2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:23 Page 56
Discover Benelux | Business | British School of Amsterdam
One big international family Currently the only school in Amsterdam to offer A Levels, this non-profit establishment welcomes pupils aged three to 18 from across the globe to reap the benefits of British independent education in a warm environment. TEXT: ANNA PARKIN | PHOTOS: BRITISH SCHOOL OF AMSTERDAM
“We’re one big family here, we just happen to speak 42 languages!” enthuses Jonnie Goyer, principal of the British School of Amsterdam since September 2013. Providing world class learning across four departments, from early years up to secondary school, children can settle in, whatever their background. “There’s a strong sense of care and warmth,” explains Goyer. “We pride ourselves on knowing the children and the parents really well.” The day school’s inclusive approach extends to its admissions policy, which is intentionally non-selective. “Our pupils’ academic abilities range from just below average to brilliant and we get great results,” Goyer adds. Following the English national curriculum, it’s the only school in the city to offer A-Levels. Although this means the school loses pupils wishing to take the International Baccalaureate, they gain many who see the benefits of a specialised approach.
“If you want to study medicine, you can take all three sciences at A-Level,” enthuses Goyer, adding that A-Levels allow pupils to play to their strengths and hone talents outside the classroom. This complements the school’s advocacy of an all-round education, placing emphasis on extra-curricular activities. “An education here is focused on the individual. It’s about developing the whole individual and enabling each to become the best possible version of themselves that they can be. It’s about
“Our school is for everyone who wants a top-class British education in the Netherlands” From expats to locals seeking an international education, the British School of Amsterdam provides topclass British schooling for children of all nationalities aged 3 to 18. Our curriculum leads to the respected British A-Level qualification accepted by universities worldwide. Every day is an open day at the British School of Amsterdam. Contact: info@britams.nl, +31 (0) 20 67 97 840, or see www. britams.nl
TEACHING PEOPLE, NOT JUST TOPICS
Amber Age 14 English/Dutch
unlocking potential and opening minds,” asserts Goyer. “The British School of Amsterdam does not just build strong academic foundations, we build strong people.” www.britams.nl Jonnie Goyer, principal of British School of Amsterdam