Strategic Plan
Planning for the Future
The Franconian International School is an IB World School with high expectations and rigorous educational standards. In a valuesbased and caring environment, young people are supported in becoming active and engaged global citizens and life-long learners. The FIS provides an inquiry-based curriculum for students from Early Years three-year-old classes through the Elementary and Middle Schools to graduation from the High School with the International Baccalaureate (IB) as well as the FIS High School Diploma.
The 2017-2022 FIS Strategic Plan lays out the school’s primary objectives and priorities true to the mission: To foster international-mindedness through a challenging curriculum in a caring and cooperative environment, inspiring students to become well-rounded citizens committed to the service of humanity.
It was created with the active involvement of all the school community, starting in February 2016 with a thought-provoking look into the world in 2040 and how a school should be preparing students to be proactive shapers of that world. Three generative topics for the school to pursue emerged from this two-day retreat:
Well Being — Deep Thinking — Creativity
Committees and all-staff professional development workshops thoroughly analysed current performance and identified areas for further improvement – from the overall strategic direction of the school through to the work of every single department. Recommendations from the various accreditation bodies were incorporated into the plan, which was forged into shape during a three-day staff workshop in May 2017. Here, the plan was segmented into four areas in alignment with the overall strategy:
For each of the four areas, the resulting Rationale, Scope and Key Performance Indicators give the strategy clear focus around the mission and the three generative topics. Action plans show the steps and timing for implementation, clearly define responsibilities, and enable the plan to be monitored and its success measured.
The FIS Board of Directors contributed to and oversaw the plan’s development and regularly reviews its implementation. The plan was formally adopted at the start of School Year 2017/2018 and is valid until August 2022.
The Franconian International School is a diverse, internationally-minded learning community providing a firm foundation on which students and all stakeholders can flourish. Their personal growth, wellbeing and care is central to our mission and vision. Building and maintaining our caring and cooperative community depends on trust, inclusion and communication. Our community is committed to service learning, which in turn fosters core Franconian International School values and ethical standards. Continual reflecting is essential for the growth of our students and all members of our community to support them in achieving their full potential.
The Franconian International School places teaching and learning at the heart of everything we do. We aim to develop a student that confidently participates, makes connections with the wider world, develops community values, and acquires life-long skills in a collaborative holistic environment. Teachers and students at the Franconian International School work collaboratively and creatively to develop authentic and engaging learning experiences. Implementation of the FIS Learning Principles is consistent, so that all lessons nurture students both academically and personally.
The Franconian International School is committed to providing opportunities for all members of the school community to develop as leaders, building and participating in effective teams and leading by example. We recognise that leadership can be both formal and informal. It is important to empower leaders so that support, consistency, development and innovation are promoted throughout the school. All stakeholders embrace the roles of leaders allowing for clarity and shared understanding. Our school enables all members of the community to be role-models as they work towards individual and shared goals, fostering a growth mindset.
The Franconian International School ensures through fiduciary sustainability to have the means and resources available now and in the future to achieve its mission. There are some fundamental requirements to achieve this. First and most important of all, the Franconian International School operates annually within its means. Building and educational project’s funding are based on a financial long term plan to identify possible financial discrepancies as early as possible. Cash reserves are maintained at adequate levels to meet ongoing debt obligations and to ensure the Franconian International School can continue to operate through any unexpected financial emergency. School facilities are properly maintained, save and secure and enhanced to meet the requirements of the school. Mechanisms for assessing the effectiveness and functionality of the school’s organizational structures have been developed.