AISL is an accredited International school serving a truly international community. To reflect the needs of our community, and to cater for the needs of our students who range in age from 3 to 18 years, the school has a comprehensive and relevant guidance and counseling program.

The program is divided into two main areas: Guidance & Counseling and College Counseling. Helen McBride, Driekie Smith and Julie Ann Baldry are our counselors.

Helen McBride has responsibility for counseling in the Primary school, Driekie Smith has responsibility for the Middle school, and Julie Ann Baldry is responsible for counseling in the upper Secondary school (Grades 9-12), and College counseling for grades 10 - 12.

All counselors offer both individual and group counseling.

Helen McBride

Driekie Smith

Julie Baldry

Guidance & Counseling

The Guidance program provides a whole-school framework for the provision of Personal and Social Education, Health Education, Counseling and Advisory. A team of teachers, advisors and the counselors deliver the program. Often guest speakers are invited to give the latest information on HIV/AIDS, Malaria, learning styles etc.

The program is driven by the beliefs and values of the International Baccalaureate Organization . Many guidance aspects targeted in PYP are integrated into the Units of Inquiry. Within the Secondary division (Grade 6-10), the program is supplemented by the MYP Areas of Interaction curriculum.

Transition to AISL: Moving to a new country can be a daunting experience. All students new to AISL meet with the relevant counselor in the first few days. Students are given a buddy. After several weeks an informal progress report is given verbally to the counselor by the teachers. This may lead to a follow up meeting with the counselor. Families moving to Zambia may find the article transitions of interest. This has been written by one of the counselors at the school and gives information on how to make the move to a new school and new country as smooth as possible. Click here to download. There is also a small presentaion entitled "Helping Families Cope with Moving"

College Counseling

Students begin to participate in the College Counseling program when they enter Grade 9. This comprehensive program guides students through the processes of choosing IB subjects, making career choices, deciding upon higher education pathways, taking entrance tests and applying to colleges and universities worldwide.

The College Counseling program is designed and directed by Julie Ann Baldry. Julie regularly attends College Admissions workshops and thereby has a thorough and up-to-date understanding of the college admissions process.

The AISL College Counseling site provides a wealth of information about the college application process.