Senior School Leidschenveen
Useful dates for your calendar
School year 2024 | 2025
Autumn term
Term begins Mon 2 Sep 2024
Half term Mon 21 Oct to Mon 4 Nov 2024 (incl.)
End of term Fri 20 Dec 2024
Winter holidays
Spring term
Term begins Tue 7 Jan 2025
Half term Fri 21 Feb to Fri 28 Feb 2025 (incl.)
End of term Tue 15 Apr 2025
Spring holidays
Summer term
Term begins Wed 30 Apr 2025
School Closed Mon 5 May 2025 (Liberation Day)
Half term Mon 26 May - Fri 30 May 2025 (incl.)
School Closed Mon 9 June 2025 (Whit Monday)
End of term Thu 10 July 2025
Summer holidays
Please note: The school day ends at normal time on the last day before half term break. On the last day of term, school ends at 12:00 midday.
Welcome from Headteacher
Welcome to Senior School Leidschenveen
Staying in touch
Student wellbeing
The pastoral system
Daily routines
What to wear
What to bring to school
Digital devices
Breadth of Experience
Student health
Promoting positive behaviour
BSN Character Profile
Welcoming new parents to the school Year 7
Dear Parent/ Guardian
We are pleased to welcome your family to the BSN Senior School Leidschenveen (SSL) community. Our philosophy embraces the challenges of academic excellence, responsibility, leadership, friendship and participation in a wide variety of activities while being supportive and understanding.
Our students and staff come from many different backgrounds – the UK, the Netherlands and nearly 90 other countries. Each member of our community has experience from which we can all learn and be enriched. While we have collective aims, everyone is treated as an individual, with students being encouraged to use their initiative and develop their skills and talents.
Many new opportunities and experiences lie ahead for students during their time at SSL. Whether you are new to the Netherlands, new to the BSN or moving up from one of our Junior schools, we aim to help both students and their families, making the transition as easy and problem-free as possible. To help with this, we have produced this guide to the useful things you will need to know as your child starts life at the BSN. In addition, students will receive a copy of our student’s guide to SSL, called Basics, at the start of the term. This is issued to everyone at the Senior School and is designed to answer many of the students’ questions. In addition, each student’s Form Tutor and relevant Key Stage Coordinator/Head of Year will ensure they have all the information they need when they start and will support students throughout the year.
We look forward to welcoming you and your family to our community. For those families transferring from a different school or country, we invite you to join us at the Welcome Day arranged just before the start of the Autumn Term. At this new student induction event, families will have the opportunity to meet others in this similar situation. Students who join the BSN through the school year will be warmly welcomed when they arrive by the relevant Key Stage Coordinator/Head of Year and their Form Tutor.
In September, shortly after the start of term, we hold an Open Evening for new Year 7 parents, which is a chance to meet the relevant Head of Year and the Form Tutors as well as other families in your child’s form and to hear a little about life in Year 7. Other year groups have Parents’ Evenings throughout the year (please refer to Compass for details and timings), and Senior staff will always be on hand to say hello and answer any questions you may have.
The BSN Family Association holds a regular Coffee Morning at the schools, and parents are welcome to drop by to meet other families and catch up on news of life at the BSN.
We do hope that you are now looking forward to the prospect of life at the BSN Senior School Leidschenveen – we are certainly looking forward to welcoming you and your children to our thriving school community.
Kind regards,
James Oxlade Headteacher Senior School Leidschenveen
Welcome to Senior School Leidschenveen
We know that whether you are moving to a new country, starting a new school – or perhaps both –this is an exciting time. At the BSN, we do all that we can to help families feel settled and at home as quickly as possible. We are experienced in welcoming newcomers, not only in September but throughout the whole school year.
You will likely have many questions about school routines, how things work, and what day-to-day life will be like for you and your family at the BSN. This handbook is designed to help you answer many of those questions, but please remember that if you are unsure about anything at all just need to ask – we will always do our best to help.
Welcome Day
Students who are new to the BSN at the start of the school year are invited to attend a Welcome Day with their family on Friday 30 August 2024. New students will be welcomed by the Headteacher and staff and have the chance to meet other new students.
The first day of the school year
On Monday 2 September 2024, staff and student helpers will be ready from 08:30 to welcome new students to the BSN. Hopefully, most new students will have attended the Welcome Day and will have a good idea of what lies ahead.
Students will be shown to their new form room, where their Form Tutors can answer any questions and issue timetables and locker instructions. New students will be paired with another student in their class who will help them adjust to the school routine.
Staying in touch
Day-to-day communication
Compass is the BSN’s password-protected website (intranet). It provides direct, personalised access to Notes Home, the school calendar, trip approval forms, school news and curriculum information. Compass is our key method of day-to-day communication with parents. We do not send paper notes home in school bags; instead, we use a system of electronic notes and messages sent through this portal.
You will receive a newsletter every half term with highlights from across the campus.
If your child is moving from one of the BSN Junior Schools, your Compass details will remain unchanged. Parents who are new to the BSN will receive a temporary log-in with their acknowledgment letter and a permanent, personal log-in within 24-hours of their child starting school with us. Please be sure to log in and check for news and messages regularly.
BSN Insight
BSN Insight magazine provides an overview of some of the many events, activities, and work that have taken place across the school. The magazine is delivered by post to each BSN family approximately once a year and is available online via the BSN website.
General enquiries
The School Office is at the heart of our busy school–for general questions or any messages you need to pass on, the Office staff will be able to help you. Feel free to phone, pass by at any time or email us. If the Office is not able to help you, you’ll be put in touch with the appropriate staff member. When no one is available to speak to you, there is an ‘out of hours’ messaging service operating from 16:30 every day – calls are logged as emails and passed on to the appropriate staff member – we do our best to respond to questions as quickly as possible.
Parent & School Partnership Charter
The BSN has developed a Parent & School Partnership Charter, which sets out clear expectations for communication between parents/guardians and
the school. The aim is to help parents engage with the school as partners in their child’s education and ensure a culture of respect among community members.
Larger issues or concerns
If your concerns or questions are more serious or confidential, you are welcome to contact the relevant Key Stage Coordinator, Head of Year, Assistant or Deputy Headteacher, who will help you as quickly as possible. You can contact the School Office to arrange an appointment or email them directly.
School Office contacts
Office Manager | Ronel Venter Office Administrators | Ronel Pohlmann and Elzaan Botma
Telephone: +31 70 218 3023
Email: senior.leidschenveen@britishschool.nl
Student wellbeing
Parent/teacher communication
The school operates an open-door policy for all parents who want to get in touch with the school to discuss any issues or problems. Please refer to the table on the next page to establish the most relevant staff member to contact with a query or concern is. In turn, we will contact families if we have concerns. We have regular Parents’ Evenings throughout the year – but there is no need to wait for this to talk to us about an urgent matter. Please bear in mind, though, that staff have teaching commitments, and it may be difficult for them to return calls immediately.
When leaving a message with the office, please leave a number and the times when it is convenient for a staff member to call back. You can also email teachers directly. You can find their email addresses on Compass
Staff email addresses are open for parents to communicate with individual staff members. We ask you to ensure that your message is sent to the most relevant person – see next page.
In situations where contacting the Form Tutor or relevant Key Stage Coordinator is not appropriate parents are welcome to contact a member of the Senior Leadership Team:
Headteacher | James Oxlade Email: james.oxlade@britishschool.nl
Deputy Headteacher | Duncan King Email: duncan.king@britishschool.nl
Assistant Headteacher | Kevin Sandeman Email: kevin.sandeman@britishschool.nl
Nature of message
An academic matter, for instance about a lesson or homework
A matter to do with a student’s personal wellbeing, for instance friendship issues
If a matter is of a serious nature and warrants escalation
Technical examination questions
Medical matters, for instance information about an allergy
Administrative matters, for instance to do with school transport or lost property or sickness absence
A strategic or policy matter
The pastoral system
SSL aims to provide a safe and caring environment where students will thrive; an important part of this is the pastoral system. When students join the school, they are placed in Form Groups – each Form Tutor has responsibility for up to 24 students. The Form Tutor plays an essential role in the students’ pastoral experiences and is the first point of contact for students and families.
Tutors register their Form Group in the morning. The Form meets for a 20-minute tutor period during the day. In this period, students are helped with organisation, planning, and the practicalities of school life. Tasks are undertaken based on relevant, topical issues, ranging from information about the trips to advice about subject options, careers, and university advice.
Assistant Headteacher | Kimberley Jackson Email: kimberley.jackson@britishschool.nl
Key Stage 3 Coordinator | Dave Wilson Email: dave.wilson@britishschool.nl
Key Stage 4 Coordinator | Leah Smith Email: leah.smith@britishschool.nl
Head of Year 12 & 13 | Lea-Elyse Adkins Email: lea.adkins@britishschool.nl
Relevant member of staff
The subject teacher
Key Stage Coordinator, Head of Year 12 & 13, Assistant Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher
The Exams Office
The School Health Care Officer
The School Office
The Headteacher
Form Tutors and Key Stage Coordinators monitor many issues, including attendance, punctuality, uniform, behaviour and students’ general wellbeing in school.
Homework and academic progress will also be monitored, and students will be encouraged to set their own targets and evaluate their outcomes over the year. Tutors work closely with other teachers to ensure an enriching and enjoyable educational experience for the students in their Form.
The Form Tutor
Daily routines
The start of the day
The school building is open for students from 08:00 onwards, and most arrive between 08:20 and 08:40. Students arriving by bus will be dropped off on the school grounds.
By 08:40, students are expected to be in their form rooms for registration. Late arrivals are required to sign in – if your child’s school bus appears to be running late, there is no need to alert us – the bus company will do this automatically, and your child will not be marked as late or absent. A student is deemed late for school if they are not present in their form room by 08:45.
Two-week timetable
The timing of the day and students’ timetables span a two-week period – known as Week A and Week B. Students receive their timetable at the start of the term and are encouraged to keep a copy in their locker and a screenshot on their school device to ensure they remain organised. Students soon become used to knowing whether it’s Week A or Week B.
Lesson and break times
We do not operate a school bell system, and students soon adapt to the routine of moving between lessons quickly and efficiently. The end of break and lunch is signified by a whistle-blow from the staff member on duty.
Assembly
Students at the Senior School meet regularly for the whole year group assembly. This is an opportunity for the Tutors, the Key Stage Coordinators, the Head of Key Stages, and Senior Leaders to share important notices and highlight and celebrate students’ successes.
The School Day
Registration 08:45–08:50
Lesson 1 08:50–09:40
Lesson 2 09:40–10:30
Tutor Time/Break 10:30–10:50 Break (Yrs 7/8/9)
Tutor Time/Break 10:50–11:10 Break (Yrs 10/11/12/13)
Lesson 3 11:10–12:00
Lesson 4 12:00–12:50
Lunch 12:50–13:50
Lesson 5 13:50–14:40
Lesson 6 14:40–15:30
Catering
The Senior School has its own cafeteria, which provides hot and cold meals and snacks that students can purchase throughout the day. The school has a well-supported healthy eating programme which ensures that the food served is balanced and nutritious. Information regarding menus and payments can be found on Compass.
Water is always available, and students are encouraged to have their own refillable water bottles for use throughout the day.
Many students bring their own packed lunch and snacks, which are eaten in the lunch space or outside under the supervision of Student Supervisors.
Attendance
There is a strong link between levels of attendance and punctuality and an individual’s educational outcomes.
Students are expected to attend school for entire terms, the dates of which are confirmed well in advance to allow families to plan. Leave of absence will be granted only for compassionate or other urgent reasons. Requests for leave of absence must be made at least two weeks in advance.
If students need to leave during the school day this will only be authorised following a written request from parents/guardians or another valid reason. | An exception to this rule is made for students in Years 12 and 13 who, provided they sign out, may leave school at break and lunch. All students must sign in and out of school at the school reception.
School Bus Service
The school operates a comprehensive bus service for students – various options are available, including a door-to-door service. The bus service works independently of the school and has a strict behaviour policy. Further information on the school bus service is on Compass and the school website.
For more information on the Bus Service, please refer to your Basics handbook, or Compass.
The Transport Department can be contacted on: 070 315 4083 or bsn.transport@britishschool.nl.
If students need to attend a medical or other appointment, there must be an email from home to confirm this. This applies to students in all year groups.
If a student is unwell at school, they must see the school Health Care Officer before leaving the premises.
The end of the day
At the end of the day, students make their way to their lockers to organise the books and files they need for homework and then move on – either onto the school bus, to Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), the library, or home. Students may be collected by car and are encouraged to take extra care navigating the parking lot during this busy time of day. If you pick your child up after school, please be attentive to the buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
Going home by school bus
Buses leave promptly, 15 minutes after the end of the school day. Students must always have their bus pass with them. If a student accidentally misses the bus, they will be able to call from the School Office to make alternative collection arrangements with parents and guardians.
After school activities
We have a huge programme of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) at lunch and after school and we encourage all of our students to participate. Please note that students participating in after-school CCAs need to make independent travel arrangements, or be collected from school at the appropriate time.
Parking and drop off
At the end of the day, students make their way to their lockers to organise the books and files they need for homework and then move on – either onto the school bus, to Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), the library, or home. Students may be collected by car and are encouraged to take extra care navigating the parking lot during this busy time of day. If you pick your child up after school, please be attentive to the buses, cyclists and pedestrians.
Arriving by bicycle
Students cycling to school use the Senior School bicycle racks. These are busy at the start and end of the day. Once on school property, bikes must be pushed, not ridden. There is bicycle storage inside the school grounds alongside the Sports Halls. Bicycles must be locked during the day and are the sole responsibility of the owners.
Security information
The security of our students and staff is important to us. There is a security guard on duty during school hours and a closed circuit monitoring system is in place. All visitors, including parents, are requested to sign in at Reception and wear the appropriate badge issued upon sign-in.
In an emergency, such as fire or evacuation of the school, parents will be sent an emergency text message. For this reason, it is vital that the school has up to date mobile phone details for all parents and guardians. Further information and our policy for use of the Emergency Text System can be found on Compass.
What to wear
The BSN school uniformhelps to promote a shared feeling of equality amongst our students – a significant consideration as we welcome students from a wide range of countries and work to provide them with a sense of belonging. The uniform is compulsory for everyone in Years 7–11. Please take particular note of the regulations regarding footwear. Details of the required uniform can be found on the website and Compass.
Appearance
Students should wear appropriate school uniform (other than students in Years 12 and 13). The school uniform guide can be found on the uniform page and in the Basics Handbook. The School reserves the right to make the final decision as to whether the uniform regulations have been breached.
Years 12 and 13 (The Sixth Form) are not required to wear school uniform. This privilege is balanced by a responsibility to wear smart, clean and appropriate clothes. The guiding principle is clothing should be appropriate for a professional working environment. Detailed guidance for the Sixth Form can be found in their student guide, which they receive at the start of the year.
Nail varnish and make-up should not be worn in school.
Hair colour should be a natural hair colour, and the style of haircut, beards, and moustaches are judged appropriate by the relevant Key Stage Coordinator.
Jewellery
Students with pierced ears can wear small stud earrings, which must be removed or covered during PE lessons. Piercings are not allowed on any other part of the body, and tattoos must not be visible. Jewellery should not be worn in school.
Marking and labelling
All items of clothing and equipment should be clearly marked with your child’s name. The Trutex website sells labels and name tapes.
Where to buy your uniform
The BSN school uniform is supplied by Trutex and is available to purchase on the Trutex website: www.trutex.com/eu
Orders can be delivered to your home address in the Netherlands or your child’s campus. Before making your first purchase, you must set up your personal account on the Trutex website and enter a specific code for your child’s campus. Please visit Compass for a list of LEA codes and further information about purchasing school uniform.
What to bring to school
One of the best ways to ensure that your child feels happy, confident and settled when they start school is to ensure they have everything they need with them. Your assistance in getting them organised helps greatly. Please make sure that all items are clearly named and labelled.
Equipment
• Pencil case
• Blue/black pen
• Pencils (including 2B and 2H)
• Pencil sharpener
• Ruler
• Eraser
• English dictionary
• Pack of colouring pens/pencils
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Highlighter pen
• Set of low-cost in-ear headphones
• Protractor
• Pair of compasses
• Scientific calculator (we recommend Casio fx-82MS)
• Hair band to tie back long hair (DT, FT and Science)
PE bag
Students may use any suitable sports bag. However, PE bags are available from the Trutex Website (www.trutex.com/eu). PE kit is generally brought into school on the appropriate day and then taken home again for washing on the same day.
Water bottle
In line with the school’s environmental policy, no paper cups are provided. Proper hydration helps to improve concentration levels, and water is freely available at the Senior School Leidschenveen. However, students must ensure their bottle is filled with enough water for two lessons. Students must not disrupt their learning by asking to leave lessons to fill bottles.
Digital devices
Digital tools are widely used to enhance learning at SSL. These range from electronic textbooks to virtual field trips, instant quizzes, and opportunities for students to create digital products. We use technology to support the learning of subject content and to develop students’ own digital skills.
Each student at SSL is provided with a device for their own use. Digital tools are used frequently in lessons across all curriculum areas, so the device must be brought to school, fully charged, every day. Students’ own digital devices may not be used during the school day. The School devices are provided on a loan basis and must be returned in good condition when your child leaves the school.
A case is supplied to help protect the device and must be used at all times. Each student is responsible for the care of their device.
This includes restarting it daily, installing regular updates when notified and seeking support from IT Services promptly if any problems arise. We talk with the students about digital responsibility, staying safe online, managing screen time and getting enough sleep. It would be really helpful if parents could reinforce the same messages at home. The device must be charged overnight to be ready for school the next day, and is for educational use only: no gaming!
Breadth of Experience
Throughout the year, many events and activities take place outside the classroom. These vary according to the age group and from year to year. Each of these opportunities gives students the chance to take on more responsibility, learn new skills and build on existing skills. They’re also a great way to meet other students and are a lot of fun. We encourage all students to take full advantage of what the BSN has to offer.
Co-Curricular Activities
We have a wide range of activities available, running during lunchtimes and after school. The programme varies from term to term but includes choirs, instrumental groups, drama, debating, creative clubs, numerous sporting opportunities and much more. If nothing is of interest, it is also possible for students to suggest new activities, which will be run if there is sufficient student demand.
Student Voice
During the school year, students have the opportunity to serve on the School Council. This is a great chance to represent the views of the Form Group and discuss ideas about how to make the school better.
Music
The BSN offers lessons on a wide range of instruments, and also voice. These include:
• Brass: Trumpet, Trombone, Saxophone, Baritone, Euphonium, French Horn, Tenor Horn, Tuba
• Guitar: Classical, Folk, Electric, Bass
• Piano
• Singing: Classical, Pop, Jazz
• Strings: Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
• Woodwind: Oboe, Flute, Piccolo, Clarinet
• Drums
Registration for instrumental lessons is handled via Compass under the Co-Curricular tab.
The representatives gather ideas and suggestions from their class to take to the meeting, debate these and then give feedback to their classmates. Students have the opportunity to meet with members of the Senior Leadership Team every half-term to share ideas and discuss developments.
Sports tournaments
Students of all ages have the opportunity to participate in competitive sport and represent the school at both local and international tournaments. Girls’ hockey, basketball, swimming, girls’ gymnastics, and football are among the sports that are regularly participated in at this level. As students progress through the school, there are opportunities to travel to other international schools around Europe to compete. The school has an excellent reputation for its sporting success.
School trips
As part of our school curriculum, a range of trips, visits, and experiences are arranged throughout the year. These link to different subject areas or develop aspects of the character profiles as part of our curriculum content. In addition, we run a range of optional trips - you will receive information about these via Notes Home during the year. A summary of all the trips run by the BSN can be found on Compass.
Charity events
During the year, students are encouraged to spend time organising and supporting fundraising events to raise money for a charity. These events include bake sales, sponsored events and a variety of performances.
Service Learning / Community Action Service (CAS)
We encourage all members of our school community to engage in service learning activities – to volunteer and contribute in many different ways to give something back to our community. CAS and SL are compulsory Core component of the IB Diploma Programmes run in our Sixth Form, and while these students often take the lead, we want everybody to be involved. All students in Years 12 and 13 are encouraged to volunteer and contribute in many ways to give back to our community.
Student health
Good health is vital to enable children and young people to fulfil their potential.
Each of the BSN’s school campuses has a School Health Care Officer on-site during the day. The Health Care Officer’s primary role is to look after the health of our students during the school day. They are responsible for providing first aid, health promotion, and administration of necessary medication. Parents should contact their family doctor (Huisarts) for general medical advice.
The School Health Care Officer also supports students with chronic or complex medical needs. When such issues are identified, they will ensure that procedures are promptly implemented to ensure the child is not disadvantaged by their condition. This enables those students to develop and flourish, along with their peers, to achieve their full potential in all aspects of school life.
Health Care Office
School Health Care Officer |
Ingrid Gustafsson-Hilberink
Linda Butler (Fri)
Email: SSL.Healthteam@britishschool.nl
Our School Health Care office is open from 08:30 to 16:30 each school day and is accessible to students who sustain an injury, become ill or need a listening ear whilst in school.
However, consultation with the Health Care Officer is not appropriate if an injury or illness has occurred outside of school. A medical examination and advice should then be obtained from your doctor in the first instance. If you wish to consult with the Health Care Officer about a medical issue that may impact your child’s health and schooling, you are welcome to call to arrange an appointment.
Please ensure that you keep the Health Care Officer updated with any changes in your child’s health. In particular, if they have been injured or sustained a concussion, the Health Care Officer must be aware to ensure their safety in school.
Health record
As soon as a new student joins the BSN, it is vital that the School Health Care Officer is notified of all health-related issues such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and allergies – especially if these are related to foods, e.g. peanuts or milk, etc.
All parents are asked to complete a Student Health Record Form on behalf of their child – we must have an accurate understanding of all our students’ health and any specific medical issues. All health information given to the school on this form is treated with strict confidentiality and only shared on a need-to-know basis.
What to do if your child is ill
To help us ensure that the school is a healthy environment in which your child can thrive, it is essential to follow these guidelines:
• students should not attend school if they are unwell or not fully recovered from an illness.
• in the case of vomiting or diarrhoea, students must be kept at home for 48 hours after the symptoms have stopped.
• it is essential that any change in medical information is given to the Health Care Officer, who will discuss more complex situations with parents.
• notify the school if your child is diagnosed with an infectious disease, e.g. scarlet fever, impetigo, whooping cough, etc. The information will remain confidential, allowing us to notify others and minimise the further spread of infection.
• collect your child promptly once the school has contacted you. Refusal to collect a students the Health Care Officer has assessed as unfit for school will be passed on to the Headteacher.
• if your child cannot participate in sports lessons because of injury or illness, a letter must be sent to the PE Department detailing the reasons. The School Health Care Officer cannot supply this letter on the request of the student.
• any change of address or telephone number must be given to the School Office – enabling the school to contact parents promptly in times of illness or injury during the school day.
• if your child is taken ill at school, we will telephone the primary contact on our student information system. If this person is unreachable, we will contact the secondary contact.
Use of crutches
It is essential to notify the Health Care Officer if your child has to move with the aid of crutches – they will then ensure that procedures are put in place to assist the student in moving safely around the school. This is also very important in the event of a required building evacuation.
School counselling
In Senior School Leidschenveen, we provide students access to a Counsellor who can provide emotional support and advice. Students can make appointments through the Health Care Office, by talking to a teacher, or asking parents to make an appointment.
Let us know ...
Please inform the School Office via Compass before 09:00 if a student is absent due to sickness. If no notice is received, the school is required to contact you as part of our commitment to keeping students safe. If suitable authorisation is not received, we record the absence as unauthorised. Information about unauthorised absences is passed to the relevant Gemeente (Local Authority) via the DUO Portal. Requests for absence due to personal reasons must be made to the Headteacher in writing in advance. Please refer to the school policy on absence during term time on Compass for more details.
Promoting positive behaviour
At the start of the year, all Senior School students are issued with Basics: a student’s guide to Senior School Leidschenveen – this handy booklet contains everything students need to know about life at the BSN SSL. The Basics booklet contains our school expectations, and time is set aside at the start of the school year so that all students can read and understand this document.
The BSN has developed a Behavioural Code by combining ideas from staff and students. This Code can be found on Compass, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure it is followed. Our Senior School rules are intended to promote self-discipline and develop respect for everyone in our community. We expect good behaviour and respect for others.
Around School, we expect students
to:
• treat all members of our school community with respect and courtesy at all times.
• contribute to the high quality of the learning experience by ensuring that you are punctual, correctly dressed, well-equipped and behave appropriately.
• be responsible for your own safety and that of others by behaving calmly and sensibly when moving around the school building and grounds.
• respect the environment of the School and the property of others.
In the corridors, remember the following:
• as we live in the Netherlands – we drive on the right so we walk on the right.
• only go to your lockers before registration, at break time, lunch time or after school.
• respect the school building and keep it clean and tidy; do not drop litter.
• walk quietly without running and remember good manners and hold open doors for staff and visitors coming the other way.
In the classroom
• arrive on time with the correct equipment.
• be attentive and follow instructions as they are given.
• mobile phones should never be in view at any time during lessons and Tutor times.
• enjoy your work and complete it to the best of your ability.
• hand in all homework punctually.
• verify anything you are uncertain of or need clarification about.
• enter each lesson with a positive attitude.
The BSN Character Profile
We give our students the opportunity to develop:
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Compassion
• Collaboration
• Integrity
CHARACTER PROFILE
INTEGRITY
COLLABORATION
We are proud that our students demonstrate well-rounded characteristics that enable them to succeed in all aspects of their lives. The BSN Character Profile (below) defines eight attributes that we believe are truly important for a BSN student to develop at the school. Courage, Perseverance, Creativity, Curiosity, Responsibility, Compassion, Collaboration and Integrity are characteristics embedded throughout our curriculum irrespective of age, year group or campus. Our Character Profile is a powerful tool that binds us together as a community and equips us with invaluable life skills.
High Performance Learning (HPL)
The BSN is a proud member of the High Performance Learning (HPL) global community of schools. HPL is a research-based philosophy that believes everyone is capable of being a high performer with the right mindset, skills, and behaviours. This philosophy is grounded in neuroscience and psychology research that shows intelligence is not fixed and that we can, with the right deliberate practice, improve the brain’s capacity for learning. The BSN Character Profile is aligned with the Values Attitudes and Attributes (VAAs), the behaviours that enable High Performance Learning
COURAGE
RESPONSIBILITY COMPASSION
PERSEVERANCE
CREATIVITY
CURIOSITY
Welcoming new families to the school
The BSN Family Association
The Family Association (FA) is the backbone of our community and is run by the community, for the community. They are here to welcome, support, and help you and your family make the most of your time at the BSN. Moving to a new country or school system raises many questions and can be an overwhelming experience. The School can provide a vital community link, offering a chance to make friends quickly and establish an important support network.
The FA includes several teams:
Welcome Team welcomes you and makes integrating into our community as easy as possible. With team members on each campus, they will help answer questions related to everyday living in the Netherlands. The school can cover some questions, and others are better addressed by parents.
Social Team offers a wide variety of informal, social events and activities/workshops to cater to all interests.
Secondhand Uniform Team runs a shop and holds sales throughout the year to help parents acquire affordable uniform.
The International Team aims to make contact with new parents of the same nationality or personal language. A list of representatives from the team can be found on Compass.
By joining the BSN, you are automatically a member of the Family Association and can join any event or activity throughout the year. The weekly parent coffee mornings are a great place to start! You can find more information about the FA and their activities on Compass in the Community section.
Classlist: Parental Communication Tool
BSN parents/guardians communicate with each other through Classlist, a web- and app-based platform that facilitates inclusive parent-to-parent communication. The Classlist is fully GDPR-compliant, offering parents a safe, moderated, and private space where you can connect with other parents online. You will be able to get in touch with other parents in your child’s class or Year Group.
Proficient-level Speaker Language Programme in
Year 7
If your child’s personal language is French, German, or Spanish, then they will be offered one lesson a week with a proficient-level speaker language assistant. In these lessons, the assistant will give special attention to their particular needs and provide lessons assessing their current level in each skill. These tasks will help them prepare for our Personal Language Programme (PLP) that will start in September of Year 10 and allow them to sit a GCSE in Year 11.
If your child’s personal language is Dutch, then they will typically be placed in the top Dutch set.
Proficient-level Speaker Language Programme in
Year 8 and Year 9
If your child’s personal language is French, Spanish or German, we will provide a special bridging course for your child. This course is taught by Proficient speaker foreign language assistants and is customarily taught at lunchtime or after school. The course will allow them to keep the current level of their personal language so that they can join our Personal Language Programme (PLP) in Year 10, which will enable them to prepare for GCSE in Year 11.
If your child’s personal language is Dutch, then they will typically be placed in the top Dutch set.
Year 7
Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year –please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening. An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Welcome evening
or Year 7 parents, we hold a Welcome Evening in early September. This is important as it’s an opportunity to make contact with Form Tutors, the Head of Key Stage, other campus staff and teachers, and other parents in your child’s Year Group.
Settling-in
During the first term in Year 7, we issue a Settling-in Report, which gives parents an early indication of how their child has managed the first few weeks. Parents receive this report in October, a week before a Tutor Consultation Evening. This is a chance to meet and discuss any issues or concerns with your child’s Form Tutor.
Reporting
An Assessment and Progress report will be sent out at the end of the first term which will be followed by a Parents’ Evening which we expect students to attend. This is a formal opportunity for parents/guardians to discuss their child’s progress with their teacher.
A second Assessment and Progress report will be sent out toward the end of the Spring Term and a full report (a longer report with comments from teachers) is issued at the end of the year. Another (invitational) Parents’ Evening is held early in the summer term.
Parents and students are only invited to attend if there are specific issues arising allied to subject areas; if parents do not receive an invitation to attend, there should be no cause for concern.
MidYIS Testing in Year 7
During September, Year 7 students will take part in MidYIS Tests. The purpose of these tests is threefold:
• to help us assess a student’s potential more effectively.
• to provide data for the school to monitor student progress.
• to provide a reliable, objective and realistic way of measuring our school’s performance by looking at what ‘value’ we have added during a given period of education.
The tests take approximately 50 minutes and are made up of seven elements: Mathematics, vocabulary, perceptual speed and accuracy, cross-sections, proof reading, block counting and picture tests. As they are not related specifically to the curriculum, there is no need for revision and no need to be unduly concerned about them. The results are used internally and are not published.
Trips and Activities
During the year the school suspends the timetable for individual trip and activity days and again in July for a trips and activities week for all students in Year 7. These off-timetable events are designed to support and enrich the curriculum.
Year 8 Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year –please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening. An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Reporting
An Assessment and Progress report will be sent out towards the end of the first term which will be followed by a Parents’ Evening which we expect students to attend. This is a formal opportunity for parents and guardians to discuss their child’s progress with their teacher. A more detailed, full report with comments from teachers is issued at the end of the Spring Term and a further Assessment and Progress report is issued at the end of the Summer Term.
MidYIS Testing in Year 8
During September, Year 8 students who have not been tested at the BSN before, will take part in MidYIS Testing. For more details please refer to the beginning of this page.
Trips and Activities
In July and at various points during the year the regular school timetable is suspended and there are opportunities for all students in Year 8 to partake in trips and activities that aim to support and enrich our normal curriculum.
Year 9
Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year –please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening. An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Options evening
This normally takes place at the end of January, and takes the form of a presentation on how to make wise GCSE subject choices. This will be followed by the opportunity to talk to specialist GCSE teachers about the content of their course to help students make the right decisions. Students will have some time to consider their options before advising us of their subject choices in February – this allows us to make appropriate timetable and staffing plans for the following September.
Reporting
Students are assessed continuously whilst at Senior School and we aim to regularly talk to parents and students about their progress. Students will talk to their Form Tutors and subject teachers and, at certain times, we send home reports and invite parents with students, to discuss how they are doing.
A full report will be sent in December. Parents and students will then be able to attend an Parents’ Evening in January. This is followed by an Assessment and Progress report at the end of the second and third term.
Our (Invitational) Parents’ Evening is held during the Summer Term. Parents and students are invited to attend and discuss specific issues allied to key subject areas; if you do not receive an invitation, there should be no cause for concern.
MidYIS Testing
During September, Year 9 students who have not been tested at the BSN before, will take part in MidYIS Testing. For more details about MidYIS Testing please refer to the Year 7 information on page 21 of this handbook.
Trips and Activities
During the year the school suspends the timetable for individual trip and activity days and in again in July for a trips and activities week for all students in Year 9. These off-timetable events are designed to support and enrich the curriculum.
Year 10 & 11
Yellis Testing
During the Autumn term, Year 10 and 11 students will take part in Yellis Testing. The purpose of these tests is threefold:
• to provide extra data to monitor student progress more effectively and ensure students are fulfilling their potential.
• to provide information to help the students make evidence-based judgments about appropriate GCSE target grades that they set for themselves.
• to provide a reliable, objective and realistic way of measuring our school’s performance by looking at what ‘value’ we have added during a given period of education.
The tests take approximately one hour and consist of numerical and verbal sections. As they are not related specifically to the curriculum, there is no need for revision and no need to be unduly concerned about them. Results are published to students and parents. Students set target GCSE grades for themselves, and the results they receive on the Yellis testing help to inform these targets.
Careers
As students work on their GCSEs, it is important to maintain a focus on further and higher education and careers options. Careers forms part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) programme and the school runs a Higher Education and Careers Fair during the year, to which students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to attend. In past years, Universities present have been from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and the USA.
Trips and Activities
The regular school timetable is suspended in July and at various points during the year and there are opportunities for all Year 10 and 11 students to partake in trips and activities that aim to support and enrich our curriculum.
Proficient-level Speaker Language Programme in Year 10 and Year 11
If your child’s personal language is French, Spanish or German, we provide a special two-year bridging course. Proficient speaker language assistants teach this course, and it is preparation for taking the GCSE at the end of Year 11. Students are expected to attend regularly throughout the two years. For each two-week timetable cycle, one lesson happens at lunchtime (or after school) and the other during one of the PE lessons.
If students’ personal language is Dutch, they generally have PSHE lessons in Dutch.
Year 10 Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year –please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening. An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Students will have the same Form Tutor and Key Stage Coordinator for these important two years as students tackle their GCSEs.
The Form Tutorsand Key Stage Coordinator are there to help students through problems which may arise, as well as sharing successes and achievements. Form Tutors meet their classes first thing every morning for registration, as well as for 20 minutes each day for Tutor Time. Newcomers will be paired with a student in their class who will help them settle into the school routines and guide them around the building.
Reporting
Students are assessed continuously whilst at the Senior School and we aim to talk regularly to parents and students about their progress – this is particularly important in Years 10 and 11, critical exam years.
Students will talk to their Form Tutors and subject teachers and we send home reports and invite parents with students, to discuss how they are doing.
During the first half term in Year 10 we issue a Settling-in Report, which gives parents an early indication of how their child has managed the first few weeks of the GCSE courses. There follows a Consultation Evening where parents have a chance to meet and talk to Form Tutors about any issues or concerns.
An Assessment and Progress report will be sent out at the end of the first term which will be followed by a Parents’ Evening in the second term where we expect students to also attend. This is a formal opportunity for parents and guardians to discuss their child’s progress with their teacher.
A second Assessment and Progress report will be sent out towards the end of the Spring Term and a full report (a longer report with comments from teachers) is issued towards the end of the year.
Year 11
Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an opendoor policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year – please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening. An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Year 12 Options Evening
This is scheduled for November and takes the form of a presentation on how to make wise IBDP and IBCP subject choices. This will be followed by the opportunity to talk to specialist teachers about the content of their course to help students make the right decisions. Students will have some time to consider their options before advising us of their subject choices in December – this allows us to make appropriate timetable and staffing plans for the following September.
Reporting
Students are assessed continuously whilst at the Senior School and we aim to talk regularly to parents and students about their progress – this is particularly important in Years 10 and 11, critical exam years. Students will talk to their Form Tutors and subject teachers and we send home reports and invite parents and students, to discuss how they are doing
Students will be given a Full Report in November, designed to keep students on track for their Mock GCSE Exams and of course their GCSEs. The Mock GCSE Exams are in January, after the Winter holiday and an Exam Report follows in February and is accompanied by a Parents’ Evening, where you will be able to discuss next steps as your child heads into a period of revision. The actual GCSE exams occur in May and June, and students are provided with a timetable when the exact schedule is published by the Examination Boards.
Year 12 & 13
Reporting and progress
Senior School Leidschenveen operates an open-door policy. Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any concerns or questions throughout the year – please don’t wait for a Parents’ Evening.
An overview of what you can expect for every Senior School Year Group can be found in the Curriculum Information handbook, which can be found on the Year Group information pages of Compass.
Reporting
For parents in Year 12 and 13, there will be a Welcome Evening early in the Autumn Term. For Year 12, this is followed by an Assessment and Progress report later in the term. Year 13 receive a full report in December. Around these times, you will also be invited to attend an online Parent Consultation Evening. We run these over SchoolCloud (guidance
Careers
Consolidating and developing students’ personal and academic profiles prior to university application is a key element in careers education and guidance in the two Sixth Form years. As students work on their IB pathways, it is important to maintain a focus on further and higher education and careers options.
Careers forms part of the Personal, Social, Health and Economic education (PSHE) programme and is designed to ensure that students fully understand all the options open to them and are confident in the decisions they make. The school runs Higher Education and Careers Fairs during the year, to which students in Year 12 and 13 are encouraged to attend. In past years, universities present have been from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain and the USA.
Our Careers Department is experienced in supporting applications to destinations all over the world.
Trips and Activities
In July and at various points during the year the normal school timetable is suspended and there are opportunities for all students in Year 12 to partake in
CEM IBE Testing in Year 12
During the Autumn term, Year 12 students will take part in CEM IBE Tests. The purpose of these baseline tests is threefold:
• to provide extra data to monitor student progress more effectively and ensure students are fulfilling their potential.
• to provide information to help the students make evidence-based judgments about appropriate IBDP/ CP target grades that they set for themselves.
• to provide a reliable, objective and realistic way of measuring our school’s performance by looking at what ‘value’ we have added during a given period of education.
The tests take approximately 50 minutes and are made up of seven elements: Mathematics, vocabulary, perceptual speed and accuracy, cross-sections, proof reading, block counting and picture tests. As they are not related specifically to the curriculum, there is no need for revision and no need to be unduly concerned about them. The results are used internally and are not published.
Home Study
In the Sixth Form Form students are expected to continue to develop as independent learners. Sixth Form students are offered the option to have Home Study periods. The amount, and time varies according to the year group.
Please note: students must stick to the Home Study period agreed and always sign in and out of school.
Students in Year 12 will be entitled to one home study period a week dependent on their timetable. In Year 13, students may be able to have two Home Study periods per week. Students must earn their entitlement to Home Study periods and the time, once set and agreed, does not vary – permission for Home Study leave can be retracted if necessary.
Please note, Home Study periods may not be possible due to a student’s timetable of subjects taken.
