Our Story

Australian Independent School Indonesia

Where We Came From

AIS Indonesia was founded in 1996 in response to a demand for inclusive education within international schools in Indonesia.

Our founder Penny Robertson accompanied her husband to Indonesia and discovered there was no school that would accept their daughter who has Down syndrome. With the involvement and support of professional educators, diplomatic and commercial representatives, together with a group of committed parents, Penny Robertson and Peter McGuckian set about founding the school’s yayasan on 1st May 1996, and the school opened on 15 July 1996 with an initial enrolment of eleven students and five teachers.

Today, the school has transitioned into a premium international school with state-of-the-art teaching facilities over two campuses in Jakarta and Bali. Currently, more than 600 students thrive in an environment where they enjoy the benefits of a world-class international education that is Australian influenced.

AIS is an IB World School that offers the Diploma Programme (DP) and is also accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS). Recognised as one of the best education systems in the world, Australian education is unique and offers a learning style that encourages students to be innovative, creative and to think independently.

As practitioners, we believe in this system because we see the results. Our aim is to help our students achieve their full academic and social potential by providing a challenging range of curriculum options and by establishing a learning environment where different learning styles are accommodated. Our student-focused approach achieves outstanding results because it works on an ethos of positive reinforcement.

The education system at AIS is an inclusive one. At AIS, we believe this is one of our key strengths. We accept all students regardless of culture, ethnicity, religion, gender or language background. At AIS, we strive for the development of the whole person. We have a vision of learning which encompasses all aspects of life – not just the intellectual, but also the social, cultural and physical.

Academic success is balanced by the school's emphasis on personal growth and development. Our students are challenged and encouraged to discover their individual interests and abilities. AIS teachers are committed to nurturing our students into well-rounded individuals who are confident and creative problem solvers.

The AIS community is based on an extended family of teachers, students, parents and alumni. Together, we celebrate and promote the universal human values that connect us all. In each of our schools, you will find an international community with a warm, caring, and inclusive environment. Our students learn to appreciate diversity and change, challenge conventional thinking and think independently for breakthrough success. 

Our Vision

The vision of AIS is for our students to become confident, capable and socially aware global citizens who contribute meaningfully to the communities in which they choose to live and work.

Our Mission

Our mission is to achieve this through providing high-quality, inclusive learning experiences, differentiated to meet individual needs. We support student learning with excellent teachers with up-to-date teaching materials and technological resources.

Learning takes place in an atmosphere of respect and support where we acknowledge and celebrate our differences and encourage empathy, compassion, understanding and respect for human dignity. Our graduates will have the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to make a positive contribution to the international community.

Our Philosophy
Empowering minds. Uniting Communities

Our key philosophy at AIS is to develop and demonstrate best practice education, and to make a world-class Australian education available and accessible to all children in Indonesia.

Regardless of ability, culture, ethnicity, gender or language background, all AIS students are encouraged and nurtured to achieve their full social and educational potential.

To achieve this, we are committed to providing a challenging, enriching and supportive learning environment, which develops confident and articulate students. Our students are augmented with the skills, knowledge, values and attitudes needed to shape their future and contribute meaningfully to the international community.

FOUNDING BOARD
Advisor to the Founding Board in 1996:

Pak Sabam Siagian

Founder :

Penny Robertson, OAM and Peter McGuckian

Of particular importance in establishing the first AIS school were the Founding Board members :

  1. Rick Kee
  2. Ken Allen
  3. Nick Arathimos
  4. Kevin Evans
  5. Graeme Robertson
  6. Steven Smith
  7. Angela Williamson