 
Contact Address:
Marina
International School
Bakau New Town
Farimang Singhateh Street
(Off Garba Jahumpa Rd. & Fajara M Section)
Kanifing Municipality, Ksmd
PO Box 717, Banjul
The Gambia, West Africa
Tel no: +220 4494373 or 4494374
Tel no: +220 4494387 or 4494376
Tel no: +220 7836281
Fax:
4497280
Email: info@mis.edu.gm
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Information:
The Marina International School,
which is one of the best private schools in The Gambia,
was founded in 1958. The total number of pupils enrolled
at MIS is over 1,000 and both the High and Junior schools
are located on the same campus. There are no restrictions
based on nationality.
The educational institution student admissions is from
nursery to Form 7. The Junior School encompasses classes
for Nursery, Reception and Years 1-6. The High School
is a three-tier international school and is a Cambridge
International Examinations Centre and therefore adheres
to British National Curriculum and has IGCSE, AS and
A level courses and exams.
Marina is a not-for-profit foundation owned by the PTA
(Parents Teachers Association) which votes for a Board
of Governors which ultimately manages the day-to-day
running of the school. Though both schools run independently
from each other and have different principals, they
coordinate and cooperate widely and at the conclusion
of Key Stage 2 most pupils from the Junior age apply
for enrolment to the High School.
Admissions Process:
The application procedure for enrolment into Marina
International School, Gambia, is as follows:-
• Call or email
the Administrative Office (+220 4449376) to arrange
an appointment.
• At the meeting the head of
the relevant section will answer queries about the institution
and its educational programmes. You may chose to fill
in the application form at this time as well as meet
the Finance Officer for questions about their tuition
fees.
• After your form has been endorsed for
final approval successful applicants will receive an
introductory letter to formalise their admission into
Marina International.
• Payment of tuition
fees at Accounting Office.
• During the first
week of the school term a tour will be appointed for
students and parents with a seminar to outline the policies,
procedures and code of conduct at Marina.
School Fees:
See here.
They can vary for Gambians and the expatriates community.
Curriculum, Exams & Class Sizes:
The average class size is approximately 26 to 27 pupils
and each year grouping has 2 or 3 classes which are
not streamed.
The curriculum is grounded in the main core subjects
of English language, Mathematics, Social Studies and
Science which are taught by the class's teacher however,
older ages are occasionally taught by the subject specialist.
This is especially true in English. Specialist teachers
give instruction in Music, Physical Education, French
to 1 to 6 year olds.
Note:
RE is not taught at Marina.
The teaching programme for Reception and Nursery is
grounded on the Early Years Foundation Programme (EYFP)
which is published with the British National Curriculum
with a focus on learning via child's play. Later, the
formal programmes are taught through teaching the idea
and representation of symbols for numbers and sounds
and by assisting the kids to gain manual dexterity in
drawing, writing and painting techniques. Those who
have gained sufficient proficiency can move onto writing,
doing basic sums and reading.
During the Years One to Six, every class adheres to
study based on the UK National Curriculum. Coursework
is focused on teaching children to think for themselves,
to be creative, with a significant proportion of it
being activity-based. Learning by parrot style repetition
is frowned upon.
Teaching of the English language takes place through
the use of the language as opposed to formal use of
grammar. Emphasis is put on encouraging the children
to find meaning in what they have read and to give expression
in their written work and speech. Writing, reading,
listening and speaking are evaluated separately.
Assessments are carried out throughout the year. Course
work is marked and tests are carried out on a regular
basis in the various subjects. Marina has more recently
shifted over towards a new system of assessment based
on Levels.
Expected Achievement Levels:
• Years 1 and
2 > Level 1-2
• Years 3 and 4 > Level
2-3
• Years 5 and 6 > Levels 3-4
Years Three to Six sit their exams 2 times a year, in
February and June. Movement up to the next year is entirely
reliant on satisfactory academic performance during
the year in both the continuous assessment and exams.
Those that fail to reach a satisfactory level of attainment
might be requested to repeat.
At the end of the course for Year 6 the pupils will
sit their exams, which are based on SATS sat in England.
These tests are marked externally and the SAT results
are published in the first half of July. Promotion to
Marina High School rests on adequate performance of
the SATS, as well as acceptable behaviour during Year
Six. There is no requirement for those promoted to the
High School to sit the Gambia's Common Entrance Exams.
Ultimately, final decisions on promotions rests with
the Academic Committee after discussion of each child.
Double promotions are only permitted in exceptional
circumstances.
Homework:
Homework policy is not formal for Nursery and Reception,
however, basic tasks may be given to do back in their
residence. Every student from Years One to Six will
be given home assignments.
Motto:
"Scholarship, Trustworthiness and Service"
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