our value based approach
The school believes that values education and character development are very important to the holistic development of the student.
We define values as:
- The principles and fundamental convictions that act as a guide to behavior.
- Enduring beliefs about what is worthwhile.
- Ideals for which one strives.
- The standards, beliefs, and actions that are judged to be good and desirable.
KAS has adopted the Living Values Education Program as the main methodology for character education.
The program consists of 12 universal values. They are: Peace, Respect, Responsibility, Love, Humility, Happiness, Simplicity, Honesty, Cooperation, Unity, Freedom and Tolerance. These values and other positive values are modeled throughout the school.
We have regular assemblies where the students, staff and Principal show how we can practically live that value. Students join in the activities in class and around school. One new value is emphasized every 6 to 8 weeks.
Teaching and Learning approaches within each theme focus on reflection, practicing words and actions, sense of right and wrong, imagining, art work, stories, local culture, social interactions, the local environment, world nature and how each theme applies to yourself.
Etiquette Program
The school offers an unique Etiquette program that educates how to conduct yourself in public, how to conduct yourself at the meal table and how to engage in polite conversation as well as educating manners, hygiene, appearance and values for everyday life.
As part of the program, the students receive a freshly cooked meal that is served to them at a fully prepared table with cutlery settings, napkin and glasses.
Specific examples of what is taught as part of the Etiquette program include:
- How and what to wear in school.
- What to wear in out of school formal settings.
- How and when to say please and thank you, and to use common courtesies.
- How to walk, turn and stoop in formal and informal settings
- Protocols and knowing which one to use and where.
- How to prepare yourself for the meal table with do's, don'ts and duties.
- How to use a napkin, knife, fork and spoon.
- How to eat with manners and correct posture.
- Basic place settings and Formal place settings.
- When to begin eating, rest and what to do when finished.
- How to answer a telephone with correct voice and tone.
- How to speak at the table. Opening and closing conversations.
- Healthy diet.
- How to balance food and exercise.
- How to manage the ups and downs in life.
- How to be a host and hostess.
- Writing invitations and thank you notes.
- Gifts and flowers.
- Making the most of a special occasion.
- How to manage tricky moments.
A values-based approach, together with our unique Etiquette program, invites in many benefits. These include:
- Enhanced well being and success in learning.
- A holistic approach to learning and living.
- Values conscious living choices.
- Closer links between the home and school.
- A healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
Public Speaking
Public Speaking is an art of communication that prepares students to be respectful, confident, effective, and engaging young people when relating with others in many situations.
The Kuwait American School holds this skill in high regard and enhances Public Speaking through a series of innovative ways that enriches the holistic nature of all students.
We currently employ a number of techniques including:
- Narration of stories in assembly.
- Writing and acting in plays.
- Recitation of Poetry.
- Using microphones.
- Addressing an audience.
- Addressing a camera.
- Theatre Performance.
- Poise and Presence.
- Diction, Pitch and Projection.
