1. WELCOME TO THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST 2. 2024 – 2025 CALENDAR OF TERM DATES 3. ACTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 4. ABOUT THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST
Mission
The School Aims Core Values School Organisation Curriculum
Useful Information about the Implementation of the National Curriculum for England - Assessments
Homework - Primary
House Points
Educational Experience Enrichment
More Able and Talented
University Programme - Primary
Co-Curricular Activities - Educational Visits - Trips - Work Experience - School Libraries - Innovation Hub
Other General Education Information to Take into Consideration - University Guidance Counsellor - Career Guidance - Tutoring - English as an Additional Language - Special Educational Needs (SEN) 5. A TYPICAL DAY AT BSB General
6. PARENTS – SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Admissions Department
Office Department
Correspondence
Parents’ Portal
Meetings
- School Appointment
-’Meet the Teacher’ Meeting
- Parent Consultations Weeks - Primary
- Parent Consultations Weeks - Secondary
Find More About the BSB Activities on:
- School Website
- Parents’ Newsletter
- BSB Social Media Accounts
Other Administrative Actions to Be Aware of:
- Reports and Reviews
- Change of Address and Telephone Numbers
- Transferring School
- Data Protection
- Photographs and Videos
Friends of BSB (FBSB)
FBSB Communication | Classlist
FBSB Enhance the Community 8. SCHOOL UNIFORM
The Uniform, Book and Gift Shop - Uniform Guide
Purchasing the School Uniform - The Uniform, Book and Gift Shop
WELCOME TO THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST
Dear Parents,
Learning in a private international school is a very exciting time in your children’s life. We are delighted that you have chosen our School and, as we continue or begin this journey together, we hope that both you and your children will enjoy your time with us. We aim to make your experience as rewarding as possible and we will do our best to support you and your children throughout your time at the School.
This Welcome Guide will provide you with everything you need to know, to ensure that your first few days and the entire academic year at BSB are as enjoyable as possible.
The British School of Bucharest is committed to developing confident, motivated, self-disciplined learners who can realise their full potential and make a responsible contribution to a sustainable world. We offer the academic facilities you would expect from a prestigious private school that teaches the National Curriculum for England. But perhaps most importantly, while you are at BSB, you will be part of a vibrant and stimulating community.
BSB has over 700 students from more than 65 nationalities. The students are welcome to join any of the School activities and co-curricular activities offered by the School, which represent hundreds of different interests. All these features should help your child to make the school experience as exciting and diverse as you want it to be.
For the parents, the School provides a vital community link, offering a chance to quickly make friends and establish an important support network. We encourage parents to take an active interest in their child’s journey through the School, get involved and play a part in life here.
We also want to assure you that wellbeing and pastoral care are in focus for our students and staff, providing a safe and caring environment for all of us.
We look forward to welcoming you to BSB and seeing our pupils, smartly dressed in their BSB uniforms, ready for the challenge and enjoyment of a new academic year.
Best wishes,
Victoria Smith, Head of Primary Jason Porter, Head of Secondary
Important things to check...
• Ensure that you have completed and submitted all the documents requested by the Admissions team.
• Ensure that you can access your account on the Parents’ Portal. Access is only granted following the completion and approval of the Registration File. Here you will be able to see your lunch and transportation payments, submit your requests for lunch and transportation, buy the school uniform and other school accessories, and register for the co-curricular activities and school events.
• See page 8 for a checklist of important things you need to do before and after arriving on campus.
• Requests for lunch and transportation can be submitted via the Parents’ Portal. For information on how to purchase these services, check the details from this guide.
• Make sure you have purchased the school uniform before starting school. All the items are available on the BSB uniforms website and also in the ‘Uniform, Book & Gift Shop’ located on our campus.
2024-2025 CALENDAR OF TERM DATES
The academic year consists of three terms: Autumn Term, Spring Term and Summer Term. During the year, the students will have two half term holidays and three main holidays.
Non-pupils days
(any day that is coloured or shaded)
Zile in care elevii nu sunt la scoala (orice zi care este colorata sau umbrita)
Weekend & Public holidays during term time
Weekend & Vacante publice in timpul trimestrului
Staff inset days
Zile in care doar personalul scolii este in scoala
School holidays
Vacante scolare
On red days dismissal is at 12pm
In zilele marcate cu rosu scoala se inchide la ora 12 pm
Autumn Term 2024
Trimestrul de Toamna 2024
22nd - 26th August
22 - 26 august
27th August - 3rd September
27 august - 3 septembrie
4th September
4 septembrie
28th October - 5th November
28 octombrie - 5 noiembrie
4th November
4 noiembrie
30 th November - 1st December
30 noiembrie - 1 decembrie
20 th December
20 decembrie
23rd December - 8th January 2025
23 decembrie - 8 ianuarie 2025
6th & 7th January 2025
6 &7 ianuarie 2025
8th January 2025
8 ianuarie 2025
Induction for new staff
Training pentru personalul nou
Inservice days for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt in scoala pentru training sau activitati administrative - Scoala este inchisa
Start of School
Prima zi de scoala
Half Term Holiday - School closed Vacanta scolara - Scoala este inchisa
Inservice day for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt in scoala pentru training sau activitati administrative - Scoala este inchisa
National Holidays - School closed
Sarbatori nationale - Scoala este inchisa
Last Day of School Term
Ultima zi de scoala
School Holiday - School closed Vacanta scolara - Scoala este inchisa
National Holiday Sarbatoare nationala - Scoala este inchisa
Inservice day for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt in scoala pentru training sau activitati administrative - Scoala este inchisa
Spring Term 2025
Trimestrul de Primavara 2025
9 th January
9 ianuarie Start of School Prima zi de scoala
24th January 24 ianuarie National Holiday - School closed Sarbatoare nationala - Scoala este inchisa
24th – 28th February
24 - 28 februarie
17th April - 2nd May
17 aprilie - 2 mai
1st May
1 mai
2nd May
2 mai
Half Term Holiday - School closed Vacanta scolara - Scoala este inchisa
School Holiday - School closed Vacanta - Scoala este inchisa
National Holiday - School closed Sarbatoare nationala - Scoala este inchisa
Inservice days for staff - School closed Profesorii sunt in scoala pentru training sau activitati administrative - Scoala este inchisa
Public Holidays / Sarbatori nationale
15th August — Assumption of Mary / Adormirea Maicii Domnului
30th November — St. Andrew / Sfântul Andrei
1st December — Great Union Day / Ziua Națională a României
25th - 26th December — Christmas / Crăciunul
1st January — New Year / Anul Nou
6th & 7th January — Saint Ion / Sfântul Ion
Summer Term 2025 Trimestrul de Vara 2025
1st June 1 iunie National Holiday - School closed Sarbatoare nationala - Scoala este inchisa
8th & 9 th June 8 & 9 iunie National Holidays - School closed Sarbatori nationale - Scoala este inchisa 27th June 27 iunie
de scoala
24th January — Unification Day / Ziua Unirii Principatelor Române
18th April — Good Friday (UK) / Vinerea Mare
20th April — Easter Monday (UK)
18th - 21st April — Orthodox Easter / Paste Ortodox
1st May — May Day / Ziua Muncii
1st June — Children’s Day / Ziua Copilului
8th - 9th June — Awhit /Rusalii
ACTIONS TO TAKE BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL
This is a helpful list of important things to check before the first day of school. It is useful for new BSB parents and is a great reminder for current ones.
• Ensure that you have access to your account on the Parents’ Portal. Please note that access is only granted following the completion and approval of the Registration File and after all the fees are received. If you do not have access to the Parents’ Portal or have any problems in using it, please contact office@ britishschool.ro for support.
• Provide the school with your contact numbers, emergency contacts, home address and correspondence email address before your children start school. School needs to be informed of any change of postal or email addresses, telephone numbers and emergency contacts.
• Purchase the uniform and the relevant House polo shirt from the BSB Shop online or from the Uniform, Book and Gift Shop on school campus (an online appointment via the Parents’ Portal needs to be previously arranged). Obtain the campus access card and parking access from the Security Office, located in the gate area next to the School Reception.
• All Secondary students will be issued lockers. Students need to bring their own lock. During winter, outdoor shoes should be kept in the lockers and outdoor coats on pegs provided in the locker area. Food should not be stored in the lockers overnight.
• Provide the completed Medical Form requested prior to joining the school.
• Carefully read the school policies to ensure you are aware of our Child Protection Policy, Health and Safety Policy, and Complaint Policy. Once read, please tick the ‘agree’ button. If you do not agree with the policies, please email us (office@ britishschool.ro) to relay your reasons.
• Read this guide. This contains comprehensive information about all aspects of the school, including providing details on the curriculum, the School’s More Able and Talented Programme, ongoing
assessments, English as Additional Language (EAL) courses, Special Educational Needs (SEN), tutoring, homework, reporting, trips/ educational visits and many more.
• Register on Parents’ Portal and send your request for the transportation and lunch services. The invoices for these services are sent by email to you by the Office team. Payments can be made via bank transfer.
• For those of you who are new to the capital… get to know Bucharest! You can find out more about Bucharest and Romania reading the Welcome to Romania brochure: https://britishschool.ro/bsbcommunity/discover-romania/
• Finally, make the most of your time and your child at BSB! A packed year at BSB goes quickly, and there are lots of opportunities coming your way – to make friends from across the globe, to attend exciting events run by School, different committees and, of course, FBSB
MORE DETAILS ABOUT…
CAMPUS
ACCESS CARDS
The School provides one access card per family. This will need to be returned at the end of this academic year by those families that unfortunately will not be returning to BSB the next school year.
All new students from Year 5 to Year 13 will receive an access card on their first day of school from their form tutors.
CHROMEBOOKS AND SCHOOL DEVICES
Students in Years 7-11 will receive a Chromebook. Parents and students must acknowledge the Acceptable Use Policy agreement before the Chromebook, School device, and accessories can be issued.
The device and the accessories are School property. Students are responsible for the general care of the device and accessories issued by the School. Although there is insurance in place, in the event of damage to the Chromebook, the student’s family may be liable for the cost of repair or replacement if the School judges that the damage could have been prevented with greater care by the student. Further details can be found in the Registration
(Friends of BSB, the BSB’s parents’ association). You have a challenging and amazing year ahead!
This is a helpful list of important things to check in the first days of school.
• Submit the request for Chromebook via the Parents’ Portal (Secondary students only), by ticking the box in ‘Device Agreement’.
• If you agree to your children bringing their own device to school (Years 12-13), please tick the box in ‘Acceptable Use Policy 2021/2022’Bring Your Own Device Scheme.
• If you want your children to receive an online ISIC Card, please read and accept the ISIC cards Agreement 2024-2025 on the Parents’ Portal.
• Book your places for the Meet the Teachers’ events, and any school events that you have been informed of by email.
File and the Acceptable Use Policy. School devices, Chromebooks, and accessories must be returned to the School at the end of each School year.
If a student fails to return the device and the accessories at the end of the School Year, the student’s family will have to pay for the cost of the device.
Parents of students in Years 12 and 13 may permit their child to participate in the ‘Bring Your Own Device’ scheme; in these cases, students do not receive a School device. Further details can be found in the Acceptable Use Policy.
Children in Primary classes have ready access to both Chromebooks and iPads but do not have one that is personally assigned.
ABOUT
THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST
The British School of Bucharest has been rated consistently as ‘excellent’ in all areas by the UK International Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2022. This is the highest possible rating that can be achieved after being inspected by ISI.
MISSION
The British School of Bucharest is committed to developing confident, motivated, self-disciplined learners, who can realise their full potential and make a responsible contribution to the world.
THE SCHOOL AIMS
1. To provide a comprehensive international education based on
the British National Curriculum.
2. To provide a strong intellectual foundation that prepares students to continue their education anywhere in the world.
3. To provide students with a positive, stimulating, secure and caring environment that encourages the fulfilment of individual potential and the growth of self-esteem in all areas: academic, social and personal.
4. To encourage students to engage in open enquiry, creativity, decision-making and independence of thought.
5. To create an environment that develops knowledge and respect for different cultures, values and beliefs, and to be active and responsible citizens of the world community.
6. To develop within students an attitude of individual responsibility, based upon the values of honesty, respect, self-
control, equality, and concern for others.
7. To foster partnerships between home and school in the learning process and engage the diverse resources and talents of our international community.
CORE VALUES
At the British School of Bucharest, our strong core values include self-control, honesty, respect, equality, concern for others. The children’s development is built on these important values.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
Our School is led by Heads of School: Victoria Smith, Head of Primary School and Jason Porter, Head of Secondary School.
Darren Goode Director of Pastoral Care & Inclusion for Secondary
Anthony George Director of Academic Operations and Outreach for Secondary
Rob Notley Director of Humanities, Languages and Arts for Secondary
Eva Cliffe Director of STEAM, Economics and Experimental Learning for Secondary
Jason Porter Head of Secondary School
Dan Batson Director of Academic Studies for Primary
Laura Gildea Director of KS2
Paul Gildea Director of Pastoral Care & Inclusion for Primary
Jodie Lewis Director of EYFS & KS1
Victoria Smith Head of Primary School (including EYFS)
CURRICULUM
The British School of Bucharest teaches the National Curriculum for England, which is the British Curriculum. One of the great strengths of the British Curriculum is the level of individual, tailored support it affords pupils from a very young age, with students learning at the pace and intensity that suits them, even within a single lesson.
The curriculum provides a very broad and balanced education from the early years and then becomes more specialised as students’ progress through IGCSE/GCSE and on to A-Level.
Education at the British School of Bucharest is divided into:
of the curriculum for each Key Stage within the School can be found on the School website and are also communicated separately to parents.
USEFUL INFORMATION ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM FOR ENGLAND
ASSESSMENT
In EYFS, the teachers track the interests, abilities and development of all children and assessment is carried out by observing and evaluating practical activities. In Primary, regular assessments and observations are carried out to monitor progress as children move through the School. In Secondary School, assessment is used as a tool to evaluate ability as students enter the School and to monitor progress throughout their time here. For further information on assessment in each of the Schools, please visit the School website or discuss the matter with your Class Teacher or one of the Senior Leadership Team.
HOMEWORK – PRIMARY
All children in Reception upwards have a reading record, and homework is set through Google Classroom. Parents are encouraged to share reading with their children regularly.
Homework is set in increasing amounts, beginning with 30 minutes of ‘at home learning’ per week in Year 1 and increasing at regular intervals through Year 6. In addition, children may be required to complete activities more suited to the home environment, e.g. collecting information to support topic work. Homework activities are differentiated according to the ability of the children. Parents may be asked to reinforce and support concepts or topics learnt in class. A child’s work may be sent home if it has not been completed satisfactorily or if further time is needed. An oral explanation of this will be given to the parents of younger children. If a child is away for a long period
of time due, for example, to illness, appropriate work may be sent home. Work will not be sent home to supplement unauthorised absences. The same standard of presentation encouraged in the classroom is expected in all homework activities..
HOMEWORK – SECONDARY
Homework in Secondary School develops skills needed for independent learning and helps prepare students for examinations and the next stage of their education.
A homework timetable is created, where homework is set in up to three subjects each evening.
Year 7 and 8 students have up to 30 minutes of homework per subject per evening. Year 9 has up to 45 minutes per subject per evening. Year 10 and Year 11 students have up to 45-60 minutes of homework per evening. Year 12 students have up to 60 minutes or more of homework per subject per evening. Homework is recorded by teachers on an online platform which students and parents can access.
Details of this are emailed at the start of the academic year. Parents may be informed by SMS in the case of late or incomplete homework.
If homework is persistently late or missing, a student may be asked to attend a lunchtime or after-school session to complete the task or catch up.
HOUSE POINTS – PRIMARY
Each child is allocated to one of four Houses upon entry to BSB, named after rivers in Romania:
Argeş, Danube, Mureş and Olt. House Points are given for positive social behaviour, e.g. kindness and thoughtfulness to others and contributions to the School ethos (both staff and pupils). House Points are only used positively and never deducted. House Points are collected from each class weekly and announced in assembly. A running total is displayed in the Hall.
HOUSE POINTS – SECONDARY
Points are awarded to each House based on their success in competitions throughout the academic year. House Points are also awarded to students for academic progress and effort alongside a commitment to the wider School Community. Students may also be awarded a Golden House Point for exceptional achievement. House Colours are awarded to students who demonstrate enthusiasm and support for their House.
At the end of the year, the House Cup is presented to the House with the most points. A BSB House Award is presented during the annual Awards Ceremony at the end of the academic year to students who have shown particular commitment to their House and School. Houses will also donate a sum of money to a chosen charity depending on their place in the House Cup Competition.
Parents can track the number of House Points their child has won on the Parents’ Portal.
MERITS - PRIMARY
Merits are awarded to children who show improved, good and exceptional academic effort. It is separate from the house point system. Students monitor their merits via the online platform, which is also accessible to parents. Certificates are awarded for various merit totals. Merits are monitored in the Communication book.
BSB PRIZE
Commitment, ambition and hard work will always be praised at BSB. As proof, at the end of Year 13, students who have unlocked achievements in community service, cultural awareness, communication skills, physical development and academic success will be awarded the prestigious BSB Prize. Those select few who will win the award will graduate with BSB Honours, have their name recognised for years to come on boards displayed in the Crawford Library and earn an award that will shine bright on their university application.
EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCE ENRICHMENT
MORE ABLE AND TALENTED –ENRICHMENT
Throughout BSB, we encourage all students to engage in open inquiry, creativity, decision-making and independent thought whilst providing regular opportunities for all pupils to work at higher cognitive levels. All pupils are taught to reflect on the process of their own learning and to understand the factors that help make them progress.
Students are monitored for evidence of talent or ability across the curriculum. If a student is nominated for the MAT register, the MAT Coordinators work with the teachers and parents to ensure they are adequately challenged in the area(s) in which they excel.
UNIVERSITY PROGRAMMEPRIMARY
The BSB University Programme was created to help personalise the pupils’ learning at the School and teach them skills that would not normally be offered through the National Curriculum.
Three times a year, the pupils are offered a range of courses from which they can choose. Staff at the School run the courses during school time, and they are supported by parents and volunteers who all have skills that they pass on to pupils. Courses range from sewing to cooking and from gardening to hat design. At the end of each University course, each pupil receives a certificate outlining the skills they have learnt.
CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES (CCA s)
A varied activity programme is offered to Students. Pupils from Reception to Year 13 are encouraged to join at
least two CCAs per week. Children and parents are informed about the CCA choices available for the following term, and the CCAs are allocated randomly by preference. Payment for CCAs for which there is a charge is made online. Sign-up can only be made through the Parents’ Portal. For further information on our CCA provision, please access further information on the School website or contact our CCA Coordinator.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Educational visits are used to enhance and extend the curriculum. Teachers plan these visits carefully to help reinforce ideas and concepts linked to a current area of study and, where possible, are financed with the standard School fees. Notice is given if this is not the case. All children are encouraged to participate in the valuable learning that occurs during these visits.
The Class Teacher and an assistant will accompany any offsite visit, and parent helpers may be asked to assist.
TRIPS
We run many local curriculum-related day trips throughout the year. There is no additional cost for these, and permission is granted within the Registration File, though parents are notified of each upcoming trip. Details will be provided to parents regarding other trips, which may include activities or foreign trips and which will be charged.
TRIPS – PRIMARY
Trips involving an overnight stay or longer may be arranged during the year for the KS2 children. The cost of these trips is not included in the fees. Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 children can partake in local trips in Romania. Year 6 children have the opportunity to go on an overseas trip.
TRIPS – SECONDARY
Trips involving an overnight stay or longer will be arranged during the year for the Secondary students. The cost of these trips is not included in the fees. Students have the opportunity to partake both in local trips in Romania and overseas. The School often runs a number of trips relating to subjects taught, such as Geography, Business Studies and Drama trips to various locations and international festivals.
All Secondary students are expected to participate in their year group expedition and any trips specifically related to an examination syllabus, such as the Geography or Science field trip. Expeditions Week is in June, involving Years 7, 8, 9 and 10.
WORK EXPERIENCE AND CAREERS
In addition to the educational trips, Secondary students take responsibility for their own learning when they participate in out-of-class activities and events that enrich the educational experience.
Secondary students are offered work experience in Year 11 and an internship programme, if desired, for students in Year 12 after external examinations have been completed. Careers education is offered to all Secondary students, with a particular focus on students in Year 9 and above. This can take the form of information sessions, mock interviews and careers guidance.
SCHOOL LIBRARIES
The library helps children develop reading skills for pleasure and information. The School provides well-organised libraries with a range of reading materials, fiction and non-fiction books, texts in foreign languages, as well as magazines and journals.
Every EYFS and Primary class visits the library each week. The School expects the children to respect the books and resources in the library and treat them with care. In the unfortunate event that a book has been damaged or misplaced, parents will receive an invoice for the cost of replacing the book. Once the account has been settled, children can begin borrowing books from the library again.
Secondary students may borrow two books for periods of up to a fortnight. Should books be returned damaged or are lost, the School will charge for a replacement.
INNOVATION HUB
The Innovation Hub is a place where we go beyond the usual limits of practical and theoretical STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) education. Throughout the academic year, students learn a variety of topics in their curricular classes and, through the Innovation Hub, we provide the opportunity for students to go further and develop these topics and learnings at university level.
If, for example, a student has a project in Design Technology and wishes to make something that either isn’t currently possible in school or is not practical given current methods, we strive to find a way to achieve the student’s wishes while engaging them in any Research and Development (R&D) projects.
At the Innovation Hub, we:
• help students go further with their projects/studies by showing them high-level principles, techniques and theories.
• run Project Zephyr, a CCA that enables students to build a car from scratch.
• work to implement advanced technological processes into the school curriculum.
• help students find and develop their own way of applying ideas and conducting R&D themselves for their projects.
• You can enrol your children in many exciting CCAs through the Parents’ Portal.
OTHER GENERAL EDUCATION INFORMATION TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION
UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE COUNSELLOR
All students and their families can meet with our University Guidance Counsellor to discuss higher education routes and option choices. Assistance is given with all entry procedures. There are many opportunities for students in Year 11, 12 and 13 to plan and discuss possible courses throughout our pastoral programme with the Guidance Counsellor and many other experienced members of staff.
CAREER GUIDANCE
At the British School of Bucharest, students are prepared for the world outside of or within Romania and beyond their school education. Covering careers, enterprise and work experience, students receive the chance to develop employability skills that sets them up for the world of work and a strong knowledge of options available to them post education. We do this via a variety of schemes throughout the different Key Stages.
TUTORING
Parents should not directly approach BSB staff to tutor their child, as this would breach their contract. If you feel
your child would benefit from tutoring, we encourage you to discuss this with the Head of School, who can assist and advise. Opportunities exist within our after-school provision.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
Students will be assessed in English at the beginning of the academic year or upon entry. Where students have English as their second language and have been assessed as needing extra support, they will receive small group tuition from a member of staff in the EAL department. The number of sessions needed by each student will be at the discretion of the teachers involved or the Head of School, and you will be sent a letter informing you of what is being offered. Wherever possible, these sessions will be timetabled so that they disrupt the curriculum as little as possible. There will be an additional charge for extra lessons required or EAL support when a student has been at the School for over a year or a charge may be applied in the event that significant EAL is required. This level of support and subsequent charging may be at the discretion of the Head of School.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN)
Should your child’s teacher feel that your child is having difficulty accessing the curriculum you will be asked to attend a meeting with the teacher and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). You will be fully informed of the School’s SEN policy and procedures. This may include a recommendation for an assessment with BSB’s qualified and experienced SEN Assessor or, in Secondary, for withdrawn 1:1 learning support sessions with one of the qualified and experienced learning support team. These sessions are charged at an additional rate. Further details can be found in the Registration File.
A TYPICAL DAY AT THE BRITISH SCHOOL OF BUCHAREST
GENERAL INFORMATION
School Hours: Lessons begin formally at 8:30 and finish at 15:00. After School activities generally finish at 16:00 or 17:00.
Drop off: 07:30–08:30 (please see all the details below)
Morning registration: Open until 08:30
Being late: Students are registered as late at the student reception by the gate if they arrive in class after registration. Tardiness should be avoided at all times. All Primary pupils arriving after 08:30 must wait at the student reception to be accompanied to class by a member of staff.
School Lesson hours: 08:30–15:00 (except Pre-Nursery who have opted for a half day: 08:30–12:30)
CCAs: 15:00–16:00/17:00
Morning school snack: 10:30–10:50
Lunch break:
Primary: 11:55–12:55
Secondary: 12:55–13:55
Pick up: 15:00, 16:00 or 17:00 (if taking part in CCAs)
DROP OFF
DROP OFF – EYFS, PRIMARY (Year 1 & Year 2)
EYFS, Year 1 & Year 2 children may be dropped off from 7:30 onwards and wait in the gate area until they are collected by their class teacher at 8:00. Children are expected to be in class at 8:15. Lateness should always be avoided. Children are registered as late if they arrive at class after registration. Parents must wait with late children until a member of staff becomes available to collect them from the gate, as all teaching staff will be engaging in learning after that time.
EYFS and Key Stage 1 children (Year 1 & Year 1) must be accompanied when entering school. For this reason, you are responsible for handing over your children of this age to the designated School representative and not leaving your children unattended in front of the BSB. Children who travel to School by bus will be dropped off inside the campus. The bus assistant will take the children to Ringwood.
DROP OFF – PRIMARY (Y3 - Y6)
Year 3 - Year 6 children may be dropped off from 7:30 onwards and should wait in the gate area. Children are expected to be in class at 8:15. Lateness should always be avoided. At 8:00, the gate will be opened, and children may walk to their class. There will be supervision in the cloakroom and the classroom. Children are registered as late if they arrive in class after registration. Parents are kindly asked to remain in the gate area as their children make their way to class.
All students will access the BSB campus via the turnstiles at the gate using the access card issued at the start of the academic year. If lost, this card must be replaced at the student’s expense.
DROP OFF – SECONDARY
Secondary students are permitted to enter the School at 8:00, and the morning registration session takes place at the start of period 1 at 8:30. Children are expected to be in class between 8:15 and 8:30. All pupils arriving after 8:30 should register at
reception, after which they should go straight to lessons. Lateness should always be avoided. Students are registered as late if they arrive at School after registration. A student is late after 8:30. All students will access the BSB campus via the turnstiles at the gate using a mobile app or the access card issued at the start of the academic year. If lost, this card must be replaced.
PICK UP
Primary children will be brought back to the parents’ area by their Class Teacher or their CCA teacher at the end of the school day, at 15:00 or 16:00, respectively. Parents/guardians/ drivers will wait for their children in the Parents’ area and be prompt when collecting children after school or after extra-curricular activities. If there is a problem affecting pick-up, please contact the School Office immediately.
It is important that you introduce yourself or other adults who may pick up your child/ren to the teacher and provide names and identification details to the School Office. In all cases, the person collecting your child from school must come onto the school grounds. Children will be released into the direct custody of a known adult. If your child is going home with someone else, or there is a change in routine in any way, please inform the Class Teacher via class Dojo or by email to the office: office@ britishschool.ro before 12:00. Students are not allowed to leave with someone else without prior notice being given in writing. In case of an emergency, please telephone the School and inform us who will pick up your child. In all cases where the person who picks up the child/ren is not the person who was nominated by the parents to the School, this new person who picks up the child/ren will have to present a valid photo ID in order for the School to hand over the child/ren. In certain cases, where a Primary child lives within walking distance, they may walk home together with their older
siblings (if the siblings are attending Secondary School) provided written permission from the parents is given. Secondary students leave the School site independently upon exiting the School after lessons or CCAs. There is supervision available for Primary students being picked up at 15:00 or 16:00. Should you wish your Secondary child to be monitored in this manner, please contact the Head of Secondary.
All staff have instructions not to release a child into the custody of a person unknown to them. That person must have been introduced to the staff by a parent; otherwise your child will not be released into the custody of that adult.
LEAVING EARLY
Under certain circumstances, children may be taken out of class early, e.g. an urgent hospital/dental appointment. Advance warning of this should be communicated to the School Office: office@britishschool.ro. Primary parents may choose to also send a message via Class Dojo; however, this is a courtesy rather than protocol. Please note that early departures from school are also subject to approval and may be designated authorised, or unauthorised.
ABSENCES
Attendance at School is extremely important. Absences must be kept to an absolute minimum to ensure success at School. You are requested to complete an ‘Absence Form’ on the Parents’ Portal or call the School office before 8:30 if your child is going to be absent on that day, and a reason for the absence should be provided. Please note that if your child is absent due to illness for three or more days, the School will require a confirmation note from the child’s doctor stating the illness and that the child is healthy and fit to enter the School’s community. All other absences will
be subject to approval and deemed either authorised, or unauthorised. If you wish your child to be excused from any activities in School due to ill health, please inform the School in writing, attaching medical certificates where necessary.
Where parents and their children fail or refuse to engage with the support offered to improve attendance, and unauthorised absence rates remain high, BSB reserves the right to use sanctions, including:
• A report card may not be issued for those with attendance below 80%.
• Attendance to events intended as rewards or for completing an educational milestone may be denied, e.g. end of year Prom; graduation ceremony, participation in a reward trip, etc.
Poor attendance may also be a factor, among others, in assessing a student’s suitability to progress to the next year group or Key Stage.
Please note that the official external exam timetable (IGCSE/GCSE/ AS/A2 Level) cannot be altered to accommodate absences.
ABSENCES DUE TO FAMILY HOLIDAYS
It is important that when you plan a holiday, you make every effort to arrange it to coincide with school holidays. Teachers are not obliged to provide work for children absent from school due to family holidays during term time.
Returning to school after an extended absence can be difficult for children and puts them at a disadvantage in relation to peers who attend regularly. If you intend to take your child out of school during term time, you are requested to complete a ‘Leave Request’ form on the Parents’ Portal.
Family holidays may only be granted as authorised absence upon approval of one of the Heads of School.
PARENTS-SCHOOL COMMUNICATION
Many departments support the activities of BSB and help you, our parents, to have a great experience with the School’s staff and teachers.
You will mostly interact with:
ADMISSIONS DEPARTMENT
Email: admissions@britishschool.ro
You will interact with the Admissions Team during the registration and the re-registration process. Once the child is enrolled and has started school with us, you will interact with the Office Department.
OFFICE DEPARTMENT
The School’s Office Department represents the intersection of communication and community. Our school office works as a service centre and communication link between school, students, parents, associates and the public.
Our School Office Staff
• greet you at reception and make sure you feel welcomed from the moment you enter the school
• distribute information and ensure that communication between teachers and parents runs smoothly
You can contact the School office for:
• questions regarding invoices
• transportation
• school lunch
• payment issues
• notification of absence, late arrival and illness
• notification of early pick up
• IT support
• assistance with documents for the new school
• assistance with documents for a visa
• assistance with necessary documents for school trips (abroad and within Romania)
• reports and certificates
For all matters that you need assistance with, please contact our School Office:
office@britishschool.ro
(+40) (0)21 267 8919
(+40) (0)31 005 0908
(+40) (0) 728 133 433
(+40) (0) 728 133 432
CORRESPONDENCE
School correspondence is sent to you via your children’s Class Dojo account (Primary) and email. General letters are sent to you by email. Parents also need to regularly check the email address provided to School to use for correspondence. Emails which require parents’ response or consent usually require parents to take action via the Parents’ Portal. Email correspondence can also be tracked in the Parents’ Portal. Teachers in Primary may write messages or leave notes in the Class Dojo, whilst SMS messages may also be sent concerning homework issues in Secondary. We ask that you check your email and any notes regularly and give any necessary consent as promptly as possible.
PARENTS’ PORTAL
https://portal.britishschool.ro/login
The Parents’ Portal allows you to stay informed and engaged in your child’s education. The Parents’ Portal gives parents access to information concerning their children, including attendance data, timetables, and reports, as well as the possibility to pay the School fees, book Parent Consultation Weeks, purchase photographs, etc. Please note that access to the Parents’ Portal is granted following the completion and approval of the Registration File.
MEETINGS
SCHOOL APPOINTMENT
The School has an open-door policy, and while we provide formal times to meet with you, we also encourage you to speak on a more informal basis with teachers if the need arises. From time to time, you may have concerns about your child’s experiences at school, whether these concerns are of an academic, social or emotional nature. If you require further assistance with a query after talking to their Class
Teacher or Key Stage Coordinator, we ask that you make an appointment with Heads of School through Office Departament.
‘MEET THE TEACHER’ MEETING
An informal Meet the Teacher meeting is held within the first few weeks of the new school year. You will be informed by letter of this date. This is an opportunity for you to meet the staff and learn more about the coming year.
PARENT CONSULTATION WEEKS –PRIMARY
Parent Consultation Weeks are held twice a year, mid-way through the Autumn term and then again towards the end of the Spring Term. This is an opportunity to look at your child’s work and discuss your child’s progress
with the class/specialist teacher. Should you wish to have a parent/teacher conference outside these times, please write a note in the Home School Communication book or contact the Office.
PARENT CONSULTATION WEEKS –SECONDARY
Parent Consultation Weeks are held at regular intervals across the school year. Parents of students in Years 7-13 are invited twice a year. Parent Consultation Weeks offer an opportunity to discuss progress, achievements, targets and possible areas of concern. Parents of students in Years 9 and 11 will also be invited to discuss Key Stage 4 and 5 subject choice options, which will precede scheduled Parent Consultation Weeks. Parent Consultation Evenings may be held face-to-face in campus or online.
FIND MORE ABOUT THE BSB ACTIVITIES ON:
SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.britishschool.ro
On the British School of Bucharest’s website , you can find lots of information regarding the school’s curriculum, our pupils’ academic achievements, BSB teachers and staff, upcoming events, our BSB Community and other BSB Services.
PARENTS’ NEWSLETTER
On a regular basis, you will receive information from our School through our online newsletter. In this newsletter, you will find information about all events and activities that have taken place in school during the last month, along with details of events and activities for the month ahead. We hope you will give consent to receive marketing information from
us and that you will enjoy reading our newsletter.
BSB SOCIAL MEDIA ACCOUNTS
You can see photos and videos of our students performing at competitions, events and other indoor or outdoor activities on the British School of Bucharest official social media accounts:
facebook.com/ BritishSchoolBucharest
twitter.com/ britishschoolro
instagram.com/british. school.bucharest
youtube.com/channel/ BritishSchoolofBucharest
linkedin.com/company/ british-school-of-bucharest
Be part of our online community and ‘like’ our activities!
OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE ACTIONS TO BE AWARE OF:
REPORTS AND REVIEWS
Each Primary child will be given a full written report at the end of the Summer Term. The report is prepared by both Class and Specialist Teachers and details each child’s work and achievement in all areas of the curriculum.
A review of your child’s progress will also be sent home after the first term in Primary School. This is an overview of your child’s progress in the first term and will reflect the discussions held with the Class Teacher at the first Parent Consultation.
A review of progress will be sent home several times a year, in the first instance at the end of the first half term in Secondary School. This
consists of two written reports per year and a regular grade card, showing attainment and effort. The reports are prepared by both Specialist Teachers and the Form Tutor. They detail achievement and key areas for improvement.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
You need to provide the School with your contact numbers, emergency contacts, home address, and correspondence email address before your children start school. The School needs to be informed of any change of postal or email address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts.
TRANSFERRING SCHOOL
We are happy to assist your family in transferring to a new school
by supplying reports or academic transcripts, writing references, administering entrance exams or dispatching papers to a prospective school. Please note any related administrative and courier costs will be invoiced for and met by the parents.
DATA PROTECTION
BSB will only use your personal information to respond to your queries and send future correspondence. Your personal information will not be shared with any third parties unconnected with BSB.
PHOTOGRAPHS
Occasionally, photographs of the students are used on the website or in BSB publication materials. To protect our students, we do not publish
their full names and photographs together. We ensure children are appropriately clothed for photographs and do not allow commercial or media photographers unsupervised access to pupils.
In the Registration File, parents/ guardians give consent for the School or someone commissioned by the School to take and use photographs and video recordings for educational purposes, to record events and to publicise the work of the School on our website, social media channels, in the School or through a prospectus, or local, national or international media. If you do not wish your child’s photographs to be used for such purposes, you must indicate this in the registration documents.
LIAISING WITH OTHER PARENTS
(PARENTS – PARENTS COMMUNICATION)
The School encourages parental involvement, which helps develop an understanding between parents and teachers for parents to have a greater awareness of the School’s educational objectives and the educational system. You are welcome to volunteer to help in the School.
This could be assisting with supervision during the School’s educational visits, helping in class during an art lesson or hearing the children read, for example, or coming to talk to children about a particular topic. We do not allow parents to help on a volunteer basis in their own child’s class.
Many parents help with class activities, organising different School events such as the Christmas Fair, Cafe of Cultures, Halloween events and Summer Fair as part of our active parent organisationthe Friends of BSB (FBSB). FBSB, which
includes our class partners, organise regular coffee mornings and helps coordinate a variety of community and school events in conjunction with the School. Please contact the School’s Office.
FRIENDS OF BSB (FBSB)
Friends of BSB (FBSB) was formed to ensure that parents at BSB can be actively involved in the School community life. It brings parents together through regular meetings, activities and workshops targeting the interests and needs of parents at an international school.
To support and develop FBSB, you can contact at the following address: FBSB@britishschool.ro.
FBSB COMMUNICATION
To communicate with parents whilst complying with GDPR to safeguard your personal data, the British School of Bucharest uses a web-based platform called Classlist that can also
be accessed via an app on your mobile phone.
We use Classlist to give parents an easy tool to contact each other and communicate in one place.
Classlist allows you to input your data and share as much or as little of that information as you wish with other parents in a secure way. You can read about the security behind the platform here.
All parents are invited to log in to the Parents’ Portal and read the ‘Classlist Fair Processing Notice’ and ‘Guidelines on BSB Policies’.
After agreeing to these, they will receive an email invitation to join Classlist from the Friends of BSB Classlist moderator.
To learn more or for support, contact us at bsbclasslistmoderator@ britishschool.ro. Please contact the School’s Office.
FBSB ENHANCE THE COMMUNITY
FBSB organises many enriching experiences and events for the BSB community.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
THE UNIFORM, BOOK AND GIFT SHOP
The School uniform, bearing the School logo, is mandatory from Nursery and must be worn daily, except for non-uniform days. Students at The British School of Bucharest wear a comfortable uniform that is adapted to the changing seasons in Romania. The change to winter uniform is on the first Monday after the October half-term break. The switch to summer uniform is generally on the first Monday in April.
UNIFORM GUIDE
Our School values the principle of students respecting themselves and presenting themselves in a professional manner. To this end, we uphold the uniform requirements at all times. Students are regularly rewarded for the neat and tidy manner in which they represent their School.
We also have a Non-Uniform dress code and detailed guidelines for our Year 12 and 13 students who, instead of uniform, are required to wear business attire.
All students are expected to wear a Sports uniform during Physical Education lessons, the details of which are highlighted in the Primary and Secondary Uniform Policies (links below). Secondary, EYFS and KS1 children can wear PE uniforms to School on PE days.
Primary children should keep their outdoor shoes in the cloakrooms and
the outdoor coats on pegs provided in the cloakroom area. Primary children have regular opportunities for outdoor learning throughout the whole academic year. Children should bring weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof trousers, rain boots and coats, gloves and hats as appropriate for the season.
All Secondary students will be issued with lockers. During the winter season, outdoor shoes and boots should be kept in the lockers and outdoor coats on pegs provided in the locker area. Any student not complying with the uniform regulations will be dealt with in accordance with the Behaviour Policy and may be asked to return home to change.
Please see the BSB uniform policies via the BSB website:
• BSB Year 7 - 11 Uniform Policy and Year 12 - 13 Dress code: https://britishschool.ro/about-us/ policies/
PURCHASING THE SCHOOL UNIFORM
THE UNIFORM, BOOK AND GIFT SHOP
We have a Uniform Shop located next to the bistro at the front of the School. Our staff will assist in choosing the right size for your child and ensure they have the essentials.
For safety reasons, the School Shop accepts payments by credit card only. Please note that all payments must be made in RON.
Opening Hours during School Days
The regular opening hours for the
Uniform, Books and Gift Shop are: Monday to Friday: 8:30 to 10:00 and 14:30 to 16:30.
The shop can be accessed by appointment only: https:/ shop.britishSchool. ro/booking/.
Our BSB School Shop provides parents and students with a ‘one-stop-shop’ experience. Besides the uniform items, PE kits or branded items for the four Houses, parents and students can purchase special BSB-branded items, including water bottles, souvenir gifts, school bags, stationery, books and accessories.
RETURNING PURCHASED UNIFORM ITEMS
If you need to return some uniform items, please read the policies and download the relevant form on the Parents’ Portal. This is very important because items can only be taken back
if they have not beenworn/used/ damaged and within the 30-calendar day limit for returns.
You can leave the items at the reception desk with the Return Form for Uniforms completed and signed. This form can be downloaded from the Parents’ Portal.
LOST PROPERTY
All clothes and possessions must be clearly labelled with your child’s name. Please check the labels regularly, as the writing often fades when washed. Lost property boxes are in Ringwood (in the entrance hallway), Newlands (located near Nupeh), Crawford (in the Drama hallway), and Attendance Office (at the front gate). The School cannot take responsibility for lost items, particularly those which have not been appropriately labelled.
TRANSPORTATION
BUS TRANSPORTATION
The School bus service is a doorto-door service where possible, and it is offered on request through an external bus company for children aged from 24 months.
To register for the bus service, please go to the Parents’ Portal. Your request will be processed, and a member of the office staff will contact you to confirm the availability of a place on the bus and inform you about pick-up times in the morning and afternoon drop-off. Payment should be made only after a place has been confirmed upon receipt of the invoice. Further details on terms and conditions are in the Registration File.
PARKING
The School offers parking approximately 500m from the campus, and we encourage all our families to use this. There is an early drop-off service at the front of the School, which is free from 7:30, and our TAs will supervise students before the school day to enable families to stagger timings for drop-off. Children in Year 2 and under must be escorted into the gate area by an adult and passed on to a member of staff. We actively discourage families from parking on the road and restricting clear views of the road for the use of the pedestrian crossings. Please refrain from making U-turns in the traffic outside of School. If you employ a driver, please explicitly explain these expectations to them for the safety of all our children.
Parents and drivers that park in a way that jeopardises the safety of our students will be contacted by the school.
HEALTHY FOOD
SCHOOL LUNCH
A nutritionally balanced School lunch, cooked on-site, can be provided. You must register via the Parents’ Portal to receive this service. The menu is also available to view on the School website. You will be invoiced for the lunch service for one year in advance. The lunch service can be cancelled with 30 working days’ online notice. If proper notice is given, all the amounts paid in advance will be refunded. Should your child not require a school lunch, please send your child to School with a nutritious packed lunch (including any cutlery that is necessary). Please be advised that we are a nut-free school and that no items containing nuts or other products specifically mentioned in this document can be included in packed lunches.
Children are not allowed to share snacks for medical reasons; this is very important as some children may have serious food allergies, the most common being fish, eggs, wheat and peanuts.
Any drinks should be brought in an unbreakable container. No fizzy drinks, sweets, nuts or chocolates are permitted; fruit juices, squash or water only. Filtered drinking water is provided at School. Parents are asked not to deliver or have delivered food to students during the school day. It is not possible to drop off food during the school day, including takeaway meals or similar items, nor can gate staff receive deliveries from meal couriers.
FOOD FROM HOME
The School must be in compliance with the legal requirements and
dietary standards on foods sold, served, and shared for free in every way during the school day. This includes birthday cakes or similar items alongside any event hosted by the School, happening inside the campus or only part of it, such as the Summer Fair, Café of Cultures, etc. Any food brought by the parents or any other persons to be shared with other students must be purchased from our bistro only. Takanaka can take birthday cake orders with 24h notice and deliver them to your child’s classroom ready for consumption at break time.
No homemade food is permitted inside the School’s premises unless
it is for the student’s personal consumption and should not be shared with other students (such as for a packed lunch). According to articles 1 and 2 of the Emergency Ordinance no. 97/2001 on the production, movement and marketing of food, only food produced in individual households for personal consumption is exempt from the EO’s provisions – for any other purpose (including those mentioned above) they will fall under the legal regulations on the production, packaging, storage, transport and marketing of food, even if the food is not sold or marketed.
It is also important to note that we
are a ‘nut-free’ school as several students and staff have severe nut allergies, so we would ask that all food brought from home does not contain any type of nut.
Please note that fizzy drinks and chewing/bubble gum are not allowed in School. Packed lunches should also avoid unhealthy snacks such as crisps, cakes or sweets.
Please send any food from home in the morning with your child; it is not possible to drop off food during the school day for your child to collect, including takeaway meals or similar.
SAFE AND CARING ENVIRONMENT
Our campus is a very safe and secure environment. Access into the School campus is only permitted for students and staff with their swipe card. All parents and visitors are registered at the Reception, and access is permitted based on a colour-coded lanyard which has a specific colour for each access category: prospective parents or contractors, current parents or former students, volunteer parents or visiting specialists.
CHILD PROTECTION
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all students. We endeavour to provide a safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued. We are alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follow our procedures to ensure that children receive effective support, protection and justice. The School has a designated team of senior staff who oversee child protection and safeguarding, and the School’s safeguarding and child protection policy is published on the School’s website.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
BSB is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. BSB Students are expected to display good behaviour at all times, including in public, outside the School and at all times whilst in School uniform.
The happy and caring ethos experienced on campus is nurtured and promoted through positive behaviour management. The staff have high expectations for students and their conduct around School, which are outlined clearly in the School’s Behaviour Policy. The staff’s own Code of Ethical Conduct sets the example and models expectations. Positive behaviour is encouraged through praise and rewards, and when mistakes are made, staff support students by talking with them
and guiding them in making better decisions.
Although good behaviour is an expectation, students are frequently rewarded for their positive conduct and attitudes demonstrated within School.
Our School Values are frequently the focus of assemblies and PSHE lessons, as well as incorporated into the school curriculum and policies. These values include: self-control, honesty, respect, equality, and concern for others
DISCIPLINE AND SANCTIONS
Behaviour incidents are recorded and monitored electronically by all teaching staff in School.
Where a concern arises, parents will be contacted by the member of staff managing the issue. In the first instance, this is usually the teacher or tutor directly involved but could be a member of the leadership team if more appropriate. In the event of persistent, unacceptable behaviour, incidents will be dealt with in accordance with our Behaviour Policy, which is available to view via the BSB website.
The Secondary School operates an after-school detention for more persistent or serious behavioural incidents, which runs from 16:00 to 17:00. In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary to temporarily exclude a student from lessons (internally or externally), during which work will be provided. In both these cases, discussions with parents will always take place first.
At the discretion of the Head of School, a child can be asked to leave BSB. A written notice will be issued in this instance and the procedures set out in relevant policies and handbooks, such as the Registration File and the Behaviour Policy will be followed.
BULLYING
Bullying of any kind is unacceptable in our School. We believe that all of our students should feel that they belong to our community, which cares for them and treats them equally, regardless of age, gender, ability, race and religious beliefs.
We believe that bullying occurs when a person’s repeated and targeted behaviour intentionally or thoughtlessly causes distress to another. This can be physical, verbal or emotional, direct or indirect, in person or online. Our Anti-Bullying policy and our Equality & Diversity Policy can be found on the School website and provides further information regarding how any bullying incidents will be managed.
Our Health and Safety Policy and Complaints Policy can also be found there.
E-SAFETY
When used appropriately and safely, technology is a source of fun, entertainment, communication and education. However, we know that it can be abused, and in some cases, harm children.
At BSB we have a comprehensive e-safety curriculum, which begins with
our youngest learners in EYFS and continues throughout the School. This curriculum covers eight overarching aspects of life online and include:
1. Self-image and Identity
2. Online relationships
3. Online reputation
4. Online bullying
5. Managing online information
6. Health, well-being and lifestyle
7. Privacy and security
8. Copyright and ownership
All staff and children at BSB must agree to an age-appropriate Acceptable Use Policy at the beginning of each year.
Furthermore, Secondary students are also expected to comply with the Secondary Student 1:1 Device Agreement or Secondary Student BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Agreement, depending upon which technology option they have chosen.
MOBILE PHONES AND LAPTOPS
Primary children are not permitted to bring and use mobile phones and personal laptops into School. Secondary students should keep their phones and turn them silent when entering the School. Students in Years 12 and 13 may bring their own
device to School for study purposes after parental consent is given for the relevant policy.
Appropriate and approved devices may only be brought into the School by students in Years 12 and 13 as part of the BYOD scheme or with specific permission from a member of staff. Students are not generally allowed to use their phones in public, text or use the camera facility unless advised by a member of staff for learning purposes.
Teachers may ask the students to put their phones away or place them on the table in view. If the expectations are not met by students, the behaviour policy will be followed.
EVACUATION OF THE SCHOOL
Arrangements are in place for a speedy and safe evacuation in case of a fire, earthquake or other emergency and firefighting equipment is readily available and regularly maintained.
All teaching and administration staff carry a whistle and torch, and the vast majority are trained in CPR as firstaiders and hold a valid and statutory first aid certificate.
Fire, earthquake and lockdown drills are conducted regularly, and all our staff and students are aware of the emergency exits and muster points. Emergency exit routes are displayed in each room.
In case of a full evacuation of the School, all students, staff and visitors will gather in the area between the dome and the swimming pool, which is the School’s muster point.
PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT
An integral part of BSB’s success, as one of the top educational institutions in the country and the oldest British School in Romania, has been the quality of its parent community. At BSB, we take our role in developing the exceptional behaviour of our students very seriously. Still, we also consider that our parents’ incredible behaviour coincides with our aims for excellence.
For this reason, the following code of conduct is an absolute requirement for all BSB parents:
• Parents must respect and model the ethos and values of our
School, whether on the School premises or when communicating directly with the School.
• Parents must treat all members of the School Community with acceptance and respect, thereby setting a good example by how they speak, conduct themselves and their behaviour.
In case of an issue, the parents must seek to clarify a child’s version of events with the School’s view to bring about a peaceful solution to any problem.
• Parents are expected to correct their child’s behaviour, especially in public, where it could otherwise lead to conflict, aggression or unsafe behaviour.
• Parents are expected to work with our staff and support their efforts to benefit our children.
• Any issues or concerns must be communicated through the appropriate communication path established by our Communication Policy.
To support a peaceful and safe school environment parents, carers and visitors must:
• Strictly follow School security procedures, including receiving the appropriate permissions whenever entering the school grounds and accessing the campus by access card.
• Never exhibit any disruptive behaviour which might interfere or threaten to interfere with the operation of a classroom, office area or any other area of the School grounds.
• Never use loud or offensive language or display signs of temper
• Always communicate in a polite tone with any members of the School staff through any channel (emails or text/voicemail/phone messages or other written communication). Using abusive, persistent or threatening tones during interactions is unacceptable and will have severe consequences.
• Never disturb the School staff while they are supervising children.
Any threat to do actual bodily harm or real physical aggression towards a member of the School staff, fellow parent/carer or pupil constitutes a criminal offence and will be immediately addressed through the appropriate authorities. This includes physical punishment against your own child on the School premises.
• Never approach someone else’s child to chastise them for any reason. (Such an approach towards a child is considered an assault on that child and will result in legal action).
• Never cause any damage to School property.
• Never communicate any defamatory, offensive or derogatory comments regarding the School or any of the pupils/ parents/staff, at the School, on Facebook or other social sites
(see additional advice regarding social media).
Always follow the communication path and social media use policy strictly.
COMMUNICATION PATH
Any concerns about the School must be made through the path defined by the communication policy. This ensures that issues can be dealt with fairly, appropriately and effectively.
SOCIAL MEDIA USE POLICY
Use of Social Media - General Consideration
Social media websites are increasingly being used to fuel campaigns and complaints against schools or to share inappropriate information (e.g. naming children involved in incidents, sharing confidential information regarding an aspect of school life, making allegations or accusations or sharing false news).
BSB considers the use of social media websites or apps in this way as unacceptable and not in the best interests of the children or the entire School Community. Any concerns or grievances you may have must be made through the appropriate channels as defined by the Communication & Complaint Policy. If you are unsure who to speak to regarding a comment, query or concern, please call the office. If any student or parent/carer of a child being educated at BSB is found to be posting libelous or defamatory comments on Facebook or other social network sites or apps, they will be reported to the appropriate ‘report abuse’ section of the network site. All social network sites have clear rules about the content which can be posted on the site, and they provide robust mechanisms to report contact or activity which breaches these rules. The School will also expect that any parent/carer or student will remove such comments immediately.
In severe cases, the School will also consider its legal options to deal with
any such misuse of social networking and other sites. Additionally, and perhaps, more importantly, is the issue of cyberbullying and the use by one child or a parent to publicly humiliate another by inappropriate social network entry. We will take and deal with this as a severe incident of school bullying. Thankfully such events are infrequent.
BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
By strictly enforcing the above code of conduct, the School aims to maintain a harmonious environment for our children to develop and thrive.
In cases where the parent code of conduct is breached, the School holds the right to respond with the following actions:
• All School staff members have the right to decline to continue interacting with a parent exhibiting rude or inappropriate behaviour. This includes office calls and emails. The staff are instructed to record and report any such incidents and can immediately request security support if they feel it is necessary.
• Ban a parent from entry to the School grounds or attending School-related co-curricular activities or other events.
• Direct that a parent may only communicate with members of staff through a nominated School representative.
• In cases of extreme or prolonged breach of this Parent Code of Conduct by a parent, the School will terminate the enrolment of the children of that parent.
• The School, where appropriate, will involve the police or other relevant authorities.
• The School will take such other steps as it deems appropriate according to the nature of the breach.
HEALTHCARE
At BSB, we aim to provide a safe and healthy environment for children, teaching and non-teaching staff and all other people who come onto our School premises.
We ensure that all members of the School Community understand their responsibilities in maintaining a healthy and safe environment. Potential hazards are identified, lessons and spaces are reviewed for health and safety concerns, and risk assessments are carried out for all School trips.
Regular safety inspections ensure that a safe and healthy environment is maintained. A system exists to report, record and investigate accidents rigorously. All staff are aware of procedures for a medical emergency, and instructions posters are displayed in key areas around the site, as well as first aid kits.
MEDICAL DETAILS
Every family is required to complete a medical form and attach a copy of their children’s vaccination record when they register their children in the School. Please inform the School about any allergies the children may have or other illnesses they have suffered in the past.
By signing the medical form, you also give the School permission to seek/ administer medical assistance in an emergency. The School does not administer any vaccines. The School’s medical form contains the list of vaccinations recommended by the Romanian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation. Please inform the School of any changes in your child’s health record.
Students’ participation in Physical Education and sports activities is conditional upon the presentation of a ‘fit for physical exercise’ or ‘clinically healthy’ medical certificate. However, please note that it is the expectation that all children will participate in all required areas of the Physical Education curriculum in order to be able to attain maximum marks available or the maximum attainment grade available for the subject or the unit.
We require that parents present the medical certificate specifying that their child is ‘fit for physical exercise in the school year ...’ to the School at the beginning of each school year. This certificate may be issued by the family doctor, the district doctor, or a healthcare facility and must bear the doctor’s signature and seal and the stamp of the medical facility or cabinet.
MEDICAL CHECKS AND THE SCHOOL NURSE
The School performs a general health check of children at the beginning of each half term in addition to regular checks throughout the year.
You will be asked to complete and sign a permission form if you would like the nurse to give out any medicines to your child while in school.
If you wish your child to be excused from any activities in school due to ill health, please inform the School in writing, attaching medical certificates where necessary. Please make sure that you send this note to our School Office.
ILLNESS
Please consider the well-being of other students and staff in your child’s class; if your child is sick, please do not send them to School. If your child is absent from School for more than three consecutive days, you need to present a note from the doctor to say they are fit to re-enter the School’s community. (See ‘Absences’ above.) Children are excused from School if they are suffering from any infectious disease.
You must inform the School immediately and send the confirmation of diagnosis from the doctor by email or by fax to enable the other children to be monitored. If your child becomes ill during the school day, we will inform you of the situation and suggest a course of action.
We will ask that students stay home where we see circumstances requiring it. Also, when the law requires or allows it, in order to establish that a student has to stay at home and not physically participate at BSB campus, we reserve the right to make all necessary checks to ensure that the student does not show specific symptoms of COVID-19, or that the student is not infected with SARS-CoV-2 without showing symptoms, by testing or requesting any official documents, such PCR test or documents stating the student or members of their family or living in the same household travelled in countries declared by authorities with a high epidemiological risk, the reasons for exempting of the quarantining measures, as the case may be, etc. The parents/guardians/students are expected to avoid travel in countries declared by authorities with a high epidemiological risk, even if they are not required to isolate upon their return to Romania. Please be advised that BSB may decide the students to stay at home even if they legally don’t have an obligation to isolate or if they, for any reason, including medical reasons, can’t comply with BSB’s safety rules, which are available
on our website, on the parents’ portal or may be communicated from time to time by email or any other means of communications. Moreover, online learning will not be available in such cases. All these measures are established for increased prevention and to ensure a safe environment in which the students participate in School classes. Should a potential infection or a risk be identified when the student is already on campus, BSB shall immediately isolate the student on campus and ask the parents or guardian to come and take them home. In the event that the rules in force require or allow it, the School will have the right to implement all the measures the School sees fit when positive cases of Sars-CoV-2 or other respiratory infections appear in the School.
It is the parents’ duty to regularly check and comply with the national and international legislation related to COVID-19 or any other infectious disease and to regularly check and comply with the BSB’s rules and policies made available on our website, on the Parents’ Portal or may be communicated from time to time by email or any other means of communications.
BSB’s decision is final in determining
how the student will participate in School classes, either with a physical presence on the School campus or through the online system.
Potential hazards are identified, lessons and spaces are reviewed for health and safety concerns, and risk assessments are carried out for all School trips. Regular safety inspections ensure a safe and healthy environment is maintained alongside a systematic disinfection regime. A system exists to report, record and investigate accidents rigorously. All staff are aware of procedures for a medical emergency, and instructions posters, as well as first aid kits, are displayed in key areas around the site.
ACCIDENTS
If your child receives any medical treatment for an accident that occurred in the School, you will be informed via home note or by the School Nurse directly. If it is a head injury, a record of such will be recorded in the School’s accident book. The School has a contract with a private ambulance, and for serious accidents, the School will call an ambulance and inform you.
The School occupies a mature and spacious campus, with separate Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary and Secondary centres, all in the one location. Ringwood, at the rear of the campus, is the Centre for EYFS and Years 1 and 2. Primary School students occupy the Newlands villa, and the Secondary School is in the Crawford villa. All buildings make interesting and stimulating environments for learners, with the range of classroom styles enabling an exciting variety of lesson styles.
BSB LOCATIONS MAP
This map allows you to identify the other locations of school interest, not only the school buildings.
BSB School Campus 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari
BSB Parking 65 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, Voluntari
The British School of Bucharest has been rated consistently as ‘excellent’ in all areas by the UK International Schools Inspectorate (ISI) in 2022. This is the highest possible rating that can be achieved after being inspected by ISI.
