The language of Frankfurt International School

Below are some of the words that you will meet often at FIS - either in letters home or in discussions with your child's teachers.

assessment This word refers to the different methods that teachers use to find out how students are doing in their classes

ATL Approaches to Learning. This terms covers several important aspects of student learning. It refers to the library, computer and study skills taught in different subjects. And it also refers to the student's profile as a learner, which is reported on by the teachers. For example, it answers questions like: Is the student always prepared for class? Can the student work well with others? Does the student always try her best?

CAS Creativity, Action and Service. This is the name for the activities that all high school students must do outside of the classroom. For example, a creative activity could be writing for the school newspaper, action could be taking part in the mountain-bike club, and service may involve helping with local refugee children.

counselor The advisory teacher that helps students who have personal, family or school problems In the high school the counselor also gives advice on careers and college entry.

elective This is a subject that students can choose to do - as compared with math or English, that students are required to do. Elective courses in the high school include art, computing and drama.

ESL English as a second language. This is the programme of studies for non-native speakers of English who need extra English help. An ESL student is a student who is in the ESL programme. There are however many non- native speakers of English at FIS who are not in the ESL programme; these students are not referred to as ESL students.

field trip A class trip out of school; in high school for example each of the grades goes on a field trip to a different location in Germany for a week in September.

homeroom In elementary school homeroom refers to the group of students who have most of their lessons together every day. In middle and high school homeroom is the name for the group of students who come together for a short time each day in order for the teacher to take attendance and give general information. (e.g. Who's in your homeroom?) The word also refers to the period of time when homeroom students meet. (e.g. What did you do in homeroom today?)

IB International Baccalaureate. The two-year program of studies for 11th and 12th graders that leads to a set of final examinations.

IDU Interdisciplinary unit. This is the name given to a topic that is studied for a number of lessons in two or more subjects. For example, in grade 7 the Renaissance is studied for several weeks in humanities, English, maths, science and art classes.

ISST International Schools Sports Tournament.

late transportation This is a reference to the busses that leave school (Waldlust campus) at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Students who do an after-school activity can take the late bus home.

Old Main The old building near the main gate of the school (Waldlust campus) where the headmaster, business manager and other administrators have their offices.

PD day Professional development day. This is a day on which teachers have meetings and listen to invited professional speakers. The students do not come to school on these days.

PE Physical education. PE is the name for the sports lessons at FIS that all students must do.

Primary school This refers to the new building where the pre-primary, primary and first grade students have their lessons. Grades 2-5 are in elementary school and grades 6-12 in upper school.

PTG Parent-Teacher-Group. The group of parents and teachers who help to organize school events such as Applefest and Worldfest.

recess Play time for the younger children at the school.

study center The name (in middle school) for the lessons given to students who have some kind of learning difficulty. In elementary school study center is called the learning center, whereas in high school it is referred to as the academic workshop.

ToK Theory of Knowledge. This is the course in epistemology that must be taken by grade 11 and 12 students. Epistemology is the study of the nature of truth and knowledge.

assessment	This word refers to the different methods that teachers use to find out how students are doing in their classes
ATL	Approaches to Learning. This terms covers several important aspects of student learning. It refers to the library, computer and study skills taught in different subjects. And it also refers to the student's profile as a learner, which is reported on by the teachers. For example, it answers questions like: Is the student always prepared for class? Can the student work well with others? Does the student always try her best?
CAS	Creativity, Action and Service. This is the name for the activities that all high school students must do outside of the classroom. For example, a creative activity could be writing for the school newspaper, action could be taking part in the mountain-bike club, and service may involve helping with local refugee children.
counselor	The advisory teacher that helps students who have personal, family or school problems In the high school the counselor also gives advice on careers and college entry.
elective	This is a subject that students can choose to do - as compared with math or English, that students are required to do. Elective courses in the high school include art, computing and drama.
ESL	English as a second language. This is the programme of studies for non-native speakers of English who need extra English help. An ESL student is a student who is in the ESL programme. There are however many non- native speakers of English at FIS who are not in the ESL programme; these students are not referred to as ESL students.
field trip	A class trip out of school; in high school for example each of the grades goes on a field trip to a different location in Germany for a week in September.
homeroom	In elementary school homeroom refers to the group of students who have most of their lessons together every day. In middle and high school homeroom is the name for the group of students who come together for a short time each day in order for the teacher to take attendance and give general information. (e.g. Who's in your homeroom?) The word also refers to the period of time when homeroom students meet. (e.g. What did you do in homeroom today?)
IB	International Baccalaureate. The two-year program of studies for 11th and 12th graders that leads to a set of final examinations.
IDU	Interdisciplinary unit. This is the name given to a topic that is studied for a number of lessons in two or more subjects. For example, in grade 7 the Renaissance is studied for several weeks in humanities, English, maths, science and art classes.
ISST	International Schools Sports Tournament.
late transportation	This is a reference to the busses that leave school (Waldlust campus) at 5 o'clock in the afternoon. Students who do an after-school activity can take the late bus home.

Old Main	The old building near the main gate of the school (Waldlust campus) where the headmaster, business manager and other administrators have their offices.
PD day	Professional development day. This is a day on which teachers have meetings and listen to invited professional speakers. The students do not come to school on these days.
PE	Physical education. PE is the name for the sports lessons at FIS that all students must do.
Primary school	This refers to the new building where the pre-primary, primary and first grade students have their lessons. Grades 2-5 are in elementary school and grades 6-12 in upper school.
PTG	Parent-Teacher-Group. The group of parents and teachers who help to organize school events such as Applefest and Worldfest.
recess	Play time for the younger children at the school.
study center	The name (in middle school) for the lessons given to students who have some kind of learning difficulty. In elementary school study center is called the learning center, whereas in high school it is referred to as the academic workshop.
ToK	Theory of Knowledge. This is the course in epistemology that must be taken by grade 11 and 12 students. Epistemology is the study of the nature of truth and knowledge.