BSP Prospectus

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A Happy and Rewarding Experience...

The BSP places a strong emphasis on developing well-rounded, confident and intellectually curious pupils. The strength of the BSP lies in the opportunity to succeed academically and to be part of a community that encourages international understanding and welcomes cultural and intellectual diversity.

A Firm Foundation

Developing the Whole Child

An Excellent British Education

The pupils acquire a wide range of knowledge and experiences, a group of life-long friends, and a variety of interests that remain with them in the years ahead. The BSP is a high achieving school with a tailored provision offering educational support for the most able and for those who have specific learning needs. All children are encouraged to aim high.

The holistic approach to teaching and learning at The British School of Paris, promotes self-expression and critical thinking to instil in pupils a life-long love of learning.

British education has a worldwide reputation for quality both at school and university. The BSP’s educational programme is based on the National Curriculum for England and Wales coupled with a strong pastoral system, an approach to education that is unique in France. It provides the foundations for the pupils’ education and success by developing an empowering sense of self-assurance, independence, and happiness.

“ It was wonderful to have friends

from Vietnam, Argentina, Venezuela, South Africa, Canada, the United States and Australia all speaking the same language, with different intonations and making us dream of far off lands.”

Former BSP Pupil 4

IAPS and HMC Member

ISI Inspected

COBIS Member

...from Nursery to University Entrance

The BSP offers a high quality, enriching educational programme

“The BSP has given us a chance not only to gain an education, but also an international outlook on life which we would not have been able to get in the same way anywhere else.�

Head Pupils

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Philosophy and Aims The school provides, in a caring international environment, a high quality British-style education which enables its pupils to become good citizens and to lead fulfilling lives.

The school’s aims are • to provide a continuous course of high-quality all-round education to children of a wide range of abilities and cultural backgrounds, from Nursery level to University entrance, embracing a wide range of extra-curricular activities as well as an academic curriculum based on courses followed in the UK;

• to ensure successful delivery of our educational programme through the employment and development of well-qualified, competent, and enthusiastic members of staff;

• to foster the development of individuality and independence of mind in our students, while at the same time encouraging high moral standards, self-discipline and mutual respect for the cultures, opinions and values of others;

• to maintain buildings and resources at a level commensurate with the high standards of education we are seeking to deliver;

• to pursue a practical and interactive approach in our teaching, which employs new technologies and resources, to encourage students to be rigorous in their work habits and to take responsibility for their own learning; • to provide a well-ordered environment in which discipline is firm without being repressive, and where school and parents work closely together and form a strong community. The school has close links with the local ‘commune’ where its contribution is highly appreciated;

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• to identify and respond to every child’s needs using tailormade programmes to help their development;

• to maximise the experience of living in France, a cultural dimension which offers the opportunity to enhance many aspects of the education provided; • to make students aware of health, safety, and environmental concerns, not only on a global scale, but also as they affect our daily lives.

A spacious, modern school with small class sizes

Children are Confident and Independent

Over fifty nationalities make the school an exciting meeting place for children of all backgrounds, encouraging social diversity from a very young age. The happiness, well-being and successful development of all boys and girls are of the highest importance to the school.

Small class sizes, a safe environment and a ‘family’ atmosphere contribute to a sense of belonging.

“ Educare means to draw out- it is the inner being which is being drawn out, your true self.”

Mary Cosyn, Founder of the BSP, on the meaning of ‘education’.

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Curriculum The National Curriculum for England and Wales provides a broad and rigorous programme for our international student body. It offers a balanced coverage of the humanities, arts, technologies and sciences, expressive arts and physical education, ensuring that pupils develop a wide range of skills and techniques.

Tailored education… for every learning need.

The BSP continually exceeds the UK’s National Curriculum expectations; for example, a daily French programme is provided throughout the primary years as well as additional Music and Physical Education (PE) classes.

In both schools, the curriculum is enriched by an excellent programme of personal, social and health education (PSHE) and by a wide range of activities.

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The BSP’s virtual learning environment (VLE) is an essential resource for teaching and learning, allowing teachers and students to exchange a whole array of exciting, interactive material.

“ Class teachers know their pupils

extremely well and provide excellent support and guidance.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

Junior School - Nursery Surrounded by spacious, colourful play areas, children are taught and nurtured in a safe and happy setting, smoothing the transition from home to school. Nursery and Reception classes share a dedicated learning environment within the Junior School, encouraging children to widen their circle of friends and develop positive social skills.

British Education offers one of the highest standards in the world!

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Junior School Children in the Junior School are eager to learn and to share their experiences with others in a safe and secure environment that encourages exploration and self-expression, so laying down a firm base for the years of education to come.

Academic subjects are balanced with time devoted to sport, art, music and drama, nurturing the child’s enjoyment and self-expression. Pupils are taught by specialist teachers in music, art and physical education, and follow weekly classes in library skills, computer, French, drama and choir. There are school sports teams, and a junior choir and orchestra, all of which encourage participation while achieving high standards.

Cross-curricular studies, such as the work on Romans in Year 3, allow pupils to apply skills, understanding and knowledge across a wide spectrum of subjects, and enhance their reasoning and investigative skills.

All children have a daily French lesson, suited to their current level taught by our staff of native French speakers.

“In all years, a

good balance of subjects ensures that appropriate coverage of creative, academic and practical activities is provided.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

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Curr

riculum Senior School

Key Stage 3 Curriculum (Age 11-14)

The Key Stage 3 curriculum guides each child’s learning in the first three years of secondary school education. A wide range of subjects is taught to allow pupils to develop a broad spectrum of skills and knowledge before making the choice to continue with specific subjects in a more focussed study as they proceed in their school career.

Key Stage 4 GCSE Curriculum (Age 14-16)

Key Stage 4 offers a broad, diverse and stimulating curriculum that culminates in achieving General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications. GCSEs provide a deeper and more challenging approach to the subjects studied.

Pupils study the core subjects Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, French and the Sciences, supplemented by specific subject choices, as well as PSHE and PE. GCSEs offer an ideal preparation for the courses available in years 12 and 13.

Advanced Level Curriculum (Age 16-18)

At The British School of Paris a large variety of subjects is offered to Advanced Level in years 12 and 13 - the Sixth Form. We actively review our academic programmes to ensure our students’ needs are being met. The Sixth Form welcomes students from all academic backgrounds who are committed, self-motivated, have a sense of purpose and a determination to succeed. Students are offered the opportunity to maximise their potential academically, socially and personally. Self discipline and personal responsibility for learning are encouraged.

Following examination success students gain admission to a large range of Universities, both in the United Kingdom and worldwide.

More detailed information about the school’s Key Stage programmes can be found on our website at www.britishschool.fr

“The BSP Advanced Level

programme has offered me the opportunity to study at a deeper level in specialised subjects within a relaxed atmosphere.”

The British approach to education is skillsbased

Head Girl Year 13

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Extra-Curricular Activities An extensive range of extra-curricular activities enriches the BSP experience. This includes music, drama and sport, all of which significantly contribute to the pupils’ learning and achievements.

Many pupils sing in the choir and play in the orchestra. Students enjoy a wide range of team sports from rugby, hockey, netball, boys’ and girls’ football to activities such as yoga and Irish dancing. Fixtures are held against other British schools overseas.

Other BSP experiences and opportunities include The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme, Model United Nations (MUN) debating, UK Maths Challenge, outdoor

The BSP offers a wide range of sport, drama, music, theatre and art activities

activity weeks for Years 7 to 9, cultural and fieldwork trips abroad, creative writing, debating and school drama.

In the Junior School, after-school activities may include team sports, tennis, cookery, art, orchestra, French activities, drama, gymnastics, dancing and ICT. Parents may also become involved in running activities such as the Rainbows, Brownies, Beavers and Cubs.

“The quality of the pupils’

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personal development is excellent throughout. Their spiritual, moral, social and cultural awareness is outstanding. It is supported by excellent pastoral care and robust welfare, health and safety policies.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

The BSP strives to promote a sense of confidence, independence & happiness

Pastoral Care: A Happy, Safe and Inclusive Environment All who visit the BSP witness the warm and outgoing nature of the pupils.

At the BSP, pastoral care plays an important role in each child’s experience. Pastoral care is defined as using a holistic approach to address the personal, emotional, social, intellectual and moral needs of every young person.

The school works to ensure that the pupils feel safe and secure when at school and are able to find a friendly face if they have a concern.

As a result, the quality of BSP pupils’

personal development is excellent throughout the school. Pupils show genuine concern for each other and grow strongly in self-awareness and self-esteem.

“Pupils’ cultural awareness is

excellent, stemming from the experience of pupils from a wide variety of cultures living harmoniously together.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

A strong moral fibre underpins the BSP culture and pupils initiate charitable activities in response to the needs of others, such as the donation of toys and clothing to children in Romania.

Educational Support The BSP prides itself on enabling pupils of a wide range of abilities to reach their full potential by providing tailored literacy and numeracy support for general and specific learning needs.

Learning Support When desirable, the school provides a personalised learning support programme for pupils while allowing them to be an integral part of the school and community. The school operates a policy of inclusion. All pupils belong to a tutor group (Senior School) or class (Junior School). In consultation with parents, a pupil with learning difficulties or disability is offered an individual programme to meet his/her specific educational needs and to help him/her to reach his/her full potential.

This could be implemented either by withdrawal from a mainstream subject and/or in class support.

English as an Additional Language (EAL) EAL classes are offered to pupils who need extra English lessons to access fully the curriculum. Emphasis is given to all four language skills - listening, reading, speaking and writing.

Intensive English In the Senior School, Intensive English is offered to pupils who arrive with very little or no English. Intensive English pupils join PE and Sport, Personal and Social Health Education (PSHE) and, where relevant, other subject areas with their mainstream classes. They study the vocabulary, structures and concepts of Science, History and Geography within the Intensive English class. The aim for each pupil is to achieve proficiency in listening, reading, writing and speaking English so that he/she can successfully integrate into mainstream.

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Junior School Facilities The Junior School, opened in September 2010, is situated just along the banks of the Seine from the Senior School. This purpose-built school has 35 classrooms accommodating up to 560 pupils.

The Junior School provides a practical and interactive approach to teaching, employing new technology where possible. The use of electronic notebooks across the curriculum enhances pupils’ learning and offers opportunities for independent research. All classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards and each year group is able to take advantage of its own dedicated multi-purpose area and use of a central library, well stocked with exciting books to inspire young minds.

Music is taught in a specialist music suite with separate, individual practice rooms.

The school’s multi-purpose hall has the advantage of being adaptable for use as a sporting, musical and theatrical venue. In addition the school features a football pitch and basketball court, each based on allweather, year-round playable surfaces.

Specialist classrooms are used by the learning support and English as an Additional Language (EAL) teaching teams.

The dedicated French suite ensures that all pupils have a solid grounding in language learning from an early age.

Electronically controlled gates and discreet video monitoring ensure that security is of the highest standard.

The school is equipped with a modern refectory and kitchen to provide a delicious and nutritious variety of meals to pupils daily. The Nursery and Reception classes have their own dining room so that they can enjoy their meals in a more tranquil and appropriately scaled environment.

“ In the junior

Pupils have access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

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school, exemplary commitment from staff has already established a safe, caring and nurturing environment in the new school.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

Senior School Facilities A rock climbing wall is enjoyed by all students

Student Careers Guidance The BSP strives to provide careers education and guidance that is unbiased, relevant, positive and tailored to the needs of each individual student.

Students develop a sense of purpose and raise their aspirations, thereby successfully progressing through learning into their adult lives.

Students benefit from a well-resourced careers guidance department including work experience opportunities, specifically provided in Years 12 and 13. The school is also a gold member of ISCO (Independent Schools Careers Organisation).

The school believes that a careers programme should make clear each student’s responsibility for their own personal development, encourage consideration of all options and enable students to make well-informed realistic decisions.

BSP students have been successfully admitted into some of the most prestigious universities in the UK, USA, France and worldwide.

“ Well over 90% of leavers

gain places at their first choice universities.”

ISI Inspection Report 2011

Students gain admission into some of the most prestigious universities worldwide

Dentistry, Law, Marine Biology, Product Design, Pharmacy, Economics, Animation Technology, History, Sports Science, International Business, Engineering, Theatre Studies, Architecture, Physics, Spanish, Geography, Zoology, Mathematics, French, International Relations, Natural Sciences, Medicine, Information and Communication Technology, Biology, History, Politics, Archaeology, English Literature, Geography, Urban Planning, History of Art, Fine Art, Music, Physiotherapy, Textiles, Chemical Engineering.

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The BSP Community British School of Paris Society (BSPS) The British School of Paris Society (BSPS) is a non-profit organisation encompassing parents, governors, staff, students and associates of the school. Parents become members automatically when joining the school.

The Objectives of the BSPS are: • To strengthen the school community • To promote the existence and reputation of the school in the community This is achieved by organising events at the school and providing social opportunities for members. Events run by the BSPS have included annual fêtes and barbecues, Christmas fairs, concerts and quiz nights.

Funds raised are used for purchasing additional equipment for the school, thus supplementing existing classroom and schoolwide resources. The BSPS encourages the active participation of all its members, and welcomes members’ comments and ideas that may contribute to the efficient running of the Society.

Further information is available on the website at www.bspsociety.fr

The Welcome Service Helping you to find your feet The British School of Paris runs a Welcome Service.

This organisation provides help for new families via the Area Welcome Representative Co-ordinator and individual Area Welcome Representatives.

Area Welcome Representatives are volunteer parents of pupils at the BSP. The service is organised geographically, some of the larger localities have two ‘Area Welcome Representatives’ whereas some of the smaller ones are grouped together.

The aim is to provide information and advice about the local areas and to make introductions to other families in the locality. The ‘Area Welcome Representative’ is able to provide information on a whole range of services such as; local doctors, dentists, hospitals, orthodontists, vets, shops etc. They also share details of clubs and organisations for sports, dance, French lessons and conversation groups etc. All this, helps ensure that joining The British School of Paris is a happy and fulfilling experience for the whole family.

If you would like more information please do not hesitate to contact the Area Welcome Representative Co-ordinator at: welcome@britishschool.fr

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Admissions at the BSP The BSP welcomes new pupils throughout the year

Rueil-Malmaison Bougival A86 N321

The British School of Paris

Suresnes

PARIS

A13

N186

Versailles

Maps & General Information

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The British School of Paris is located just 15 kilometres from Paris in Croissy-sur-Seine. Other towns close to the school include Saint Germain-en-Laye, Le Vesinet, and RueilMalmaison and are home to a vibrant English-speaking community. The BSP provides a private bus service to and from Paris and the surrounding areas at an extra cost.

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Moving to Paris

GPS Coordinates 48.873271° N 2.1277° E

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Access via Quai de L‘Ecluse

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Junior School 2 rue Hans List, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France Tel: +33 (0)1 30 15 88 30 Fax: +33 (0)1 73 79 15 71 Email: junior@britishschool.fr

Admission Enquiries Tel: +33 (0)1 34 80 45 96 Email: registrar@britishschool.fr Website: www.britishschool.fr

IAPS and HMC Member

ISI Inspected

COBIS Member

design + production:

General Enquiries Tel: +33 (0)1 34 80 45 90 Email: enquiries@britishschool.fr

turquoise www.turquoisedesign.com

Senior School 38 quai de l’Ecluse, 78290 Croissy-sur-Seine, France Tel: +33 (0)1 34 80 45 94 Fax: +33 (0)1 39 76 12 69 Email: ssc@britishschool.fr