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.
Dear Students
I am delighted to welcome you to The British School in the Netherlands and Senior School Voorschoten (SSV). I understand the mix of trepidation and excitement that you might be experiencing, which is perfectly normal at times of change. Very quickly, I am sure you will feel confident and happy, and you will have an incredibly positive and enriching experience with the BSN.
What makes the BSN so special are the amazing teachers and support staff, and diverse and welcoming students. You will find the quality of teaching is excellent, with a friendly and highly knowledgeable teaching body. What strikes me is how engaged and enthusiastic the teachers are for their subjects, with the experience to ensure all of you are supported and inspired to fulfil your true potential. We also have great support structures in place to help you settle in, from tutors, Heads of Year, counsellors and the Health Care Team to make sure you are happy and settled.
The BSN experience is so much more than just academic excellence, as important as that is. There is a huge variety of opportunities and activities outside of the classroom that will help you discover and develop your unique talents, creativity, and interests.
Please do take these up, whether joining a sports club, getting involved in drama and creative opportunities, becoming a student leader, debating in the Model United Nations, or pushing yourself through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award. I am passionate about the importance of fully embracing these opportunities; you will find something that you enjoy as well as challenges you and will rapidly help you feel part of the BSN community, cementing new friendships.
We celebrate our diverse international community, and the friendships and connections that you forge at the BSN will remain with you for years to come. Enjoy the experience, lean in to the opportunities that are here and you will get the most out of your time with the BSN. If you never feel uncomfortable you know you aren’t truly challenging yourself, but at the same time, make sure you are having fun.
I look forward to getting to know you over the coming months and years. Please do ask anyone for help or guidance if you are not sure about anything.
Patrick Heuff Headteacher Senior School Voorschoten
Welcome to Senior School Voorschoten
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 you 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 year are invited to attend a Welcome Day with their family on Friday 30 August 2024. They will have the opportunity to meet the Headteacher and members of staff and other new students..
The first day of the school year
On Monday 1 September 2025, staff and student ambassadors will be ready, from 8:30 in the school Atrium to welcome new studentsto Senior School Voorschoten. Hopefully most new students will have attended the Welcome Day and will have a good idea of what lies ahead.
Year 7
Students joining Year 7 should go to the school hall on arriving at school for their first day, where Mr Bennett and the Year 7 Form Tutor team will be waiting to welcome them and take them to their form rooms to start the day.
Years 8, 9, 10 and 11
Students joining in these year groups will be welcomed in the Atrium and then shown to their new form room. Form Tutors will be able to answer any questions and help students access their timetables, and their lockers. Other students will support new students to help them settle into the school routine and guide them around the building.
Years 12 and 13
New students should meet in the Sixth Form Common Room, situated on the second floor. On the first day a student joins the Sixth Form, they will be shown to their form room and their Form Tutors will explain in more detail, how the Sixth Form operates.
Student wellbeing
At SSV, our first priority is providing a safe and caring environment where students will thrive. Working in partnership with our families, we have a range of staff members dedicated to student wellbeing, including our Health Care and School Counselling Teams, the Additional Educational Needs (AEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL) Departments. All of these are supported by our Pastoral Teams.
The pastoral system
Our Pastoral System is a key element of our work to promote student wellbeing. When students join the school, they are placed in form groups. Each Form Tutor has responsibilities for up to 24 students and is part of a Tutor Team led by the Head of the Year.
The Form Tutor plays an important role in the students’ pastoral experiences and is the first point of contact for students and families.
Tutors register their form group at the start of the school day. The form group meets for a 20-minute Tutor Time session each morning. In Tutor Time, students are supported with their organisation and planning, as well as the practicalities of school life. Tasks are undertaken based on relevant, topical issues, ranging from information about trips to advice about subject options, careers and university advice.
Form Tutors and the Head of Year monitor many issues, including attendance, punctuality, uniforms, behaviour, and our 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 outcome over the year. Tutors work closely with other teachers to ensure an enriching and enjoyable educational experience for the students in their form.
School counselling
In Senior School Voorschoten, we also provide students with access to a Counsellor who can provide emotional support and advice. Students can make appointments by talking with their Form Tutor, talking to a teacher, asking parents to make an appointment, or contacting the Counsellor directly themselves at the daily drop-in sessions or by email to school.counsellor@britishschool.nl
Healthy Minds
As part of our programme for tutor time, one a half term we focus on our students’ mental health and wellbeing. Every tutor group in school is involved in this initiative. The programme focuses on managing our emotions, building healthy relationships, celebrating success and building resilience. The sessions, while all on the same theme, are delivered to each year group in a slightly different way to acknowledge their phases of development. The students will learn language to use to discuss their emotions and help them manage at difficult times
Staying in touch
Day-to-day communication
Your family’s first point of contact with school will be your child’s Form Tutor. However, we have many other sources of information available. The table below will give guidance on the most relevant person to contact for specific issues.
Nature of message
A matter to do with a student’s personal wellbeing, for instance friendship issues
An academic matter, for instance about a lesson or homework
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 subject teacher or Head of Department
The Head of Year, Head of Sixth Form or the Deputy Headteacher
The Exams Office
The School Health Care Officer
The School Office
The Headteacher
If you need advice on the best person to contact The Form Tutor
School Office
The School Office is at the heart of our busy school –for general questions or for any messages that you need to pass on, the Office staff will be able to help you. Free free to phone, pass by at any time or email.
Telephone: 071 560 2222
Email: senior.ssv@britishschool.nl
If the School Office is not able to help you, they will put you in touch with the relevant staff member.
There is also an ‘out of hours’ messaging service operating from 16:30 every day – calls are logged as emails and passed on to the appropriate member of staff. We do our best to respond to questions as quickly as possible.
Parent/teacher communication
The school operates an Open Door Policy to encourage a partnership with families, particularly about your child’s academic learning and personal development. Parents and guardians can contact the school anytime and arrange to discuss any issues or problems. You can find a directory of staff email addresses on Compass to support this.
Please refer to the table (above) to establish the most relevant staff member to contact with a query or concern. In turn, we will contact families if we have concerns.
We have a Parent-Teacher Consultation and regular reports during 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.
Relevant member of staff
The Form Tutor
BSN Compass
Compass is the BSN’s password-protected intranet. It provides direct, personalised access to Notes Home, the school calendar, approval forms for trips, the family database, school news and curriculum information.
Compass is our primary 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 regular Notes Home from school to ensure you can stay updated with news, announcements, and events. If you have children in both Junior and Senior schools, you will receive relevant information from both schools. You will also receive a fortnightly newsletter.
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 your acknowledgment letter and a permanent, personal log-in within 24 hours of your 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 has been taking place across the school. The magazine is delivered by post to each BSN family once a year and is available online via the BSN website.
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.
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. Students arriving before 08:30 may use the Atrium and the Student Café until the bell sounds. At this point, they can go to their Tutor Group rooms.
By 08:45 students are expected to be in their Form rooms for registration. Late arrivals are required to report to the office and sign in there – 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. At the start of term, students receive their timetable and are encouraged to keep it with their agenda, to ensure they remain organised. Students soon become used to knowing if it’s Week A or Week B with signs posted around the school as well as the Homepage of Compass.
The School Day
Students have six 50-minute lessons each day. After the first two lessons, students have a 20-minute break and time in the Form Tutor Groups. This is followed by two more lessons and then an hour for lunch from 12:50- 13:50. After lunch, there are two lessons before school ends at 15:30. At this point, students can make their way home or participate in the many after school Co-Curricular Activities we offer.
Assembly
Students at Senior School Voorschoten meet regularly for whole year group assembly – this is an opportunity for the Tutors and Heads of Year to consider important topics and themes, to share notices, and to highlight and celebrate students’ successes.
13:50–14:40
Breakfast, snack and lunch
Our Student Café is open from 08:00 and provides hot and cold meals and snacks that students can purchase during the day. The school has a well-supported healthy eating programme during the day, which ensures that the food served is balanced and healthy.
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 Student Café or the Atrium under Student Supervisors’ supervision.
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 a Co-Curricular Activity or home. Students may be collected by car, and are encouraged to take extra care navigating the car park during this busy time of day. If you choose to 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
Please be aware of the legal parking signs on the roads around the school. Parents are requested to park sensibly and consider pedestrians at all times. Parents bringing children to school should use the drop off zone at the front of the school building – please do not stop or wait right in front of the doors to the school.
Arriving by bicycle
Students cycling to school use the rear gate and must not use the main front entrance, which is very busy at the start and end of the day. Once inside the school grounds, bikes should be pushed, not ridden. There is bicycle storage inside school grounds. 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 paramount for us. All students have a locker to store personal belongings. There is a security guard on duty during school hours and a CCTV monitoring system is in place. All visitors, including parents, are required to sign in at Reception, show photographic ID, 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 Communications System can be found on Compass.
What to wear
The BSN school uniform helps to promote a shared feeling of community amongst our students – a particularly important consideration as we welcome students from a wide range of countries and work to provide them with a sense of belonging. Smart uniform is important for ensuring we create the professional working environment we need to help our students to succeed.
Appearance
Wearing school uniform is compulsory for everyone in Years 7–11. We are excited to be in the process of moving to a new uniform.
The school uniform guide can be found on the uniform page on Compass and in the students’ Basics Handbook.
The School reserves the right to make the final decision as to whether the uniform regulations have been breached.
Nail varnish and make up should not be worn in school.
Hair colour should be of a natural hair colour. Heads of Year will decide if styles of haircut, as well as beards and moustaches, conform to the school dress code and uniform policy.
Sixth Form dress code
Our Sixth Form students are not required to wear a school uniform. This privilege is balanced by a responsibility to wear clothes which are smart, clean and appropriate for a working environment. Shorts, skirts and dresses should be of an acceptable length and style. Shorts, skirts and dresses should be of an acceptable length and style. Detailed guidance for Sixth Form dress code can be found on Compass and in Basics: a student’s guide to the Sixth Form –students will receive this digitally at the start of term.
Jewellery
Students with pierced ears are permitted to wear small stud earrings, but these 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 items are supplied by Trutex and are available to purchase on the Trutex website: www.trutex.com/eu
Orders can be delivered to your home address in the Netherlands or to your child’s campus. Before you make your first purchase, you will need to set up your personal account on the Trutex website and enter a specific code for your child’s campus.
The new uniform allows for some non-branded items to help families find items which suit their child’s needs. Please visit Compass for a list of codes and further information about purchasing school uniform items.
What to bring to school
One of the best ways to ensure your child feels happy, confident and settled when they start school is to make sure they have everything they need. Your assistance in getting them organised helps greatly. Please make sure that all items are clearly labelled.
Equipment
• Pencil case
• Blue/black pens
• Coloured pencils
• Pencil sharpener
• 30cm clear ruler
• Eraser
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Highlighter pens
• Protractor
• Set of compasses
• Scientific calculator
PE bag
Students may use any suitable sports bag. However, PE bags are available from Trutex. PE kit is generally brought into school on the appropriate day and then taken home again for washing on the same day.
Water bottle
We recommend students come to school with their own water bottles. In line with the school Environmental Policy, no paper cups are provided at school. Proper hydration helps to improve concentration levels and water is always available around SSV.
Digital devices
Digital tools are widely used to enhance learning at SSV. These range from electronic textbooks to virtual field trips, instant quizzes, and opportunities for students to create digital products. We use technology to support subject content learning and develop students’ digital skills.
Each student at SSV is provided with a lightweight personal device for their own use. This device runs Microsoft Windows and has a touchscreen, stylus, keyboard and trackpad so that it can be used flexibly across different subjects and learning activities. Digital tools are used frequently in lessons across all curriculum areas, so students must bring their computers to school fully charged every day. Students’ own digital devices may not be used during the school day.
The device is provided on a loan basis and must be returned in good condition when your child leaves the school. Each student is responsible for the care of their device. This includes restarting daily, installing regular updates when notified, and seeking support from IT Services promptly if any problems arise.
The computer must be charged overnight to be ready for school the next day, and it is for educational use only: no gaming! 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. We recommend that the device is not kept in your child’s bedroom overnight to avoid the temptation to use it late at night and to help you supervise your child’s use of the device.
Breadth of experience
Throughout the year, there are many events and activities that take place outside the classroom. These vary according to the age group, and are updated annually. Each of these opportunities give 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
SSV holds a Co-Curricular Activities Fair at the start of the school year. This event takes place during the school day, and students will have the chance to visit information stands and learn more about the range of activities at the school. We have many 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.
Please get in touch with us if you are interested in volunteering to support our CCA Programme. You may have skills or knowledge to share or just want to help supervise a club already running.
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 their fellow students and discuss ideas about how to make the school better. The representatives gather ideas and suggestions from Year Councils to take to the meeting, debate these and then feedback to their classmates. Students have the opportunity to meet regularly with members of the Senior Leadership Team to share ideas and discuss developments.
Music
The BSN offers lessons on a wide range of instruments, and also voice. In addition to taking instrumental lessons, there are many different ensembles to join.
These include:
• Senior and Lower School Choirs
• Performance Choir
• Jazz, Funk & Soul Band
• Acoustic Guitar Ensemble
• Rock Bands
• Orchestra
• Showstopper Performing Arts Group
• Ukulele Group
• Step Up Theory
• BSN Sessions Record Label Club
Many students also form their own rock bands. If interested, please contact a member of staff in the Music Department.
Sports tournaments
Students of all ages have the opportunity to participate in competitive sport and represent the school at both local and international tournaments. Students have the chance to participate in a wide range of sports. As students progress through the school, students have a number of opportunities to represent the school against other schools from across Europe and the Middle East competing for the BSN. The school has an excellent reputation for its sporting success and is an active member school of ISSA and ISGA tournaments.
School trips
As part of our school curriculum, there are a range of trips, visits and experiences 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. The school support four charities (The Jaago Foundation, Xenia House, World Wildlife Fund, and UNICEF) with which we have developed strong links.
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 is a compulsory Core component of the IB Diploma Programme in our Sixth Form and, while these students often take the lead, we want everybody to be involved. Students will receive information about volunteering opportunities via the Daily Bulletin.
Student health
Good health is vital to enable children and young people to fulfil their potential. Each BSN school campus has School Health Care Officers on-site during the day. Their primary role is to look after the health of our students during the school day and be 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 put in place 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.
The Health Care Office
Our school Health Care Office is open from 08:30–16:30 each school day and is accessible to students who sustain an injury, become ill or need a listening ear in school.
If an illness or injury has occurred outside school hours, then your Huisarts should be contacted for medical consultation in the first instance. You are welcome to arrange an appointment if you wish to consult with the Health Care Officer about a medical issue that may impact your child’s health and schooling.
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.
Health record
As soon as a new student joins the BSN, it is vital that the School Health Care Officer is notified of all healthrelated issues such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes and allergies – especially if these are related to foods eg; 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 the mental and physical health of all our students, particularly of 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 diarrhea, 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 Office staff, 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 whilst allowing us to notify others and minimise further spread of infection.
• collect your child promptly once the school has contacted you. Refusal to collect a pupil who has been assessed by the Health Care Officer to be unfit for school will be passed on to the Headteacher.
• if your child is unable to take part 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.
• it is vital that any change of address or telephone number is given to the School Office – enabling the school to contact parents promptly in times of illness or injury during the school day.
• in the event of your child being 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.
Let us know ...
Please inform the School Office via Compass or ssv.absences@britishschool.nl before 08:45 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 on 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 at least two weeks in advance. Please refer to the school policy on Absence and Punctuality 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 Voorschoten – this handy booklet contains everything students need to know about life at the BSN SSV. 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.
Our high expectations are intended to promote self-discipline and develop a considerate regard for everyone in our community. We expect good behaviour and respect for others.
The BSN Behaviour Policy can be found on Compass, and it is the responsibility of us all to ensure that it is carried out. 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, lunchtime or after school.
• respect the school building and keep it clean and tidy; do not drop litter.
• no student should have a mobile phone in view while moving around the school.
• walk quietly without running, 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 on.
• enter each lesson on a positive note.
The BSN Character Profile
We give our students the opportunity to develop:
• Courage
• Perseverance
• Creativity
• Curiosity
• Responsibility
• Compassion
• Integrity
• Collaboration
BSN
CHARACTER PROFILE
INTEGRITY
COLLABORATION
COMPASSION
We are proud that our students demonstrate wellrounded 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 not only binds us together as a community, but 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
PERSEVERANCE
CREATIVITY
CURIOSITY
Welcoming new parents 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 a new school system raises many questions and it can be an overwhelming experience. The school can provide a vital community link, offering a chance to make friends and establish an important support network quickly.
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 uniforms.
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. 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.
Progress Through The School
Baseline Testing
During the first term of each Key Stage, all students take a baseline skills test. This assesses key skills that are helpful for progress across the curriculum, such as vocabulary, numeracy, proof-reading and identifying trends and patterns. New students take the test soon after joining. The purpose of baseline testing is...
• to help us find out more about our students’ skills so we can better support their learning.
• to provide data for the school to monitor student progress and ensure students are fulfilling their potential.
• to give feedback to Year 10 and Year 12 students on their strengths and areas for development in their learning skills
• to allow us to measure our school’s performance by looking at the progress students have made during their time at SSV.
The tests take approximately one hour and are completed online. As they are not related specifically to the curriculum, there is no need for revision and no need to be concerned about them. The results are used internally and are not published.
Reports and Parents’ information Events
In September, we will hold Welcome Evenings for all year groups which will serve as introductions to the year ahead.
Over the course of the year, you will be invited to a parent-teacher consultation, as well as receiving a full written report and two shorter interim reports to help you keep up to date with your child’s progress.
In addition to these, we will invite parents into school for a range of activities including performances, yearspecific and social events, and information sessions on topics such as how to support your child in their studies or helping you to keep your child safe online.
Year 7
Head of Year 7
Mark Bennett
mark.bennett@britishschool.nl
Welcome to Year 7 at SSV – this will be an exciting and full year. You will soon learn that SSV is a very busy place and we want you to make the most of all of the opportunities on offer.
Being organised is a very good way to help you to settle in quickly!
You will make new friends and tackle new subjects that will be delivered by lots of different teachers – this will be a big change for most students. Your Form Tutor will be your main contact if you need to discuss any issues or concerns, or if you want to celebrate your successes!
The first day of term
Students joining Year 7 should go to the school hall on arriving at school for their first day, where Mr Bennett and the Year 7 Form Tutor team will be waiting to welcome them and take them to their form rooms to start the day.
Getting started and staying in touch through Year 7
During the first half term of Year 7, we hold a Welcome Evening for parents. This is an opportunity for you to meet your child’s Form Tutor and Head of Year, as well as some other Year 7 parents. Around this time, you will also receive a Settling-in Report which will give you an early indication of how your child has managed during the first weeks of Year 7.
If you have any concerns or worries, please remember that you can always email your child’s Form Tutor in the first instance. The Head of Year will also always be available to support you and your child.
Year 8
Head of Year 8
Nicola Gulliver nicola.gulliver@britishschool.nl
Welcome to Year 8 - another exciting year awaits you in Key Stage 3 where you are able to try new things, challenge yourself and develop your learning.
The routines and day to day life at SSV will quickly become familiar to you; allowing you to develop social relationships, build on your prior academic progress and become more involved in the life of the school. We especially encourage you to seek out and try new activities as part of our Co-Curricular Programme.
I know you will have a fantastic time in Year 8. Remember your Form Tutor is your main point of contact. It is important you use their support to your advantage, asking questions, seeking their advice and discussing any concerns you may face.
We are looking forward to a successful and exciting year and I hope you are too.
The first day of term
Students joining Year 8 should wait in the Atrium on arriving at school for their first day until at 08:30. At this point, they will be met by some representatives from Year 8 and Mrs Gulliver to help direct them to their new Tutor Group. Form Tutors will help new students by pairing them up with other students who can help them to settle into school routines and guide them around the building.
Staying in touch through Year 8
We will hold a Welcome Event for Year 8 parents in the first two weeks of school in September. Parents are welcome to contact their child’s Tutor at any stage of the year, as part of our Open Door Policy. We encourage you to keep in contact with your child’s Form Tutor. At SSV, Form Tutors see their tutor groups twice a day and are the key adults in our students’ school lives. They can help reassure and work with your child or, if necessary, help them to access support from other members of the SSV team.
Year 9
Head of Year 9
Kimberley Boersma kimberley.boersma@britishschool.nl
Year 9 is such an important year: it’s the end of KS3 and the year when you prepare to choose your GCSE options. The timetable will be similar to Year 7 and 8 but from this year you will study Single Sciences rather than Combined Science. The whole Year 9 team will work together to make sure this year goes well and that you enter Year 10 confident in your GCSE choices and prepared with good study skills ready to start your new courses.
You will have a great time in Year 9. Your Form Tutor is your main point of contact if you need to discuss any issues or concerns throughout the year. Please remember you are also welcome to come to the Head of Year office at any time for a chat or advice.
We are really looking forward to working with you this year.
The first day of term
Students joining in this year group will be welcomed in the Atrium and then shown to their new form room.
Form Tutors will be able to answer any questions and will issue timetables, agenda and locker instructions. Newcomers will be paired with a student in their class who will help you settle into the school routines and guide you around the building.
Staying in touch through Year 9
Parents are welcome to contact their child’s Tutor at any stage of the year, as part of our Open Door Policy. We encourage you to keep in contact with your child’s Form Tutor. At SSV, Form Tutors see their tutor groups twice a day and are the key adults in our students’ school lives. They can help reassure and work with your child or, if necessary, help them to access support from other members of the SSV team.
GCSE Options Process
At the beginning of term, in September, we will hold a Welcome Event for Year 9 parents. During the first term of Year 9, our students will engage in a series of formal and informal activities to help them to make the best choices of subjects to study for GCSE in Years 10 and 11. This culminates in our GCSE Options Evening. At this event in January, there will be 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.
Year 10
Head of Year 10
Suzanne Hallett
suzanne.hallett@britishschool.nl
How exciting! Year 10 will provide you with lots of new challenges, fresh opportunities and the start of your GCSE programme. This is a time when you complete important work towards your final GCSE qualification and build the crucial foundations for future examination success in Year 11. You will also have the exciting opportunity to work with many students across different tutor groups and embrace opportunities that enrich your experience beyond the classroom and in the Co-Curricular Porgramme – from Young Enterprise, Music, Drama, Sports and The International Award. There is something for everyone and I trust you will find something that you would like to be a part of.
It is important that you approach this year and your studies seriously, remain organised and always ask for help when it is needed. You can seek help from your teachers, your Tutor and your Head of Year.
Remember, we are all here to support you and please try to reach out to us should you have any concerns or issues throughout the year.
We look forward to working with you in the year ahead.
The first day of term
Students joining Year 10 should wait in the Atrium on arriving at school for their first day until 08:30. At this point, they can make their way to their new form rooms. If they are not sure where to go, they should wait in the Atrium and we will help them get to the right place. Form Tutors will help new students by pairing them up with other students who can help them to settle into school routines and guide them around the building.
Staying in touch through Year 10
Parents are welcome to contact their child’s Tutor at any stage of the year and we encourage you to keep in contact with your child’s Form Tutor. At SSV, Form Tutors see their tutor groups twice a day and are the key adults in our students’ school lives. They can help reassure and work with your child or, if necessary, help them to access support from other members of the SSV team.
In addition to other progress information throughout Year 10, you will also receive a Settling-in Report which will give you information on the start your child has made to Year 10. Please remember that you do not need to wait for these. If you have a concern, please contact the subject teacher or your child’s Form Tutor.
We will also hold a Welcome Event for Year 10 parents in the first two weeks in September to help you understand more about life in Year 10.
Year 11
Head of Year 11
Amy O’Neil
Amy.O’Neil@britishschool.nl
Year 11 is an important year, full of challenges – the year of your GCSEs. It is also such an exciting year as you make your Options choices for what you will study in the Sixth Form.
We will support you and encourage you to be really organised, give you strategies for revision and remind you to continue to balance your academic life with activities beyond the classroom and in the Co-Curricular Activities Programme.
The key to a successful exam year is to stay on top of your work, be organised, focused and remember to ask for help, either from your subject teacher, or your Form Tutor. Your Form Tutor is your main contact if you have any issues or concerns at any point during the year.
We are really looking forward to working with you this year.
The first day of term
Students joining Year 11 should wait in the Atrium on arriving at school for their first day until 08:30. At this point, they can make their way to their new form rooms. If they are not sure where to go, they should wait in the Atrium and we will help them get to the right place. Form Tutors will help new students by pairing them up with other students who can help them to settle into school routines and guide them around the building.
Staying in touch through Year 11
Parents are welcome to contact their child’s Form Tutor at any stage of the year, as part of our Open Door Policy. We encourage you to keep in contact with your child’s Form Tutor. At SSV, Form Tutors see their tutor groups twice a day and are the key adults in our students’ school lives. They can help reassure and work with your child or, if necessary, help them to access support from other members of the SSV team.
Sixth Form Options Process
During the first term of Year 11, our students will engage in a series of formal and informal activities to help them to make the best choice of Pathway for study in Years 12 and 13. A key time for this is our Sixth Form Options Evening. At this event in November, there will a presentation for parents to explain more about our Sixth Form. 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 choices in January – this allows us to make appropriate timetable and staffing plans for the following September.
Years 12 & 13
Head of Sixth Form
Helen Andrews-Wouters
helen.andrews-wouters@britishschool.nl
Assistant Head of Sixth Form
James Kelsall james.kelsall@britishschool.nl
The two years spent in the Sixth Form are an exciting and challenging time when students are able to concentrate on subjects which they truly enjoy, whilst developing their own ideas and opinions. The Co-Curricular Activities Programme for our Sixth Form has a lot to offer – both academically and in terms of music, drama, sport and many other exciting opportunities.
Students are encouraged to participate in a range of activities whilst achieving a balance with their academic studies. The Sixth Form team will help students make the transition from GCSE to the Sixth Form by providing a clear academic structure, while encouraging an openness between Tutors and students. Students are treated as the young adults they are becoming, and we expect high standards in return.
If you or your son or daughter has any issues or concerns throughout the year, their Form Tutor will support and advise, and students are welcome to come and see us in the Sixth Form Office.
The first day of term
New students should meet in the Sixth Form Common Room, situated on the second floor. On the first day a student joins the Sixth Form, they will be shown to their registration room and their Form Tutors will explain in more detail, how the Sixth Form operates.
All Sixth Formers receive a copy of Basics: a student’s guide to the Sixth Form – which contains extensive detail about the school and daily routines. More detail about the range of support offered to Sixth Form students is available on Compass.
The Sixth Form offers students a wide range of opportunities to get involved in leadership roles and contribute to the BSN and wider Dutch community in a really positive way.
University preparation
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. The Careers programme is designed to ensure that students fully understand all the options open to them and are confident in the decisions they make. Our Careers Department is experienced in supporting applications to destinations all over the world.
Signing in and out of school
Sixth Form students must sign out when they leave the school premises, for whatever reason. If a student has a medical appointment which means they are late for school, or has to leave during the day – a note or phone call from their parents is essential. Without this confirmation, the student will be marked down with an unauthorised absence.
Dress code
As a Sixth Former, students are not required to wear a school uniform. This privilege is balanced by a responsibility to wear clothes which are smart, clean and appropriate for a working environment.. Shorts, skirts and dresses should be of an acceptable length and style. Skirts, shorts and dresses must be of an appropriate length for a professional working environment. Detailed guidance for Sixth Form dress code can be found in Basics: a student’s guide to the Sixth Form – shared with students on the first day of term.
Home Study
In the Sixth 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.
Keeping in Touch in the Sixth Form
The Form Tutor is the first point of contact for any enquiries or concerns parents might have. Tutors see their groups at morning registration and again at Tutor Time each day.
Parents will receive regular progress information throughout a student’s time in the Sixth Form. However, parents should not feel they have to wait for these. If parents have a subject-specific concern, the best person to contact is the teacher or Head of Department. For more general concerns, parents should contact the Form Tutor.
Do you have a UCI number?
If students have been registered to take exams at their previous school, they will have been issued with a Unique Candidate Identifier (UCI) number. If this is the case, please inform the Exams Office and bring a copy of your GCSE statement of results which contains this information. If you have any queries regarding Exams, please contact the Exams Coordinator at exams@britishschool.nl
