KIS New Student Orientation

Kodaikanal International School year runs from mid July to the end of May. The school year is divided into 2 semesters. Although students may be admitted throughout the year, KIS Admissions runs New Student Orientation programs immediately before the start of each semester.

Normally run over 2 days the KIS New Student Orientation program provides sessions for student placement testing, official registration procedures, introductory IT sessions and opportunities for new students, parents and families to interact with KIS senior management, academic program coordinators and specialist staff.

At KIS current students induct new comers. Peer Encouragers (PEER) are selected by staff and student nominations to take this very important leadership role. Student Council leaders are also involved in the process of New Student Orientation.

A word from students....
From my experience here at KIS, I have come to know that there is far more to it than the fine educational institution it presents itself as. Aside from the remarkable schooling it offers, students are faced with numerous opportunities to express themselves with all the extracurricular activities that go on in the school. But more importantly, the atmosphere at KIS is that of a tightly knit community, a family.

Our school was the first school in India to adopt the International Baccalaureate program. Each year, the percentage of students in the senior class taking the IB increases, and many of the graduation aims are centered on the IB. Recently, the Middle Years Program was also introduced, a program which prepares grades six through ten for the IB program they would face in grades eleven and twelve.

KIS is known for its extensive music program. According to Mrs Pickard, a former music teacher in the school, music in the KIS culture is so integral that you can’t escape it.  Individual music lessons provide opportunities for students to participate in concerts, both classical western and Indian. Many are also involved in external recognition such as AMIS and RSM examinations, and every year the orchestra and choir travel to various destinations to share their musical talents. 

The various sports that are offered encourage individuals to cooperate, to develop sportsmanship and to excel. In addition to the required PE credits for the KIS diploma, there are after-school games all year round, as well as competitions with schools in other areas. KIS also hosts open basketball and soccer tournaments each year inviting other schools to come and participate.

Every weekend there are activities held on Friday and Saturday nights to help students relax a little and take their minds off their work. These activities range from sports night, to movie night, and of course, to the ever-famous canteens - loud music that the teachers will never understand!

In addition to all of this, students can involve themselves in groups that they find themselves most comfortable in. For example, those who enjoy focusing on academics will benefit from being a part of the National Honor Society. Those interested in leadership will find themselves drawn to the student council, where they can represent the school at the council meetings.  Those who like to actively participate in sports can earn a ‘K’, much like a varsity letter, and become a part of the Kodaikanal Athletic Club. Others who find that they are naturally friendly and outgoing will enjoy the Peer Encouragers program, which provides a network of students who are willing to reach out to the student community when needed. Also, students can become members of Amnesty International, and through the school, take part in petitions and such that Amnesty International holds.