QSI International School of Astana

Empower Curriculum teaches Success Orientations, Social Emotional Development and Child Protection for students of all ages. A trained on site guidance counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs and can connect them with mental health professionals when needed. The counselor offers individual support when students struggle academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check ins ensure every student has a voice and access to essential support. The Empower Curriculum and social emotional focus build character and a safe, supportive school culture.

The Learning Support and Inclusion Department works to help all students succeed. It provides reading, writing and math support and intervention based on each student's Student Learning Plan. It supports students with diagnosed disabilities and those with documented difficulties acquiring new skills or completing their work. It also teaches organizational, study and test taking strategies, and offers push in services where LS and Inclusion teachers join classes to provide targeted help. The department monitors student progress throughout the year and holds conferences with students and parents to review progress and adjust goals. The aim is to foster independence and ownership of learning through self advocacy and individualized support.

The Intensive English program is designed for students whose English proficiency is below the level typically expected for their age. The goal is to create a learning environment in which students acquire English in speaking, listening, reading and writing to enable success in age appropriate mainstream classes. Intensive English classes are smaller than mainstream classes to target individual needs. A student is placed at an appropriate level based on assessments such as the IPT, MAP and F&P Benchmark. The goal is for students to transition into the mainstream classroom as quickly as possible, with ongoing monitoring of oral language, reading and writing, and exit when near native.

A school counselor supports students personal, social and emotional needs by providing a safe, confidential, judgment-free space. Individual support is available when students are identified as needing help academically, socially or emotionally. The counselor facilitates positive communication and mediates conflicts between students and between students and teachers. Regular informal check-ins ensure every student has a chance to be heard and supported. The counselor coordinates with teachers and Learning Support Coordinators to plan appropriate academic support and can connect students with mental health professionals and external resources as needed. The Empower Curriculum supports social-emotional development across grade levels.

The health and safety framework includes safeguarding and child protection measures and the school is committed to safeguarding the well-being and safety of students, staff and visitors through robust policies. It operates a closed campus with 24-hour security on site and guards greet students at the main entrance. The Regional Security Officer from the US Embassy visits the school to help maintain high security standards, including cameras and security fencing. The Empower Curriculum includes child protection lessons for students of all ages. A trained on site nurse provides health services through the School Health Office, maintains health records and handles emergencies, first aid and medication administration as needed. The school works with families and the community to monitor safety and respond to concerns.