Insight Autumn 2016

Insight  

Autumn 2016

Inside: The Leidschenveen Development Putting students first BSN Connect Exciting plans for the future Give A Little Respect Fostering respect and tolerance in the classroom New Arrivals Hear from The BSN’s newest recruits

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5 Letter from the CEO and Principal The magic of maths

6

The Leidschenveen development

Give a little (BSN) respect

Putting students first

8

BSN Connect Exciting plans for the future

13

Developing academic excellence

16

New arrivals

Alumni news Past pupils share their stories

The advantages of having multilingual skills

A round up of some Autumn Term highlights

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Publisher The British School in The Netherlands

Design and layout Craig Stevens www.craig-stevens.co.uk

Editor Claire Worland

Distribution Claire Worland If you would like to receive additional copies of the magazine, please send an e-mail to BSNInsight@britishschool.nl

Editorial and research Jihann Pedersen Claire Worland Jet Krantz Advertising Claire Worland Telephone: 070 315 40 74 Email: advertising@britishschool.nl

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Fostering respect and tolerance in the classroom

New Headteacher for SSV

Printed by Kapsenberg van Waesberge bv Schuttevaerweg 160 3044 BB Rotterdam

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22 Family Association Meet the Sessions Team

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The blue pages A directory of services and suppliers useful to the BSN community

BSN Insight is a publication from the Communications Department The British School in The Netherlands Vrouw Avenweg 640, 2493 WZ Den Haag Telephone: 070 315 40 76 www.britishschool.nl All rights are reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced, or used in any form, without prior written permission from the Publisher.

Every effort has been made to ensure that information in this publication was correct at the time of publication, the publisher and writers cannot accept any liability for the accuracy of the information included.

The BSN takes no responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised in this publication.

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Meet the new Head

Hear from the BSN’s newest recruits

The Netherlands as a multilingual workplace

News

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Cover photograph Sam Peat Image credits Shutterstock.com: pages 6–7 (backround) nahariyani; 10 (leaf) timurockart; 13 (background) agsandrew; 22–23 (snowflakes) Novi Elysa; 24–25 (background) Mario7; 26–27 (background) Maxger; 28–29 (background) Sweet Art; 30–31 (background) wongwean Stock Adobe: pages 8–9 (background) Jacob Lund

Insight Autumn 2016

Contents

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Follow me on twitter @kieran_earley and our school @BSNetherlands

Dear BSN Community CEO and Principal | Kieran Earley The British School in The Netherlands

Insight Autumn 2016

So much has happened since the last edition of Insight that we have a jam-packed autumn/winter publication, full of news and updates. Our students’ achievements make me extremely proud on a daily basis and you can read more about these particularly on pages 24–31.

The BSN has a vision to re-imagine international education and prepare our community to be confident citizens and leaders in tomorrow’s world. In order to achieve this vision, we continue to employ the best people. We have an incredibly dedicated staff and have successfully recruited some talented new colleagues to join them (some of whom have shared their first term highlights in this issue. It’s great to hear how new staff experience the BSN for the first time).

As part of the vision, the Board of Governors and I have made perhaps our most ambitious announcement yet – a proposal to develop the Leidschenveen campus and create ‘BSN Connect’. You can find out more about these plans on pages 6–9.

It’s an exciting time at The BSN; do keep your finger on the pulse and follow me on Twitter and read my blogs www.kieranearley.co.uk.

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The

Leidschenveen development Earlier this academic year Kieran Earley announced to BSN staff and parents the exciting proposal for Leidschenveen to become a 3–18 campus. Here the CEO & Principal shares the reasoning behind the plan.

Voorschoten could well be full and that is not a position we want to be in. We never want to say to a parent there is no place for your son or daughter at senior school.”

The BSN has always had its finger on the pulse when it comes to trends and market intelligence. It has been predicting and reacting to external and internal influences for over 80 years. Ever since the very first move the school made in the 1950s out of the rented room in Jan van Nassaustraat, it has gradually and sympathetically grown as and

However, the additional numbers do not justify building a brand new senior school. Developing Leidschenveen into a 3 – 18 campus, as was originally intended when the site was developed in 2008, provides the perfect answer. With buildings already in place (currently occupied by the Business Units and Language Centre) there could be a natural

when needed. So when it became clear that by 2018 Senior School Voorschoten (SSV) could be oversubscribed, a solution had to be found.

Mr. Earley says: “Our numbers have been growing steadily by around 2% over the last 10 years.

Looking at our current junior school figures by 2018 Senior School

BSN students at our Jan van Nassaustraat school in the 1950s

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A gradual development over time

development into an all-through 3–18 school over time.

Mr. Earley continues: “When JSL was built, the need for a 3–18 campus wasn’t there but it was always at the back of the Governors’ minds that it might be in the future. Now that need has arisen and we are in a position to be proactive and develop a senior school in a phased approach.”

Since the announcement in October 2016, there have been consultations with staff, parents, as well as external agencies and the process of selecting an architect has been undertaken. This is an exciting new phase in the BSN story which, as always, puts the students and their learning first.

The Leidschenveen campus

FAQs Junior School Headteachers share their thoughts on the JSL development and the benefits of a 3–18 campus.

“An opportunity for students to be influenced positively by teachers who have seen them grow and develop through the school and may understand some of the issues they have faced in the past…”

Karren van Zoest | JSL

“Schools world-wide are being developed for the 3–18 range. Having developed two schools, successfully, for the 3–18 journey I have seen how it works as a continuous journey on one site, where planning of the curricular offering, the ethos of student leadership, approaches to learning and teaching, co-curricular activities, academic attitude and achievements are vertically developed. Transitions and “rites of passage” can be planned to meet the needs of the varying age groups, giving an aspirational and inspirational journey for all…”

Angela Parry-Davies | JSD “A stronger story for the 3–18 continuum in line with other international schools. There will be cost efficiencies in terms of sharing specialist facilities with a larger number of students. The increased potential of recruiting high calibre staff and retaining them if they have opportunities for A level/IB teaching within the current or future timetables.”

Sue Aspinall | JSV

Insight Autumn 2016

Q | Will SSV become a 3–18 campus too?

A | No, we cannot develop the site at Voorschoten any further.

Q | Will SSV close?

A | No. The Leidschenveen development is a suggestion to deal with the challenge we face i.e that by 2018 we could exceed capacity at Senior School in Voorschoten.

Q | Where will the Language Centre and Business Units go?

A | They will be relocated to another, more central area of The Hague.

Q | Will there be enough space for children to play?

A | Yes, we do not anticipate a large influx of children and the expansion of JSL could, in fact, give access to more green spaces as we can now utilise more of the site for the purpose it was originally intended (a 3–18 school).

Q | When will the new Senior School at Leidschenveen be ready?

A | 2016–2017 for consultation, planning and permissions.

2017–2018 change of use of JSL. Target summer 2018 opening.

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BSN

nnect

is coming Alongside the proposed Leidschenveen development, Kieran Earley has revealed more plans for BSN Connect and how it could transform the way our students learn and interact with each other.

Shut your eyes for a moment and imagine a learning space that has state-of-the-art facilities, equipment and resources. A building that is fresh, flexible, and designed to meet the most modern specifications, where our students can learn and study together, across-school, in an inspirational environment.

Plans for such a space, now called BSN Connect, will enhance our curriculum and learning programmes like never before.

A learning hub for successful outcomes BSN Connect will play an important role in making The BSN one of the most innovative and modern international schools in Europe. It will act as a hub, a welcoming ‘mothership’ and could contain features such as a professional theatre, exhibition spaces, a food-hall, innovative spaces that move learning from individual study, to collaborative work and onto professional delivery of opinion and knowledge.

Students have been sharing their ideas for BSN Connect

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Learning together and building wider connections creates greater opportunities for successful learning outcomes – BSN Connect will be a beacon where this can happen through both timetabled lessons and co-curricular events for all BSN students.

After the announcement was made to parents by CEO & Principal Kieran Earley in October, we asked students what they would like to see inside BSN Connect and they didn’t disappoint, coming up with some ingenious and imaginative ideas!

Suggestions have included: ● Robots ● A zoo ● ‘A room you can go crazy in’ ● A 24/7 hub for sixth formers to revise in whenever they want All potentially feasible! A maker space for robotics could give students the resources to make their own robots whilst learning about technology and engineering. ‘Beardy’,

Junior School Leidschenveen’s bearded dragon is a firm favourite and could find a home in BSN Connect alongside other animals.

Our older students have already expressed excitement at the idea of an out-of-hours learning space to research, revise and do homework together. State-of-theart resources in one location could ensure that every BSN student will benefit from the most innovative, cutting-edge educational environment possible.

Imaginative ideas are welcome at this early stage of planning; the only proviso is that what happens inside BSN Connect is grounded in solid curriculumdriven principles to improve learning outcomes. Our Headteachers are already considering how they might use such an exciting facility.

Not just for students!

Although BSN Connect is first and foremost for our students, it will also provide opportunities for our staff, parents and the wider community. Research rooms for colleagues to explore new developments in pedagogy before bringing them to the classroom will mean our staff can confidently introduce new ways of learning that have been tried and tested. Parents and businesses will also be welcome to deliver seminars, masterclasses

and workshops on a range of subjects to support our students in their career choices.

Where will it be?

Unbeknown to many, the BSN owns a building at Tarwekamp Straat in the Mariahoeve area of the Hague. It’s a great location, close to Junior School Diamanthorst and Junior School Vlaskamp. This will also provide a new home for The BSN Language Centre, making it more accessible for our business and international community who would like to learn Dutch or English in a more central location.

With Kraaijvanger Architects on board to lead the project, the wheels are in motion for a planned 2018 opening and we are looking forward to sharing more updates with our BSN community throughout 2017.

Insight Autumn 2016

The building at Tarwekamp which BSN Connect will replace

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respect

Give a little >

N S B

The world can sometimes be a challenging place. The US election last year has seen divisions spring up across the country and Brexit did likewise. Some friendships now hang by a thread (some even collapsed) and harsh words have been exchanged in the wake of these emotionally charged events.

With the foundations prepared, to continue the gardening analogy, next up is to lay the soil and it comes from many sources; from themed assemblies that encourage children to think about core values and where they can put their points of view across, to students teaching younger students so they can experience directly the altruistic rewards that come from helping others. It is a learning environment that fosters support and openness, beginning at the Foundation 1 stage.

Walk into any classroom and you will bear witness to this environment. For example, during a maths class, one student was particularly confident with angles so she showed her friends and shared her knowledge. In another part of the school, Y4 students taught Y3 students about learning in the forest school by playing a game. By giving a year group or an individual responsibility for others, they will naturally continue this as they grow.

Instilling a sense of pride and responsibility is also demonstrated during the Open Classrooms events. These days are for parents to

The need for tolerance and where parents can socialise. In an respect for fellow human beings is international setting, where some more important than ever. These families can feel isolated, this is attributes naturally begin in the important and when a child sees home but school also has an integral their family settled, then they feel part to play. Here at the BSN the settled too.� core values of respect, caring for others and responsibility are common place, but how does it work in practice?

A useful analogy of how a culture of A Forest school is a type of outdoor education in which children visit forests/ respect is created woodlands, learning personal, social and technical would be that of skills. Using the woods and forests as a means to build gardening. Get the independence and self-esteem in children means the foundations prepared, classroom extends beyond its four walls. sprinkle fertile soil on the ground and with regular maintenance, beautiful flowers will grow.

JSV Head teacher Ms Aspinall explains how the BSN’s open door policy means the school buildings become hubs where parents feel welcome and comfortable: “The weekly coffee mornings, for example, are times when families can meet up and support each other, so not only are the campuses a place for children but also a place

What is a forest school?

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What are the IB learner attributes?

Risk Takers | They approach

and honesty.

unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.

Open-minded | They understand

Balanced | They understand the

concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance.

and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.

Thinkers | They exercise initiative

Caring | They show empathy,

Reflective | They understand

and express ideas and information confidently and creatively.

Principled | They act with integrity Inquirers | They develop their natural curiosity.

Knowledgeable | They explore

in applying thinking skills critically and creatively.

see their child’s work. Here students show and tell what they have learnt and parents are encouraged to get involved. The children take great delight in explaining all that is important in their school life and that responsibility is taken very seriously by them.

Ms Aspinall goes on to say: “We have high expectations of our staff and staff have high expectations of the students. There is a high code of conduct here. It doesn’t need a student agreement, it is expected everyone will be polite, to look after and care for one another. The whole school is a very special place.”

compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.

But what about the new student who arrives mid-term, or for the student whose friend moves away? Every campus has student international ambassadors who buddy up with new pupils and introduce them to the BSN way of doing things. Through inclusion and friendships they quickly absorb the ethos. In addition, often the classes are remixed to encourage a broader friendship group. This teaches BSN students to adapt to change and to develop greater social skills that can be applied in the wider world. All of which makes for confident and sociable children.

importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. by thinking about and asking themselves questions.

Underpinning all the lessons and ethos are the IB learner attributes (see box above).

Fostering respect is therefore a daily activity that is practiced at the BSN in many different ways. The learner attributes are a useful guide to ensure we have students who are inquisitive, can communicate, are knowledgeable, principled, and who care. And if they’re open minded, not afraid to take the odd risk, can reflect and are balanced then the world is going to be in very safe hands.

Insight Autumn 2016

Communicators | They understand

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magic

The

of maths

Follow us @BSNMaths

Mathematics can often get overlooked when it comes to writing up school stories. How exactly do you make fractions interesting?

Or algebra amazing? Well, the Maths leaders at the BSN know exactly how!

It was Mathematics in disguise!

This was a true collaboration of randomly picked Years 3–6 children from each of our Junior Schools and they had such fun working together in solving problems.

Having spent a whole day feeling motivated and having fun working out “secret challenges to crack the code,” the group of children found out to their complete surprise that they had been doing Maths all day. There was a look of amazement on all their faces and there is nothing better than seeing that light bulb moment when a child realises what they can really achieve if they are willing to try.

Building on this success, Junior School Diamanthorst had the privilege of working with Maths expert, Andrew Jeffrey, a British lecturer and magician! Andrew spent an entire week collaborating with all the teachers, looking at new and exciting ways to develop mathematical understanding and had the opportunity to teach in all classes from F1 to Year 6.

The children enjoyed two assemblies led by Andrew

delivering the message that maths is fun and that everyone learns in different ways. He also taught children, of all ages, how to use equipment and illustration to solve complex mathematical problems.

Not only did the pupils and staff enjoy the week spent with Andrew, but they also have discovered different strategies for approaching maths, to the highest level, and are excited to develop this throughout the year.

Insight Autumn 2016

Great things happen at our campuses every single day, but when you get all three junior schools working together on a project, that’s when magic is made.

With great “out of the box thinking” by our Maths leaders in each BSN junior school, Junior School Leidschenveen hosted the fantastic “Super Spy Challenge” cross junior school event.

James Bond had nothing on our children as they joined forces with MI5, the FBI and other equally renowned spy teams as they found themselves faced with some conundrums. And guess what?

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New arrivals

Each year the BSN welcomes new teaching staff from around the globe to deliver our world class programmes. This September was no exception with 24 new teachers. Meet just a few of our newest recruits as they share their first term highlights.

Miss Potter-Adams Campus | SSV Subject | English and Drama After teaching in a senior school in London for three years, Miss Potter-Adams decided the time had come for a change. The idea of immersing herself in a different culture and learning a new language was appealing, so she set to work researching the best school and country for her. Impressed by The BSN’s reputation and drawn to The Netherlands’ great work/ life balance, she applied for the job and here she is!

“What I love about working at the BSN are the opportunities to be involved with the whole school. I’ve gone on a few trips that, whilst not necessarily subject specific to me, have broadened my horizons and introduced me to many more colleagues. The more colleagues you spend time with, the more good practice you can learn. It’s a great environment for that.”

Reflecting over her first term, what stands out is the difference in class engagement. In her previous school, Miss PotterAdams was used to quiet classes, but at the BSN, A-level lessons are full of discussion and vibrancy: “The students want to engage in the topics and that gives me a lot of job satisfaction.”

Tip | You’re uprooting your whole life so research everything!

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Miss Unwin Campus | JSL Class | Foundation The lure of experiencing a different culture led Miss Unwin from her home in North Devon, England, to The Hague.

“I wanted to do something different. I’d taught for five years in a state school in England so I was interested to see how an international school compared.”

The comparisons have left a huge impression on her. Notably the family ethos that emanates from every staff member at JSL: “It’s been amazing, like walking into one big family. I’ve been looked after so much. Even small things like fixing my bike and inviting me over for traditional Sunday roast dinners! I couldn’t have wished for a better welcome.”

Her first term has produced an unexpected highlight. Miss Unwin anticipated that teaching English as an Additional Language (EAL) was going to be a challenge, but it has been one of her proudest achievements so far.

“It’s been lovely to see how quickly my EAL children have picked up English. From being anxious at the beginning, they now have big smiles. I’m very proud to see how far they’ve come.”

Tip | Just do it! You won’t look back!

Follow us @BSNHRDept

Miss Legname Campus | SSV Subject | French and Spanish Like many others, the urge for a change brought Miss Legname to The Netherlands and to The BSN. The French teacher had taught for a year in an Academy in London but the lure of an international setting and the opportunity to teach and meet many people (students and staff) from different cultures led her to pack her bags and settle across the North Sea. “Teaching languages here at the BSN is really enriching. My students are already motivated to learn. It makes teaching much more enjoyable.”

Peer support has helped Miss Legname to settle into her new home and she has found the family ethos at The BSN very useful, whether it be helping to translate paperwork or socialising.

In fact the school environment is one of her first term highlights: “My teaching days are busy, but in a positive way. I know I’m helping the children and there is freedom to try new things. The BSN allows me to do what I trained to do, which makes my job exciting.”

Tip | Be brave, speak up if you need support and just go for it.

Interested in working for us?

www.britishschool.nl/ workingforus

?

New Headteacher announced for SSV

Paul has an impressive record. He is currently Principal at South Bromsgrove High, an Ofsted Outstanding School and a National Teaching School, in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, England and took up post there in 2010. Prior to this, he was Founding Headteacher at Hadley Learning Community in Shropshire from 2005. Paul’s formative years were spent in the North West of England. Alongside his current role, Paul is a National Leader of Education, has an Executive Lead role with Edge Hill University and is an Ofsted Inspector. He has a Master’s Degree in Education, completed the National Professional Qualification for Headship in 2003 and obtained the Professional Qualification

for School Inspectors in 2013.

Paul enjoys sport, participating in triathlons and road cycling events and has been known to play

the trumpet in school orchestras.

James Oxlade has ably guided the school throughout his tenure as Acting Headteacher.

The Board of Governors and Board of Management is appreciative of his leadership, commitment and all that has been accomplished as a result. James will finish the present school year as Acting Headteacher.

Kieran Earley, BSN CEO and Principal says: “We are delighted with Paul’s appointment and I know that the whole community will make him and his family very welcome as he becomes acquainted with the school prior to taking up his new position.”

Follow us @BSNSenior

Welcome to The BSN, Paul!

Insight Autumn 2016

After a rigorous recruitment process which involved strategic presentations and the opportunity to meet and interact with colleagues and students, we are pleased to announce that Paul Topping has been selected to be the new Headteacher at Senior School Voorschoten, starting in September 2017.

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NEWS Awesome Alumni share career advice Over 100 BSN Sixth Formers and 24 BSN Alumni converged at the Hampshire Fitland Hotel in Leiden on Friday 23 September 2016 for the School’s eagerly awaited Careers Network Dinner and it didn’t disappoint!

The event, now in its second year, brings together current and past BSN students in order to support our Year 12 and 13s with career choices, advice and tips.

Dressed in their best business attire, the Sixth Formers arrived promptly and settled down at their preferred career tables. As our Alumni and students began introducing themselves the room quickly became animated as students picked the brains of some leading professionals in their field; professionals such as Mivy James (class of 1991) who is now Head of Consulting for National Security, and Smita Chaturvedi (class of 1995); now an Emergency doctor in Delft and Rotterdam with a specialism in

tropical medicine. Helen Graham, a criminal defence lawyer, also took part. Helen worked at the UN War Crimes Tribunal (ICTY) in The Hague as Legal Counsel. She said: “ I love my job and am passionate about ensuring that our students can see that a career in law can be both challenging and rewarding.”

As the evening drew to a close, students said how inspiring the event had been. It had given them all much food for thought, with some students considering changing career choices to follow in Alumni footsteps, whilst others were firmly focused on their career path.

BSN memories Mivy James, Class of ’91, now Head of Consulting for National Security and Deputy Head of Global Consulting for Applied Intelligence, shares a special BSN memory: “In the junior school we were given some maths homework to do over the Easter holidays. I found it repetitive so wrote a small programme on my home computer to solve it for me.

Back at school I got called

Dawn Street, Head of Careers Education and Guidance, said: “We are hugely grateful to all our Alumni who gave up their time, and flew in from across Europe including the UK, Finland, and Geneva, to share their expertise with our students. There is nothing better than getting first hand career advice from people who have walked the path our current students are about to walk down.”

If you’d like to support current A level and IB students with careers advice, internships or work experience, send us an email alumni@britishschool.nl

to the front of class, I was terrified I’d been caught cheating. My father had stuck my programme in my homework book when I was asleep. I got a book token for my innovation. I’m pretty sure this was a key trigger to me choosing a career as a computer scientist.”

Follow us @BSN_Alumni

Looking back, moving forward 16

Former BSN student, Tom Edwards, has a great future ahead of him after being selected for an industry sponsored scholarship.

Tom, who left The BSN in 2014, is studying Civil Engineering at The University of Southampton.

Following an impressive first year in which he passed all his modules with a First and was awarded the University’s Part 1 Civil Engineering Design Prize he set to work on applying for the Southampton University Corporate Civil Engineering Scholarship Scheme (SUCCESS).

This scheme provides Civil Engineering students with industrial sponsors who follow their progress through university as well as providing an industrial mentor and work placements with the possibility of long term employment after graduation. A rigorous selection process ensued and in December 2015 Tom discovered he had been selected by WSP|Parsons Brinckerhoff, one of the world’s leading Technical Engineering Consultancies known for designing The Shard in London which is the tallest building in the UK. Tom completed an eight week work placement in Summer 2016, working predominantly on

drainage and highway design and was involved in over ten different projects across the country, helping with the computational design and distribution of technical drawings to architects, clients and contractors.

Tom says: “Experience in industry is so important with respect to future career prospects and is looked very highly upon by employers working in technical industries such as Civil Engineering.

The scholarship scheme has guided me onto a clear path into graduate employment and provided me with experience that is relevant and useful for what I want to do after I graduate.”

And if that isn’t impressive enough, Tom’s supporting a Cameroon Charity too!

Cameroon Catalyst is an international development charity who focus on promoting sustainable development in the Eastern region of Cameroon.

The charity is currently working on a series of water and sanitation projects.

Alumni Events London Reunion 12 May 2017

From the very start of Tom’s first year at university he was involved with fundraising and was asked to coordinate the 2016 Summer Trip. At the end of June, Tom travelled out to Cameroon to conduct research in rural villages in order to determine appropriate pump site locations where they are needed the most. The team also visited the charity’s previous projects which include a Medical Centre, school buildings and a solar hub in order to see how much of an impact the charity’s work has.

“The trip experience has been extremely useful and has shown me not only the physical boundaries faced when working in less developed countries but also the cultural boundaries.

The combination of being this year’s Student Treasurer and Design Team member with the experience I gained on the trip I will be able to contribute vastly to the design and implementation of our future projects.”

Well done Tom!

Don’t miss the next Alumni reunion.

A perfect way to catch up with old friends and connect with new ones. See our website for further details www.britishschool.nl/alumni

Stay connected alumni@britishschool.nl

Insight Autumn 2016

Scholarship Success for Tom

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The Netherlands as

a multilingual workplace With more and more multinational companies in The Netherlands, multilingual skills are a distinct advantage in a competitive job market.

Increasingly more employees in the Netherlands are often required to speak English, Dutch or other European languages in order to keep up with these developments. Giving your child a head start before they enter this competitive environment will benefit them later on. Studies, such as Xiao-lei Wang’s Learning to Read and Write in the Multilingual

Family, show that children easily learn multiple languages at the same time so why not introduce them at a young age?

Dutch parents are increasingly seeing the advantages of a good grasp of English for their children’s future career and the demand for teaching English in Dutch primary schools up to university level is

Hallo

您好 18

growing. Children and students who learn English at a young age enjoy the advantages that come later in life!

This advantage can also be applied to learning Dutch, which is just as important and beneficial for working in an international business environment in the Netherlands. According to the latest report on talent of the International Community Platform: “Language is a barrier for 19% of internationals.

Dutch proficiency is often required, even in international settings. If internationals are accepted into the workplace or networks, the level of English proficiency still makes (too many) people in Dutch environments switch to Dutch in

Bonjour

business situations or at the coffee machine, making it harder for global talent to fully engage.”

However, learning languages is not just reserved for the younger generation. The BSN Language Centre has been offering English and Dutch courses to the international community in The Hague since 1985. Recently, three teacher training courses, specifically designed for educators who wish to improve their English teaching kills, were added to the centre’s offer. These online courses are developed by Cambridge English and supplemented with face-to-face sessions taught by experienced, native-speaker English teachers to improve their teaching practice.

English for Education The BSN Language Centre is the first to offer the EMI Skills, the CELT-P and the CELT-S training programmes in the Netherlands. They are blended learning courses, partly offered online, and supplemented with face-to-face lessons so students can practice their teaching skills.

“I used to think English wasn’t a very difficult language to learn and I taught my children sentences and words and assumed I did a great job teaching English. Now I know that I have to treat English the same way as I would teach a child Dutch. If they understand the grammar, they can learn so much more than a few sentences and words. My English lessons to my children are so much more meaningful now.” Teacher of Basisschool De Waterwilg The BSN Language Centre currently offers: ● The CELTA Teacher Training (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults) to people who wish to become English teachers in the private sector. ● The EMI Skills training (English as a Medium of Instruction) for lecturers at the university level who deliver Bachelor and/or Master programmes in English. ● The CELT-P programme (Certificate in English Language Teaching – Primary) to Dutch Primary School teachers of English. Because the first CELT-P

programmes are proven a great success, the Language Centre will also offer the CELT-S (Certificate in English Language Teaching – Secondary) programme to Secondary School teachers of English and designed for teaching students age 12–18, starting September 2017.

For more information on courses at the BSN Language Centre, visit www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl

Follow us @BSNLangCentre

Hallå

Insight Autumn 2016

Ciao

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Plaats 24, 2513AE Den Haag / T.+31 (0)703652612 I Open 7 days per week

www.toniandguy.nl (online booking available 24/7)

Learn Dutch and English Learn Dutch and English ForFor adults and adults andchildren children online or private lessons •Classroom, ● Classroom, online or private lessons In-company and business training • ● In-company and business training for adults andand children •Courses ● Courses for adults children exam preparation •Cambridge ● Cambridge exam preparation including IELTS courses including IELTS courses Teacher Training ● CELTA Teacher Training •CELTA Conversation andand NT2NT2 ● Dutch Conversation •Dutch

For more information, contact us

For more information, contact us on 070 315 4080 or email us at on 070 315 4080 or email us at languages@britishschool.nl languages@britishschool.nl www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl www.bsnlanguagecentre.nl

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Get healthy Stay healthy

Chiropractic care Providing new solutions for your health concerns ● Neck pain ● Back pain ● Shoulder pain ● Posture correction ● Sports injuries ● Headaches ● Tingling ● Scoliosis

Steven Douglas Ex BSN student

Call us on 06 1240 5641 for a FREE CONSULTATION and POSTURE SCREEN for you and your family www.chiropractie-voorschoten.nl

E CHOOSWN YOUR OS & GAME S SPORT s e r v i n g t h e i n t e r n at i o n a l c o m m u n i t y

• Multilingual Counsellors • FREE Guides on life in the Netherlands

• Professional Volunteering • FREE lifestyle publication: Other questions? Contact our Helpdesk on 0900 2 222 377 (€0.20 ct/min. Mon-Fri 10-4) or email us via helpdesk@access-nl.org for answers to questions.

www.access-nl.org ACCESS-Netherlands

Are you looking for a fun and sportive way to host your child’s birthday party?

• We will find an available gym room in your own neighbourhood • Choice of a wide variety of sports and games • Instructors speak both English and Dutch • Invite your class, sports team or even all of your friends!

MORE INFO? For more info please check www.doublesports.nl or call with 06 23 58 92 58.

The price depends on the location.

A LOCATT A YOUR ION OF CHOIC E

FROM 3 TILL 16 YEARS OLD

Insight Autumn 2016

ACCESS Magazine

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News from

The Family Association Say hello to our new volunteers What a fantastic, busy and productive Autumn term the Family Association (FA) have delivered to our community.

The Social Team, led by Karen Ruper Baker, offered a comprehensive programme for our new families. Highlights included, guided tours to Albert Heijn, a tour through The Hague and an overview of Dutch products,

Welcome Team Leader at JSD Hello, I’m Jennifer Call and I joined the FA in Autumn 2016. My husband and I have two children, one at JSD and one at SSV. I love being involved in my children’s school, and being a part of the FA Welcome

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ending with a fully booked High Tea at Marks & Spencer.

In keeping with the spirit of the holiday season, I managed to get a quick peek of the programme for the first two months of 2017, and it looks absolutely fantastic.

Our Session Team, led by Ute Limacher-Riebold, continued to offer interesting learning opportunities with talks on diverse topics, for both new and existing parents. We hope you found these useful. Some of the new Session Team members have shared their reasons for volunteering in this edition. Have a read and get to know them!

Community is all about reaching out and supporting each other, and if there is a “spine” of the FA, it must be the Welcome Team.

We are fortunate to have a strong and solid group of volunteers amongst our parents at all four campuses, tirelessly meeting and greeting all the new families.

In this article, on behalf of the FA, allow me to introduce to you two new Welcome Team leaders; Jennifer Call at JSD and Melanie Shield at JSL.

Team was an obvious choice! The FA is a wonderful and generous group of people from an amazing school community and I am thrilled to be a part of it. The Welcome Team is vital to new families, and I was so thankful for the help I got when I arrived that when I was asked to join, I jumped at the chance.

Both relatively new to BSN, they volunteered to be the Welcome Team Representative at their respective campus. Please take your time to read their stories below, and if you would like to help out, they would love to hear from you.

The FA would like to wish all our BSN community a Happy New Year and we are very much looking forward to spending time with you at our events throughout this new term.

Lisa Brunslev

Hi, I’m Melanie Shield. My husband Todd, our two daughters, Ella (9) and Ava (5) and I, are from Perth, Western Australia. We’ve lived in The Netherlands since July 2015 and have been at JSL since September 2015. We really enjoy living in The Netherlands and being a part of the BSN Community.

I joined the Welcome Team because I enjoy getting to know people from all walks of life, nationalities and cultures. I had a positive experience when I moved here and wanted to pay it forward.

We’re all in the same boat, sharing the same experiences of adapting to a country that is not our own so why not make things easier and let people know ‘they’re not alone’. A journey is best measured by friends, not miles and you’re bound to find lots of ‘friends’ at The BSN.

Meet the new Sessions Team members

I’m Karen Massaro from Ireland, a former BSN student and married to Marco. I have three boys: two in senior school (years 8 and 11) and one in JSV (year 4).

I was really impressed with the variety of talks the FA Sessions team offered last year and as I was looking for ways to get more involved in the school and to meet new people, I was thrilled when Ute suggested I join the team.

The team members are friendly and fun and there is no pressure at all to give more than you are willing or able to give.

What does the Sessions Team do?

The Sessions Team aims to organise relevant, interesting and informative small lectures, workshops, seminars and talks for BSN families. Topics have included:

offered by the Family Association, our community gets even stronger and ready to face new challenges every day in a more positive and effective way.

I’m Simona Barrera and I moved to The Netherlands with my husband 13 years ago. We have three children: Valentina Y9, Andrea Y7 and Sara Y5 and they have been attending the BSN since they were 3 years old.

I decided to join the FA Sessions Team after a very inspirational talk I attended last June.

After fully dedicating to my family for the last few years, I felt I could commit to a much larger family such as the FA and “refresh” the skills I developed during my career when I used to organise corporate events, seminars and conferences (I worked for the 2006 Olympics Committee in Turin) so I knew I could contribute in some way here.

I am very happy to have joined the Family Association Session Team.

Through the talks and the topics

● The Dutch health care system ● The Dutch culture ● International childhood, TCKs (Third Culture Kid): What does this mean? What does this imply? ● Children and social media ● Expat life ● Road safety in the Netherlands ● Dutch wills, guardianships and testaments ● The teenage brain ● Starting University

My name is Katherine Hopwood. I am married to Bruce and we have 2 sons in year 10. I am from Belfast, Northern Ireland, and have lived in the Netherlands just over 3 years. I have enjoyed the FA Session Talks over the last 3 years – finding them a good source of information as well as fun to attend.

I was therefore pleased to accept the invitation to join the Sessions Team this year so that I can help continue to support this voluntary service. If any parents would like to offer talks – or have subjects they would like to see us address – please get in touch with the team!

Insight Autumn 2016

Welcome Team Leader at JSL

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eventful Internationally

December is always a busy time at the BSN, packed with festive shows and concerts.

Here’s a round-up of what our students got up to in the lead up to the seasonal holiday.

A snowman gets into character at JSD

Festive fun at BSN Junior School Diamanthosrt JSD F2, and Year 1 and 2 students were in fine voice as they performed their Winter Shows to parents and staff.

First up were the F2 pupils who sang, danced and acted their way through their delightful tale

of snowmen and elves. It was confidently performed and the smiles on their faces told us all how much they enjoyed themselves too.

In the afternoon, it was Year 1 and 2’s turn to dazzle. The audience were treated to four fairy tales: Jack and The Beanstalk, The Gingerbread Man, Little Red Riding Hood and The Enormous Turnip.

Each tale was beautifully acted with some wonderful

characterisations and some very effective costumes.

Well done to all involved in a very enjoyable day!

Junior School Liedschenveen JSL F2 students took to the stage of a packed house to present their Christmas Concert: A (Slightly) Scientific Celebration.

The audience watched as science-sceptics questioned the subject to a team of orange-haired experts who joyously proclaimed the relevance of science in our lives.

There was much amusement as they read with confusion from Stephen Hawking’s “A Brief History of Time”; and enjoyed the festive musical extravaganza put on by the F2 choir and accompaniments of talents on the drums, recorders, piano, violin, and flute.

Junior School Vlaskamp The JSV Foundation One students delighted their audience as they sang and chanted favourite bedtime songs and nursery rhymes.

The students were dressed as spiders for Incy Wincy Spider, sheep for Baa Baa Black sheep, space outfits for Zoom Zoom Zoom, chefs for Pat a Cake Baker Man, stars for Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and mice for Hickory Dickory Dock. The

JSL’s (slightly) scientific show was a hit

Nursery rhymes at JSV

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finale of Jingle Bells was beautifully accompanied by the children all playing different bells.

Senior School Voorschoten SSV students celebrated the festive season with a musical concert that had something for everyone. From beatboxing to Bizet our senior students showcased their many talents to a very appreciative audience.

Bursary Fund Winter Wonderland

Musical talent at SSV

The Bursary Fund Winter Wonderland and Laser Light Show took place at SSV in December and was a spectacular evening for hundreds of families. The event, which was a change from the usual firework display, aimed to raise funds to support families and students who, for many different reasons, need a helping hand. Simon Weinberg, Chairman of the Bursary Fund, said: “The atmosphere was very happy and jolly, all participants I spoke to loved the event, and the laser show was terrific – dare I say even better than our previous Fireworks show, if that’s possible!

We raised a reasonable amount of money for the Bursary Fund and I sincerely hope we will raise much more next year when the laser show comes back again.

My thanks goes to all who supported the event and helped make it a success.”

Don’t miss The BSN Open Day The BSN will host an Open Day across all campuses on Wednesday, 8 February 2017 for prospective families considering the BSN for their children’s schooling.

Families are invited to visit and tour any of the BSN Junior and Senior school campuses during a regular school day.

The school will be open for visitors during set times to come and experience life at the BSN and also meet students and staff, including Headteachers and other senior teaching and specialist staff.

Any questions? Please contact the BSN Admissions Team at admissions@britishschool.nl or +31(0)703154077.

We look forward to seeing you at our school!

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experienced Internationally

participants. We are proud to say that the BSN has the biggest cohort of International Award participants in the Benelux. Congratulations to our students!

The International Award is open to all, 14-24 years of age, regardless of their background.

The Award is about personal development, not competition with others. It enables young people to learn practical and social skills that are valuable to their life and career development. There are three medals: Bronze (age 14), Silver (age 15) and Gold (age 16).

Project Africa The BSN had a special visit from Mike Nabalia, a science teacher from Ndege Secondary School in Kenya.

The Science Laboratory that the BSN community donated to Ndege School is one of best appointed and equipped in the region and he came to the BSN (SSV and JSV) to learn the best way of integrating experiments into lessons and also learn more student centred teaching methodology.

Science in East Africa is generally theoretical based due to the lack of equipment and training so his two week visit at the BSN will give Mike the necessary experience and skills to teach Science in a practical way. We hope that the results will increase for the students and that a wider range of professions will become open to them beyond those that are agrarian subsistence.

Mike enjoyed the cold weather and the different type of food and also his interactions with students from Project Africa 2016 Team and meeting the 2017 Team who go to Ndege school in July.

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The Duke of Edinburgh International Awards presentation Proud parents and staff listened to students’ reflections on their experiences and life lessons.

We even heard an acoustic rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s Purple Haze from one of our talented award

Senior Debate Society clinch Silver Plate in Bucharest The BSN’s Senior School Debating Society sent a talented team of debaters to represent the school at the Sir Winston Churchill European Debating Competition held in Bucharest, Romania at the weekend. The BSN team was well prepared and fought hard to gain a draw against the overall winners and a convincing win in the final round and clinching first place in the Silver Plate competition.

As Teacher, Kate Anderson explained: “Our team gained an enormous amount of experience in international competition and are now in an excellent position ahead of February’s COBIS Student World Debate Competition in Spain.” Many thanks to the International British School of Romania for organising a fantastic day and to our guides who showed us the wonderful sights and sounds of Bucharest with a tour of the impressive Parliament Palace too. Very well done to all involved.

JSD reduce, reuse, recycle!

JSV Year 4 Royal surprise in Den Haag

The Y6 pupils of JSD had an Eco Day to develop their understanding of how they can protect our planet through recycling and put into practice all they have learned about eco-systems and sustainability through their Science and topic work.

The day began with a tea challenge – an Eco Scavenger hunt which included pupils spelling their names using found objects, treading on three different types of soil and making ‘eco’ face paint!

The teams were then faced with a ‘rubbish challenge’ where they had to recreate everyday objects and/or clothing from a bag of waste packaging.

The afternoon saw the children designing an indoor classroom allotment, ready to plant tomatoes, radish and other delicious vegetables.

Year 4 classes visited the centre of Den Haag to find out about William of Orange from the city’s monuments and historical buildings.

The Dutch team were based at strategic points and informed students about everything from his influence on the Dutch National Anthem to the moment his loyal dog saved his life in battle. Possibly more memorable for some students, however, was the moment one group saw the arrival of the King and Queen of Belgium at Paleis Noordeinde!

Honey harvesting at JSL JSL students enjoyed a taste of the first harvest of honey from the bee hives at JSL. It was very exciting to try the end result of the care and attention given to the bees since they arrived at JSL, and the honey was absolutely delicious.

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artistic

Internationally

The BSN has a thriving arts department in all campuses. Whether its drama, art or music each term produces an array of plays, exhibitions and concerts that showcase the breadth of talent across the school.

Follow us @BSNPerforms

Lord Chamberlain’s Men create much ado Year 9 students at SSV were treated to a series of practical and intensive theatre workshops by the highly acclaimed British theatre troupe, The Lord Chamberlain’s Men, who visited the BSN with their touring production of Shakespeare’s hilarious comedy Much Ado About Nothing.

The year group were split into smaller sizes and were able to experience the rehearsal process professional actors go through with a range of warm up exercises, body awareness, energy levels, improvisations and text analysis.

There was some impressive work all round and the students demonstrated a number of skills including listening, observing, teamwork and performance.

The theatre company, who visit the BSN every two years, then performed the entire play outdoors for both students and parents to enjoy.

JSD students create much ado…too!

The Year 6 pupils at JSD entertained and wowed the pupils and staff at JSD, and their parents with their class assembly based on their Shakespeare topic and study of Much Ado About Nothing.

The assembly, written and directed by the pupils themselves, took us through aspects of their learning, from rhyming couplets to Shakespearean insults!

After being inspired by a performance of the play at SSV at the start of the year, the children presented their own abridged version of the play – Much Ado in a Few.

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JSL students show off their design skills JSL students took part in a ‘Decorate a Bench Competition’.

There was a fantastic response from them with some amazing designs.

What a talented group of students!

Well done and thank you to all of those that submitted an entry.

Super Tais Talented student Tais danced her way to the finals of the RTL4 programme Superkids, coming a very impressive 2nd place.

Tais, who is currently in Year 9, wowed the judges and audience with her performance skills, skills that she has been able to practice here at school.

Congratulations Tais, the BSN community are very proud of how you represented the school so well.

BSN Concert Choir shine at Bijenkorf Our talented BSN Concert Choir were invited to sing at Den Haag’s largest department store, Bijenkorf, and entertained shoppers with their medley of Christmas songs.

The group, which is made up of students across every BSN campus, have been practising hard and their hard work paid off.

Head of Junior School Music, Ms Kilpatrick said: “I’m very proud of all our students. They sang brilliantly, and had a lot of fun.

It was a great opportunity to perform at Bijenkorf and was a pleasure we could showcase to the wider community our talented choir.”

Magical Midsummer Night’s Dream sparkles Senior School drama students performed Shakespeare’s most popular comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream this week and they certainly did the Bard and BSN proud!

The distinct groupings of the four lovers, fairies, mechanicals and court allow for some great ensemble playing and each and every cast member handled their part skilfully.

The audience were treated to some beautiful speeches; from Helena’s sharp observations about love to Oberon’s beautiful “...bank where the wild thyme blows...”

The play within a play never fails to be funny and this one was no exception with some great comedy moments as Pyramus and Thisbe spy through the ‘chink’ of the wall.

Huge congratulations to all involved!

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active

Internationally

Follow us @BSN_Sport

The Autumn term has seen many sporting highlights.

Here’s a round-up of some of them.

Ice skating champ breaks records BSN Senior School student, Sam Airey travelled to Minsk for the International Skating Union (ISU) Junior World Cup and smashed the British Junior Record.

Skaters from all over the globe in the 17-19 year old range came together to compete in one of three events that make up the World Cup. Sam utilised his brief time there, as he competed in the 500m, 1000m and the 1500m races. He also, together with two Belgian skaters, participated in the Team Supersprint.

Not only did Sam achieve his personal best for all three events, but he also attained the British Junior Record while finishing mid-field.

This is such an amazing accomplishment for Sam, and we look forward to his upcoming races! The next ISU Junior Cup will

take place in Collalbo, Italy in early 2017, and Sam will continue to train and work hard as he prepares for this next challenge.

Athlete Dario ends season with clutch of medals The official Dutch Athletics Championships for the 14–15 year old age group saw Dario Podda win 2 gold and 1 silver medal across several disciplines.

In javelin, he achieved a personal best by throwing 60.16 to win a javelin gold – a new club record and 7th place of all times in the Netherlands. He won the gold medal in the shot put, with a throw of 16.42 – a personal best, and a season best of the Netherlands 2016.

The silver medal was won in the final of the 150m sprint in a time of 17.62, with Dario again setting a new club record. Racing with a team of boys in the 16–17 age group, Dario won the gold medal during the final of the B competition.

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With his own team of 14–15 year olds, another gold medal was earned in the final of the competition, which resulted in the fastest 4x100m relay ever to have been run in the Netherlands with a time of 44.91!

This, together with earlier success in the indoor titles, gold medals in both the 60m sprint and shot put, makes Dario 6 times National champion of the Netherlands in 2016!

Perfect preparation for ISST hockey The BSN hockey squad continued their ISST preparations with an impressive victory over the British School of Brussels (BSB).

Following a two hour sing-along on the bus journey, the girls were fired up and ready to play against one of their biggest rivals on the ISST circuit. The team spirit was high and the performance matched it. After some strong midfield battles at the start of each half, the BSN emerged as comfortable winners 6-1, with some impressive finishing in front of goal. It was a great team performance from the BSN girls, but BSB had some strong individual performances which could prove a challenge for BSN in the tournament.

BSN Junior Schools compete for Sports House Trophy

Vaulting to success: BSN gymnastics squad shine

The first of this year’s crossschool Sports House Competitions took place at Junior School Leidschenveen and all the Year 6 students from all three campuses came together to represent their House in a series of six competitive activities – Football, Unihoc, Benchball, Tug o’ War, Dodgeball and Nemo Volleyball. Not sure what that is? You’ll have to ask a Year 6 student!!

There was continuous action all morning, lots of sweat and endeavour, and plenty of smiles, especially from the blue-shirted Delft team, who won overall, and claimed the winners’ trophy.

Year 5’s turn comes in January and Year 4 and Year 3 also follow in Term 2.

We welcomed the gymnastics teams from British School in Brussels to another full squad competition at JSL, and it provided some very good results and inevitably it threw up a few challenges. For many years, there has been a well-known concept of “The Trauma of the Voluntary Vault”. It reared its head this time for a few girls. Nerves are expected, as the Under 13s, Under 11s and Under 9s found out. Experience is so important at all levels and age groups, and it shone through in our teams; we have a very small number of girls at present who have that experience, and it was down to them to help the girls competing with far less knowledge. They can be rightly proud of the way they did just that, and their contribution cannot be underestimated.

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Specialists in Taxi Airport Transfers to Schiphol and Rotterdam Airports

Flat Rates from The Hague Region Schiphol Airport Drop off € 62,- Pick Up € 67,Schiphol with Van Drop off € 75,- Pick Up € 80,Rotterdam Airport From € 35,For Shell people we drive with Shell rules

For free quote from other cities or for bookings contact us on +31 (0)622 395536 (07.00 to 22.00) email us on Fritstaxi@msn.com or visit us on www.fritstaxi.nl

Location Bezuidenhoutseweg 157, The Hague Mass Sunday 10.00 & 17.30 Phone +31 (0)70 328 0816 E-mail office@parish.nl Website www.parish.nl Pastor Fr. Sjaak de Boer Ph.D.

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Religious Education Programmes and 50+ Internal Parish Groups ranging from Spirituality to International Solidarity.

The blue pages Sculpting Art Classes Atelier anaRt offers weekly lessons given by The Hague professional sculptor Anat Ratzabi. Anat’s generous approach ensures each individual’s progression. Her teaching method guides and stimulates your creativity to its full potential. Pleasant atmosphere.

No expertise required.

E: anart@xs4all.nl www.atelieranart.webs.com www.anatratzabi.com

Building Professional Carpenter, Builder and Joiner ● A complete and all-round service ● Renovation/Conversion/Maintenance Specialising in bathrooms, kitchens, roofs, doors, windows and frames ● References on request ● No obligation quotes and advice If you want it done, right!

T: 06 2422 5991 E: mail@kingstimmerwerk.nl www.kingstimmerwerk.nl

Peter French and Sons – English builder/carpenter Thirty years of experience renovating and general building work in The Hague region. Free estimates and advice for a diverse range of work including; kitchens, bathrooms, dormer windows, roofing work, plumbing, plastering and electrical work. Well-equipped workshop for one-off furniture pieces/ repair. We organise planning permission when needed. Contact Peter for more information.

T: 06 5332 8363 E: peterfrench@planet.nl

Children’s parties GK Moments GK Moments Unique and delicious Children’s parties Your full service party planner for kids.

Is your child’s birthday coming up?

Do you want to have a great birthday party for them? Let us know your child’s desired theme and we will make it happen!

T: 06 5147 6241 E: gkmoments@hotmail.com www.gkmoments.com

Counselling International

Confidential individual counselling or coaching, couple therapy or conflict mediation. Experienced multilingual professional Els Barkema-Sala, M.Phil., MBACP. Please call for a FREE initial telephone consultation or an appointment. Check the website for more information.

T: 071 528 2661 E: basal@planet.nl www.counsellinginternational.com

Courses First aid courses Learn what to do when someone has an accident or suddenly becomes ill. Certified and attendance courses offered by Linda Bosma-Malley first aid trainer to staff here at BSN. Dates for student courses (suitable for International Award skills section or babysitting or pure interest) Venue Senior School Voorschoten Cost €125 including all course material, first aid book and certificate valid for 3 years.

10% of fee donated to International award funds.

Three day course during half term holidays on: 20th, 21st, 22nd February 2017 10.00-14.30 19th, 20th, 21st April 2017 10.00-14.30 Five after school sessions on Wednesdays, 15.45-18.00 1st, 8th, 15th February, 8th, 15th March 2017 Save a Life, short course for busy Parents, learn CPR, Choking and other medical emergencies Venue Wassenaar Cost €35 includes all course materials and attendance certificate.

Three hour course on: 16th January, 13th February,13th March, 15th May, 12th June 2017 0930-12.30 T: 06 1887 3421 E: l.malleyfirstaid@online.nl

First Aid Courses for Parents Our First Aid Course for Parents is a comprehensive one-day course.

The course is given by a certified St John Ambulance First Aider (UK) and NIKITA (NL) examiner. Cost €85 p.p.

T: 070 5117523 E: chatandkids@gmail.com www.tasid.nl/first-aid-course

Garden Gardening services Need some help with your garden?

Eden Landscape Gardening offers a complete range of gardening services including: ● Design ● Landscaping ● Paving ● Fencing ● Tree cutting ● General maintenance For more information contact Vaun Smith.

T: 06 2343 2854 E: vaun@eden-landscape-gardening.nl www.eden-landscape-gardening.nl

Motoring Car Maintenance Autobedrijf Steyger specialises in the total maintenance, APK and special repairs for all makes of cars at reasonable prices.

We are able to carry out bodywork repairs following accidents and will take care of all the necessary paperwork. We also buy and sell secondhand cars. Where customers are only planning a short stay in Holland, it is possible to agree on the repurchase price when a car is bought. Upon request, we can deliver every type of car at competitive prices. You may call us anytime for further information without obligation or check out our internet page: www.autosteyger.nl. Our address: Autobedrijf Steyger, Leidseweg 420 (noord), 2253 JP Voorschoten.

T: 071 576 5555 E: info@autosteyger.nl www.autosteyger.nl

Music Piano Lessons Pianist graduated from The Royal Conservatory The Hague (Bachelor and Masters in Jazz Piano Performance) Teaches Piano for all ages. Teaching Fields: Piano (different styles and levels) Harmony, Ear and Rhythmical training, Improvisation.

For information contact: Georgios Tsolis.

T: 06 1149 7933 E: georgetsolis@hotmail.com www.pianodenhaag.com

The BSN takes no responsibility for the quality of the goods and services advertised in this publication

Insight Autumn 2016

Art

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Saxophone, Viola and Violin Lessons in English, Spanish, Dutch and French Graduated in classical music (MA and BA diplomas). Experienced teacher and performer offers lessons in saxophone, viola and violin for children and adults. ABRSM examination. Lessons in English, Spanish and Dutch. For more information, contact Estela.

T: 06 8188 9652 E: estelabricenomezquita@gmail.com www.estelabricenomezquita.com

Cello Lessons Say hello to the cello! Experienced and enthusiastic teacher offers cello lessons for children and adults. Lessons are based on my own program and tailored according to your needs. All levels are welcome. Please visit my website for more info.

T: 06 4711 8631 E: paulina@cello-art.nl www.cello-art.nl

Guitar Lessons Graduated in classical and jazz music, with extensive experience as a teacher and performer. I offer private and group lessons for children and adults.

Customised lessons focused on practicing tunes, rhythm and good practice habits.

T: 06 4370 1598 E: ximosirera@gmail.com www.ximosirera.com

Recorder and Chamber Music Lessons RECORDER AND CHAMBER MUSIC LESSONS FOR ALL AGES AND LEVELS offered by an experienced and qualified teacher (BA, MA and PhD), at the student’s house or at my studio in The Hague (between CS and HS).

T: 06 4826 3208 E: inesdavena@yahoo.com

Piano Lessons Students can now take Skype piano lessons from teachers on other coasts or continents. It is great for parents, which can simply send their child down the hall for lessons rather than driving them.

For more information, please contact Lucy E: Lucytimkova@gmail.com www.Lucytimkova.com

Violin Lessons

Relocation Support

Experienced and enthusiastic teacher with a Master’s degree offers violin lessons for children and adults. I adjust my teaching method and style to the needs of every student. All levels are welcome!

T: 06 4432 0525 E: tplusa7@gmail.com

Need help settling in? Struggling with small things that you really do need to get sorted? Ask Stefanie from 2b-home and she will help you out with any questions you may have about living in the Netherlands. It can be questions from how to apply for child benefits to how does my thermostat work? Or if you need help finding out what is what in the shops? She loves a challenge and to help people out!

T: 0624603898 E: stefanielettinga@gmail.com

Violin and Viola Teaching Available (also music theory) Experienced teacher/performer from Australia with a Master’s degree in performance from Sydney Conservatorium. Bachelor of Science (Physics and Theoretical Physics, Australian National University).

For further information, please contact John.

T: 06 2936 3365 Email: mohnja@hotmail.com

Muziekacademie Den Haag Getting settled in The Hague and looking for music lessons for yourself or your family? Muziekacademie Den Haag is the place to be! Our team of 50 highly experienced, certified teachers offers lessons for every instrument and voice, as well as introductory music classes for children, ensembles, master classes, projects and special preparation courses for conservatory entrance and ABRSM exams.

All lessons are available in English; many are available in other languages. Register now online or ask for a free trial lesson!

Muziekacademie Den Haag Berlage-Huis, Raamweg 36, 2596 HN The Hague (beside the Shell buildings) E: info@muziekacademiedenhaag.nl www.muziekacademiedenhaag.nl

Personal coaching Professional Organising In need of a clean sweep of house and mind? Do you feel like you are “stuffocating”? Flennie Helpt Professional Organizing offers practical advice, personal coaching and all the help that’s needed to tackle the clutter, piles of paperwork, removal boxes and other storage or organizing problems. Look for Flennie Helpt on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for Tips and Tricks!

T: 06 5325 1130 E: info@flennie.nl www.flennie.nl

To enquire about advertising in Insight: email advertising@britishschool.nl

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Advertise Here Classified Advertising The adverts in our ‘Blue pages’ are for 'Expatriate services' – companies and individuals offering services tailored to the expatriate community.

Small box advertisements are offered in three sizes based on word count.

Advertising space is limited and is sold on a first come first served basis.

Costs per issues are as follows: Box 1: up to 40 words Box 2: up to 80 words Box 3: up to 120 words

€25 €45 €65

Display advertising Display adverts are divided into full page, half page and quarter page.

Adverts are printed in full colour and are placed throughout the magazine.

Costs per issues are as follows: Full page Half page Quarter page

€650 €395 €275

Advertisers who are not in the position to supply us with an advert with the above specifications are welcome to make use of our artwork service.

Resizing of advert Creation of advert

€20 €50

Special rates are available for charities and non-profit making organisations.

The BSN takes no responsibility for the quality of the goods and services advertised in this publication

For the BSN Community

TRY US OUT! The Little Gym offers a wide variety of classes to help children ages 4 months through 12 years reach their greatest potential. Structured lessons, unique themes and a nurturing environment build confidence during each stage of childhood.

Join us for a free introductory class.

PARENT/CHILD CLASSES • PRESCHOOL/KINDERGARDEN CLASSES • GRADE SCHOOL CLASSES BIRTHDAY PARTIES • HOLIDAY CAMPS

The Little Gym Den Haag Koningin Julianalaan 343 • 2273 JJ • VoorburgVoorburg • 070 - 300 09 92 denhaag@thelittlegym.eu • www.denhaag.thelittlegym.eu

  www.britishschool.nl