Our Mission
& Our Approach

The TIS Approach 

TIS believes students are best prepared for the future by cultivating skills and attitudes that enable lifelong learning and caring for the community. The primary aim of education is not simply to enable students to do well in school, but to help them to do well in the lives they lead outside of school.

High quality teaching and learning

At The International School of Macao, high-quality teaching and learning is a collaborative, holistic endeavor involving teachers, students, families, the community, and school leadership. We cultivate an inclusive, stimulating environment that nurtures the whole child—academically, socially, emotionally, and ethically. Through thoughtful planning, real-world connections, and a commitment to personal excellence, we prepare students to achieve academic success and to develop resilience, empathy, and a sense of purpose, empowering them to make a positive impact on their lives and communities.

The TIS Advantage 

TIS is an accredited Alberta (Canada) International School, with the top tier status (Tier 4*) as a flagship school accredited by Alberta Education. TIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and is a candidate school for IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). 

We are also seeking authorisation as an accredited school by the Council of International Schools (CIS). This International Curriculum delivered via our effective international Approaches to Teaching and Learning sets our students on a pathway for academic success.

Our unique Approaches to Teaching and Learning, along with Experiential Learning opportunities allows students to connect their learning in the classroom to real world events and issues, generating authentic learning experiences. 

Our International Curriculum delivered alongside and via Experiential Learning opportunities enables our students to develop personally and holistically to become positive contributors to our local and global communities as Global Citizens.

Student Excellence 

We believe that the TIS Advantage enables every student to reach their own personal level of Student Excellence. This may look different for each student, according to their strengths and weaknesses; areas where they may shine and areas for growth. 

Excellence can manifest itself in many different ways beyond academic achievement. Therefore, TIS strives to provide opportunities for every student to grow and excel in whichever area of personal interest and natural aptitude they hold. We seek to challenge students to take responsibility for their own learning and their pursuit of personal excellence. We promote the philosophy of life long learning so that pursuit of excellence can continue beyond graduation. We challenge students to focus on developing their personal skills, traits and attributes of good character to assist them in becoming excellent contributors wherever they find themselves in our world. 

*Demonstrating Excellence as a Tier 4 School

Alberta Education recognises Tier 4 as leading-edge schools that make a difference for students and go beyond the standards expected of every school. Examples of educational excellence include: 

• academic results that consistently meet or exceed the provincial average; 

• robust educational programming that includes optional programs for students; 

• extracurricular programs that extend learning beyond the classroom; 

• opportunities that foster local, national and/or international collaboration; and

• a comprehensive plan for professional learning that engages all staff.

*Source: “Handbook for Alberta Accredited Schools.” Alberta Education, 2017. https://education.alberta.ca/media/3653597/aais_handbook.pdf.