Cover

Excellence in International Education

The AmericAn School in englAndThe AmericAn School in englAnd

THE TASIS ENGLAND EXPERIENCE OFFERSA warm, welcoming community

A picturesque campus in a friendly English village

A tradition of academic excellence

Sports and activities programs that encourage discovery and personal development

Vibrant programs for music, drama, and visual arts

Caring, knowledgeable teachers who know their students well

An international community that values the gift of diversity

Travel and field trips that make learning fun and memorable

Service and leadership opportunities that promote personal responsibility

Friends and memories that will last a lifetime – no matter where you go in the world

ContentsEARLY CHILDHOOD

LOWER SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

UPPER SCHOOL

THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

PERFORMING ARTS

SPORTS

1:WORLD

SERVICE

TRAVEL

OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

LOCATION

OUR HISTORY

SUMMER PROGRAMS

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE COUNSELING

VISUAL ARTS

MISSIONTASIS is a family of international schools that welcomes young people from all nationalities to an educational community which fosters a passion for excellence along with mutual respect and understanding. Consistent with the vision of its founder, M. Crist Fleming, TASIS is committed to transmitting the heritage of Western Civilization and world cultures: the creations, achievements, traditions, and ideals from the past that offer purpose in the present and hope for the future. Seeking to balance the pursuit of knowledge with the love of wisdom, and promoting the skills of lifelong learning, an appreciation for beauty, and the development of character, each school combines a challenging academic program with opportunities for artistic endeavor, physical activity, and service to others. Believing in the worth of each individual and the importance of enduring relationships, TASIS seeks to embody and instill the values of personal responsibility,

civility, compassion, justice, and truth.

The TASIS Schools and Summer Programs are owned by the TASIS Foundation, a Swiss not-for-profit educational foundation registered in Delémont, Switzerland.

ContentsHEADMASTER’S WELCOME

2EARLY CHILDHOOD

6LOWER SCHOOL

10MIDDLE SCHOOL

14UPPER SCHOOL

THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

26PERFORMING ARTS

30SPORTS

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35

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1:WORLD

SERVICE

TRAVEL

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1

OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

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LOCATION

OUR HISTORY

SUMMER PROGRAMS

21UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE COUNSELING

22VISUAL ARTS

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WELCOME

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HEADMASTER’S WELCOMEWelcome to TASIS The American School in England, a school and community where the aspirations and potential of every student are fostered, nurtured, and challenged. TASIS England is dedicated to inspiring within each student the pursuit of knowledge, the love of wisdom, an appreciation for beauty, and the development of strong character. These values, coupled with physical activity, artistic endeavors, and service to others orchestrate educational opportunities that are unparalleled.

At TASIS England, your child will learn in a safe environment that features

• Academic excellence and achievement

• Small classes conducive to individualized attention

• A vibrant international community

• Leadership and service opportunities

• Caring faculty, administration, and staff

• State-of-the-art technology

TASIS England provides an educational experience that promotes innovation,

creativity, global perspectives, and critical thinking. Students are able to explore learning beyond the confines of the classroom through trips to major historic sites in England and mainland Europe, and they have opportunities to appreciate the finest works of art and music in the world’s most respected museums and concert halls.

I invite you to come visit our extraordinary school at any time and experience firsthand the exceptional programs and atmosphere of TASIS England. I am certain you will find our students’ hospitality and their passion for learning to be contagious.

Michael McBrien, Headmaster

WELCOME

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EARLYCHILDHOOD

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EARLYCHILDHOOD

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EARLY CHILDHOODNursery and Pre-Kindergarten

The goal of the Early Childhood program is to provide each child with a sound educational foundation while also developing a sense of responsibility, independence, compassion, fairness, and respect for self and others.

Our youngest students begin their adventure in learning through play and exploration in a rich and stimulating environment. Caring teachers encourage their natural curiosity to investigate and to discover the world, using hands-on learning experiences to spark their delight and engage their minds. The TASIS early years curriculum is aligned with the Core Knowledge Pre-School Sequence™ and maps out a strong foundation for developing skills and knowledge.

In addition to learning math, science, social studies, and literacy, music and art also play a vital role in the school day. Developing movement skills and coordination, along with social and emotional skills, is embedded into the daily routines of our Early Years program and helps students to flourish and gain confidence as they grow.

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THE LOWER SCHOOL

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THE LOWER SCHOOL

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LOWER SCHOOL Kindergarten – Grade Four

The TASIS Lower School Program focuses on the academic, creative, moral, and physical development of each child. Our content-rich curriculum combines tradition with innovation, and social and cultural activities enhance our students’ educational experience. Aligned with the Core Knowledge Sequence™, the curriculum and teaching methods enable students to gain a solid foundation of knowledge across a broad range of scientific, historical, and cultural topics. TASIS teachers respect the intrinsic integrity and individual differences of each child, and it is through example that our children learn and develop respect for others, as well as for themselves.

Excursions and field trips throughout the year complement the curriculum as we take full advantage of our proximity to London and sites in England of historic and cultural worth. Students also have many opportunities to socialize with their peers while sampling a variety of extra-curricular options including scouts, music, art, drama, sports, and recreational clubs.

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THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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THE MIDDLE SCHOOL

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MIDDLE SCHOOLGrade Five – Grade Eight

TASIS England middle school students learn in a structured and caring environment where they can make sense of their emerging

“new selves” and the changing dynamics in friendships and family. During these years, as students progress from childhood to adolescence and become more independent, they need guidance and understanding. Our program is specifically designed to meet their needs and to support this period of growth and transformation.

The TASIS Middle School is housed in purpose-built facilities. A House System, advisory and tutorial periods, and our schedule of daily electives ensure that TASIS England middle school students enjoy a well-rounded program, which complements the high academic and personal expectations we have for students. We provide a challenging yet caring environment that offers educational and social opportunities to support their development. After-school activities are many and varied and include special interest clubs, drama, art, music, competitive team and recreational sports.

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THE UPPER SCHOOL

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THE UPPER SCHOOL

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UPPER SCHOOLGrade Nine – Grade Twelve

TASIS upper school students are enthusiastic in their pursuit of knowledge. Students immerse themselves in a broad and demanding program of study that inspires intellectual curiosity and includes a rigorous curriculum, including Advanced Placement courses, the opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate diploma, and an extensive English Language program.

The reach of learning in the Upper School extends beyond academic study. Our well-rounded curriculum includes diverse and dynamic visual and performing arts programs which instill an appreciation for the arts. Students are also encouraged to participate in team sports or fitness options. The many extra-curricular activities on offer allow students to explore their interests and to discover new talents. By taking part in an active upper school community, TASIS students learn to exercise leadership skills, develop athletic abilities, serve local and global communities, and share in achieving common goals with classmates who are diverse in nationality, culture, and language. At TASIS, we know that developing the balance of mind, body, and character is sound preparation for future education, professional careers, and adult life.

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Grade 9 – Grade 12

To board at TASIS is to be immersed in a microcosm of the world and to be supported by teachers and advisors during an intensive learning experience in the Upper School. Boarding students are cared for by dorm parents and teachers who oversee their wellbeing. Students live in single-gender dormitories located in both renovated historic buildings and purpose-built facilities. Our program supports academic and personal growth and encourages the development of study habits and skills that will help students achieve their goals. Evening study, Sunday through Thursday, is an important part of this practice, and tutoring in various academic subjects is available at this time.

Community life is essential to the boarding experience, and there are many ways for students to develop leadership skills and cooperative abilities. Boarding at TASIS gives students the opportunity to build confidence and maturity as they learn and grow in a dynamic international environment.

THE BOARDING EXPERIENCE

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At TASIS, our aim is to foster the rapid acquisition of reading, writing, speaking, and comprehending spoken and written English. In addition to English language courses, upper school English language students learn mathematics, science, history, and literature in International Section classes.

In these courses, teachers use enriched explanations to help each student fully understand the concepts and the specialized vocabulary of a subject.

In the Lower and Middle Schools, students take part in the regular program and benefit from additional classes in English

Language by specialized teachers. Our academic program is rigorous and requires a high level of competence in English, especially in the Upper School. Because of this, minimum proficiency levels are required and depend on the grade at which a student enters.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM

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UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE COUNSELINGEach year, TASIS graduates progress to some of the finest institutions in the U.S., U.K., and worldwide, and our University/College Counselors play an important role during this process.

Throughout the four years in Upper School, TASIS counselors guide students through the TASIS Navigations program and help

them to explore their career and university options. During the first two years of Navigations, students identify their specific personal, academic, artistic, leadership, and athletic qualities. Through this process of self-reflection and assessment, students are empowered to discover the diversity of options worldwide. The next phases entail researching

opportunities, applying to institutions, then selecting the college or university that will help each student fulfill his or her talents, interests, and goals. In these final steps, the University/College Counseling Office assists with applications, serves as a liaison between students and universities, and helps to make this exciting journey rewarding.

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VISUAL ARTS

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VISUAL ARTS Our students learn and create in an environment where technical skills are taught, the complexity of the creative process is explored, and the history of art and the contributions of the masters are honored. To study art at TASIS is to be inspired by the wealth of culture at our doorstep in London and Europe. Students of all ages learn from specialist teachers who are both artists and educators. The TASIS arts program reflects our Founder’s conviction that to develop an appreciation for the arts deepens our understanding of both ourselves and others.

Painting, photography, and sculpture are part of everyday life at TASIS, and student work is featured in exhibit spaces throughout campus. The Fleming Gallery holds regular events and provides exhibit space for both professional artists and students. The Visiting Artist Program, a hallmark of the arts at TASIS, further engages students in the creative process at an expert level through the workshops and lectures given by visiting artists.

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PERFORMING ARTS

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PERFORMING ARTS

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PERFORMING ARTSAt TASIS, we believe that drama encourages students to learn more about themselves and to become more aware of others. Field trips to theatrical productions, museums, and concert halls in London deepen our students’ appreciation for the arts and form memorable experiences for all ages. Drama classes begin in fourth grade and are part of the formal program in Middle School. Throughout the year, the Fleming Theatre buzzes with the creative activity of dramatic performances and instrumental and choral concerts of all types — from jazz and the blues to classical masterpieces. At TASIS, it is not unusual for a student to be both an athlete and an actor, and we encourage students to explore new interests and to develop their talents and skills.

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SPORTS

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SPORTS The success of the TASIS sports program is grounded in the belief that participating in sports provides students with valuable opportunities for character development, learning, and acquiring skills that prepare our student athletes for life. At TASIS, participation, enjoyment, skill acquisition, and respect are the cornerstones of our program. We are proud of our teams’ achievements and even prouder still that our players strive to model the values of good sportsmanship.

Our varsity teams take part in the International Schools Sports Tournaments (ISST) throughout Europe and here on our own campus. Middle school and junior varsity teams participate in the London Schools Sports Association (LSSA) tournaments. The excitement of competition and the discipline of practice keep our gymnasia and extensive playing fields busy throughout the week and on weekends. We offer a variety of team sports: soccer, volleyball, cross-country, basketball, baseball, softball, tennis, rugby, lacrosse, golf, cheerleading, and dance. Additional recreational options may include: conditioning, squash, horse riding, badminton, ultimate Frisbee, and swimming.

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Travel is integral to the TASIS experience, and our teachers make use of England and Europe to bring their subjects to life. All students benefit from the School’s proximity to London and to British sites of historic and cultural importance.

TRAVEL The October Travel Week is a cornerstone of the TASIS experience. Fall trips throughout Europe to destinations such as Spain, Greece, Italy, The Czech Republic, France, Hungary, and Poland allow upper school students to explore the world

and new subjects of study with their teachers and classmates. Trips based in England are offered to middle school students in October, and travel opportunities to Europe are available during the year.

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SERVICEAt TASIS, we teach our young people to make a personal contribution and a commitment to others. In turn, they are rewarded with the lasting gifts of appreciation, humility, and the belief that they, as individuals, can

make a difference. Each division in the School holds events to raise funds and awareness for charities, many of which serve children. During upper school service trips to Romania, TASIS students care for young orphans, giving them

much needed love and attention. These trips are compelling experiences for young people seeking to make a difference, and in many cases have changed the lives of our students.

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1:WORLDTechnology • Education • Vision

The 1:WORLD initiative joins the vision of the most insightful educational technology consultants with the values of TASIS founder, Mrs. M. Crist Fleming. TASIS England helps students to open their minds to the world in ways previously unimaginable. Empowering students with today’s digital devices in the classroom links them to a world of information, connectivity, communication, and limitless learning opportunities.

TASIS England is committed to fostering the skills that will help students develop a passion for lifelong learning. To help achieve these goals, the 1:WORLD initiative aims to utilize computer technology in developmentally appropriate ways, emphasizing the creative multimedia capabilities of the iPad® for younger children, the cloud-based, paperless educational potential of Chromebooks® for adolescents, and the flexibility of laptops for older teenagers. The 1:WORLD initiative will help TASIS students prepare not only for university but also for life in our ever-changing world.

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COLOMBIA

CUBA

SLOVAKIA

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COLOMBIA

CUBA

SLOVAKIA

OUR INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

At TASIS England, cultural diversity is integral to everyday life and is considered an essential ingredient to a complete and balanced education. Each year, we celebrate the many cultures of the world represented by our student population – typically made up nearly fifty nationalities.

Our parent groups help to create our strong and active community. The TASIS Parents’ Association (TPA) and Parents’ Information Resource Committee (PIRC) are a dynamic force at the School and play a vital role in shaping our warm and welcoming character. TPA sponsors a Buddy Family Program for families joining TASIS and holds community events throughout the year, including the Family Picnic in August, The International Festival, Fête de Noël, and social events throughout the year. PIRC offers a series of seminars throughout the year, which are specially designed to help new parents settle in to their new lives in England. The collective efforts of both groups cater to the specific needs of relocating families and support a smooth transition to TASIS and to the adventure of living in England.

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Less than an hour

Egham Virginia Water Sunningdale Ascot Windsor Esher Sunninghill

Under 35 minutes

Walton-on-Thames • Weybridge Woking • Kingston* • Guildford

Under 20 minutes

Richmond • Gerrards Cross

Commuting times by train to London

Amenities close to TASISLOCAL AMENITIES (5–15 minutes)Wentworth golf course • tennis & fitness clubs • swimming • bowling ice skating • theatres hosting West End productions • cinemas shopping centers • Virginia Water Lake • Windsor Great Park

ATTRACTIONS & EVENTS (3–30 minutes)Ascot Racecourse • Chelsea Stadium • Hampton Court* Kew Gardens* • LegoLand • Thorpe Amusement Park* Twickenam Wimbledon • Windsor Castle* • Woking Theatre*

FURTHER AFIELD (1 – 2 hours)The English Coast • Oxford* • Cambridge* • Bath* • Stonehenge* Stratford-Upon-Avon* • Blenheim Palace • The Cotswolds

LOCATION

*Not currently within the TASIS busing area

*Indicates field trip destinations

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OUR HISTORYMrs. M. C. Fleming founded TASIS in Lugano, Switzerland in 1956, then established TASIS England in 1976. Her unique qualities of independence, appreciation for beauty, and enthusiasm for international education are reflected in the programs we offer and by the campus itself. Opening the minds of young people to the cultures of the world was Mrs. Fleming’s passion, and carrying her legacy means honoring a commitment to do

the best we can to make the world a better place. While our academic program stimulates our students’ intellectual growth, our travel and extra-curricular programs encourages them to experiment, to engage with others, to try, sometimes fail, and to find ways to achieve their goals.

I want to believe as I age that the

dynamic of TASIS will go on forever

– that it will continue to bring young

people of the world together with a

shared vision that the world is really

one big family, that no matter what

our color, race, or creed, we are

all part of the human species, we

are all human beings. All we need

to bring us together is education,

education to give us freedom

from poverty, disease, and war. It

sounds like a tall order but through

education it can be achieved, and

TASIS must take the lead.

—Mrs. M. C. Fleming, 2001

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TASIS SUMMER PROGRAMS Switzerland

The TASIS SUMMER PROGRAM (ages 14-18)

offers French, Italian, English-as-an-Additional Language, Art History, Digital Photography, Drawing & Painting in Ticino,

Fashion & Textile Design, Musical Theater, AC Milan

Soccer, and the Armani Junior Basketball Camp. Based on the TASIS

campus overlooking Lake Lugano, TSP attracts students from around the world. The

program includes sports and activities, and weekend excursions are offered to locations throughout Switzerland and Italy.

LE CHÂTEAU DES ENFANTS (ages 6–10) is an international summer camp of learning and fun. Located on the Lugano campus, with its own separate living and dining facilities and swimming pool, CDE teaches French and English through lessons, games, activities, sports, music, and art. The closeknit, caring, family-style community is specifically tailored to younger children.

The MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM (ages 11-13) offers French or English-as-an-Additional Language, Musical Theater, AC Milan Soccer, and the Armani Junior Basketball Camp. The MS Program is designed to challenge students academically and socially during this special transitional age. Classes meet in the mornings; afternoons are devoted to sports and activities (musical drama, art, archery, horseback riding, rock climbing, mountain biking, windsurfing, waterskiing, tennis, and soccer).

The TASIS FRENCH LANGUAGE PROGRAM (ages 14–17) is a 4-week course located in Château d’Oex, an idyllic French-speaking alpine village. The Program offers students intensive French language and English-as-an-Additional Language instruction in a picture-postcard setting, along with sports, activities, and interesting weekend excursions. Extensive alpine activities and traditional sports are offered daily. All students may participate in an optional 6-day trip to Paris.

The MIDDLE SCHOOL LANGUAGE PROGRAM (ages 11–13) is a 4-week course located in Château d’Oex. It offers students the opportunity to improve their English or French skills in the beautiful alpine setting of Pays d’Enhaut. Along with language study, students participate in mountain sports and cultural excursions to the medieval castle of Gruyère, a workshop in the Olympic Museum of Lausanne, and an outing to explore the traditional cheese-making process.

The TASIS ECOLOGICAL LEADERSHIP ACTION PROGRAM (TELAP, ages 14 - 18) located in Château-d’Oex, is a 5-week intensive, project-based course focusing on environmental stewardship, wilderness survival, physiological

wellness, and a special Eco-Action Project.

EnglandThe TASIS ENGLAND SUMMER PROGRAMS (ages 10 - 18), located on the TASIS campus just 18 miles from London, offers 3- and 6-week courses including Fashion & Textile Design, Creative Drawing, Sketching & 3D Design, London Through a Lens, Television Broadcasting, International Business, Writing & Speaking Enhancement, Middle School Skills, SAT Review & College Admissions, TOEFL Review, IELTS preparation, Algebra Review,

Algebra II, and Geometry.

The TASIS England Language Program (ages 10 - 18) runs concurrently and offers 3- and 6-week intensive English language courses at beginning, intermediate, and advanced levels, in addition to a TOEFL Review course. All English Language

courses are accredited by the British Council.

The program includes a wide variety of sports and activities, which take place every afternoon. There are weekend trips and excursions to places of interest throughout Great Britain, including Windsor, Oxford, Cambridge, and Bath, as well as to central London. At the end of each session, students enjoy a riverboat cruise and dance on the

Thames with the historic buildings of London floodlit in the background.

The TASIS England Summer Day Camp (ages 5 - 9) involves children in learning activities that are fun and stimulating. Children join primary groups with a maximum size of 15. Each week the focus is on a specific theme, such as castles, boats, jungle animals, or cities. Language arts and math, as well as art, music, and other specialist activities are integrated within each theme. Weekly excursions to a site relevant to the current topic complete the learning and fun. International students also have the opportunity to receive additional England language classes.

TASIS Sports, Basketball, and Soccer Day Camps provide students with the opportunity to develop their game skills under the guidance of professional coaches. Students are grouped by age, and the emphasis is on participation, enjoyment,

technique development, fitness, and making friends.

The Theatre & Dance Workshop introduces students to skills including voice projection, public speaking,choreography, and working as an ensemble. The week

ends with a performance in the Fleming Theatre.

Art Day Camp gives students the opportunity to develop new skills by working with different ideas and media, and creating 2- and 3-dimensional art work through structured projects and independent work.

CREDITS:Photos: M. McEvoy, H. Hardesty, G. Jameson, M. Fidler, M. Self, High Point PhotoText: M. PowerDesign: C. UnglessTASIS 4 M 07/14

FranceLES TAPIES ARTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, & ARCHITECTURE PROGRAM (ages 13 - 18) offers an intensive 3-week course in architecture, painting and drawing, photography, and printmaking. The program is designed for students who have a strong interest in the arts or who are considering a career in architecture, art, or design. Les Tapies’ ideal location just north of Provence provides extensive opportunities for excursions, which draw on the cultural richness

of this fascinating area.

Les Tapies Art Teacher Workshop and the IB Visual Arts Teacher Workshop provide an outstanding opportunity for professional growth and

allow teachers to reconnect with their passion for art and education.

Puerto RicoTHE TASIS SPANISH SUMMER

PROGRAM (ages 13 - 18) combines Spanish Language

study with Marine Life and Environmental Studies. The program makes full use of the TASIS Dorado campus in the exclusive private

community of Dorado Beach and the nearby Dorado Beach

Club, home to Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the

Environment organization, which is in partnership with TASIS.

Mornings are dedicated to intensive Spanish language classes, and local excursions provide real-life practice in the language. Students spend afternoons exploring marine life in the sea and the coral reef, or the terrestrial wonders of the extraordinary pterocarp forest. Through first-hand discovery and guided by professional conservationists, students learn about the environment and how to preserve and protect our precious natural world.

The AmericAn School in englAndColdharbour Lane, Thorpe, Surrey, TW20 8TE

www.tasisengland.org