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
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.
2025-2026 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 în care elevii nu sunt la școală (orice zi care este colorată sau umbrită)
Weekend & Public holidays during term time
Weekend & vacanțe publice în timpul trimestrului
Staff inset days
Zile în care doar personalul școlii este în școală
School holidays
Vacanțe școlare
On red days dismissal is at 12pm În zilele marcate cu roșu școala se închide la ora 12:00
NOTE: 1st - 6th June - external exams only for skeleton staff
Notă: 1-6 iunie - examene externe doar pentru personalul de bază
Autumn Term 2025
Trimestrul de Toamnă 2025
22nd – 26th August
22 - 26 august
27th August – 3rd September
27 august - 3 septembrie
4th September
4 septembrie
20 th – 27th October
20 - 27 octombrie
27th October
27 octombrie
1st December
1 decembrie
19 th December
19 decembrie
22nd December – 7th January 2026
22 decembrie - 7 ianuarie 2026
5th January 2026
5 ianuarie 2026
Induction for new staff
Training pentru personalul nou
Inservice days for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt în școală pentru training sau activități administrative - Școala este închisă
Start of School
Prima zi de școală
Half Term Holiday - School closed
Vacanță școlară - Școala este închisă
Inservice day for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt în școală pentru training sau activități administrative - Școala este închisă
National Holidays - School closed
Sărbătoare națională - Școala este închisă
Last Day of School Term
Ultima zi de școală
School Holiday - School closed
Vacanță școlară - Școala este închisă
Inservice day for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt în școală pentru training sau activități administrative - Școala este închisă
Spring Term 2026
Trimestrul de Primăvară 2026
8th January
8 ianuarie Start of School Prima zi de școală
24th January
24 ianuarie
16th – 23rd February
16 - 23 februarie
23rd February
23 februarie
1st – 15th April
1 - 15 aprilie
National Holiday - School closed Sărbătoare națională - Școala este închisă
Half Term Holiday - School closed
Vacanță școlară - Școala este închisă
Inservice days for staff - School closed
Profesorii sunt în școală pentru training sau activități administrative - Școala este închisă
School Holiday - School closed
Vacanță școlară - Școala este închisă
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
2nd January — New Year / Anul Nou
6th January — Boboteaza
Summer Term 2026
Trimestrul de Vara 2026
16th April
16 aprilie
1st May
1 mai
1st June
1 iunie
31st May – 1st June
31 mai - 1 iunie
26th June
26 iunie
Start of School
Prima zi de școală
National Holiday - School closed
Sărbătoare națională - Școala este închisă
National Holiday - School closed
Sărbătoare națională - Școala este închisă
National Holidays - School closed
Sărbători naționale - Școala este închisă
Last Day of School Term
Ultima zi de școală
7th January — Saint Ion / Sfântul Ion
24th January — Unification Day / Ziua Unirii Principatelor Române
3rd April — Good Friday (UK) / Vinerea Mare
5th April — Easter Catholic (UK)
10th - 13th April — Orthodox Easter / Paște Ortodox
1st May — Labour Day / Ziua Muncii
1st June — Children’s Day / Ziua Copilului
31st May - 1st 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. Access is granted once the Registration File is complete and approved and all fees have been received. If you do not have access or experience problems, please contact office@britishschool.ro.
• Provide the school with your contact numbers, emergency contacts, home address and correspondence email address before your child starts school. The school must be informed of any changes to these details.
• Purchase the uniform and the relevant House polo shirt from the BSB Shop online or from the Uniform, Book and Gift Shop on campus (appointments must be booked in advance via the Parents’ Portal). Each family receives one access card for campus entry and students in Years 5 to 13 are also issued their own cards. Lost cards must be replaced at the parent’s expense.
• Parents are asked to use the designated car park near the campus or the supervised early
drop-off service at the front of school.
• All Secondary students are issued with a locker and must bring their own lock. During winter, outdoor shoes should be kept in lockers and coats placed on the pegs provided. Food must not be stored overnight.
• Provide the completed Medical Form requested before joining the school.
• Carefully read the school policies, including Child Protection, Health and Safety and Complaints. Once read, please tick the ‘agree’ button in the Parents’ Portal. If you do not agree with a policy, please email office@britishschool.ro to explain your reasons.
• Read this guide. It contains essential information about the curriculum, enrichment, assessments, English as an Additional Language (EAL), Special Educational Needs (SEN),
tutoring, homework, reporting and trips.
• Register on the Parents’ Portal for transportation and lunch services. Invoices for these services are sent by the Office and payment can be made by bank transfer.
• If you are new to Bucharest, we encourage you to explore the city and discover more about Romania through our Welcome to Romania brochure: https://britishschool.ro/ bsb-community/discover-romania/
• Finally, make the most of your time at BSB. The year goes quickly and there are many opportunities to make friends from around the world, attend exciting events and get involved with FBSB, the Friends of BSB parents’ association.
This is a helpful list of important things to check in the first days of school.
• Submit the Chromebook request via the Parents’ Portal (Secondary students only) by ticking the box in Device Agreement.
• If you agree to your child bringing their own device to school (Years 12–13), please tick the box in the Acceptable Use Policy – Bring Your Own Device scheme.
• If you would like your child to receive an online ISIC card, please read and accept the ISIC cards Agreement 2025–2026 on the Parents’ Portal.
• Book your places for the Meet the Teacher events and any other school events communicated by email.
MORE DETAILS ABOUT…
CAMPUS ACCESS CARDS
The School provides one access card per family and all new students in Years 5 to 13 will receive their own access card on the first day of school from their form tutor. Replacement cards are available if needed, with the cost covered by parents.
CHROMEBOOKS AND SCHOOL DEVICES
Students in Years 7-11 will receive a Chromebook. Parents and students must acknowledge the Acceptable Use Policy agreement before such Chromebook, school device, and accessories can be issued.
The Chromebooks, school devices and accessories are school’s property. Students are responsible for the general care of these devices and accessories issued to them by the school and must return the same to the school at the end of each school year. Although there is insurance in place, in the event of damage to the Chromebook, school device or accessories, the student’s parents may be liable for the cost of repair or replacement, if the school finds that the damage could have been
prevented with greater care by the student. Further details can be found in the Registration File and the Acceptable Use Policy.
If a student fails to return the device and the accessories at the end of the school year, the student’s parents 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 easy access to both Chromebooks and other school devices (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 Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018, 2022 and 2025. 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
National Curriculum for England.
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 the Heads of School: Victoria Smith, Head of Primary School and Jason Porter, Head of Secondary School.
Rob Notley Director of Secondary Pastoral Care and Inclusion
Natalie Marnoch Director of Secondary Academic Studies
Paul Gildea Director of Professional Development and Learning
Eva Cliffe Director of Co-Curricular, Development and Community Outreach & DSL
Jason Porter Head of Secondary School
Dan Batson Director of Primary Academic Studies
Laura Gildea Director of Pastoral Care & Inclusion for Primary
Jodie Lewis Director of EYFS & KS1
Victoria Smith Head of Primary School
Carl Helps Director of KS2
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 students move through the school. In secondary school, assessment is used as a tool to evaluate ability as students come to school and to monitor progress throughout their time here. Further information on assessment in each of the school’s years is available on the school’s website or the parents can discuss the matter with the 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 and Class Dojo. 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 student 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 the school, named after rivers in Romania: Arges, Danube, Mures 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 students 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 the school, 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.
In each year group, the key factor in enabling every pupil to reach their full learning potential is the differentiation and extension within individual teachers’ planning to provide challenges for their highest achieving pupils. In Primary, all pupils are grouped for regular enrichment opportunities; they work together on
challenging tasks involving higher-order thinking, problem-solving, planning and teamwork.
There is explicit planning in teachers’ schemes of work for more able students, as well as the opportunity for an individualised timetable for exceptional Secondary students when necessary.
In both Secondary and Primary, we involve our more able students in extra-curricular activities that enrich the curriculum, such as sports, drama productions, enterprise and challenge events, The Innovation Hub, Duke of Edinburgh International Award, Model United Nations, and Universities.
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 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 Youth Sport Leadership. 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, according to their preference and availability of spots, or by invitation only. 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 school fees. Notice is given if this is not the case. All students 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
The school runs 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 the 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 Key Stage 2 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 students 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 students 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 may 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 set them up for the world of work and a strong knowledge of options available to them posteducation. We do this via a variety of schemes throughout the different Key Stages.
TUTORING
Parents should not directly approach school staff to tutor their child, as this would breach their contract. If the parents feel that their child would benefit from tutoring, we encourage them to discuss this with the school leadership, who can assist and advise. Opportunities exist within our afterschool provision.
ENGLISH AS AN ADDITIONAL LANGUAGE
Students will be assessed in English at the beginning of the academic year or upon entry. For students with
English as an Additional Language (EAL) who are assessed as needing extra support, small group tuition will be provided by a member of staff in the EAL department. The number of sessions required will be determined by the teachers involved or the school leadership and a letter will be sent to inform parents of the support being offered. Wherever possible, these sessions will be scheduled to minimise disruption to the regular curriculum. The first year of EAL support is provided free of charge, except in cases where significant support is needed; in such cases, a fee will be applied, and this will be agreed upon with parents before registration. For students requiring EAL support beyond the first year, there will be an additional charge for extra lessons. All costs related to EAL support will be communicated to parents prior to any offering. The level of support and any associated fees may be at the discretion of the school leadership.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN)
If a student’s teacher feels that the student is having difficulty accessing the curriculum, the student’s parents will be asked to attend a meeting with the teacher and the Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO). The parents will be fully informed of the school’s SEND policy and procedures. This may include a recommendation for an assessment with BSB’s qualified and experienced SEND 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, and fees are determined based on each individual situation. All fees will be communicated to parents prior to registration to the school. 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 08:30 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
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 and Primary (Y1 & Y2) students may be dropped off from 07:30 onwards and wait in the gate area until they are collected by their class teacher at 08:00. Students are expected to be in class at 8:15. Lateness should always be avoided. Students are registered as late if they arrive at class after registration. Parents must wait with late students until a member of staff becomes available to collect them from the gate, as all teaching staff will be engaging in learning activities after that time.
EYFS and Primary (Y1 & Y2) students must be accompanied when entering school. For this reason, parents are responsible for handing over their children of this age to the designated school representative and not leaving their children unattended in front of the school. Students who travel to school by bus will be dropped off
inside the campus. The bus assistant will take the children to Ringwood. All Primary pupils and parents must use their individual access cards to enter the campus. Access cards are issued on an individual basis and in the event that they are left at home, it is not permitted to provide access to the school to one person on the basis of another person’s access card. No adult will be permitted beyond the turnstiles without an access card for security purposes. If access to the campus is required, parents are requested to use either an access card or the mobile app at the gate.
DROP OFF – PRIMARY (Y3 - Y6)
Y3 - Y6 students may be dropped off from 07:30 onwards and should wait in the gate area. Children are expected to be in class at 08:15. Lateness should always be avoided.
At 08:00, 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 must 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 expense of the parent.
No adult will be permitted beyond the turnstiles without an access card for security purposes. If access to the campus is required, parents are requested to use either an access card or the mobile app at the gate.
DROP OFF – SECONDARY
Secondary students are permitted to enter the School at 08:00 or 07:45 if they have a morning CCA and the morning registration session takes place at the start of period 1 at 08:30. Children are expected to be in class between 08:15 and 08:30. All pupils arriving after 08:30 will be marked as late and they should go straight to lessons. Lateness should always be avoided.
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 at the expense of the parent.
PICK UP
Primary students 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, parents must contact the school office immediately.
It is important that parents introduce themselves or other adults who may
pick up their child/ren to the teacher and provide names and identification details to the school office. In all cases, the person collecting the child from school must come onto the school grounds. Students will be released into the direct custody of a known adult. If a student 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 school office before 12:00. Students are not allowed to leave with someone else without prior notice being given in writing. In case of an emergency, parents must telephone the school and inform who will pick up their 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 student 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 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 parents wish their Secondary child to be monitored in this manner, they must contact the Head of Secondary. Secondary students should leave campus once their last activity has finished or unless under the instruction or supervision of a staff member.
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. Primary parents may choose to also send a message via Class Dojo. However, this is a courtesy rather than protocol. Early departures from school are also subject to approval and may be designated as excused or unexcused.
ABSENCES
Absences. If a student is going to be absent from school, the parents must complete an ‘Absence Form’ on the Parents’ Portal, providing the reason for the absence. Alternatively, parents can call the school office to inform the school of the same. Notice of absence, either through the Parents’ Portal, or through the school office, must be made before 8:30, the morning of the day of absence.
Absences due to illness. If a student 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 return to the school’s community. Parents who wish their child to be excused from any activities in school due to ill health, must inform the school in writing, attaching medical certificates where the case.
Absences due to family holidays. It is important that when parents plan a holiday, they 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 parents intend to take their child out of school during term time, they 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. Absent days are totalled, and a record of such is stated on the school report.
Excused and unexcused absences. All absences, other than those due to illness, will be subject to approval by the school and deemed either excused (if approved) or unexcused (if not approved). An absence may be approved if it is permitted by school’s rules and is accompanied by a valid reason. An absence may not be approved if it is not permitted under the school’s rules, or it is not accompanied by a valid reason. The school may request, if the case, documentation supporting any valid reason presented, such as parental consents, third party confirmations etc.
Sanctions and consequences. Where parents and their children fail or refuse to engage with the support offered by the school to improve attendance, and unauthorised absence rates remain high, the school 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.
Parents are cautioned the school cannot alter the official external exam timetable (International General Certificate of Secondary Education/ GCSE/AS/A2 Level) to accommodate absences.
We present next a structured framework of the absenteeism rate in relation to the percentage of school attendance and its consequences on the education of the student.
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 Office Department represents the intersection of communication and community. It works as a service centre and communication link between the 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 via your child’s Class Dojo account (Primary) and email. General letters are sent by email, and parents should regularly check the email address provided to the school for correspondence. Emails requiring a response or consent usually need parents to take action through the Parents’ Portal, where correspondence can also be tracked. Teachers in Primary may write messages or leave notes in Class Dojo, while in Secondary SMS messages may be sent concerning homework issues. We ask that you check your email and any notes regularly and provide any necessary consent as promptly as possible.
PARENTS’ PORTAL
https://portal.britishschool.ro/login
The Parents’ Portal allows parents to stay informed and engaged in their children’s education. The Parents’ Portal gives them access to information concerning their children, including attendance data, timetables, and reports and the possibility to pay the school fees, book parent consultation weeks, purchase photographs etc. Access to the Parents’ Portal is granted following the completion and approval of the Registration File.
MEETINGS
SCHOOL APPOINTMENTS
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 the Heads of School through the Office Department.
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 for parents to look at their child’s work and discuss their child’s progress with the class/specialist
teacher. Should parents wish to have a parent/teacher conference outside these times, they must send a written request through or contact the school office.
PARENT CONSULTATION WEEKS –SECONDARY
Parent Consultation Evenings are held at regular intervals across the school year. Parents of students in Years 7-13 are invited twice a year. Parent Consultation Evenings 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 Evenings. Parent Consultation Evenings may be held face-to-face in campus or online.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BSB ACTIVITIES
SCHOOL WEBSITE
www.britishschool.ro
On the British School of Bucharest’s website, you can find information about the school’s curriculum, students’ academic achievements, teachers and staff, upcoming events, our BSB Community and other school services.
PARENTS’ NEWSLETTER
On a regular basis, you will receive information from the school through our online newsletter. It includes details of events and activities that have taken place, along with information about those coming up. We hope you will give consent to receive marketing information from us and 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 student 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 each student’s progress will also be sent home after the first term in Primary School. This is an overview of the student’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
Parents need to provide the school with their contact numbers, emergency contacts, home address and correspondence email address before students start school. The school needs to be informed of any change of postal or email address, telephone numbers and emergency contacts as soon as possible. Children will not be allowed to attend school unless at least one local emergency
contact (meaning an emergency contact based in Bucharest) has been provided to the school by their parents.
TRANSFERRING SCHOOL
In case parents want to transfer their child to a new school, the school will supply reports or academic transcripts, writing references, administering entrance exams or dispatching papers to a prospective school. Any related administrative and courier costs will be invoiced for and met by the parents.
DATA PROTECTION
The school uses various types of data to provide the highest standard of education services, respond to parents’ queries, and ensure the safety of our students. This data may include
academic records, attendance, health information and contact details. We treat this data with the utmost care, taking every precaution to ensure its security. We comply with all relevant data protection rules, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act (where applicable). The school has put into place all necessary technical safeguards, such as encryption and secure storage systems for the safety of its students’ data. For further assurance, we invite parents to consult our detailed Privacy Policy or Fair Processing Notice for more information on how we handle your data. These documents can be found in the registration file, on our website, or can be communicated prior to any school events. The school appreciates the parents’ trust in the school as
we work together to provide a safe, positive learning environment for all children. Feel free to contact our DPO at dpo@britishschool.ro should you have any questions and concerns.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY THE SCHOOL
Occasionally, photographs of the students are used on the website or in BSB publication materials, social media, newsletters, advertorials, and press releases. To protect the students, BSB do not publish their full names and photographs together. The school ensures that 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 the parents do not wish their child’s photographs to be used for such purposes, you must indicate this in the registration documents.
PHOTOGRAPHY PERMISSIONS
Within school premises parents may take pictures of their child only when no other child appears in the respective picture, or if express consent has been given beforehand by that other child’s parents.
Photographing during school performances requires formal permitting from the school, which must be obtained in advance through the school office.
LIAISING WITH OTHER PARENTS
(PARENTS–PARENTS COMMUNICATION)
The school encourages parental involvement, which helps develop an understanding between parents and teachers and gives parents greater awareness of the school’s educational objectives. You are welcome to volunteer to help at school. This could be assisting with supervision during educational visits, helping in class during an art lesson, hearing children read, or coming to talk to students about a particular topic. Parents may not volunteer in their own child’s class.
Many parents help with class activities and with organising events such as the Christmas Fair, Café of Cultures, Halloween events and the Summer Fair as part of our active parent organisation, the Friends of BSB (FBSB). FBSB, which includes our class partners, organises regular
coffee mornings and helps coordinate a variety of community and school events in conjunction with the school. Please contact the School Office.
FRIENDS OF BSB (FBSB)
Friends of BSB (FBSB) was formed to ensure that parents can be actively involved in 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 us at FBSB@ britishschool.ro.
FBSB COMMUNICATION
To communicate with parents whilst complying with GDPR, the British School of Bucharest uses a web-based platform called Classlist, which can also be accessed via an app. 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 as you wish with other parents in a secure way. 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, you will receive an email invitation to join Classlist from the Friends of BSB Classlist moderator.
For support, please contact: bsbclasslistmoderator@britishschool. ro. You can also contact the School 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 nonuniform days. Students at the school 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, but children should always select uniform that is appropriate to the weather.
UNIFORM GUIDE
The school values the principle of students respecting themselves and presenting themselves in a professional manner. To this end, the school upholds the uniform requirements at all times. Students are regularly rewarded for the neat and tidy manner in which they represent the school.
The school also has a non-uniform dress code and detailed guidelines for the 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/ policies/
PURCHASING THE SCHOOL UNIFORM
THE
UNIFORM, BOOK AND GIFT
SHOP
We have a Uniform Shop located next to the Takanaka Bistro at the front of the school. Our staff will assist in choosing the right size for the student and ensure they have the essentials. For safety reasons, the school shop accepts payments by credit card only. 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: 8:00 to 11:00 and 13:00 to 17:00.
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 uniform items, please read the policies and download the relevant form on the Parents’ Portal. Items can only be returned if they have not been worn, used or damaged and are 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 the student’s name. We ask the parents to 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). While it is recommended to label personal items, the school is not responsible for lost items, regardless of whether they are labelled or not.
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.
Parents can register for the bus service on the Parents’ Portal. The request will be processed, and a member of the office staff will contact the parents to confirm the availability of a place on the bus and inform them about pickup 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 parents to use it. There is an early drop-off service at the front of the school, which is free from 7:30, and the school TA will supervise students before the school day to enable parents to stagger timings for drop-off. Students in Year 2 and under must be escorted into the gate area by an adult and passed on to a member of staff. The school actively discourages families from parking on the road and restricting clear views of the road for the use of the pedestrian crossings. Parents must refrain from making U-turns in the traffic outside of school. If parents employ a driver, parents should explicitly explain these rules to them for the safety of all school’s students.
Parents and drivers that park in a way that jeopardises the safety of our students will be contacted by school.
HEALTHY FOOD
SCHOOL LUNCH
A nutritionally balanced school lunch, cooked on-site, can be provided. Parents must register via the Parents’ Portal to receive this service. The menu is also available to view on the school website. Parents will be invoiced for the lunch service for one year in advance.
The lunch service can be cancelled with 30 working days’ online notice to the school office. If proper notice is given, all the amounts paid in advance will be refunded. Should a student not require a school lunch, parents must send their child to school with a nutritious packed lunch (including any cutlery necessary).
Students are not allowed to share snacks for medical reasons; this is very important as some students 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 must not deliver or have delivered food to students during the school day.
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, Language Café, etc. Any food brought by the parents or
any other persons to be shared with other students must be purchased from the school’s bistro only. Takanaka can take birthday cake orders with 24h prior notice and deliver them to the students’ 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 exempted from the provisions of this ordinance –for any other purpose (including those mentioned above) the legal regulations on the production, packaging, storage, transport and marketing of food, even if the food is not sold or marketed, have to be complied with.
It is also important to note that we are a ‘nut-free’ school as several students and staff have severe nut allergies. Parents must ensure that all food brought from home does not contain any type of nut.
Fizzy drinks and chewing/bubble gum are not allowed in school. Packed lunches should also avoid unhealthy
snacks such as crisps, cakes or sweets. Parents must send any food from home in the morning with the student. The drop off of food during the school day for the child to collect, including takeaway meals or similar is not permitted. For students’ safety, food should not be brought in glass receptacles, as they are fragile and easy to break.
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 Reception and access is permitted based on a colour-coded lanyard system with a specific colour for each category: prospective parents or contractors, current parents or former students, volunteer parents or visiting specialists.
CHILD PROTECTION
The school recognises its moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all our students. The school endeavours to provide a safe and welcoming environment where students are respected and valued. The school is alert to the signs of abuse and neglect and follows 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 are published on the school’s website.
POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
The school is committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all our students so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. Students of the school 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 the school. These rewards include weekly ‘Star of the Week ’certificates, House Points, Golden House Points, Praise Postcards and annual awards relating to the School Values.
Our School Values are frequently the focus of assemblies and PSHE lessons, as well as incorporated into the school’s 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 on the school’s website.
The school has a zero tolerance for the following behaviours:
• Physical assault or threatening behaviour toward students or staff
• Bringing any weapon onto school premises
• Arson
• Persistent racist behaviour
• Persistent bullying (including cyberbullying)
• Sexual misconduct or harassment
• Use, possession, or distribution of illegal drugs
• Use, possession, or distribution of alcohol, tobacco, or vaping products
• Possession or use of prescription medication not prescribed to the individual or not registered with the school nurse
• Possession of drug-related paraphernalia
• Theft
• Vandalism or damage to school or personal property
• Possession of stolen items
• Persistent disruptive or abusive behaviour
• Inappropriate use of digital devices or possession of inappropriate material (e.g. pornography, extremist content)
• Any behaviour or item that violates the law
• Unacceptable or threatening behaviour from parents or guardians toward staff or students
• Persistent absence/truancy
Vaping, the use of electronic devices or cigarettes or use of any tobacco product is strictly forbidden at the school or within 500m of the school premises or by any student in uniform. Vaping can have serious health effects, such as popcorn lung, an irreversible potentially life threatening disease which developing adolescents are particularly susceptible to and as such, the school has a zero-tolerance policy on smoking. Any student found in possession of, using, vaping devices or any tobacco product or a student in the company of students using these products, will be subject to the full consequences outlined in our Behaviour Policy. This may include the termination of the student’s place at the school. The school takes this
matter seriously to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all members of our school community.
The Secondary School operates a detention system that can include 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 accordance with the school curriculum). In both these cases, discussions with parents will always take place first.
If a student does not comply with the rules set out in this Parent Handbook or in other relevant policies and handbooks, at the discretion of the President of the School Board, a student may be asked to leave the school. 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 the school we have a comprehensive e-safety curriculum, which begins with our youngest learners in EYFS and continues throughout the school years. This curriculum covers eight overarching aspects of life online and include:
• Self-image and Identity
• Online relationships
• Online reputation
• Online bullying
• Managing online information
• Health, well-being and lifestyle
• Privacy and security
• Copyright and ownership
In order to help parents understand the importance of e-safety measures and how to implement them, the school also organizes regular parent e-safety education sessions.
The misuse of school-issued devices, accounts, or digital platforms— including accessing inappropriate content, bypassing security filters, tampering with device settings, or using school resources for noneducational purposes—is considered a violation of the school’s Acceptable Use Policy. Students are expected to use school technology responsibly, ethically, and only for approved educational activities. Violations will result in disciplinary consequences, including the return of Chromebooks, school devices and accessories, restricted access to school IT systems and infrastructure, detention, or in severe cases, expulsion, in accordance with the school’s zero tolerance policy on the inappropriate use of digital devices or possession of inappropriate material (e.g. pornography, extremist content). The school reserves the right to monitor digital activity on its
platforms to ensure compliance and protect student safety.
MOBILE PHONES AND LAPTOPS
Primary students are not permitted to bring and use mobile phones and personal laptops into school. Secondary students should keep their phones and turn them to 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 or in a specific container in the classroom. If the expectations are not met by students, the behaviour policy will be followed.
EVACUATION OF THE SCHOOL
The school has implemented arrangements 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 the school’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 should be role models and they must respect and model the ethos and values of the 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. This includes sporting events, concerts or other events, whether held within the school campus or externally and in public, especially where children may be in BSB uniform or identifiable as a BSB student.
• 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.
• Recording of any meeting or conversation involving school staff, including those with parents or students, is strictly prohibited unless prior written consent has been obtained from all parties involved and the school.
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 students.
• Any threat to do actual bodily harm or real physical aggression towards a member of 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 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 may result in legal action).
• Never cause any damage to school or personal 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 for all those involved.
SOCIAL MEDIA USE POLICY
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).
The school considers the use of social media websites or apps in this way as unacceptable and not in the best interests of the students or the entire school community. Any concerns or grievances that the parents may have must be made through the appropriate channels as defined by the Communication & Complaints Policy. If parents are unsure who to speak to regarding a comment, query or concern, they must call the school office.
If any student or parent of a child being educated at the school is found to be posting libelous or defamatory comments on Facebook or other social network sites or apps, they will also 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 the parent or student involved removes such comments immediately. The school is committed to providing a safe and respectful learning environment for all students. Any form of cyberbullying, whether occurring on or off campus, is strictly prohibited. This includes, but is not limited to, sending threatening, harassing, humiliating, or defamatory messages, sharing inappropriate content, or impersonating others through social media, messaging platforms, email, or any digital communication tools. Incidents of cyberbullying will be investigated thoroughly, and students found responsible will face sanctions ranging from parental notification and loss of technology privileges to detention or, in severe cases, expulsion, in accordance with the school’s zero tolerance policy on cyberbullying and school’s regulations. The School may also consider its legal options to deal with any such misuse of social networking and other sites, or cyberbullying.
Parents must refrain from engaging into any cyberbullying behaviour in relation to any other students, school staff or individual working / cooperating with the school, and understand that such conduct represents a severe breach of this Parent Handbook.
BREACHES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
By strictly enforcing the rules of conduct in this Parent Handbook, the school aims to maintain a harmonious environment for our children to develop and thrive.
In cases where this Parent Handbook is breached, the school reserves 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 is instructed to record and report any such incidents and can immediately request security support if they feel it is necessary.
• The school reserves the right to ban a parent from entry to the school grounds or attending school-related co-curricular activities or other events.
• The school reserves the right to decide that a parent may only communicate with members of staff through a nominated school representative.
• In cases of continuous breach of this Parent Handbook by a parent, the school reserves the right to terminate the enrolment of the children of that parent.
• The school, where appropriate, may involve the police or other relevant authorities.
• The school may take such other steps as it deems appropriate, according to the nature of the breach.
HEALTHCARE
The school aims to provide a safe and healthy environment for children, teaching and non-teaching staff and all other people who come onto the 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
Parents are required to complete a medical form and attach a copy of their child’s vaccination record when registering at the school. Parents must inform the school of any allergies or other illnesses their child has had in the past.
By signing the medical form, parents also give the school permission to seek or administer medical assistance in an emergency. The school does not administer vaccines. The medical form contains the list of vaccinations recommended by the Romanian Ministry of Health and the World Health Organisation. Parents must inform the school of any changes in their child’s health record.
Students’ participation in physical
education and sports activities is conditional upon presenting a ‘fit for physical exercise’ or ‘clinically healthy’ medical certificate. However, the school expects that all students will participate in all required areas of the physical education curriculum in order to be able to attain the maximum marks available or the maximum attainment grade for the subject or the unit.
Parents must present the medical certificate specifying that their child is ‘fit for physical exercise in the school year ...’ at the beginning of each school year. This certificate may be issued by the family doctor or a healthcare facility and must bear the doctor’s signature and seal and, where applicable, the stamp of the healthcare facility.
MEDICAL CHECKS AND THE SCHOOL NURSE
The school employs two full-time nurses. The medical team performs regular general checks on all of the students in the school. A health check of all students is carried out at the beginning of each half-term. Parents will be asked to complete and sign a permission form if they would like the nurse to give any medicines to their child while in school. After three days of medical absence, the school will require a confirmation note from the student’s doctor stating that the student is healthy and fit to enter the school’s community. If parents wish their child to be excused from any activities in school due to ill health, they will have to inform the school in writing, attaching medical certificates where necessary.
ILLNESS
Parents should always consider the well-being of other students and staff in their child’s class. If a student is sick, their parents should not send him / her to school. If a student is absent from school for more than three consecutive days, upon returning to School, they need to present a note from the doctor to say they are fit to re-enter the School’s community (See ‘Absences for medical reasons’ above).
Students should not come to school if they are suffering from any infectious disease. In such case, parents must inform the school immediately and send the confirmation of diagnosis from the doctor by email or by fax to enable the other students to be monitored. The absence shall be categorized according to the Absences rules in this Parent Handbook. If a student becomes ill during the school day, the school will inform his / her parents of the situation and suggest a course of action.
If it is deemed necessary for a student to be collected from school due to illness, parents are obliged to arrange collection within two hours. In the event that a parent cannot be reached, the school will reach out to the listed emergency contact.
The school reserves the right to request documentation and information relating to COVID-19 or other similar health and safety-related scenarios. The school will ask that students to 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 in school, the school 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 and 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. The school may decide that the students have to stay at home even if they legally do not have an obligation to isolate or if they, for any reason, including medical reasons, can’t comply with the school’s safety rules, which are available on the school 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, the school 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 reserves 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.
The school constantly identifies potential hazards, 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 a student receives any type of medical treatment for an accident that occurred in the school, the parents will be informed via home note or by the school nurse directly. If it is a head injury, a record 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 the parents.
The school occupies a mature and spacious campus with separate Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Primary and Secondary centres all on one site. Ringwood, at the rear of the campus, is the centre for EYFS and Years 1 and 2.
Primary pupils occupy the Newlands villa and Secondary students are in the Crawford villa. All buildings provide interesting and stimulating environments for learning with the range of classroom styles enabling an exciting variety of lessons.
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 Independent School Inspectorate (ISI) in 2018, 2022 and 2025. This is the highest possible rating that can be achieved after being inspected by ISI.
British School of Bucharest
Early Years Foundation Stage | Primar y | Secondar y 42 Erou Iancu Nicolae Street, 077190, Voluntari, Ilfov County, Romania
