FREQUENTLY ASKED EDUCATIONAL OPTION QUESTIONS

1.     What are the schooling options for my children at Ukarumpa?

SIL PNG has its own school, Ukarumpa International School (UIS), to provide a quality, Christ-centred education for the children of our members, so that the parents can focus on the task of Bible translation with the assurance that their children’s educational needs are well met.

The school is divided into two campuses – the Primary Campus (preK-6) and Secondary Campus (7-12).  UIS is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

The teaching staff is comprised of missionary teachers from many different countries around the world. The language of instruction is English.  As many as 16 nationalities are represented in the student body.  Years of curriculum development have resulted in an education that prepares our students from around the world to return to their sending countries prepared to enter tertiary (post-secondary) education.

Traditionally, Advanced Placement (AP) classes are offered in most academic subjects and the performance record of UIS students on the AP exams is impressive.

For students whose first language is not English, Mother Tongue Studies programs are in place in addition to the English curriculum to enable the children from those countries to maintain a degree of competency in their mother tongue while living and going to school in another country.  At this time, the following language communities have an MTS program: Finnish, German, Dutch, Japanese and Korean. 

Normally, primary school-aged children of language personnel assigned to a village allocation are taught by their parents while in the village, using a Village Curriculum created and supported by the Primary School. When the families are present in Ukarumpa, the children blend right back into the classroom curriculum.

When they reach Middle School age (Grade 7), children of village-assigned language personnel begin living in one of 4 Children’s Homes at Ukarumpa when their parents are out in the village, so that they can continue to attend classes at UIS .  Each Children’s Home is run by a House Parent couple who cares for as many as 12-14 teens.

2.  Some field entities do not allow home schooling. Is it allowed within SIL - PNG ?

Yes, home schooling is allowed in SIL-PNG.  Home school students may also participate in various activities and classes at UIS.  Please review our policy to see what services are available at this time. 

3.  Is it possible to receive the school’s parent handbook or other detailed information electronically?

The parent handbook for both the primary and secondary campuses of Ukarumpa International School is available electronically.  Please send your request to:

           Primary Campus Parent Handbook

           Secondary Campus Parent Handbook

4. What is the school’s philosophy of education?

We hope that your question about educational philosophy will be addressed as you read the handbook.  If you would like any clarifications please feel free to email the principals, Sharlene Burkett for the primary campus or Max Sahl for the secondary campus. 

           uispc-principal@sil.org.pg (primary school)

           uissc-principal@sil.org.pg (secondary school)

5. Does the school use a Christ-centered curriculum?

The parent handbook describes the curriculum as Christ-centred. No doubt that term will mean different things to different people, but we trust that as you read through these books you will gain a sense of our desire to train and nurture young people in developing a Biblical worldview and a close personal walk with Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord. 

6. I understand from other people I’ve spoken with that the school uses a secular curriculum. Can you clarify how it can be Christ-centred, but not use Bible-based curriculum and texts?

We do indeed have secular texts for the most part.  At the same time, we stand by the statement from the handbook that our curriculum is Christ-centred.  We accomplish this by integrating a biblical worldview into our classes as much as possible.  To read more about how this is done, see for example, www.biblicalworldviewinstitute.com.  We realize there is a school of thought that the only way to deliver a Christian education is by having Christian texts. It is one way, but it is not the only way. Students need to learn how to interact with the world.  We do realize there are those who go too far with that but we are convinced that you will find a good balance at UIS.  Here is another helpful link on this topic from SonLight http://www.sonlight.com/not-to-buy.html.

7. How is grade placement determined for children who have never attended a formal school?

Grade placement for children coming from a non-formal school background is normally done through standardized testing.  The school here prefers for you to bring standardized testing results with you for your children to help the school place them properly.  Some states have a similar requirement for standardized testing for home schoolers, so maybe you already have some results.  We also administer the WRAT 4 Achievement Test as needed for grade placement. If you have some concerns about placement, it would be better to dialog directly with the school principals as they can give you more detailed and accurate information. 

8. The school handbook points out several areas of concern regarding teenager transition and discipline issues.  If a teen has difficulties with transition resulting in negative issues, what role does the school play in resolution? Are the teachers and staff proactive in dealing directly with unacceptable attitudes and behaviours of new students, and are the parents concurrently made aware of the situation?

While we do not have regular problems with discipline issues at the school, there have been times in the past where there were issues.  We occasionally have teens in the school who are not of the same mind as their parents.  That is why the handbook addresses the issue.  If a problem should arise we would involve the student, the parents, and the teachers as necessary in as proactive a way as possible to bring about a solution. The parents would definitely be key players from the very beginning. In general though, our experience and observation has been that the vast majority of kids love it here and do very well.

For further information, please contact: Director’s Assistant for Member Services do-adms@sil.org.pg