Junior School Parents Handbook 2018-19

Junior Parent Handbook 2018-2019

JUNIOR SCHOOL

PARENT HANDBOOK 2018-19

Policies | Curriculum | General Information

1 of 36 Km 38, Cairo-Alexandria Road, Beverly Hills, Egypt

Tel: (+202) 3827-0444

info@bisc.edu.eg

Junior Parent Handbook 2018-2019

Welcome School Mission & Vision Statement Contact Information Communication The Junior School Critical Incident and Emergencies School Doctor and Nurse Absence and Attendance Punctuality Equipment Cloths and Lost Property Play Times Safe and Healthy Nutrition Regular Hydration Term Dates StaďŹƒng Code of Conduct Behaviour Policy Additional Information Pupil Collection Procedures Procedure for changing Collection Arrangements Home School Links Settling into School Progression Through the School The Junior Portal Parent Information Meetings Reporting to Parents Assemblies Birthdays Productions Music Tuition Pupil Council Summer Exhibition Parent Teacher Association (PTA) Curriculum Curriculum in the Foundation Stage Key Stage 1 and 2 Curriculum Overview Timetable Curriculum Support Homework The Junior School Curriculum Assessment Marking Extension and Enhancement Activities Junior School Uniform Winter Uniform Summer Uniform School Shop Information

3 4 5 6 7 7 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9 10 11 14 17 19 19 19 20 21 21 21 21 22 22 22 23 23 23 23 24 25 25 25 26 26 26 27 33 33 34 35 35 36 36

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Junior Parent Handbook 2018-2019

Welcome

Dear Parents,

It is my privilege, as the new Head of the Junior School, to extend to you all a warm welcome at the start of this new academic year. In particular, I would like to offer a special welcome to all new families joining the BISC community for the first time.

This Handbook is intended to be a general guide to the Junior School and primarily refers to the routines and procedures that our students are expected to follow in the school. There is also a brief introduction to the school’s curriculum and information on the many services that the school provides.

I hope this Handbook will be able to answer many of the everyday questions that you may wish to ask. If you cannot find the required information in this document, please do not hesitate to contact the school and we will be happy to help.

It cannot be overstated that a positive partnership between a child’s parents and their school can have a significant impact on the success and well-being of each pupil. Parents are very much encouraged to maintain regular contact with their child’s teachers and feel comfortable to visit the school. There will be times when parents and children have concerns or frustrations. It is important that you make us aware through positive and constructive feedback so that we can work together in doing our best to resolve or develop an understanding of the circumstances.

Please feel free to drop by the Junior Office if you need to make an appointment. However, it is important to remember that if you have a specific concern that relates to your child’s education you should always talk with your child’s teacher.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Peter Ferrier

Head of Junior School

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Junior Parent Handbook 2018-2019

School Mission Statement

The School’s mission is to be a vibrant international community offering an outstanding British-style education, focused on independent learning and the promotion of global citizenship.

School Vision Statement Our Vision is to inspire all members of the school community to be curious, courageous, engaged and resilient learners, respecting diversity and motivated, as global citizens, to effect a positive change in society.

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General Information CONTACT DETAILS

BISC is located within the Beverly Hills Compound in 6th October City, approximately 20km from central Cairo. The School’s contact details are as follows:

Physical address:

Postal address:

The British International School, Cairo,

Beverly Hills Compound,

Kilometre 38,

Cairo Alexandria Road

Tel:

The British International School, Cairo,

P. O. Box 137,

Gezira, Cairo,

11211, Egypt

Email:

+202 3827 0444

Fax:

info@bisc.edu.eg

admissions@bisc.edu.eg

+202 3857 8720

Website: www.bisc.edu.eg

Additional Contacts: Curriculum Sec. marwa.ramadan@bisc.edu.eg

PA to Head of Junior - mybel.reda@bisc.edu.eg

PA to Principal - sherien.ezzeldin@bisc.edu.eg

Transport Manager - ashraf.gad@bisc.edu.eg

Portals: jportal.bisc.edu.eg

engage.bisc.edu.eg

Social Media: www.facebook.com/BISCairo

www.instagram.com/BISCairo

www.twitter.com/BISCairo

www.youtube.com/BISCairo

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COMMUNICATION

If you need to contact the Junior School, at any point during the day, you could either call the School Landline on 38270444 Ext 484, or on the Junior School Mobile: 01111121985

Regular Communication Parents can email class and subject teachers, and the Junior School Office staff, directly.

Class Teachers will answer emails within 24 hours on school days. Urgent emails and calls should go via the Junior School Office.

If you need time to discuss matters of concern, please arrange an appointment with the teacher concerned.

Parental Concerns If you have a concern, then the first point of contact at school is your child’s class teacher. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your meeting, you should then see the Head of Year after which, if the issue is not resolved, you can see the respective Key Stage Co–ordinator. Finally, the Key Stage Co-ordinator will refer you to the Assistant Head, Deputy Head of Junior School or the Head of Junior School. If you still feel your concern is unresolved, then you have the opportunity to speak to the Principal.

The diagram below illustrates the escalation of concerns:

Class Teacher

Head of Year

Head of Key Stage

Senior Leadership

Junior Administration Team

Mybel Reda

Marwa Ramadan

Eman Gamal

Yara

PA to Head of Junior School

Curriculum Secretary

Database Administrator

Junior School Administrative Secretary

mybel.reda@bisc.edu.eg

marwa.ramadan@bisc.edu.eg

eman.gamal@bisc.edu.eg

JSreception@bisc.edu.eg

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The Junior School The Junior School comprises three Key Stages for pupils from 3 to 11 years old.

Key Stage

Year Group

Age Range

Foundation Stage

There are two year groups in Foundation Stage (FS):

• Foundation Stage 1 (FS1)

• Foundation Stage 2 (FS2)

3-5

Key Stage 1

There are two year groups in Key Stage 1 (KS1):

• Year 1

• Year 2

5-7

Key Stage 2

There are four year groups in Key Stage 2 (KS2):

• Year 3

• Year 4

• Year 5

• Year 6

7 - 11

Year 6 pupils are required to sit Senior School Entrance Assessments in the Spring Term. There is no automatic transfer from the Junior School to the Senior School. Acceptance to the Senior School is based on Entrance Assessment results, general academic performance, attendance and behaviour. In addition pupils will only be admitted to the Senior School if there are no outstanding school fees and that these have been paid according to the published payment schedule.

CRITICAL INCIDENT PLANS AND EMERGENCIES

The School has Critical Incident Plans as part of its standard procedures which are continually reviewed and developed. It is important to note that it is unlikely the School will need to implement such procedures.

Pupils and staff are made aware of these plans and they include procedures for campus lockdown; earthquake and fire procedures; and transport accidents.

• • • •

Should the fire alarm sound before 08:00 or after 15:00, all persons on campus should move directly to the school sports field.

Security will not allow anyone to enter the campus and sweep the building to check all rooms.

Should the fire alarm sound during the school day, pupils will be subject to standard fire procedures.

Visitors in school should assemble at the sports field.

If there is an emergency, of any nature, we will contact you. We must have up to date contact details and we will ask you to complete a data form at regular intervals. Please ensure that any changes to your contact details are given, in writing, to the Junior School Secretary, in order to update our records.

SCHOOL DOCTOR AND NURSE

We have a full-time school doctor and nurse who deal with all accidents and injuries. They are responsible for informing parents if children need to see a doctor or go home during the school day. We advise you to save our Medical Centre number, 01111121989 so you do not miss an important call.

Please contact Dr. Rasha Darwish, if you have any questions or concerns.

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Please note that we need you to inform us of any infectious medical condition such as measles, mumps, hepatitis, scarlet-fever, rubella, meningitis, chickenpox etc. your child has so that we can communicate information to the parent body if needed.

ABSENCES AND ATTENDANCE

Please email the school as soon as possible to inform us of your child’s absence using juniorattendance@bisc.edu.eg

If he/she is sick, you may speak to the school doctor, Dr. Rasha Darwish, on 01111121989 who can advise you about the best time for your child to return to school.

We have busy terms and plenty of holidays. Therefore please do not take your child out of school over and above the holidays already scheduled. BISC school policy on attendance, viewable on our Website, requires 95% attendance during any academic year, failing which the pupil might be required to repeat the academic year or BISC may require withdrawal of the pupil from the school.

Letters will be sent regularly to parents of children whose attendance or punctuality are causing us concern.

PUNCTUALITY

Children must be in school by 8am. Children who are repeatedly late may be excluded from educational visits and competitions.

The school gates will be locked at 8.50 each day. Children arriving after this time will not be permitted into the school and will be recorded as absent.

EQUIPMENT

KS2 children need

• • • • •

1 pencil case

•

2 good quality blue pens with medium nibs (E.g. Parker Vector) and blue cartridges or a good quality roller-ball pen.

KS1 children need

•

1 school bag which they can carry, open and close by themselves (Please ensure there are no wheels on these)

•

1 lunch bag/box which can fit inside the school bag

• •

1 iPad in a protective case

1 set of felt tip pens

1 set of colouring pencils

1 iPad in a protective case

Year 6 pupils are required to have a calculator, a pair of compasses and a protractor

1 small draw-string bag for PE Kit

Children should not bring toys, games or electronic items, unless specifically asked for by their teacher.

Mobile phones and Smart watches are not allowed in the Junior School.

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CLOTHES & LOST PROPERTY ROOM

Please ensure all your child’s clothes, school caps and PE Kit are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

The Business Office organises the purchase of name tags. Please see the BISC uniform requirements under the Uniform section of the Parent Handbook.

BISC has a Lost Property Room (open daily), where lost items are stored. This is located in the Guard House near gate 2 (opposite TBS). The School cannot be responsible for items of clothing that go missing.

PLAY TIMES

The school has high quality, safe, interactive play facilities, specially designed for the different age ranges within the Junior School. Foundation Stage classes have flexible play arrangements, in line with their playbased curriculum. In Key Stages 1 and 2 there is a morning break time, as well as a one-hour lunch break.

We have teachers, teaching assistants and support staff who work together to ensure the pupils’ safety.

There are rules concerning appropriate behaviour and we ensure that the children play in as safe an environment as possible.

SAFE AND HEALTHY NUTRITION AT BISC

BISC is committed to promoting healthy nutrition. The School regards healthy diet as a most important educational issue, fundamentally linked to pupils’ life-long health and safety.

Pupils have time allocated for a ‘Fruit Boost’ during morning break time and parents are encouraged to send their children to school with pieces of fruit, giving them a physical boost until lunch time. Other healthy ideas include vegetables and unflavoured milk.

Pupils can either have lunch in the School Cafeteria, or they can bring a healthy packed lunch to school.

The cafeteria serves nutritious and healthy meals, in line with the latest thinking on school food and nutrition.

In Foundation Stage, children are required to bring a healthy packed lunch.

In KS1 pupils must opt for either school lunch from the cafeteria, payable by the term, or packed lunches for the term (not both).

KS2 parents can purchase vouchers for KS2 pupils from the school cafeteria.

If you choose to provide a packed lunch for your child, we encourage you to pack sandwiches with meat, cheese or another form of protein. Fresh fruit and vegetables are most appropriate.

Cakes, chocolates, crisps, biscuits and sweets are not allowed.

Every pupil has a personal locker to store bags and other personal items including their snacks. Lunch and snacks should be brought to school in a thermos-type, durable lunch bag/box.

REGULAR HYDRATION

All pupils should bring a filled, named water bottle to school each day. All pupils are required to have their water bottles on their classroom desks and to bring their bottles to PE lessons and break-times. The School has water dispensers to allow children to refill their water bottles.

Water bottles are essential as the school has removed plastic cups following an initiative from the children to reduce plastic waste. Fizzy drinks are not allowed. Please do not send any type of drinks to school in glass bottles.

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Term Dates Please note dates of Islamic holidays may be subject to change. For up to date information please visit https://www.bisc.edu.eg/term-dates.html

Autumn Term Start of Term

Sunday 2nd September 2018. Years 7, 10, 12 and all new students in school for induction.

All students return

Monday 3rd September. All students in school.

Islamic New Year

Monday 11th/Tuesday 12th September 2018

Armed Forces Day

Saturday 6th October 2018

Half Term

Sunday 28th October – Thursday 1st November 2018

Prophet’s Birthday Friday

Tuesday 20th/Wednesday 21st November 2018

End of Term

Thursday 20th December 2018

Coptic Christmas

Monday 7th January 2019

Spring Term Start of Term

Sunday 13th January 2019

Police/Revolution Day

Friday 25th January 2019

Half Term

Sunday 24th – Thursday 28th February 2019

End of Term

Thursday 18th April 2019

Western Easter

Sunday 21st April 2019

Sinai Liberation Day

Thursday 25th April 2019

Coptic Easter

Sunday 28th April 2019

Sham El Nessim

Monday 29th April 2019

Labour Day

Wednesday 1st May 2019

Summer Term Start of Term

Sunday 5th May 2019

Start of Ramadan

Sunday 5th/Monday 6th May 2019

Half Term/ Eid Al Fitr

Sunday 2nd – Thursday 6th June 2019 (Eid Al Fitr Tuesday 4th/Wednesday 5th June 2019)

End of Term

Thursday 27th June 2019

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Junior Parent Handbook 2018-2019

Staffing For a full sta listing please visit the school website at https://www.bisc.edu.eg/our-sta.html

The Whole School Senior Management Team (WSSLT) Dr. C Ferrario

Principal

principal@bisc.edu.eg

Mrs M. El Fawal

Business Manager

bm@bisc.edu.eg

Mr P. Ferrier

Head of Junior School

peter.ferrier@bisc.edu.eg

Ms D. Jones

Deputy Head of Junior School

debbie.jones@bisc.edu.eg

Mr J. Davies

Assistant Head Pastoral (Junior)

jonathan.davies@bisc.edu.eg

Mr C. Hansen

Head of Senior School

chris.hansen@bisc.edu.eg

Mr D. Dorran

Deputy Head of Senior School

dan.dorran@bisc.edu.eg

Mrs S. Fuschillo

Assistant Head Learning & Academic Intervention (Senior)

sarah.fuschillo@bisc.edu.eg

Mrs K. Nutbeem

Assistant Head Teaching & Professional Development (Senior)

kathryn.nutbeem@bisc.edu.eg

The Junior School Leadership Team (JSLT)

Peter Ferrier

Deborah Jones

Jonathan Davies

Head of Junior School

Deputy Head of Junior School

Assistant Head - Pastoral

peter.ferrier@bisc.edu.eg

debbie.jones@bisc.edu.eg

jonathan.davies@bisc.edu.eg

Peter Ferrier

Head of Junior School

peter.ferrier@bisc.edu.eg

Deborah Jones

Deputy Head of Junior School

debbie.jones@bisc.edu.eg

Jonathan Davies

Assistant Head - Pastoral

jonathan.davies@bisc.edu.eg

Margaret Cashman

Foundation Stage Coordinator

margaret.cashman@bisc.edu.eg

Elizabeth Mobasher

Key Stage 21 Coordinator (Years 1-2)

elizabeth.mobasher@bisc.edu.eg

Benjamin Pocock

Key Stage 2 Coordinator (Years 3-6)

benjamin.pocock@bisc.edu.eg

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Junior School Teaching Staff Margaret Cashman

Head of FS1

F1C

margaret.cashman@bisc.edu.eg

Racha El Enani

Teacher of FS1

F1R

racha.elenani@bisc.edu.eg

Jane Godfrey

Head of FS2

F2A

jane.godfrey@bisc.edu.eg

Ryah Younis

Teacher of FS2

F2Y

ryah.younis@bisc.edu.eg

Nick Rowe

Teacher of FS2

F2R

nick.rowe@bisc.edu.eg

Niamh McNamara

Head of Year 1

1N

niamh.mcnamara@bisc.edu.eg

Amanda Harvey

Teacher of Year 1

1H

amanda.harvey@bisc.edu.eg

Elizabeth Mobasher

Teacher of Year 1

1M

elizabeth.mobasher@bisc.edu.eg

Nicola Ward

Head of Year 2

2W

nicola.ward@bisc.edu.eg

Chyan Blackwood

Teacher of Year 2

2C

chyan.blackwood@bisc.edu.eg

Caitlin Parker

Teacher of Year 2

2P

caitlin.parker@bisc.edu.eg

Lauren Davies

Head of Year 3

3D

lauren.davies@bisc.edu.eg

Sandra Diaz

Teacher of Year 3

3S

sandra.diaz@bisc.edu.eg

Nuala Hannafin

Teacher of Year 3

3H

nuala.hannafin@bisc.edu.eg

Ali Issa

Teacher of Year 3

3I

ali.issa@bisc.edu.eg

Emma Paget

Head of Year 4

4P

emma.paget@bisc.edu.eg

Andrea Harding

Teacher of Year 4

4H

andrea.harding@bisc.edu.eg

James Gilkison

Teacher of Year 4

4G

james.gilkison@bisc.edu.eg

Bibi Jhugroo

Teacher of Year 4

4B

bibi.jhugroo@bisc.edu.eg

Gordon Gray

Head of Year 5

5G

gordon.gray@bisc.edu.eg

Gary Scholes

Teacher of Year 5

5S

gary.scholes@bisc.edu.eg

Kim Taher

Teacher of Year 5

5T

kim.taher@bisc.edu.eg

Navida Bukhari

Teacher of Year 5

5B

navida.bukhari@bisc.edu.eg

Duncan Wade

Head of Year 6

6W

duncan.wade@bisc.edu.eg

Suzanne McQuade

Teacher of Year 6

6M

suzanne.mcquade@bisc.edu.eg

Benjamin Pocock

Teacher of Year 6

6P

benjamin.pocock@bisc.edu.eg

Simon Butterwick

Teacher of Year 6

6B

simon.butterwick@bisc.edu.eg

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Subject Specialist Teachers & Coordinators Anne Tiernan

KS2 English/ESL Support

anne.tiernan@bisc.edu.eg

Jennifer Ibrahim

Director of Curriculum Support

jennifer.ibrahim@bisc.edu.eg

Sarah Yassin

Cover Teacher

sarah.yassin@bisc.edu.eg

Gavin Cuthbertson

Music Coordinator

gavin.cuthbertson@bisc.edu.eg

Rula Zaki

FS & Y1 Music

rula.zaki@bisc.edu.eg

Tsvetelina Krasteva

Y2 Music

tsvetelina.krasteva@bisc.edu.eg

Fabienne Ternieden

French Coordinator

fabienne.ternieden@bisc.edu.eg

Chris Roberts

Director of Sport

chris.roberts@bisc.edu.eg

Helen Foley

JS P.E. Coordinator

helen.foley@bisc.edu.eg

Luther Hinds

JS P.E.

luther.hinds@bisc.edu.eg

Warren Adams

JS P.E.

warren.adams@bisc.edu.eg

Grace Dennison White

JS PE

grace.dennisowhite@bisc.edu.eg

Gavin Boak

JS P.E.

gavin.boak@bisc.edu.eg

Gemma Ritchie

JS P.E.

gemma.ritchie@bisc.edu.eg

Chris Day

JS P.E.

chris.day@bisc.edu.eg

Mohamed Yousry

FS1/FS2 PE

mohammed.yousry@bisc.edu.eg

Amal Zaki

KS1/2 Arabic

amal.zaki@bisc.edu.eg

Wael Farouk

KS1/2 Arabic

wael.farouk@bisc.edu.eg

Mohamed Ramadan

KS1/2 Arabic

mohamed.ramadan@bisc.edu.eg

Helal El Sayed

KS1/2 Arabic

helal.ismail@bisc.edu.eg

Riman Nemr

Director of Arabic

riman.nemr@bisc.edu.eg

Mika Sabet

KS1/2 Drama

mika.sabet@bisc.edu.eg

Suzanne McQuade

Humanities Coordinator

suzanne.mcquade@bisc.edu.eg

Duncan Wade

Science Coordinator

duncan.wade@bisc.edu.eg

Andrea Harding

English Coordinator

andrea.harding@bisc.edu.eg

Nuala Hannafin

Art Coordinator

nuala.hannafin@bisc.edu.eg

Lauren Davies

Computing Coordinator

lauren.davies@bisc.edu.eg

Chyan Blackwood

Design Technology Coordinator

chyan.blackwood@bisc.edu.eg

Jonathan Davies

Maths Coordinator

jonathan.davies@bisc.edu.eg

For a full sta listing please visit the school website at https://www.bisc.edu.eg/our-sta.html

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Code of Conduct We have a Junior School Behaviour Policy and Pupil Code of Conduct which we expect the children to adhere to at all times. Good discipline is based on a clear and shared understanding of what is expected and, with this in mind, all children will be asked to sign a copy of the Pupil Code of Conduct below:

ACT - CARE - THINK

A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. All pupils, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to follow the school rules and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the wellbeing of others or oneself.

The Code of Conduct provides a reminder to all pupils about expected conduct when interacting with other members of the community, thereby creating a safe and positive school environment for everyone.

All pupils are expected to behave inclusively by using English as the working language of the School, by being thoughtful towards others and by ensuring that no one is left out. All are encouraged to be active, caring and thinking members of the community.

Pupils will be expected to:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Attend school every day;

Conduct themselves in a safe, sensible manner and show regard to others;

Be punctual and arrive on time to lessons;

Bring equipment appropriate for the lesson;

Follow instructions given by the teacher;

Wear the school uniform;

Behave in a sensible and polite manner to all staff and pupils;

Show respect for the opinions and beliefs of others;

Complete all class work in the manner required;

Hand in homework/assignments at the time requested;

Show respect for the school environment;

Follow all the school rules;

Report bullying or any accident or other incident;

Look after other people in the school;

Represent the school appropriately when on out-of-school excursions. As such this code also applies to school activities which take place off site.

As a community we will not tolerate:

• • • • • •

Bullying

Discrimination

Dishonesty

Insensitive behaviour towards others

Substance abuse of any sort

Vandalism and theft

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CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PARENTS, CARERS AND VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL

A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment. All pupils, parents, teachers and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

At The British International School, Cairo we are fortunate to have supportive and friendly parents. Our parents recognise that educating children is a process that involves partnership between home and school and understand the importance of a good working relationship to equip children with the necessary skills for adulthood. We welcome and encourage parents and carers to participate fully in the life of our school.

The purpose of this Code of Conduct is to provide a reminder to all parents and visitors to our school about expected conduct when interacting with members of the School community so that we can work together to ensure a safe and positive school environment for our children. This Code also applies to school activities which take place off site.

Respect and Concern for Others and Their Rights As well as following the guidance set out in the Parents’ Handbooks, all members of the School community must:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

respect and comply with all applicable laws;

respect the School’s mission statement and values, and fully support and respect all school policies;

demonstrate honesty and integrity;

respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions;

treat one another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement;

respect and treat others fairly, regardless of their race, nationality, colour, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability;

respect the rights of others;

show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others;

take appropriate measures to help those in need;

respect persons who are in a position of authority;

respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching;

respect the professionalism, know-how and skills of school staff and management.

We expect parents and carers to show respect and concern for others by:

• • • • • •

supporting the respectful ethos of our school by setting a good example in their own speech and behaviour towards all members of the School community;

working together with teachers for the benefit of children. This includes approaching the School to resolve any issues of concern and to discuss and clarify specific events in order to bring about a positive solution;

correcting their own child’s behaviour, especially in public where it could otherwise lead to conflict, aggressive or unsafe behaviour;

respecting the School environment, including keeping the School tidy by not littering;

respecting and abiding by the School’s health and safety policies and those governing security of the School’s premises and its occupants;

respecting the local community and the property in and around the School premises, in particular by abiding by traffic regulations and parking rules in and around the School, and doing the right thing when delivering and collecting children from school. Parents are also responsible for ensuring that drivers and carers collecting children on their behalf abide by the same standards.

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In order to support a peaceful and safe school environment, the School will not tolerate:

• • • • • • • • • • •

disruptive behaviour which interferes with the operation of a classroom, an office area or any other part of the School grounds including team matches and off-site activities;

using loud and/or offensive language, swearing, cursing or using profane language or displaying temper or bad manners;

attempts to coerce, intimidate or threaten a member of staff, management, another parent or child;

threatening to do actual bodily harm or the use of physical aggression towards another adult or child regardless of whether or not the behaviour constitutes a criminal offence. This includes physical punishment against your own child on school premises;

approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them because of their actions towards their own child. (Such an approach to a child may be seen to be an assault on that child and may have legal consequences);

abusive or threatening emails, messages (including on social networking sites such as WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) or text/voicemail/phone messages or other written or electronic communication;

defamation of the School’s character by e-mail, other written communication or on websites or social networking sites;

the use of the internet to defame, embarrass or ridicule a member of staff, management or other member of the School community;

attempts to influence the outcome of a particular process or to gain favour by offering inducements of any sort be they financial or material;

damaging or destroying school property;

smoking and consumption of alcohol or other drugs or accessing the School site whilst intoxicated.

The above behaviours, be they on school premises or using electronic or telephonic media, will be reported to the School Principal. To safeguard our school community, an offending adult should expect to be prohibited from entering the School grounds and/or required to cease communicating directly with the individual(s) concerned. Repeat offenders may be required to remove their child permanently from the School. In certain instances this may happen immediately. Where appropriate the legal authorities may be informed.

A parent must not act in a manner prejudicial to the wellbeing – material, financial or reputational – of the School or its staff, or in a manner that may lead to disruption of the School community and/or the disaffection of its employees. Notwithstanding a parent’s legal rights, the School reserves the right to exclude any person initiating or supporting any such action. This may involve a parent’s child or children being excluded from the School on a temporary or permanent basis.

Parents and carers are reminded of the requirement to abide by the rules and regulations concerning the prompt settlement of school invoices and other bills. Failure to do so will result in their child being excluded from the School on either a temporary or permanent basis. Repeated failure to do so will result in parents being told to remove their child permanently from the School.

We trust that parents and carers will assist our school with the implementation of this Code of Conduct and thank you for your continuing support.

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Behaviour Policy THE POSITIVE REWARD SYSTEM

Positive reinforcement being offered verbally by members of staff and other adults within the school community which may be supported with extrinsic rewards:

• • • • • • • •

Green dojos

Stickers

Certificates

Star of the Week (FS Star of the Day)

Email to parents

Speech Day Awards

Bulletin Entries

BISC Facebook page

Class Dojo green dojos Class Dojo is the whole school behaviour management system. Pupils are awarded green dojos for displaying positive behaviours. It is essential that all teaching staff including specialist Teachers have full access to the Class Dojo positive behaviour system. (Appendix 2)

Positive Referrals Positive referrals can be sent to Heads of Year, Key Stage Coordinators and Assistant Head and Deputy Heads of Junior School for commendations.

Prize Giving Day Prizes are awarded annually to pupils for outstanding effort and attainment, for excellent attendance and punctuality, for sporting endeavour and for services to the school.

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SANCTIONS

Outlined below are examples of unacceptable behaviour and sanctions which are available.

All behavioural incidents are recorded on the Engage Portal. 3 Engage entries in any one term will result in loss of privileges - for instance the loss of a prized responsibility or not being able to attend a school trip or sporting event.

Type of Incident Minor Incidents

Medium severity incidents and recurring incidents

Examples

• • • • • • • • • • • •

Sanctions could include

Low level disruption

Being off task

Calling out

Not following instructions

Incomplete class work

No homework

Lack of equipment

• • • •

Verbal reprimand

Moving seat

Short detention

Email/phone call home Red dojo point if behaviour does not change, following a specific warning

Persistency of minor incidents as above

Rudeness to staff

Refusing to do work

Verbal insults to another pupil

Being continually off-task

•

HOY/KSC/AH meeting with pupil

Contact with parents by phone or email

Placement on monitoring or positive behaviour chart

A verbal reprimand.

Missed part or all of playtime or Golden Time

A red dojo point.

Repeating unsatisfactory work until it meets the required standard

• • • • • •

Serious Incidents All Serious incidents must be recorded on engage incident reporting system and are dealt with by the Key Stage Coordinator or Assistant Head

• • • • • • • • • • •

Truancy from school & lessons

Extreme rudeness to staff

Aggressive verbal and physical behaviour

Refusal to comply with other sanctions

Theft

Bullying (see bullying policy)

Vandalism

Religious insults

Accessing inappropriate material online

Sexual references

Slanderous or damaging accusations

•

• •

AH/HoJ to decide on level of suspension:

• 1 day internal

• 1 day external

• 2 day internal

• 2 day external

• Permanent exclusion

When suspensions occur, pupil will be placed on automatic monitoring by Assistant Head

3 suspensions in a year will result in parents being asked to find another school

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Additional Information PUPIL COLLECTION PROCEDURES

Pupils can only be collected by parents and nominated carers. Children in Foundation Stage 1 should be collected from their classroom at 1.15 unless they are are staying in the 1, 2, 3 Room. Pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2 will be taken to the Collection Area in the Cafeteria by their teacher, at 3pm, or to the bus departure area. Please be prompt when collecting your child. We expect the children to go directly to whoever is collecting them, and not to use the Collection Area for playing. Children who are not collected on time are escorted to the Junior School Office to await collection. If you anticipate that you are going to be late collecting your child, please call the Junior School Office as soon as possible. Please note pupils are not allowed to change out of uniform before leaving School at the end of the day, for example to attend parties.

There is a special collection point on Thursday’s for children leaving in groups to attend parties or playdates. The adult in charge of collection should escort the group of children to the guards located in front of the tennis court for a stamp.

PROCEDURES FOR CHANGES TO COLLECTION ARRANGEMENTS

Parents must notify the School personally about collection arrangement changes, directly to the

School Office if your child goes home by car, or to the Transportation Office if he/she goes by bus.

This should be by email before 10am on the day affected. Requests received after 10am will not be applied.

For Bus pupils please advise:

Mr Ashraf Gad, Transport Manager, by email to: ashraf.gad@bisc.edu.eg

For Car pupils please advise:

Mrs Yara, Junior School Office, by email to: jsreception@bisc.edu.eg

The Junior School Office and the Transportation Office will ensure the Class Teacher and the Security Manager receive your request. Please include in your email: pupil’s full name and class, details of new arrangement etc.

Bus Supervisors are instructed not to accept parent messages about transport changes.

HOME-SCHOOL LINKS

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We do our best to keep you informed about what is going on in school. The Parents’ Information Meetings in September are particularly important, since they provide the first opportunity for you to find out details about your child’s education for that academic year.

There is a homework portal and the BISC App which can be downloaded on smart devices. In addition, every parent has an Engage database account, username and password. The school sends notices to parents through Engage regularly.

• • •

The school calendar can be viewed using your Engage account.

•

Curriculum Overviews are posted on the Junior Parent Portal every term explaining what curriculum work the children cover in each subject.

•

Homework tables for each subject are updated weekly on Junior Parent Portal.

The weekly BISC Bulletin is published on on the APP and Engage every Thursday.

Key Stage Newsletters are sent out via Engage termly, highlighting many events and activities undertaken at school.

The Junior Parent Portal can be found here: https://jportal.bisc.edu.eg/

Through our Parents in Partnership initiative, we provide several opportunities for you to share in your child’s learning, through various organised class and school events, including:

Work Tray Day

Work Tray Day is held once each year and parents are invited to school, during the school day, so that pupils can show their parents, and discuss with them, their exercise books and class work.

Entry Points

At the start of each new topic, parents may be invited into school to join their children for an Entry Point, which is a lesson or event which aims to spark interest and motivate children about the learning ahead.

Exit Points At the end of a topic, parents may be invited into school to celebrate the learning their child has undertaken in recent weeks. The Exit Point could be a lesson, a presentation or another type of event.

Parent Workshops In Terms 1 and 2 teachers will deliver a workshop to parents on various aspects of the curriculum related to that year group, how children at BISC are learning and how to best support them in their learning at home.

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SETTLING INTO SCHOOL

To help your child settle into school, there are a number of things you can do to help. Inviting friends and other children to play is an excellent way to foster friendships. Help your child to become independent, by ensuring they get themselves ready for school, packing their own bags, homework and snacks in advance.

Checking homework and signing the Reading Log regularly will help you to keep in touch with your child’s learning.

The school has a very thorough four week Transition Programme which is followed when a new pupil joins the Junior School.

PROGRESSION THROUGH THE SCHOOL

At the end of each academic year, most children progress normally to the next year group above. The exceptions to this would be where the school has concerns regarding attendance, academic progress or behaviour or any combination of these. In such potential cases, parents would be warned, in advance, in writing of the school’s concerns during the course of the academic year. Please see the school’s separate detailed Attendance Policy, viewable on the school’s website, which requires 95% attendance throughout the year. Pupils’ academic progress is particularly reviewed at the end of Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Children experience a ‘Transition Day’ near the end of Term 3 where they will meet their new teachers.

THE JUNIOR PARENT PORTAL

This is used to post homework and link resources within a secure site. The portal includes Year Group and subject pages, as well as some resources. The portal can be accessed using: https://jportal.bisc.edu.eg/

PARENT INFORMATION MEETINGS

At the beginning of the year Parent Information Meetings for each year group are held for parents, to present the year’s curriculum programme. These meetings also give parents an opportunity, at the beginning of the year, to ask questions and receive clarification on curricular, organisational and other matters.

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REPORTING TO PARENTS

We issue electronic reports twice a year: in the Autumn Term and the Summer Term. The reports provide information on the academic progress made by your child in the different curriculum areas. Reports also comment on his/her social, emotional and personal development and targets.

ASSEMBLIES

All pupils from Year 1 onwards are involved in weekly school assemblies. Assembly themes are often linked to the BISC Learner Profile and other curriculum areas. Parents of children in Year 1, Year 3 and Year 5 will be invited to attend a class assembly during the year.

BIRTHDAYS

We do not allow birthday parties in school and party/gift bags are not permitted.

If you wish to send in cupcakes on the day of your child’s birthday, please email your child’s class teacher to request permission the day before. The teacher will then ensure the cupcakes are distributed during break times. Siblings outside of the Key Stage will not be able to share in the distribution of cupcakes due to staggered lunch times.

Please DO NOT send candles.

Parents are not permitted to attend.

Teachers will not hand out invitations – please do this at the start/end of the day with your child. Parent Conferences

Parent Conferences take place in the Autumn and the Spring Terms. They give you the opportunity to hear all about your child’s progress from their class teacher. We consider these meetings to be a vital part of the reporting process. Please try to attend these events, since they are a particularly useful means of advising you how to support your child. You will be invited to book Parent Conference appointments via Engage.

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PRODUCTIONS

Children in Foundation Stage, Year 2, Year 4 and Year 6 will take part in a Year Group Production. Please check the school calendar for dates of these productions.

MUSIC TUITION

There are a number of peripatetic music staff who offer a range of instrumental lessons on a private basis for children in Years 2-6. Please contact the Music Department if you wish your child to learn an instrument.

These are scheduled on a rota basis, where possible, in the Junior School to avoid missing the same lessons on a regular basis.

PUPIL COUNCIL

There is a Junior School Pupil Council, which comprises one elected representative from each class. The Pupil Council meets regularly and the class representatives bring a range of topics and suggestions from their classes to the meetings. The pupils are therefore active in contributing ideas for the running of the school and have an official voice. There have been many initiatives in the Junior School as a result of the Pupil Council.

SUMMER EXHIBITION

The Junior School Summer Exhibition is held annually in Term 3. This is an opportunity to see samples of your child’s work through the year. The Exhibition also gives you a chance to see all that is going on elsewhere in the school, from Foundation Stage up to Year 6, and to learn about the range of work covered in each year group.

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Parent Teacher Association (PTA) The School has a Parent Teacher Association (PTA). The purpose and objective of the PTA is fundraising through organised activities and events to serve BISC pupils. All funds raised will finance specific requests by the School’s Management and Staff through the fulfilment of wish lists presented to the PTA committee.

An annual general meeting (AGM) is held in the first half term where parents can learn more about the PTA, express interest in becoming an active member of the PTA along with the election of the official posts; Chair of the PTA, Secretary and Treasure.

Examples of events organised by the PTA in the past include:

• • • • • • • •

International Eventing & Food Fair

International Cooking Classes

Christmas Bazaar

Santa’s visit to BISC

Pancake Day

Year 6 Leadership Workshops

Year 1 Bingo

Year 2 Keep Fit, Be Healthy

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Curriculum The Junior School follows the Early Years Foundation Stage, the National Curriculum for England and Wales, and UK government guidelines for teaching English, Mathematics, Modern Foreign Languages and Global Citizenship, to meet the needs of all BISC pupils.

CURRICULUM IN THE FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage (FS1 and FS2) follows the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which provides a play based curriculum, organised around the three prime and four specific areas of learning:

Prime Areas:

• • •

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Physical Development

Communication and language (including Arabic)

Specific Areas:

• • • •

Mathematics

Literacy

Understanding the World

Expressive Arts and Design

Some children will not achieve all the Early Learning Goals during their time in the EYFS and teachers will continue to support and extend their learning, to help them meet Early Learning Goals as they move from the EYFS into Year 1.

KEY STAGE 1 AND 2 CURRICULUM OVERVIEW

The school follows the 2014 National Curriculum in England through which the following subjects are taught:

• • • • • • • • • • • •

English (including Drama, Guided Reading and Library at Key Stages 1 & 2)

Mathematics

Science

Arabic

Computing

French (from Key Stage 2)

Humanities ( Geography and History)

Design and Technology

Art and Design

Music

Physical Education (PE)

Global Citizenship (previously PSHCE)

In line with current best practice, cross-curricular links between subjects are made, where appropriate. In Key Stage 1, this is referred to as Integrated Topic and encompasses History, Geography, Art and Design and Science.

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TIMETABLE

The Junior School Timetable is divided into 35 minute blocks. The Foundation Stage uses this timetable in a flexible way, to meet the needs of the EYFS Framework and the Seven Areas of Learning. All classes in Key Stages 1 and 2 have individual timetables based on 35 minute periods of time. In addition, all children have at least one hour a day of English (Literacy) and Maths (Numeracy). Timetables are sent to parents in Week 1 and can be viewed using your Engage account.

CURRICULUM SUPPORT

If your child is not progressing as expected, this may be due to specific language or other learning needs.

BISC has procedures to assess such needs. If judged necessary, BISC sometimes provides additional support in school from our Curriculum Support staff. If we need an external assessment to be carried out, to provide more information, we will advise you. On occasions, it is also necessary for some pupils to receive additional specialist support, out of school. It is imperative that we have your support in such cases.

We aim to ensure that all our pupils receive the appropriate education for their needs, and it is important that we work in partnership with your support in such cases. All children who receive curriculum support have an Individual Education Plan (IEP), which is discussed with parents at regular intervals.

HOMEWORK

Homework is set by the teacher as a reinforcement or continuation of the lesson. Children in KS2 are expected to work independently, with minimal parent guidance, as this sets good patterns for the future.

Difficulties with homework can be reported to the teacher via email.

Some parental support is expected for children in KS1 to help them complete their home learning projects.

Homework timetables are posted on the Junior Parent Portal for each year group.

At least one homework per week will be set on Education City.

Parents’ Role in Supporting Learning at Home We please ask you to:

• • • • • • • •

provide a peaceful, suitable place in which your child can do the homework alone or, for younger children, together with you;

make it clear to your child that you value homework, and support the school in explaining how it can help their learning;

remind your child(ren) to check for tasks posted on portal every day;

encourage and praise your child during and on completion of homework;

become actively involved in ensuring your child has time and space to complete their homework, based on guidance from your child’s class teacher, but you are clearly not encouraged to ‘do’ the homework for your child;

encourage your child to become increasingly independent during his/her Junior School years, so that he/she is able to manage his/her own time and complete homework unaided, by the time they enter Year 6;

communicate with the class (or subject) teacher regarding homework issues (e.g. by email, letting the teacher know if there was notable progress made or any areas for concern with the homework);

ensure that homework involving the use of the internet is monitored very carefully, so that your child does not have access to inappropriate material.

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Pupils from FS2-Y6 have a Reading Record Book. Please sign this to show us that you have read with your child.

If your child is unable to complete his/her homework or if a task takes too long, please email the teacher concerned directly.

Foundation Stage Homework You are asked to focus on language development and helping to develop your child’s basic skills, by playing games with your child and giving plenty of opportunities for unstructured play at home.

BISC does not set specific homework tasks for this age range, although you are encouraged to read to and with your child (10 minutes per day).

Reading books will be sent home once your child has started reading.

THE JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM

English Teachers will develop pupils’ spoken language, reading, writing and vocabulary as integral aspects of the teaching of every subject. English is both a subject in its own right and the medium for teaching; for pupils, understanding the language provides access to the whole curriculum. Fluency in the English language is an essential foundation for success in all subjects and daily reading plays a major role in this.

In the Foundation Stage, children’s language skills are developed under the areas of the EYFS Framework called Communication and Language (CL) and Literacy (L). These skills are approached in a play-based and cross-curricular way, including topic work, stories, poems, art and science work. The foundations for future success in reading and writing are laid and we give the children as broad and rich a linguistic experience as possible. Speaking and listening skills are developed through story telling, songs and rhymes and sharing experiences and ideas.

Communication and Language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children are given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the English Curriculum are to enable children to:

• • • • • • •

read easily, fluently and with good understanding

develop the habit of reading widely and often, for both pleasure and information

acquire a wide vocabulary, an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions for reading, writing and spoken language

appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage

write clearly, accurately and coherently, adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts, purposes and audiences

use discussion in order to learn; they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas

become competent in the arts of speaking and listening, making formal presentations, demonstrating to others and participating in debate.

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The love of reading is further developed during weekly library sessions, where all our pupils browse and choose books to take home. Stories and poems are shared and library skills are introduced from the very beginning, to enable the children to be competent and independent users of the library. We ask for your cooperation in ensuring all books are looked after carefully. You will be asked to pay for damaged or lost books.

Mathematics In the Foundation Stage, Mathematics is delivered through stories, songs, games and imaginative play, so that the children enjoy using and experimenting with numbers.

Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Mathematics Curriculum are to ensure all children:

•

become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics, including through varied and frequent practice with increasingly complex problems over time, so that pupils develop conceptual understanding and the ability to recall and apply knowledge rapidly and accurately.

•

reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry, conjecturing relationships and generalisations, and developing an argument, justification or proof using mathematical language

•

can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication, including breaking down problems into a series of simpler steps and persevering in seeking solutions.

There is a focus on mental mathematics and investigative work within the subject. Mathematics skills are also used and developed in other subjects. For example, the use of measuring equipment in Science, map skills and a concept of time in Humanities, shape and symmetry in Art and Design.

Science In the Foundation Stage, Science is covered on a conceptual basis within the area of learning called Understanding The World. Practical first-hand experience is vital and forms the basis for learning. We include the children’s own interest in our activities.

Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Science Curriculum are to ensure all children:

•

develop scientific knowledge and conceptual understanding through the specific disciplines of biology, chemistry and physics

•

develop understanding of the nature, processes and methods of science through different types of science enquiries that help them to answer scientific questions about the world around them

•

are equipped with the scientific knowledge required to understand the uses and implications of science, today and for the future.

These areas are taught on a topic basis. Children develop and extend their understanding of each topic through practical investigations, teacher directed activities and their own research. Children in all key stages are encouraged to relate topics to their experience of the world; to question; to develop their own hypotheses; to make predictions and to conduct investigations leading to meaningful conclusions.

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Whenever possible, children are encouraged to pursue further investigations either at home or at school, and to share their results with the class.

Computing All pupils have opportunities to develop technological skills in a meaningful context, through topic work and across the curriculum areas. They learn to communicate and handle information in a variety of different forms and for different purposes.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Computing Curriculum are to ensure all children:

•

can understand and apply the fundamental principles and concepts of computer science, including abstraction, logic, algorithms and data representation

•

can analyse problems in computational terms, and have repeated practical experience of writing computer programs in order to solve such problems

•

can evaluate and apply information technology, including new or unfamiliar technologies, analytically to solve problems

•

are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology.

Within each key stage, the children are given access to age-appropriate software and audiovisual resources. The school is equipped with interactive whiteboards and computers in classrooms and specialist areas. Y1-6 Pupils are expected to bring their own iPads to school to be used in lessons under the direction of the teacher. These should be housed in a robust case and be password protected. A sim card is not permitted (as per the User Agreement) as the school has its own safe Wi-Fi connection.

Humanities In the Foundation Stage, this comes under the Understanding the world area of learning and involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Humanities Curriculum are to ensure all children:

• •

develop knowledge of the location of globally significant places

• • • •

are competent in the geographical skills

• •

understand the methods of historical enquiry

understand the processes that give rise to key physical and human geographical features of the world

know and understand how Britain has influenced and been influenced by the wider world

know and understand significant aspects of the history of the wider world

understand historical concepts such as continuity and change, cause and consequence, similarity, difference and significance, and use them to make connections

gain historical perspective by placing their growing knowledge into different contexts, understanding the connections between local, regional, national and international history

From Year 1 onwards, History and Geography are through projects, by integrating the curriculum under one theme. This enables the children’s learning to be meaningful and taught within a context.

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Art and Design In Foundation Stage, Art is taught within the Expressive Arts and Design area of learning. Children explore colour, texture, shape, form and space in two and three dimensions, through a wide range of media such as play dough, clay, paint and computer graphics.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Art and Design Curriculum are to ensure all children:

• • • •

produce creative work, exploring their ideas and recording their experiences

become proficient in drawing, painting, sculpture and other art, craft and design techniques

evaluate and analyse creative works using the language of art, craft and design

know about great artists, craft makers and designers, and understand the historical and cultural development of their art forms.

Design and Technology Design and Technology is being further developed in the Junior School over the course of this year. The main aims of the Design and Technology Curriculum are to ensure all children:

•

develop the creative, technical and practical expertise needed to perform everyday tasks confidently and to participate successfully in an increasingly technological world

•

build and apply a repertoire of knowledge, understanding and skills in order to design and make highquality prototypes and products for a wide range of users

• •

critique, evaluate and test their ideas and products and the work of others

understand and apply the principles of nutrition and learn how to cook.

Physical Education Physical Development (PD) is one of the prime areas of learning within the Foundation Stage curriculum, which aims to improve the skills of co-ordination, control, manipulation and movement. It involves outdoor play as well as activities that develop children’s finer psychomotor skills.

Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Physical Education Curriculum are to ensure all children:

• • • •

develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities

are physically active for sustained periods of time

engage in competitive sports and activities

lead healthy, active lives.

Physical Education promotes positive attitudes towards active and healthy lifestyles. Pupils learn how to think in different ways to suit a wide variety of creative, competitive and challenging activities. They learn how to plan, perform and evaluate actions, ideas and performances to improve their quality and effectiveness. Through this process, pupils discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences, and make choices about how to get involved in lifelong activity.

Physical Education includes: dance activities, games activities, gymnastic activities, swimming activities and water safety. The P.E. programme is taught by specialist P.E. teachers, with the assistance of specialised coaches and class teachers, where necessary.

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Music Music is an integral part of all areas of the Foundation Stage curriculum, combining various areas of learning. Children will have opportunities to experience a wide range of musical experiences, such as: joining in with favourite songs, learning how musical instruments sound, imitating and creating movement in response to music and tapping out or creating simple, repeated rhythms.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Music Curriculum are to ensure all children:

•

perform, listen to, review and evaluate music across a range of historical periods, genres, styles and traditions, including the works of the great composers and musicians

•

learn to sing and to use their voices, to create and compose music on their own and with others, have the opportunity to learn a musical instrument, use technology appropriately and have the opportunity to progress to the next level of musical excellence

•

understand and explore how music is created, produced and communicated, including through the inter-related dimensions: pitch, duration, dynamics, tempo, timbre, texture, structure and appropriate musical notations.

Classes from Year 1 to Year 6 are taught by a specialist Music teacher. Learning encourages children to develop composing, listening, and performing skills. Creativity and enjoyment are very much part of Music at BISC and the Music Department is very well resourced. In addition, Music plays an important role in weekly assemblies, year group productions and other special events.

A variety of after school activities are offered and there is also the opportunity for children to learn a musical instrument.

Global Citizenship (Previously PSHCE) This comprises a holistic approach to the pastoral programme at BISC. In Foundation Stage, these skills are taught through Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED). Children are provided with experiences and support which will help them to develop a positive sense of themselves and of others; respect for others; social skills; and a positive disposition to learn. Teachers ensure support for children's emotional well-being to help them to know themselves and what they can do.

From Year 1 to Year 6, the main aims of the Global Citizenship Curriculum are to ensure all children are:

• • • •

Developing confidence and responsibility and making the most of their abilities.

Preparing to play an active role as citizens.

Developing a healthy, safer lifestyle.

Developing good relationships and respecting the differences between people.

The topics addressed are diverse, for example: money and the concept of saving; social institutions affecting our lives; types of rights and duties; how to deal with our emotions in positive ways; how the media presents information; why and how rules and laws are made and enforced, and what can improve or harm the local environment. Most of the content of the Global Citizenship curriculum naturally contains material and ideas to provoke personal, moral, social and cultural debate and many children will have opinions which differ from one another. Being an international school we welcome the views of all our pupils and aim to deepen their understanding, both of themselves and of the diversity of mankind, in a nurturing and supportive environment.

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Languages By the time your child moves on to the Senior School at BISC, he/she will have had an opportunity to develop skills and understanding in three languages: English, Arabic and French.

Within the international context of BISC, we acknowledge that language competence and intercultural understanding are not optional extras, but are an essential part of being a global citizen. Language skills are a vital means of improving understanding between people, both in Egypt and the wider world.

The main aims of our Languages Curriculum are to ensure all children:

• •

understand and respond to spoken and written language from a variety of authentic sources

•

can write at varying length, for different purposes and audiences, using the variety of grammatical structures that they have learnt

•

discover and develop an appreciation of a range of writing in the language studied.

speak with increasing confidence, fluency and spontaneity, finding ways of communicating what they want to say, including through discussion and asking questions, and continually improving the accuracy of their pronunciation and intonation

Arabic Arabic is taught to all pupils in the Junior School from FS1. Some children speak Arabic as their first language, whilst others come to BISC with no prior experience of the language. Therefore, the children are grouped according to experience and ability, so that they can be taught at the appropriate level. Pupils develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills through a variety of interactive learning experiences.

French Pupils from Year 3 upwards are taught French. From Years 3-5, pupils complete a curriculum based on the UK Key Stage 2 Framework for languages. The course offers a blend of interactive teaching and learning styles designed to develop children's creativity. The latest multimedia resources are combined with activities such as song and rhyme, story-telling, games and role-plays to engage and motivate pupils with an emphasis on accessibility and fun. Course material is based primarily on 'Rigolo' from Nelson Thornes publications in Year 3,4 and 5.

In Year 6, children follow 'Expo 1', which combines a rigorous approach to independent learning and grammar progression with a range of interactive resources. Assessment for Learning is an integral part of the course, allowing pupils to keep track of their progress as they prepare for Senior School.

Drama Although Drama falls under the umbrella of ‘Speaking and Listening’ within the English curriculum, it is taught as a discrete subject in Key Stages 1 and 2.

Drama provides a meaningful context for all students to experiment in role with language for different purposes and to further understand what they hear when gesture, sign, facial expression and other symbols are used. Drama requires pupils to communicate, cooperate and collaborate. It fosters creativity and thinking skills, raising pupils’ self-esteem and confidence through self-expression. The pupils work on improvised and scripted drama and this provides a strong stimulus for writing. By writing from the point of view of a particular character (writing in role) pupils are able to express their understanding of the roles, events or situations they have experienced.

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ASSESSMENT AND MARKING

BISC uses a vast range of assessment strategies, including regular written assessments, to help teachers plan future lessons and to monitor your child’s progress.

Teachers in Foundation Stage 2 complete the Foundation Stage Profile, which gives information about a child’s development within the framework of Early Learning Goals.

BISC also uses Progress Tests in English and Maths from Years 1-6 as formal End of Year Assessments in English and Maths. The data from these assessments allow us to measure the progress each child makes and identify the the next steps in each child’s learning journey.

We do not publish the results of these assessments. Instead, we analyse the results of each child to identify which aspect of the subject they need to learn next.

Teachers also keep records of the extent to which your child has achieved the learning objectives of lessons.

MARKING

Feedback to children on their progress in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 will mainly be verbal, but teachers will indicate the extent to which a child has understood the learning objectives of a lesson.

In Key Stage 2, teachers use the following key when they mark your child’s work, so he/she understands the extent to which he/she has achieved the learning objective. Teachers also give targets to pupils, so they know how to improve and understand the next steps in their learning.

The children are regularly required to self-assess and peer-assess. Being able to do this requires the children to apply the learning they have undertaken. It also gives them greater ownership of the targets they need to focus on next.

The following key is used when marking your child’s work:

Symbol

Meaning

L.O.

Learning objective completely secure. Ready for extension work.

L.O.

Learning objective achieved.

L.O.

Learning objective partially achieved.

L.O.

Learning objective needs revisiting. Review together.

V

Verbal Feedback has been given.

Of course, the school also acknowledges and rewards your child’s effort in various ways, including stickers and Star of the Week in Key Stage 1 and house points in Key Stage 2.

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EXTENSION AND ENHANCEMENT ACTIVITIES

The curriculum at BISC is extended and enhanced in a variety of different ways:

Educational Trips are an integral part of the curriculum and are linked to planned units of study. Trips range from one day excursions to residential trips. We require your permission to take your child out of school and will send you letters to obtain this.

Special Events are held throughout the year, in order to further enhance the curriculum. Events include: an annual Book Week, STEM Week (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), Anti-Bullying Week as well as Sports Days, Music and Drama productions and special themed days.

Activities Programme is open to children in Years 2-6 and run after school. Some clubs such as soccer, swimming and basketball are coached by specialist coaches. A schedule is sent to you each term to inform you of the activities on offer and enable you to sign up. On the Activity Day, children need extra drinks and appropriate clothing. We do request that you are punctual collecting your child after their activity, but if you are late your child will be asked to wait in the Junior School Office. When children are expected to change their clothes for an activity, this needs to be done without assistance from parents or carers.

Please see the School Calendar and the BISC Bulletin to keep up to date.

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Junior School Uniform WINTER UNIFORM

Foundation Stage 1 Winter Uniform Details: Boys /Girls

Tracksuit bottom

Jumper or sweatshirt

Polo t-shirt

navy blue navy blue according to house colour

Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6 Winter Uniform Details: Girls

Skirt/Trouser

Shirt

Jumper

Socks

Tights

Shoes

navy blue blue, white and red check, long-sleeved navy blue with school logo plain navy blue or white plain white black

Boys

Trousers

Shirt

Jumper

Socks

Shoes

navy blue tailored blue, white and red check, long-sleeved navy blue with school logo plain navy blue, black or white black

Boys /Girls

Sportswear

white shorts, house t-shirts, white socks, white or black gym shoes, training shoes

JEWELLERY

No jewellery is to be worn apart from one pair of stud ear-rings for girls. Â Make-up and coloured nail varnish should not be worn. Hair must be tied back.

SHOES

If you purchase lace-up shoes for your child, please ensure they can tie these themselves. Open laces can cause accidents.

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SUMMER UNIFORM

Foundation Stage 1 Summer Uniform Details: Boys /Girls

Shorts

Jumper or sweatshirt

Polo t-shirt

navy blue navy blue according to house colour

Foundation Stage 2 to Year 6 Summer Uniform Details: Girls

Dress

Socks

Shoes

blue, white and red check plain navy blue or white black

Boys

Shorts/Trousers

Shirt

Socks

Shoes

navy blue tailored blue, white and red check, long-sleeved plain navy blue, black or white black

Boys /Girls

Sportswear

white shorts, house t-shirts, white socks, white or black gym shoes, training shoes

JEWELLERY

No jewellery is to be worn apart from one pair of stud ear-rings for girls. Make-up and coloured nail varnish should not be worn. Hair must be tied back.

SHOES

If you purchase lace-up shoes for your child, please ensure they can tie these themselves. Open laces can cause accidents.

SCHOOL SHOP

Parents can buy school uniform on site as from Sunday 16th July. The uniform shop is located on the side of the Cafeteria building.

The uniform shop working hours are as follows:

From 16th July - 31st August: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm (except Fridays & Saturdays)

From 3rd September: 8:00 am - 3:30 pm (except Fridays & Saturdays)

Uniform Manager contact details:

Mrs. Karine Fattal

mobile: 012-22188440

email: karine.fahmy@hotmail.com

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