Makinga World ofDifference
British American School of Charlotte
British American School of Charlotte
The British American School of Charlotte Our Vision An ever evolving learning-driven community that takes a broader and deeper world view, and in doing so, better prepares its children for the next stage of their education and to take their place in a competitive future world. Our Mission
Our Mission Create a dynamic learning environment that encourages successful, ever evolving learners.
Develop confident, resilient, esteemed, healthy individuals.
Promote responsible, respectful, global citizens that are proud to belong.
Our Core ValuesValues and Beliefsand Beliefs Our Core
Nurture & Encouragement Personalization & Independence
Partnership & Community
Learning through Enjoyment
Risk Taking & Challenge Empathy & Respect
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British American School of Charlotte
Making
Learning Personal Learning is a personal pursuit that we do with others. At the British American School of Charlotte we approach each child’s learning in a manner that is truly unique, developing a personalized learning approach for each and every child. We strengthen the link between learning and teaching by actively engaging children and parents as partners in the learning process. Learning Styles We understand that children learn in different ways and have preferred learning styles. Our highly trained British teachers create varied and interesting learning
Individualized Success
opportunities that are active, vibrant, and dynamic.
Teachers at the British American School of Charlotte
They make learning fun and engaging while
have a deep understanding of each individual
addressing the learning styles of all of our children.
child and as such can wrap the curriculum around their learning needs. Through careful observation
Differentiation
and assessment, learning goals are set for each
In differentiating lessons teachers take into account
child, regularly reviewed, progress monitored and
the learners’ different motivations, prior experiences
achievements celebrated. This process allows
and knowledge, cultural experiences and learning
children to take greater responsibility and ownership
preferences. They plan multiple paths to stretch
for their learning making them active participants
each individual. Through different tasks, expectations,
in their own success.
support and challenges, each child is enabled to surprise themselves with their own high level of achievement.
Thanks to our small class sizes, the teachers are able to teach us depending on how we learn and what we need to learn next. – Year 8 Student
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British American School of Charlotte
The Educational Program:
Connecting
the Curriculum
Our innovative and proven curriculum takes a broader
find the answers; to be persistent in their learning
and deeper world view, carefully constructing
and develop the habits that make a lifelong learner.
meaningful connections between subject disciplines and the international world in which we live.
At the British American School of Charlotte we draw upon and weave together some of the best
We provide rich and varied experiences in which
practices in the world. We utilize the distinctive
children acquire, deepen and apply a broad range
nature of the English National Curriculum and
of knowledge, skills and understandings that are
the International Primary Curriculum to form the
interconnected around motivational and purposeful
structure of our academic program.
themes, giving reason to children’s learning.
British American School Year groups, corresponding
Our uniquely interconnected curriculum inspires
ages and US grade equivalents are summarized in
children to think creatively and critically; to solve
the chart below. Students from British American
problems with reasoned thought and ingenuity; to
School of Charlotte are well prepared for their
ask questions of the world and through research
transitions into American or International Schools.
Age Before September 1
BSC Year Group (UK System)
United States Equivalent
BSC Stage
3-4 years old
Nursery
Pre-school
Foundation
4-5 years old
Reception
Pre-school
Foundation
5-6 years old
Year 1
Kindergarten
Key Stage 1
6-7 years old
Year 2
Grade 1
Key Stage 1
7-8 years old
Year 3
Grade 2
Key Stage 2
8-9 years old
Year 4
Grade 3
Key Stage 2
9-10 years old
Year 5
Grade 4
Key Stage 2
10-11 years old
Year 6
Grade 5
Key Stage 2
11-12 years old
Year 7
Grade 6
Key Stage 3
12-13 years old
Year 8
Grade 7
Key Stage 3
13-14 years old
Year 9
Grade 8
Key Stage 3
14-15 years old
Year 10
Grade 9
Key Stage 4
15-16 years old
Year 11
Grade 10
Key Stage 4
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British American School of Charlotte
The
Early Years Ages 3-5
Pre-Kindergarten/Foundation Stages 1 and 2
Six Areas of Learning
Beginning at age 3, the Early Years Foundation Stage
The Foundation Stage Curriculum is structured
is a 2 year program that enrolls children from the day
around 6 connected areas of learning, each one
they turn 3 to the year in which they are 5.
with a set of clearly defined learning outcomes,
In these critical years, we focus on providing a
which spirals upwards over the 2 years.
nurturing, creative and stimulating environment
1. personal, social and emotional development
where young children acquire the essential skills
2. communication language and literacy
for lifelong learning. The academic development
3. reasoning and problem solving numeracy
of speaking articulately and confidently, reading,
4. knowledge and understanding of the world
writing and working with numbers and mathematics,
5. physical development
runs alongside the playful development of
6. creative development
imagination, reasoned thinking, and social and emotional skills in an international context.
We enhance the Foundation Stage Curriculum with the Early Years International Primary Curriculum that
Children learn through a series of carefully structured
focuses the learning around imaginative, playful,
and layered experiences that are teacher-directed
international themes. Learning themes such as:
as well as child-initiated. They learn collaboratively
Treasure and Patterns and Food, places learning in
with other children and their teachers through
a fun and meaningful context, inspiring success.
imaginative play in our carefully planned and dynamic learning environment, as well as through more focused, adult lead opportunities that develop new essential knowledge and skills. Our program encourages children to investigate, discover and harness their abundant natural curiosity, learning how the world works from hands on experiences. Children follow a highly developed, proven process that cultivates their skills of English and Mathematics, allowing each child to accelerate in their learning and become confident and proficient in these critical foundation skills.
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British American School of Charlotte
The
Primary Years Ages 5-11
Kindergarten to Grade 5/Years 1-6 The Primary years of learning take children from age 5 through to age 11. During these formative years children grow in confidence at being able to communicate in a range of mediums, styles and languages. They develop a more complex understanding of mathematics and its application in the real world and they increase their subject knowledge, social, emotional and learning skills and foster a deeper and broader understanding of the world. The structure to the Primary years is built around the National Curriculum for England and The International Primary Curriculum. These distinctive, proven frameworks have been developed over many years in the United Kingdom and across the world. These frameworks set out clear expectations in learning and focus on subject specific knowledge, skills and understanding, including English, Mathematics, Languages, and Information and Communication Technology. At the same time great importance is placed on developing the social and emotional aspects of learning together with an embedded international view that enhances student’s perspective of the world they live in.
My two kids (6 & 9 years old) have spent the past 3 academic years at the British American School of Charlotte. I am still amazed on a daily basis at the high quality of teaching there along with the amazing atmosphere among students.
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British American School of Charlotte
The
International
Primary Curriculum
Great Learning, Great Teaching, Great Fun
Each theme allows children to see both the
The International Primary Curriculum is an
contribution made by individual subjects, and also
internationally renowned curriculum, currently
connects together the big ideas and skills that run
implemented in over 50 countries around the
through them all. Through lively and engaging entry
world. Through highly motivational themes, science,
points children’s imagination and real interest is
technology, art and music, geography and history,
captured. Teacher’s then harvest children’s knowledge
physical education, literacy and numeracy, are
and builds this into the Big Picture of their learning.
woven together in a holistic approach.
Through high quality teaching, independent and
The International Primary Curriculum fuses together a combination of academic, personal and international learning goals. Each unit of learning focuses around
collaborative research and recording, and exciting events and experiences, children make sense of the world and see the connections.
a theme that children find interesting and relevant.
Central to the International Primary Curriculum
Themes such as: Saving the Rain Forest, Different
is the goal that children enjoy learning, develop
Places, Different Lives and Fashion, create the context
enquiring minds, foster the personal qualities they
through which children can explore the world,
need to be responsible citizens of the world, and
celebrating unique differences and identifying
develop a sense of their own nationality and culture,
similarities that connect us all. Each International
while at the same time gaining a respect for the
Primary Curriculum unit of learning starts with a
nationalities and cultures of others. Most of all, it
memorable entry point that brings learning to life.
challenges children to develop into successful, confident, healthy, individuals that are better prepared for the challenges that lay ahead.
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British American School of Charlotte
The
National
Curriculum for England Social Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEALs) Social and emotional aspects of learning are the underpinning qualities and skills that help us to manage life and learning effectively. They underlie almost every aspect of our lives and enable us to get on with other people and lead healthy, fulfilling lives. There are 5 outcomes to the SEALs program and these are carefully integrated with the International Primary Curriculum: 1. Self-awareness 2. Managing feelings 3. Motivation 4. Empathy 5. Social skills SEALs outcomes are achieved through a structured approach in classrooms and assemblies, as well as being an integral part of all aspects of school life. Children learn to: • understand one another’s point of view • work and play successfully in groups Literacy and Numeracy
• value the contribution of others
The British American School of Charlotte follows the
• persevere with challenges when they get difficult
frameworks of the National Curriculum for England
• learn about learning and themselves as learners
in Literacy (English) and Numeracy (Mathematics).
• resolve conflict
This framework provides a rigorous and challenging
• manage emotions and feelings
program of study that sequentially develops children’s learning. They carefully build skills and confidence, step by step, allowing each child to experience
SEALs establishes vocabulary to facilitate children in being able to articulate and identify their feelings.
success and reach their potential. While Literacy and Numeracy are taught in regular dedicated lessons, the application of these core skills is developed and celebrated across the whole curriculum.
An especially successful feature of the teaching is the close match between the learning needs of individual students and the work they are given to do.
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British American School of Charlotte
The
Middle Years Ages 11-14
Grades 6-9/Years 7-10 The Middle School equips learners from age 11 through age 14 with the necessary academic skills and personal learning attributes that prepares them well for the next stage of their education, the senior years. In the Middle School, the English National Curriculum forms the basis for the content of our challenging program of study. It builds on prior learning and prepares our students to explore in greater depth the concepts, processes and skills of specific subjects, while still engaging in a lively, motivational, cross curricula, thematic approach. The Middle school curriculum extends students knowledge, skills and understanding in:
Students are expected to be reflective, critical learners; taking a proactive role in their own achievements. By setting challenging goals and
• English
becoming increasingly independent, managing
• Mathematics
time and resources efficiently, they develop the
• Foreign Languages including French, Spanish
habits of a successful lifelong learner.
and Latin • World History and Geography • The Sciences • The Arts – Visual Art, Music, Drama • Design Technology and Computer Technology • Physical Education – Sport, Gym, Dance and Fitness
The Middle School years are a particularly important time in a young person‘s life as they grow from child to adolescent. These are important time for influencing the crucial decisions students make about their lives and their futures. We work closely with each student and their families, to provide the personal guidance and support needed to ensure a
The curriculum is designed to enable each student
successful transition at the end of their education
to become inquiring, knowledgeable, expressive,
with us.
reasoned thinkers that communicate well their ideas, thoughts and opinions. It encourages students to be open-minded and to see themselves in the context of a richly diverse global society.
As students transition out of The British American School of Charlotte into a range of educational settings, we consistently hear feedback from other schools about how highly regarded our students are, how well-prepared they are for the challenges they face, and the positive, internationally minded approach they bring to all aspects of their learning.
The coursework is challenging, but he is more than keeping pace – and we are gaining confidence right along with him in his ability to learn, grasp difficult concepts and succeed in a learning environment.
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British American School of Charlotte
Making
Learning Eventful There can be little doubt that hands-on, eventful
Each class from 8 year olds and up takes part in a
experience reaps many benefits, both academically
residential experience. In Years 3 to 5 children spend
and in terms of personal development. Add the
varying nights away at Camp Thunderbird, learning
‘wow’ factor and you have the making of memories
to tackle high wire walking, paddle a canoe, learning
that will remain with children for the rest of their lives.
to collaborate as a team, while fostering a sense of
We place great value on experiential learning: field trips, visiting speakers, community service projects, outdoor adventures and immersion in real life experiences. From Foundation stage to the Middle School, children participate in a number of such activities throughout the course of the year ranging from Whitewater rafting, turning classrooms into a Rainforest, to performing in their very own Circus.
independence. In Year 6 and 7 children spend a week in Washington, D.C. or Boston, learning about American history, democracy and scientific and artistic achievements. In Years 8 and 9 our students engage in an international visit, where they get to practice a language first-hand and learn through real life experience about different cultures and customs. Strengthening our sense of community and making us proud to belong is the participation our children and families have in our school fairs, learning assemblies and whole school productions. We celebrate each other’s successes and the role of giving to others. Throughout the year we plan a series of themed weeks in which children spend quality time investigating and engaging in activities that deepen their knowledge and understanding in that subject area. International week focuses the school on the culture, traditions, arts and heritage of a chosen country and is sponsored by the Arts Council of Charlotte. Eco Week stresses the importance of protecting our planet, while Healthy Action Week promotes healthy habits that encourage children to lead healthy lives. We create these school events with the intention that these will influence and create children’s memories for a lifetime.
Much of the teaching is lively and enthusiastic, and some is highly imaginative.
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British American School of Charlotte
Expanding
Horizons
After School Opportunities
Making Community Connections
Clubs and Sports
Students at British American School of Charlotte
At the British American School of Charlotte we place
participate in a range of charitable fundraising
a strong emphasis on extra-curricular activities and
events and activities.
believe that participation in these provide strong learning opportunities and benefits, enriching the lives of children. We offer a range of clubs and activities run by our teachers and outside specialists. The wide range of activities includes soccer, basketball, lacrosse, mandarin and other language instruction, singing and instrumental lessons, board
We believe it is important for charitable fundraising activities to involve our children from start to finish. Each year the Student Council selects three charities, an international, national and Charlotte-based charity to work with. Children take part in activities to collect money, books and other resources for those in need.
games, computers, art, crafts, tennis, baking and
Children have many opportunities to make a leadership
more. These activities take place after school hours.
contribution, both in and out of school. The Student
A new variety of choices is offered each term, with
Council is a place for children to represent the views
a full list available on the website or through our
of others and to influence change around school. As
admissions office.
an offshoot to the Council, there is an Eco Team and a
After School Care Our after school care club runs from 3:30 pm to 6:00 pm five days a week and provides quality care and fun activities, along with a snack. We offer flexibility in the
Healthy Action team, each taking the lead in bringing about change. Our older students are encouraged to take part in community service projects that help develop a sense of civic duty and participation.
scheduling with options to enroll your child every day,
Each year we select a Head Boy and Girl and two
specific days, or on a drop-in basis.
school Ambassadors who take a leading role in whole school events and represent the school in the wider community. These are high profile positions that encourage responsibility and leadership of others.
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British American School of Charlotte
Partnership
and Community
At The British American School of Charlotte, we
Participation in School
believe that tuition fees alone should cover the full
We encourage our families to be as involved as
cost of providing the high standard of education. We
possible in all aspects of school life. From taking
do not ask for any other financial contribution to the
part in school field trips and school productions, to
running of the school or the capital development of
helping out in classrooms and leading whole school
our facilities.
community events.
We value the unique contribution each family makes,
School Consultative Group
through their participation and partnership in the life
The School Consultative Group is a committee made
of the school, its community and the learning of our
up of school parents, voted for by the staff and parent
children.
body at large. The SCG team work in collaboration and support of the Headmaster and the school’s leadership team. The SCG’s role is to provide advice, feedback and guidance on the current and future practices of the school. Community Parents Each class elects a Community Parent who forms a part of a larger team that arranges social events, welcomes new families and seeks to further develop the strong sense of community that is a key feature of the British American School of Charlotte. Room Parents Acting in collaboration with the teachers, Room Parents assist the classroom teacher in communications,
Working in Partnerships
support, coordination and arrangements for class
Parents are valued as a vital partner in the education
events and offers general help in and around the
of their child and in creating the supportive, vibrant
classroom.
school community, where children, families and staff are proud to belong.
Helping Out There are many opportunities for parents to make an
Throughout the year we hold Partnership Meetings
active contribution to school across the year. Book
with the child, their parents, and their teachers to
Fairs, International, Environment, and Healthy Action
discuss the individual child’s progress, establish
weeks are some of the high profile events that
targets and celebrate successes. Detailed, written
parents play a central role in. In addition parents
reports are prepared three times a year; ensuring
volunteer in the Library, reading with children and act
parents are kept fully informed about their child’s
as special visitors in school, giving talks and sharing
progress throughout the school year.
special skills and interests.
On Fridays at the British American School, we celebrate and acknowledge children’s learning through whole class assemblies and the Head Teachers Celebration assemblies.
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British American School of Charlotte
World Class
Learning School
The British American School of Charlotte is a member of the British Schools of America, a division of World Class Learning Group (WCL).
emotionally, with a broader and deeper international understanding. They have high expectations of every child and support each in fulfilling their true potential.
World Class Learning Schools offer the highest standards of education through a learning-driven philosophy where opportunities are created for personalized learning for each and every child. Our challenging curricula have a unique global focus that promotes a world wide perspective preparing our students for a changing world. Our high caliber, British trained teachers provide the support students need to achieve their all-round potential and produce outcomes well beyond expectations, equipping our students with the skills, confidence and resilience they need to become confident, responsible learners, ready to meet the challenges of the future.
Great teachers understand the importance of creating a dynamic learning environment that fosters a positive climate of achievement. They know how to give powerful feedback that encourages and guides future learning. They are skilled in bringing learning to life, making learning fun and meaningful.
Success-proven, World Class Learning Schools are currently located in Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Washington, D.C., and Doha (Qatar). World Class Teachers Outstanding teachers make a world of difference in the lives of children. Time after time research shows that the single biggest influence in a child’s education is the quality of the teacher. At the British Schools of America, we are proud to have outstanding, exceptionally talented, highly-qualified, skilled and caring teachers. All of our class teachers are British; trained in British Universities and are experienced in teaching in British schools. These qualifications ensure that they all have a proven ability to deliver engaging, differentiated, learning-driven lessons that ensure every child excels. What sets our teachers apart, besides their education and experience, is their passion for learning, their deep understanding of how children learn and their ability to make learning a personal experience through which every child succeeds. Our teachers are skilled at making accurate assessments of children, identifying next steps in their learning and planning engaging, interconnected lessons, that not only see children grow academically, but socially and
Accreditations, Reviews and Professional Association Quality assurance procedures at the British American School of Charlotte are designed to provide confirmation that the educational provision supports, encourages and enables high standards of learning. This is accomplished through both internal and external reviews and external accreditation. Accreditation – A Learning-Focused School The British American School of Charlotte is accredited by Fieldwork Education as a Learning-Focused School. This comes as a part of the whole school review carried out by Fieldwork Education Services. The established standards for the Fieldwork Education accreditation is based on the quality and quantity of learning taking place at the school. Reviews As part of the British Schools of America and the World Class Learning Group internal quality assurance, BASC is required to have a school-wide internal self review. The British American School of Charlotte undergoes a review every two years. Internal reviews are conducted by a team from a group consisting of a sister school organization, Fieldwork Education Services, and independent consultants. Professional Associations The British American School of Charlotte is proud to be an active member of the: • European Council of International Schools (ECIS) • Council for International Schools in the Americas (CISTA) • British American Business Council
This is a fantastic school with a caring environment, but one that challenges and expects excellence from its pupils. We are in our 2nd year there. Individualized curriculum, amazing teachers, and no capital campaigns! My children are so happy and have truly developed a love for learning.
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The British American School of Charlotte is a proud supporter of: Save the Children UNICEF Half The Sky Foundation Big Brother Big Sister Ronald McDonald House Alexander Youth Network Santa’s Link Make A Wish Foundation Feed the Children
Photos courtesy of Dawn Kjeldsen Freeland of DKF Photography.
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World Class Learning Group 25 Buckingham Gate London, SW1E 6LD, United Kingdom Phone: +44 (0)20 7821 4898 • Fax: +44 (0)20 7821 4899 www.wclgroup.com
British American School of Charlotte Inspiring World Class Learning 7000 Endhaven Lane Charlotte, North Carolina 28277 Phone: 704.341.3236 • Fax: 704.341.3258 www.britishschool.org/charlotte