Admissions

Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Policy and Process

The International School of Ahafo is open to Newmont Ghana Gold Limited families and children of full-time teachers at ISA. Students moving to the area and residing in MKV are accepted throughout the year, although entry at the beginning of term is encouraged, where possible. Students from outside MKV are accepted when there are openings in classes. An overview of our admissions process has been provided below and the process must be successfully completed before a student is considered for enrolment. ISA welcomes applications from all age-appropriate children.

Is ISA only open to Newmont employees in Ahafo?

The School is open to all dependents of Newmont Ghana Ahafo employees who meet the eligibility criteria. 

Will the Early Years be opened to non-MKV residents?

No. The Early Years is restricted to MKV residents.

How will ISA expansion be managed?

The expansion will be in phases; enrolment will increase gradually up to approximately 100 students.

Does the School have a COVID-19 Management Plan?

Yes, it will be shared with parents when necessary.

Will the school charge any fees?

ISA does not currently charge tuition fees. Parents will be expected to pay for school uniforms, PE and swimming wear, field trips, among others. (please refer to the School Brochure on the Admissions page for more information.)

Will employees whose children are admitted into ISA be eligible for the Newmont Educational Subsidy?

No

Does the school provide lunch?

The School provides a standardised lunch for students and staff, in line with its value of inclusion. Children are welcome to bring their own snack but lunch is provided by the school.

Is there a Sick Bay?

Yes. More information on the management of sick children is provided in the Family Handbook as part of the admission package.

What other provisions have been made for health and safety?

Staff have received training in First Aid and there is a rigorous procedure for addressing the health needs of students. The school liaises with Newmont ERT on all emergencies and fire drills take place on a regular basis.

What curricula does ISA teach?

ISA teaches the Cambridge Primary and Secondary 1 curricula. The Nursery and Reception are guided by the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

Is ISA accredited?

ISA is an accredited Cambridge school and is licensed by the National Schools Inspectorate Authority, Ministry of Education. ISA is a member of the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) and the Association of International Schools in Africa (AISA). The school is currently preparing for CIS accreditation.

How is the curriculum enriched?

Our curriculum is enriched by PE, Swimming, Art, Ghanaian Language and Culture, Music, French, African Drumming and Dance.

 Does the school run extra-curricular activities?

Clubs are offered throughout the year and students can choose form a wide variety of offerings. Clubs which have been offered include Chess, ballet, art and craft, tie dying, football, drama, spy training, public speaking, Scouts, cooking, coding, needle work, Zumba, dance, basketball, tennis, gardening, board games, etiquette and manners, design and technology, etc.

Does the school provide opportunities for community service?

A commitment to service is part of the ethos of the school. Community service enriches the curricula. We encourage students to use their voice for the greater good.

How does your curriculum compare with the Ghana Education System (GES)?

Regardless of the curriculum, all primary school children all over the world need to build the same skills-set for reading, comprehension, arithmetic, science etc. An international school has an added advantage of providing your child with a solid foundation to thrive in any educational system.

How do I manage the transition beyond ISA?

Beyond ISA, there are two main pathways to Secondary School, depending on the choice of school system the parent decides, for the child to pursue.

Option 1 – International School

After Year 9, students can apply to any international school in Ghana or beyond. There is a list of schools at the end of our School Brochure for your information. This is not an endorsement of any school referenced and the list is solely to serve as a guide for parents. These schools offer one or more of the following programmes:

  • International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for Years 10 – 11, A levels for Years 12 – 13
  • General Certificate of Education (GCE) for Grades 10 – 12
  • IB Programmes for Years 10 – 13 /Form 4 to 6th Form/ Grade 9-12

Option 2 – Junior High School and the BECE

We ask that families make a clear and early decision as to whether their child will continue with the Cambridge pathway at ISA, or pursue the BECE route through a local school that offers that curriculum. The BECE is designed as a three-year programme with its own structure, subjects, and content, different from the Cambridge curriculum. Students who plan to sit for the BECE should ideally be enrolled in that system from JHS 1 to JHS 3 (equivalent to Year 7 to Year 9).

It will not be possible for students to remain enrolled at ISA for Year 9 while also preparing for and sitting the BECE. This includes taking extended time off to prepare or sit for the BECE examinations.