Department of English
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The Department of English at Stafford International School consists of a dynamic group of teachers who teach both English and English Literature for the middle school, upwards. Currently, English Literature is taught in every grade and students (at all levels) are encouraged to appreciate the subject by being introduced to a wide variety of novels, plays, short stories and poems. The department is dedicated to use new methodologies in teaching, to improve a general appreciation of English Literature and aid students to acquire sophisticated skills in writing and reading.
The department of English is supported by a group of dedicated teachers – Ms. Natalie Fernando, Ms. Namalee Jayasinghe, Ms. Mifthah Khan, Ms. Kaushalya Ekanayake, Ms. Roshanara Fernandez, Ms. Sureshika Piyasena and Ms. Michelle Herft. Up to From 5, the Cambridge IGCSE syllabi are followed for both Literature in English and English Language. The IAL (EDEXCEL) English Literature syllabus is followed for Lower and Upper 6 students. Additionally, students of Lower and Upper 6 have the option of sitting for courses in IELTS and AS/ A Level in English Language (Cambridge).
Whilst English Language is compulsory up until Form 5, students who have a natural flair for the language and those with a keen interest in poetry, drama and prose opt to pursue English Literature. English Literature enables students to think analytically and develop key skills that are essential for today’s global environment. The subject allows learners to increase an understanding in history, theory and criticism and introduces students to wide variety of cultures and traditions. English literature also teaches students to empathize and enables critical thinking about complex topics through different perspectives.
Additionally, the English Department of Stafford International School organizes opportunities and workshops for students to improve their writing, deliver speeches and debates confidently and purposefully.
Department of Mathematics
We welcome all students to experience the beauty of Mathematics.
The Mathematics Department at Stafford has always been one of the strongest departments in the school. We aim to teach students Mathematics according to the Cambridge iGCSE and Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level for Advanced Level. For iGCSE we offer Mathematics which is compulsory for all students and Additional Mathematics which is optional. For Advanced Level we offer both Mathematics and Further Mathematics with an emphasis on Pure Mathematics as well as Statistics and Mechanics. Why you should study Mathematics need no convincing as if you simply look around, the evidence is there in the fractal shapes of nature as well as the architecture and technology that surrounds you.
The Mathematics Department has a highly committed and dedicated team of teachers who always work hard to improve their student’s knowledge while identifying each student’s strengths and weaknesses starting from the primary and continuing until the Advanced Level classes. This team goes over and beyond to offer their services during school hours as well as coming early to school to help students. We all try to cater to students of all abilities from the highly ambitious to the less ambitious. The foundation for the iGCSE classes are laid by the enthusiastic Ms Mahesha, Ms Muditha, Ms Ayanthi and Mr Theannilavu who are joined by Mr Mangala, Ms Paru and Ms Tamara during the iGCSE years, leading up to the A level classes where Mr Moorthy, Ms Kosalee and Mr. Swarnaraja join the team. Our track record of results at the iGCSE / O level and A level examinations are impressive to say the least. It is not merely the number of A*’s and A’s that we celebrate, but the number of world Prizes and Country Prizes that fill us with pride that our efforts and dedication have been rewarded by our hardworking students’ results. The Mathematics Department takes inspiration from the stories of great Mathematicians such as Sirinivasa Ramanujan and G.H. Hardy and hope to develop students’ abilities in Mathematics not only for the sake of passing examinations but also for the sake of developing a broader interest in the study of Mathematics.
Department of Chemistry
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Chemistry: The science of everything you see, smell, touch, taste and more.
Studying the chemistry of life is fascinating. Developing innovative applications essential for rapidly advancing technology is rewarding. Today scientists specializing in chemistry work with cutting-edge technology to improve the life of man, support his unending quest for new knowledge, and protect the environment of Planet Earth for future generations.
At Stafford International School, chemistry is taught as a subject from Form 3. But students learn chemistry as part of general science from Form 1. Ordinary Level students study for Cambridge IGCSE chemistry, while Advanced Level students take Pearson Edexcel AL exams. Lab work, which students find it exciting, is part of studies at all levels and complement theory taught in the classroom. It enables proper understanding of the subject and provide hands-on experience for those who want to follow higher studies in the sciences.
Our achievements
Examination results have been consistently outstanding, with many students achieving A or A* grades every year. Some special achievements in the recent years were:
Top in country in the year 2016 -International AS level chemistry
Top in country in the year 2016- O level chemistry
Top in country in the year 2017 - International AS level chemistry
Top in country in the year 2018-International A level chemistry
Top in the country-Cambridge Olevel chemistry
Our team of teachers
Ms.Ranga Thiranagama B.Sc(microbiology), M.Sc(food science and technology)[Form 3,4,5 &AS]
Ms.Christina Chandrasekeran. Grad.Chem., A.I.Chem.C [Form 1,2,4,5]
Ms.Nayana Wanasinghe BSc Hons (Chem.Sp) [form 3,AS,AL]
Department of Physics
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IGCSE and A Level Physics syllabi cover all fundamental concepts such as Measurements and units, Energy and Work, Newton’s Laws, Waves, Electricity , Fields of forces, Nuclear and Particle physics, Quantum Physics as well as Space and Cosmology. Physics is understanding the world around you, and building up theories and concepts to satisfy your curiosity. Studying physics develops your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and you eventually see the links in the nature to construct the holistic view of physical world.
Physics is a very popular subject at Stafford and the Physics team always scaffolds you to grow up as a confident young physicist. The team consists of very experienced physics teachers, Mr.Naleen De Silva, Mr.Vidujith Vithange, Ms.Sharmila Badurdeen and Ms. Navoda Samarappuli , who always go out of their way to support you when needed. Stafford secures a higher number of awards and achievements at the public examinations every year, some of recent achievements are;
2016 MJ: Top in the country-Physics Cambridge iGCSE / OL Anudi Bandara
2016 ON : High achiever –Cambridge AS Physics Anuk Vasu
2017 MJ : Top in the country – Cambridge AS Physics Pravie Vijayakumar
2019 MJ : Top in the country – Cambridge AS Physics Chaneth Wickramapala
Choosing physics opens a wide range of new future professions such as Medical engineer, Accelerator Operator, Optical Engineer, environmental analysis, etc. Learning physics is never wasted; it always molds you as a highly skilled and talented individual who can face the challenges with a smile.
Department of Biology
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At Stafford International School, the mission of the Biology Department is to prepare students for life-long learning about biology and its involvement in technology and society. We thrive to present biology as an experimental and observational endeavor, and as a way of knowing – that is, a way to ask questions about the world and to systematically seek answers to those questions. We offer Cambridge IGCSE for our ordinary level students and our Advanced Subsidiary Level and Advanced Level students sit for Edexcel IAL exams. Over the years, our department has produced excellent results with more than 80% A and A* grades. Biology is one subject in which the results have always been consistently exceptional.
Our team consists of four enthusiastic teachers extremely passionate about teaching our lovely kids at SIS. Teamwork is the key word in our department. Ms Anagi De Silva does an excellent job teaching our younger kids from Forms1 to 3, while Ms Avanthi Martenstyn and Ms Sandani Kodikara takes pride in their work as ordinary level teachers. Ms Enakshi Perusinghe focuses mainly on our advanced level students. We welcome our students to select Biology as an option at ordinary and advanced level exams. Our team will ensure that our students will enjoy every step in their wonderful journey of Biology.
Department of Accounting
Accounting as a profession has unparalleled advantages. Some of which are that there is a growing demand for accountants and that the pay range for a professional accountant is competitive. Accounting is also an intellectually challenging profession and can be a fulfilling career. It’s also important to realise that Accountancy has many options such as auditing, taxation, budgeting or financial analysis and many other alternative careers. The AL syllabus covers all the above key areas indicated.
Choosing accounting as a subject has several benefits. Accounting is necessary in all industries, and a knowledge of accounting will give you an edge in any field or profession you pursue. Accounting is also essential if you choose to start your own business or for any entrepreneur. The knowledge of typical business administration schemes, analytical skills, managing proposals and finances are skills that will help them not only professionally, but in their personal lives as well.
Department of Economics
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The study of economics helps people understand the business world around them in terms of people, businesses, markets, and governments, which prepares them to respond better to threats and opportunities that emerge with change. Moreover, Economics is a core academic preferred subject recognized by Top Universities. No matter what the future holds, an economics major helps people to reach great heights. This translates to success in work and life.
Edexcel specification of International Advanced Level (IAL) Economics introduces core economic concepts and principles to students and enables them to develop an understanding of microeconomic and macroeconomic issues. It then builds on this core knowledge and experience to consider more complex issues and broader contexts. The abundant resources available for this subject make it easier for students to get outstanding grades at the final examination under our experienced educators' guidance.
Over the years, our students have received many awards including the Top in the country awards in 2018 and 2019, alongside above 90% of students passing with A, B and C grades.
Ms Sharmila Zackie (MA. Financial Economics- the University of Colombo, Associate Chartered Accountant, Bsc. Accountancy Hons) with over ten years of teaching experience and six years of industrial Accounting and Auditing experience Heads the Department. Other staff members include Ms Inoshini Perera (MA Finance- the University of Cambridge, BA first-class honours- London School of Economics) with over two years of teaching experience and more years of senior managerial positions in industries in the US, UK and Singapore and Ms Archana Sayanathan (BBA honours- the University of Colombo, Passed finalist of CIMA, reading for MBA at the University of Colombo) with over six years of teaching experience.
“Economics is everywhere, and understanding economics can help you make better decisions and lead a happier life”- Tyler Cowen
Department of History
History is just memorizing dates of ancient events and information on long dead individuals that have no relevance to our modern lives right? WRONG! Today, more than ever before, we are aware that the lives we lead are intrinsically a biproduct of historical events. Whether rightly or wrongly, historical events have literally shaped the world into what we know today. Modern day events have shone the light, brightly, on the failings of our historical decisions. In order for us to move forwards, it’s important to understand how we got here and why. Events including the civil rights movement, the holocaust and the unfolding of the second world war, the French and Russian revolutions, Britain’s colonial dominance, and even the bloody and complicated history of our fair isle still play a huge part in our lives, our culture, and the relationships between different states and groups of people, and indeed, even our world views.
The dedicated teachers in the history department, Ms. Sulari Jayalath and Ms. Melissa Martyn, have been devising new ways to make the subject dynamic, engaging, and relevant. History, like many arts and humanities, provides an excellent base for any subject combination. It is also looked upon favourably by university admissions officers as it builds multi-disciplinary skills. In addition, learning History can help pave the way to careers ranging from the diplomatic corps, to international relations, economics, journalism, politics, and even law.
So dust off the notion that history is a romanticized tale about treaties long forgotten, and dive into the worlds that helped make us who we are today.
Department of Geography
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Welcome to Stafford’s Geography Department!
Geography is a dynamic, interactive, and functional subject. And it’s also fun! A common misconception is that Geography is a subject that doesn’t lead to many career opportunities. In reality, however, there are very few careers to which Geography would not be beneficial. IGCSE and IAS/ IAL Geography have engaging syllabuses which focus on topics ranging in a spectrum from human geography (including tourism, development, and migration) to physical elements (including coastal, and tectonic processes, hazards, and meteorological events to name a few.) Topics are also extremely relevant to current events with components including climate change, biodiversity, energy security, and even touch on political and economic elements. Most importantly, students gain transferable skills which will help you with other subjects, and will even be beneficial at university level.
Stafford’s Geography Department is passionate about developing your love of learning. Our engaging team comprises Ms. Manjula Aiyar, Ms. Suhara Chu, Ms. Aaliyah Hashim, and Ms. Sumaya Ramanayake, all of whom have many years of teaching experience, but most importantly, who love teaching. We have been devising new ways to get you out of the classroom and into the field. Being a geographer means getting your hands dirty, and doing your own research – vital skills for your further education. The Geography Department values and builds team work, argumentative skills, and writing skills. If you have a curious mind, love current events, and enjoy working out of the classroom, Geography could be the subject for you.
Department of Computer Science
Stafford International School Offer Computer Science Subject from Primary 1 to Advance Level. For Ordinary Level, we are offering Cambridge IGCSE Syllabus which helps the learners to study the principles and practices of computing and gain confidence in computational thinking and programming. They learn to program by writing computer code and they develop their understanding of the main principles of problem-solving using computers. Learners apply their understanding to develop computer based solutions to problems using algorithms and a high-level programming language. They also develop a range of technical skills, as well as the ability to test effectively and to evaluate computing solutions. Stafford has 96% of A*- C passing rate on the year 2019. In the year 2019, Aqeel Fouci received the Cambridge top in the country award.
For Advanced Level, we are offering Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science for Science stream students and Cambridge International AS & A Level Information Technology for Commerce stream students.
Cambridge International AS & A Level Computer Science encourages learners to meet the needs of Higher Education courses in computer science as well as twenty-first-century digital employers. It encourages learners to think creatively, through applying practical programming solutions, demonstrating that they are effective users of technology. Stafford has 80 % of A*- C passing rate on the year 2019.
Cambridge International AS & A level syllabus encourages learners to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them to develop a broad range of IT skills, knowledge and understanding. Learners study the structure and use of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, learners gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society in general. At A- Level, learners also study simple programming for the web relevant to their use of IT. In the year 2019, Shan Gunersekara achieved the High Achievement Award for Cambridge AS Level Information Technology.
Department of Language
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“If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head. If you talk to him in his language that goes to his heart”. – Nelson Mandela.
Language learning was once considered nothing more than a hobby, but as the world continues to become increasingly connected, learning a language other than the mother tongue considered a necessity. Advancing technologies have offered us the ability to communicate no matter where we are in the world, amplifying the importance of language study.
The great thing about language is that other than being a form of communication it also serves as a means of relating to others on a cultural level.
Taking all this into consideration I am proud to mention as the head of the Language Department at Stafford International School, we offer three additional languages other than the language of instruction English. Namely French, German, Sinhala and Tamil. The students enjoy learning the languages through a lot of activities which is offered by the school the cultural activities, dramas, songs and dancing and there by producing world class results at the IGCSE Ordinary Level Examination.
Department of Business
Business is a subject of great substance which requires a sense of oneness with the current global trends and demands. At Stafford International School, the subject is offered at IGCSE and Advanced Level. The specification at each level enables students to progressively develop an enthusiasm and understanding of the corporate world, whilst gaining a holistic view of businesses in a range of contexts.
The Pearson Edexcel International Advanced Level Business qualification aims to develop a critical understanding of business opportunities, problems and issues whilst making students aware of the ethical dilemmas and responsibilities faced by organisations and individuals. It helps students to acquire a range of relevant business and generic skills, including decision making, problem solving and critical analysis.
The Business teachers at Stafford International School consists of a team of fully qualified, passionate professionals with many years of experience in the field of education. This team consists of Mrs. Sarah Nazeem, Mr. Michael Wijesuriya and Mrs. Nimna Abeyratne. They aim to work tirelessly to create a challenging, nurturing environment, presenting lessons in a comprehensive manner and use ICT to facilitate continuous learning. In a Business class, each person’s ideas and opinions are valued. The team aims to create a supportive culture, encourage open innovative thinking, in a collaborative environment where each student is made aware that he or she is an important and an integral part of the group.