from simply providing access to computers and internet instruction to fostering students who can
think critically, evaluate information, and engage ethically in digital spaces.
AIS ensures its students understand how technology and media function, enabling them to distinguish fact from opinion and make informed judgments. The school encourages creativity, ethical awareness, and lawful digital engagement. This evolution is supported by a strong teaching framework, a modern curriculum, and dedicated forums that equip students with the skills needed to thrive as thoughtful global citizens.
AIS Indonesia
places equal importance on academic excellence and holistic development,
believing that true learning
encompasses intellectual, emotional, and social growth. To achieve this balance, the school follows the
Australian Curriculum, which emphasizes communication, creativity, problem
solving, deep thinking, and citizenship, and in the Senior Years, the
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. Both are delivered
by fully qualified
and experienced teachers who embody the AIS way.
The AIS way is
defined by care, kindness, and empathy. Teachers form genuine relationships
with students, understand their individual needs, and guide them to reach their full potential.
The school aims to create an inclusive environment where every student feels
valued, capable, and inspired to contribute to their community. Programs
focusing on social and emotional learning and community engagement are guided
by the CASS Coordinator, the Welfare Coordinator and Safeguard Lead, and the
Student Counsellor.
This commitment
is further reflected in the resources and support systems available to both
students and teachers, ensuring
that learning at AIS extends beyond
academics to foster well-
rounded, compassionate individuals.
The Australian National Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at AIS Indonesia complement each other to
provide a comprehensive and globally recognized educational pathway. Together,
they prepare students not only for higher education but also for life beyond
the classroom.
Up to Year 10,
the Australian Curriculum establishes a strong foundation through structured
learning across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and the Arts. It
embeds essential skills such as literacy, numeracy, critical and creative
thinking, communication, and citizenship,
which form the basis for success in the IB Diploma Programme.
In Years 11 and 12, the IB Diploma Programme builds upon this foundation by emphasizing academic rigor, interdisciplinary learning, and an international outlook. Core components such as
the Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) further develop students’ analytical and reflective abilities while nurturing their sense of responsibility and global perspective.
As a globally respected
qualification, the IB Diploma provides
AIS graduates with a
powerful academic and personal advantage, ensuring they are prepared to
excel at top universities and contribute meaningfully to the world beyond
school.
Achieving Council
of International Schools
(CIS) accreditation stands
as a significant milestone
in the journey of AIS Indonesia. This recognition reflects the school’s
steadfast commitment to upholding global standards in governance, teaching and
learning, inclusivity, citizenship, and student wellness. CIS accreditation is
a rigorous process that requires schools to demonstrate measurable outcomes,
ongoing improvement, and the consistent application of the world’s best
practices across all areas of operation.
AIS Indonesia
first earned its CIS accreditation in 2015 and successfully maintained this status with
re-accreditation in 2024. This ongoing recognition reinforces the school’s
dedication to continuous reflection, accountability, and advancement, ensuring
that its educational practices
remain aligned
with global benchmarks. The accreditation has further strengthened AIS’s culture of
excellence, motivating its leadership and educators to sustain the highest
standards of international education.
At AIS Indonesia, inquiry-based learning lies at the heart of its teaching philosophy. Teachers actively nurture curiosity and independent thought by adapting curriculum delivery, instructional strategies, and assessments to meet the varied learning styles and abilities of students from diverse cultural backgrounds. This inclusive and flexible approach ensures that every learner is challenged appropriately and encouraged to think critically, regardless of their prior educational experiences.
The AIS
teaching style emphasizes creativity, open discussion, and student-led
exploration—an approach that may initially differ
from what some students are accustomed
to. However, in AIS’s supportive
and caring classroom environment, students quickly gain confidence to express
their ideas and engage meaningfully.
Global citizenship is seamlessly integrated into the curriculum through subjects such as Science, Humanities and Social Sciences
(HASS), English, and Art. Students are encouraged to bring their cultural and
national perspectives into class discussions and projects. For instance, when
addressing global issues, learners may research and present solutions that
reflect their unique cultural or historical contexts. This not only enriches the inquiry process but also fosters
identity validation, global competence, and critical thinking.
To ensure that all students can fully participate in this dynamic learning model, AIS provides specialist English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. This enables non-native English speakers to build language proficiency and confidently engage in collaborative inquiry.
Inclusivity forms the foundation of AIS Indonesia’s ethos, shaping its teaching practices,
programs, facilities, and school culture. The school’s inclusive approach begins with its teachers, who are expected to know the strengths and development areas of each student. Upon joining AIS, all teachers sign a commitment to inclusive practices and receive professional development to ensure they understand and implement the school’s philosophy effectively.
In primary classrooms, Teaching Learning Assistants work alongside teachers to provide additional support, ensuring that every child can participate and succeed. The curriculum itself is inclusive, emphasizing global citizenship and cultural appreciation. Students are encouraged to share their experiences and perspectives, which fosters mutual respect and a sense of belonging.
AIS celebrates diversity through various school events such as International Week, Kartini Day, Indonesian Independence Day, Buka Puasa Bersama, ANZAC Day, Diwali, American Independence Day, the Christmas Bazaar, and the Spring Festival. These events highlight cultural exchange and unity within the school community.
The school’s robust Learning Support program further demonstrates its commitment to inclusion. With dedicated facilities and specialists such as an occupational therapist and a speech therapist, AIS offers both in-class and small-group interventions. A Life Skills program provides personalized instruction for students with higher support needs in a purpose-built learning environment.
Additionally, the EAL program enables non-English-speaking students to rapidly develop confidence and fluency, facilitating their integration into mainstream classes. Emotional and social wellbeing are also prioritized through the work of the Wellbeing Lead teacher, a qualified school counsellor, and a network of trained teachers who offer additional student support.
Beyond the classroom, AIS offers a wide range of clubs, sports teams, and co-curricular and extracurricular opportunities, including musical performances, art exhibitions, Model United Nations, and the World Scholar’s Cup. These diverse programs ensure that every student, regardless of ability or background, feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.
At AIS Indonesia, diversity is not just a characteristic of the school community, it is one of its greatest strengths. With students representing over 30 nationalities, AIS embodies a rich blend of cultural, religious, linguistic, and ethnic diversity. This multicultural environment creates a
vibrant and engaging “Global Learning Community,” where students learn to appreciate and respect differences, engage meaningfully with peers from varied backgrounds, and develop empathy and understanding.
Such daily intercultural interactions naturally foster global awareness and strong interpersonal skills. Students gain the ability to collaborate across cultures, communicate effectively, and view the world through multiple perspectives, qualities essential in today’s interconnected society.
A truly international education at AIS also nurtures lifelong global friendships. Many alumni maintain lasting bonds that transcend borders. A recent example shared by an AIS graduate who completed his Master’s degree in England beautifully reflects this spirit. In a heartfelt post, he shared a photograph alongside his former AIS classmates, a Korean, an Indonesian, and a Japanese national, who had travelled to celebrate his achievement. This enduring connection exemplifies the global unity and friendship that AIS cultivates among its students.
Passionate learning lies at the core of AIS Indonesia’s educational philosophy. The school believes that academic excellence should be complemented by the discovery and development of each student’s personal interests and talents. Teachers play an active role in identifying and nurturing these strengths through a wide range of programs, events, and opportunities that encourage creativity, leadership, and self-expression.
The Arts hold a special place in the AIS experience. The school hosts a bi-annual musical performance, this year’s production being Mary Poppins Jr. alongside a bi-annual Art Show that highlights student creativity. Film-making is also celebrated through an annual Film Event, where students showcase their cinematic projects and compete in external film competitions with notable success. Music and choir performances at assemblies and school celebrations further add to this vibrant artistic culture.
Leadership and intellectual curiosity are fostered through student leadership forums such as the Student Representative Council (SRC), the Ambassador Program, Model United Nations, the World Scholar’s Cup, and the Academy of Entrepreneurs. Students also explore innovation and discovery through events like the Science Fair and co-curricular programs that include animal care, digital skills, robotics, and coding.
Sports form another essential component of student development at AIS. The school offers a variety of sports clubs, including football, swimming, badminton, basketball, volleyball, and touch rugby. Students regularly participate in inter-school competitions such as the JAAS tournaments and the Australian International Schools Asia (AISA) Sports events, this year hosted in Hong Kong, with Bali set to host in 2026.
To further challenge and inspire students academically, AIS encourages participation in prestigious competitions like the Australian Mathematics Competition and the Mathematics and Science Olympiads.
Both the Australian Curriculum and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme support this passion-driven approach through inquiry-based learning, real-world application, and Service Learning. These frameworks empower students to take ownership of their learning and turn their interests into purposeful action.
At the Australian Independent School (AIS) Indonesia, class sizes average between 15 to 16 students in both primary and high school, with even smaller groups in senior high school. This allows teachers to provide individualized attention and create meaningful learning experiences tailored to each student’s needs.
At AIS, teachers understand that they do not just teach subjects, they teach students. By building meaningful relationships and recognizing each learner’s unique strengths, educators ensure that every student is guided toward achieving their fullest potential while discovering what truly inspires them.
The school’s approach is further strengthened by Teaching Assistant support across all Primary Year levels and dedicated assistants for students with Learning Support needs under Individual Education Plans (IEPs). A comprehensive English as an Additional Language (EAL) program ensures students receive targeted language support, while welfare and counselling services are accessible to all. Together, these measures complement AIS’s Inquiry-Based learning philosophy, enabling teachers to differentiate instruction and nurture each student’s growth in a safe and supportive environment.
AIS places equal importance on learning experiences outside the classroom. Extracurricular activities are designed to spark student interests, develop new skills, and offer platforms for talent recognition. Community service plays an essential role through the International Baccalaureate’s Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) requirement, as well as through Co- Curricular Activities (CCAs).
These initiatives help students understand the value of empathy, teamwork, and social responsibility. A highlight of the school’s community engagement is the annual Walkathon at Ragunan Zoo, where students raise millions of rupiah for charities and organizations dedicated to helping others. Such programs cultivate a sense of contribution, belonging, and moral awareness, shaping students into compassionate members of society.
AIS embraces technology and artificial intelligence as tools to enhance, not replace, the human elements of education. The school’s student-centered approach emphasizes the development of deep learning competencies such as critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration, design thinking, and citizenship. Through group projects involving robotics, coding, and makerspaces, students learn to collaborate, innovate, and solve real-world challenges while maintaining authentic human interaction.
Technology also supports teachers by streamlining administrative tasks like data analysis and curriculum planning, giving them more time to provide personalized feedback and creative instruction. This balanced integration ensures that technology strengthens human connection rather than diminishing it, keeping the essence of education deeply personal and holistic.
AIS is dedicated to nurturing empathetic, kind, creative, and globally minded individuals who use technology ethically and sustainably to make a positive impact. The school’s forthcoming Strategic Plan (2026–2031) underscores its commitment to academic excellence, digital citizenship, wellness, and personal connectivity.
It also highlights the importance of creating significant and memorable educational moments. With ongoing investments in cutting-edge resources, exceptional facilities, expert teachers, and professional training, AIS continues to prepare students to lead with integrity and innovation in an interconnected world.
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