Secondary School
Introduction The British School of Yangon (BSY) serves a diverse group of families representing over 44 different nationalities. The majority are from overseas, some of whom are long established in Asia whilst others are in Myanmar for a few years on an overseas posting. We also serve a growing number of local families with international links and a strong belief in the value of an international education. They all share high aspirations for their children; aspirations that become more clearly defined and increasingly shaped by pupils themselves as they progress through the Secondary School and approach higher education. At the heart of our work is helping our pupils develop and accomplish these aspirations. Robust academic results are essential to success beyond BSY, and our academic programme provides pupils with every opportunity to excel, and secure their university of choice. Success in life however requires much more than good grades. It requires confidence, independence, presence, the ability to lead and the discipline to apply oneself. Our commitment to helping pupils develop these attributes is enshrined in our School Charter and relies on a rich and varied educational programme developed over many years. We hope that this guide gives you a flavour of the experience at the Secondary School at BSY.
Guide to Secondary Year Groups at BSY: AGE
YEAR
11
Year 7
12
Year 8
13
Year 9
14
Year 10
15
Year 11
Age as of September 1st
STAGE Key Stage 3
Key Stage 4 (IGCSE)
Pastoral Care and Social Development Our pupils’ welfare is of paramount importance. While they are striving for academic success at secondary school, we do not stop caring. Providing proper guidance and support for pupils during their time with us is a critical part of our mission. Understanding the needs of each pupil and working with them on those needs is a crucial element of what we do. At BSY we understand how talented our pupils are and we aim to provide them with the skills and opportunities to succeed in life. Every pupil is assigned a tutor who provides overall academic and personal guidance. Pupils meet regularly with their tutor both as a group and individually to discuss progress and any problems or concerns. The Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme is delivered in tutor groups throughout the school year. Tutors are also the first point of contact for parents. Every pupil is also a member of a School House. Many of the School’s social activities, music events and sports competitions take place within the context of the House. Pupils are given the opportunity to engage in formal and informal leadership roles, work as a team and contribute to House and School Communities. We consult pupils on the way the school community is shaped and how it should change over time. Pupils from Year 7 may take on leadership roles on the Student Council or as House Representatives. Older pupils may be elected as House Captains or School Prefects.
Key Stage 3 The Key Stage 3 programme runs from Year 7 to Year 9. The academic programme is based on the English National Curriculum but is not bound by its constraints. Instead, we apply the most appropriate elements and enhance the curriculum where necessary to provide an innovative, challenging and creative programme that is crucial in laying the foundation of core knowledge, skills, and understanding required to embark on the Key Stage 4 IGCSE programme. Pupils study English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Drama, Music, Art, Computing and PE. In addition, they choose to study one Modern Foreign Languages from a choice of two. Where appropriate, instruction is enquiry based and geared towards problem solving. Each subject is taught by a subject specialist. The opportunities for independent learning increase throughout Key Stage 3. Pupils are encouraged to assess their own work and to formulate their own next learning steps. Pupils are encouraged to think critically and take risks in the classroom in order to develop problem-solving skills, for we believe that making mistakes is a vital part of the learning process. Project work is an essential component both individually and in groups. There is also a range of opportunities for pupils to pursue their areas of interest in greater depth both in school and through relevant enrichment experiences beyond the classroom. Learning is supported by up-to-date technology. Every pupil is provided with a MacBook and internet access is available throughout the campus. Lessons incorporate technology where appropriate, and rely on more traditional media where technology does not provide a clear benefit.
Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) In Years 10 and 11, pupils work towards obtaining IGCSE qualifications offered by the Cambridge, Edexcel and AQA examination boards. The two-year IGCSE programme is academically rigorous and recognised to be amongst the best in the world for this age group. Many of the subjects have specific international elements and content, developed by specialists to make the subject matter relevant to pupils worldwide. The choice of subjects is an important one, both in order to build on pupils’ strengths and interests and with a view to a future career. The School provides pupils (and parents) with plenty of information in advance about options to ensure choices are well informed. Pupils at BSY will typically earn IGCSEs in nine or 10 subjects, a number that allows them to be well prepared for the next stage of education whilst leaving time to continue to develop other interests. Whilst the programmes of study are structured around the IGCSE curriculum, teaching and learning continues to emphasise the development of pupils’ general academic and intellectual skills. Learning remains enquiry based and focuses on problem solving. Pupils learn to become more independent and start to develop a more clearly defined sense of direction for the future.
Subject Enrichment Opportunities and activities beyond the classroom are an important and exciting feature of school life. The enrichment programme contributes enormously to the academic, cultural, physical, spiritual and social life that all pupils experience during their time at BSY. All pupils in the school are encouraged to participate in a wide variety of clubs and to learn new skills. From cooking to public speaking, chess to gymnastics, there is something for everyone. A number of field trips take place throughout the year to destinations across Myanmar, Asia and further afield, with the aim of supplementing what is learned in the classroom. BSY pupils have also enjoyed the privilege of hosting many successful and famous guests to talk to them about their wide scope of experiences in their specialist field. We believe that education goes beyond the classroom, and we strive to provide the opportunities for our pupils to develop a number of key skills and competencies.
Sport Sport plays an integral part in Secondary School life, within the core curriculum and in the extra-curricular programme. Pupils enjoy taking part in PE lessons, and playing sport on a regular basis promotes many of the qualities in which we believe: Learning to lead and be led, to push oneself to ones limits, to win with humility and accept defeat graciously, to put in the time and effort to master and excel at a skill are all lessons learned through participation in sport. In Key Stage 3, pupils have two one-hour PE lessons each week, one of which is swimming. As they progress through secondary school, pupils are able to choose PE as part of their IGCSE, AS and A Level programme. Competitive teams are fielded across a number of different sports including football, swimming and athletics. Alongside representation in BSY teams, inter-House tournaments allow a large proportion of students to compete for and represent their House. Each year, secondary school pupils participate in the Swimming Gala and Sports Day, while inter-House competitions are also held for handball, football, rounders, basketball and badminton. A highlight for many of our pupils is the chance to represent the school in sports tournaments in Myanmar and across the Asian region.
The Arts Music and Drama are intrinsic and highly valued aspects of education at BSY. Both departments are staffed by graduates of some of the most prestigious music and performing arts schools in the UK, allowing pupils to benefit from the experience and expertise of professional musicians. Choir, Drama and Orchestra are all popular and successful, and every pupil throughout each year group, is encouraged to take part. The philosophy of BSY is that Music and Drama not only enhance pupils’ academic studies and develop their team skills, but also encourage their personal and cultural development. A unique aspect of the Creative Arts curriculum at BSY is the opportunity to take part in extra Drama, Art and Music activities for one hour a week, such as the Secondary Instrumental Programme (SIPs). Pupils are encouraged to experience both on-stage and off-stage roles in productions and have plenty of opportunity to showcase their talents at a number of events ranging from classical productions to variety shows and orchestral performances. Our School Choir are frequent performers at school events and local community functions. To further enrich their education in Music and Drama, BSY frequently host visits from professional actors, writers and musicians. We also organise visits to productions and performances outside the school. A printed handbook can only go so far in conveying the ethos and spirit of a school but we hope this brochure has given you some insight into what makes BSY secondary school so special and unique. Please contact our admissions team to arrange a tour of the campus. We look forward to welcoming you to BSY.
2A Yangon-Insein Road Ward No. 9 Hlaing Township Yangon 11051 Myanmar +95 (0)1 525 044 info@britishschoolyangon.org www.britishschoolyangon.org