BISM Primary Handbook 2021/22

Primary School Handbook

Welcome from the Headteacher

Dear Parents and Students, It is our pleasure to welcome you to our new campus for the 2020-2021 school year at The British International School of Marbella (BISM). We extend a very warm welcome to all new and returning students and parents.

Our aspiration is to provide a World-Class Education for all pupils within the BISM community.

We are fortunate to be governed by the Executive Board of The British Schools Foundation (BSF), a network of schools established across the globe. We are looking forward to providing your child with an outstanding educational experience. The Foundation has an excellent reputation worldwide and we will continue to build on that as we seek to meet the needs of all students enrolled in our school. Our staff members are enthusiastic and passionate about teaching and bring a wealth of experience and expertise.

At BISM, we have created a stimulating, safe and positive learning environment, with high expectations of achievement, endeavour and behaviour. We are committed to making the curriculum accessible to all students through utilising a range of teaching styles, state of the art technologies and exciting curriculum innovations, which will motivate our students to develop independent, lifelong learning skills.

As BISM’s Headteacher, my role is to establish a culture that promotes excellence, equality and high expectations for all students. We value the opinions of our parents, therefore please feel free to send an email, call or arrange a visit. Parent input is invaluable and I look forward to working with you in the most important job you have - educating your child.

We hope you will find this handbook useful and look forward to working closely with you to ensure the success of BISM and our students.

Yours sincerely, Mr Dean Moore Headteacher

Welcome from the Head of Primary & Primary Leadership Team Dear Parents, Guardians and Students, Whilst building upon the strong foundation created in the Early Years Foundation Stage transition to the Primary School section represents a steadily increasing demand on the children both in terms of their social and academic development.

Students will be challenged to demonstrate the charter values which we hold central to our educational philosophy: there is a greater expectation that the students become more independent in their thoughts and actions. They will have to be able to work collaboratively as part of a team whilst at the same time be willing to lead their peers. Their effort will be rewarded as they develop their self-discipline. As they mature they will be confronted with situations which require them to become more self-aware and reflect and cultivate a positive presence in the communities to which they belong. Their courage will be tested in a variety of scenarios and through it all, they will be encouraged to be caring, responsible and decent young people.

We pride ourselves on the broad and balanced curriculum we offer. Our students are expected to do well academically but not as a goal unto itself. Our aim is to instil a lifelong love of learning and the realization of potential across a variety of fields. We have just as high expectations of our students in the sphere of arts, and in the field of sport, as we do in the classroom.

Should you wish to discuss any aspect of your child’s education, their mentor should be the first person to contact. However, if you wish to speak with any of the Primary Leadership Team regarding anything we would be very happy to do so. Feel free to come and have a chat at the end of the day or if you would prefer an appointment, you can do so via the reception desk.

We very much look forward to working in partnership with you as parents and witnessing our students take joy in discovering their full potential, here at BISM. Yours sincerely - The Primary Leadership Team Adam Johnson - Head of Primary Brendan Herron - Academic leader Llion Thomas - Lower phase leader Rebecca Allen - Personal Development Leader

Academic Calendar 2021 - 2022 Term One Wed 1st September Mon 12th October Tue 19th October Mon 25th October - Mon 1st November Mon 6th - 8th December Fri 17th December

First day of Term One (Meet the Teacher day) National Holiday (School closed) Local Holiday (School closed) Half Term (School closed) National Holiday (School closed) Last day of term - noon finish

Term Two Mon 10th January Mon 21st February - Mon 28th February Friday 8th April

First day of Term Two Half Term (School closed) Last day of term - noon finish

Term Three Tue 19th April Mon 2nd May Thur 30th June

First day of Term Three May Holiday - School closed Last day of Term Three - noon finish

Primary School hours 08:30 - 08:45

Morning Greeting

08:45 - 09:45

Lesson 1

09:45 - 10:45

Lesson 2

10:45 - 11:00

Morning Break

11:00 - 12:00

Lesson 3

12:00 - 13:30

To include: Shared Lunch, Recess & Reading

13:30 - 14:35

Lesson 4

14:40 - 15:45

Lesson 5

15:45 - 16:30

PSHE/Mentoring

16:30

Home Time

Registration time is used to register the students and to welcome and settle them in for the day ahead. It is essential that students arrive at their classrooms for the beginning of registration so that they can be properly registered. Please understand that teachers are not available to meet with parents during this time.

Arrival & Departure Procedures It is, of course, essential that our students are supervised at all times for their security and safety. Therefore, we request that students should not arrive before 8:25 am. This is to ensure that teachers have sufficient planning, meeting and preparation time at the beginning of the school day. All students should, however, be in class by 8:30 am at the latest.

Pickup points Please ensure that you, or your designated guardian, collect your child from a member of staff at the end of each day from the front of the school. The children will be waiting in their year groups to the right of the main entrance.

New Pick Up Procedure (August 2021)

Cars will no longer be allowed to stop and wait on Calle Teba or on campus during 4.30 pick up.

When you arrive, you will only be allowed to stop at the school entrance roundabout for as long as it takes for your children to get into the car.

If your child is not waiting and ready to get into the car, you will be asked to drive around out of the school back to the roundabout at the beginning of Calle Teba and come back. This is essential to make sure that traffic can continue to flow. Please do not worry if your child is not ready and you need to drive around. It only takes a couple of minutes to do the circuit.

Parents should not arrive earlier than 4.30pm.

Under the new procedure, there is no sense in arriving before 4.30pm as your children will not be ready and you will simply be asked to drive around. The system requires the cooperation of parents and we hope everyone will do their part to make it work. The main things to remember are (a) do not arrive before 4.30pm (b) if you drive in and your child is not ready, drive around.

Secondary school pupils may, with your permission, also leave the school at the end of the day with primary school siblings.

On the last day of each term, school finishes at 12:00 noon.

If, for any reason, you have been delayed, please telephone the school so that we are aware and can inform your child to avoid any unnecessary anxiety. If you are unable to collect your child, please inform the school at your earliest convenience as to who will be collecting your child. For security reasons, teachers will not release a child to an unauthorised person.

Security There is no issue that the school takes more seriously than the safety of our students. All families will be asked to have their photographs taken by the BISM team or send in electronic photos so that ID cards can be made for any adult picking up a child. No adult will be allowed on the school grounds without their ID card.

Please support us in this.

It is essential that we have an accurate record of who is authorised to collect your child and their photograph in order to make an ID card. We will not release a child to the custody of a different adult unless we have received notification from the child’s parent.

If you need to collect your child during the school day please ensure that you inform your class teacher in

advance. On arrival parents will need to sign in, then a member of staff will collect the child from the classroom. Early Release Slips will need to be collected from the front desk before leaving the school premises and all children collected early will need to be signed out. Parents should provide the school with at least two contact numbers in case of emergencies. It is vital that you inform the school of any changes to these contact numbers.

Please be aware that school closes at 5 pm. If your child stays after school for a club or tutoring, the lead adult will bring your child to the main reception area at pick up time. Parents and visitors are not permitted onsite after 5 pm.

Our Primary School Curriculum

Y1, Y2, Y3 & Y4

Core Curriculum

hours per week

Y5 & Y6

English

5

Maths

5

Reading (including 1 hour reading in Spanish for native language speakers)

Compulsory Extended Curriculum

2.5

Spanish (native language)

6

Spanish (non-native)

3

Science

1

Science

Humanities

Humanities

Art

Art

Design & Technology (DT)

2

Information & Computing Technology (ICT)

Extended Curriculum

hours per week

Design & Technology (DT)

1

2

Information & Computing Technology (ICT)

Music

1

Physical Education (PE)

1

Creativity & Performance Sports, Health & Wellness Enterprise & Challenge Knowledge & Understanding

4

Music & PE: Optional as part of Extended Curriculum below Creativity & Performance Sports, Health & Wellness Enterprise & Challenge Knowledge & Understanding

6

Extended Curriculum The Extended Curriculum programme is an innovative and exciting approach unique to our foundation of schools.

The primary objectives of the Extended Curriculum are to promote student independence, challenge and ownership by giving pupils increased responsibility in the learning process. Important, but secondary objectives are curriculum coverage and standards of attainment.

It is designed to support both the academic and personal development of pupils by providing: ● ●

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Multiple opportunities to develop pupil independence, decision making and ownership in their learning through the choices they are required to make An inclusive education that nurtures and develops individual interests and passions Project based challenges in which the literacy, numeracy, scientific and linguistic skills being developed in the core curriculum are effectively applied A wider context in which to gain increased knowledge, skills and demonstrate the BSF Charter values The Extended Curriculum is composed of 4 strands designed to broaden the academic and personal development of pupils, allowing a strong element of preference in their curriculum experience:

● ● ● ●

Sport, Health and Wellness Creativity and Performance Enterprise and Challenge Knowledge and Understanding The strands are taught through project based modules that are:

● ● ●

Of sufficient length to achieve an outcome of substance, usually a minimum of 12 hours learning time.

Organised in such a way that pupils have options from all 4 strands throughout the year supporting breadth and balance of opportunity. typically offered to mixed aged ranges in order to extend and enhance the range and nature of interaction between pupils (EG Y1/2, Y3/4, Y5/6, Y7-9) There are daily Extended Curriculum sessions each of approximately 60 minutes in length.

The design of the programme is detailed in school specific Extended Curriculum documentation.

Pupil Choice is integral to the Extended Curriculum and adheres to the following guidelines:

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Pupils have free choice from each set of elective modular options that are presented throughout the year Pupils are able to choose from a minimum of 3 options for each module Once selected, pupils are expected to commit to completing each elected module The timetable ensures that all pupils enjoy at least one lesson of their choice per day While pupils have free choice from the options available to them, a key focus of the mentor is to explore and develop the thinking of pupils in making those choices. The overall aim is to support pupil development through a pursuit of their own interests and a diverse range of experiences.

On rare occasions, pupils may request not to attend a session in prior consultation with the organising teacher.

If agreed, they will report to and remain in a designated area and not attend an alternative session. The mentor is always informed if a pupil does not attend a session.

Primary Staff Class Teachers (2 form entry)

Year 1

Mr Thomas/Miss Thomas

Year 2

Miss Carron/Miss Frost

Year 3

Mrs Johnson/Mr Holden

Year 4

Miss Lawrie/ Miss Allen

Year 5

Mr Whyman/Miss Marseglia

Year 6

Mr Herron/Ms Awad

Spanish

Miss Escribano, Miss Aburuza, Miss Rodriguez, MIss De La Riva & Ms Toro

Music

Miss Conlan & Mr Everist

Sport

Mr Newton & Miss Bruce

Spanish We are very aware of the enormous opportunities that are available to us being based in Marbella. We are at the heart of southern Spain, a rapidly transforming area with a growing influence on Spain and the world at large. We recognise that an understanding of Spanish culture and a command of the Spanish language will be invaluable assets for the future. Therefore, native speakers of Spanish will be taught the subjects of “Lengua Castellana y Literatura” along with “Ciencias Sociales” in order to meet the requirements of the Spanish Educational Authorities. They will receive 5 hours of Spanish per week, including 1 hour of Spanish Reading time. On the other hand, non-native speakers of Spanish will receive 3 hours of Spanish as an additional language and, in order to cater for their different levels and skills, students will be split into two different ability groups.

School uniform School uniform is compulsory for all students attending the school. We believe that wearing a school uniform in a proud and smart manner promotes positive self-esteem and, therefore, is integral to the ethos of the school. All students are expected to arrive at school everyday in uniform, worn in a tidy manner. We expect our students to take pride in their school uniform.

Pupils must ensure that they bring their PE kit to school on PE days. Pupils are no longer required to come to school already wearing PE kits on days where they have PE lessons, with exception of pupils in Year 1 and 2.

The Headteacher will give guidance regarding the dates when summer and winter uniforms are to be worn, according to the seasonal weather conditions. Summer uniforms will be required at the beginning of the year.

Below is the set uniform for Primary children in Years 1-6.

Boys

Girls

P.E and Miscellaneous

Other Items

Footwear is an important aspect of the school uniform; the correct socks and shoes complete the uniform (see above). Shoes should be black leather and worn each day.

All students should wear a regular PE kit for lessons and house colours for competitions and events only. On swimming days please provide a swimming costume (one-piece or tankini for the girls), swimming hat, goggles, pool shoes and a towel.

Use of coats and anoraks are encouraged during cold and rainy days, and sun hats on sunny days.

We encourage independence in our students. This does mean at times that items can go temporarily missing.

With this in mind, please label all items of school uniform with your child’s name and class.

General Appearance For safety reasons the wearing of earrings (except studs) or other jewellery (a small necklace can be worn under a shirt provided it is removed for sports) must not be permitted. They represent potential hazards to all participants. Medical, professional and occupational safety advice confirms that they should be avoided at all times due to the active day the children are engaged in.

Hair should be worn in a neat style (long hair tied up), while mohicans, tramlines and bright colours are not considered appropriate hairstyles for school. If a student attends school with a hairstyle that is deemed inappropriate, the Headteacher will inform the parents and request a more suitable style.

What Your Child Will Need For School Water bottles: ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Each student will be asked to bring their own reusable water bottle to school The bottle should be individual and never shared with others Please note that single use plastic bottles are not permitted Water bottles should be clearly labelled with the name and class of the student The bottle will be returned home at the end of each day for cleaning Only water should be contained in the bottles - no juice, carbonated or flavoured drinks Water dispensers are available at school for refills whenever required

Storage & Usage ●

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Water bottles will be stored neatly in class/lockers and students will be able to carry them to specialist lessons.

Teachers will establish clear routines in their class to ensure drinks are available to students at certain times but do not interrupt their lessons in any way.

Please note that students may not be permitted to use water bottles in locations which are deemed hazardous, e.g. in the vicinity of ICT and/or electrical equipment.

Resources While we will have the necessary resources in class, it is a very good idea to start the year with a small pencil case with personal items students will need for a school day. These items include a ruler, pencils, coloured pencils, a rubber/eraser and pencil sharpener. These should be brought to school in a bag where other personal items may be kept.

Prohibited Items It is school policy not to bring the following items to school: ● Mobile Phones - (Yr 5 & 6 can come to school on parent’s request but must deposit with the class teacher first thing in the morning and collect at the end of the day) ● Any other electronic device not authorised for use in school ● Smoking-related items including electronic smoking devices ● Illegal substances and other related items ● Weapons or items that resemble weapons

● Valuable items or large sums of money ● Any items that might be used for graffiti ● Excessive or valuable items of jewellery ● Personal Headphones (allowed for IT/Computing/CT) ● Toys of any kind (excluding balls)

School Lunch A hot and nutritious lunch is served to all children in school. School lunches are paid for in advance along with tuition fees. If you have not already informed the school that your child has dietary restrictions (whether for health, religious or allergy reasons), please do so immediately. We will inform the school kitchen and special arrangements will be made to provide proper suitable alternatives.

Snacks Students are encouraged to bring a healthy snack for morning break. This should consist of fresh fruit or a wholesome, nutritious snack. BISM discourages sugar-laden foods for health reasons and also because they can often have a negative effect on concentration and learning. Under no circumstances should snacks be shared amongst students. Please note that, due to existing serious allergies present within the school, snacks with nuts must be avoided. BISM is a nut-free zone.

Behaviour Our school’s code of conduct aims to achieve a positive atmosphere in which more time is spent on teaching and learning. We recognise that the school has a critical role to play in developing self-discipline in students.

We aim to establish acceptable patterns of behaviour and to encourage students to develop a sense of responsibility, self-respect and respect for other people, property and the environment.

It is essential for parents and the school to work in partnership so that the values encouraged by home and school are mutually reinforced.

Role of Parents: ● Support the school Primary Behaviour Management Policy, guidelines and procedures. ● Work with children to help them understand their responsibility towards others. ● Maintain open and supportive levels of communication with teachers and other members of the school staff when addressing behaviour issues. ● Monitor the use of school and/or personal electronic devices

The following outlines the key expectations we have of students: ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ● ●

Treat everyone with respect and courtesy Behave in a way that aids learning during lessons Walk at all times when indoors Walk on the left in corridors and staircases Hold doors open for others Remove coats, jackets and hats during lessons and whilst eating lunch Make sure that classrooms and playgrounds are kept clean and tidy; litter should be placed in bins Greet the teacher and guests in the school Speak and listen in turn Always look after classroom resources and ensure that furniture and resources are tidy at the end of lessons Knock and wait to be invited into the room if late for class or visiting another class/office Ask for permission before leaving the classroom Only eat and drink in the areas provided – except water, and with the teacher’s permission when in class Students are responsible for clearing trays, plates, etc after break and lunch

All students are encouraged, taught and expected to demonstrate high standards of behaviour. We value

highly the qualities of self-discipline, self-respect and respect for others and their property.

We encourage all students to act as positive citizens and bullying will not be tolerated at our school.

House System On admission to the school, each student will be allocated a ‘House’; members of the same family being placed in the same house. We always seek a balance of male and female students in each house. The house names and colours are as follows:

The whole school is involved in the merit system and each teacher and assistant teacher will be part of a house. There will be regular house assemblies held throughout the year. The first meeting elects house captains for each house (one boy and one girl) in each year group.

The House system comprises two parts: 1. Merit system, where students gain house points for individual awards relating to their progress and efforts in all aspects of school life both academic and social.

2. Inter-house competitions such as sports days, swimming galas, poetry and music competitions.

House Points in the Primary School At BISM, we believe that great efforts should be rewarded and recognised. With this in mind, we have a house point system designed to encourage high standards and positive action from our students throughout the year. House points, therefore, will only be awarded when students do their very best.

During the year, students will be awarded house points for excellent work, progress or for displaying excellence in relation to our charter values. Teachers award house points to each student when deserved and this is recorded by the student. Once earned, house points cannot be lost or removed. At the end of each week the house captains in each class are responsible for collating the total house points earned by each child in their house team. The winning house is announced and celebrated in a weekly assembly. A house point cup is awarded to the winning team annually at Speech Day.

Attendance Regular daily attendance is essential if students are to achieve their potential. We ask that parents support attendance at school wherever possible. The school is aiming for attendance levels of 95%.

Parents will be contacted if pupils fall below this. Absence from school for reasons which are neither health-related nor involving an emergency are strongly discouraged and should be kept to a minimum since frequent absence can result in the student falling behind - perhaps seriously - in his/her studies and/or missing key assessments and can also have a negative impact on friendships.

Parents who are aware of such future absences should inform the mentor and seek permission as far in advance as possible.

If students are unable to achieve the standards required to enter the next year group due to poor attendance, the following actions may take place at the discretion of the Headteacher: 1. The student will be asked to repeat the year 2. The student may be asked to withdraw from the school Please note that it is not school policy to provide work for students who are absent. Parents will receive notification of the number of absences in the class teacher’s report at the end of the term.

Absence Through Sickness While regular daily attendance is important, sometimes absence is unavoidable through sickness. Please inform the school if your child is unable to attend school for health reasons. Please telephone as early as possible after 8:00 am and leave a message for the class teacher.

In order for us to ensure the health and safety of your child, please advise us of any medical problems your child may have when there is an allergy to materials or food. Please ensure that the health questionnaire has been completed.

If your child becomes unwell and the class teacher feels that s/he may not be well enough to participate in lessons, the student will be referred to the Head of Primary. After further observation, if the student is clearly not well enough to return to class, you will be telephoned to collect your child. Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the parents to collect an unwell child and that the school cannot provide a driver in such circumstances. Please ensure that school always has updated contact phone numbers.

If a child has suffered a tummy virus, please be aware that it is school policy that the child cannot return to school within 24 hours of the last episode to avoid further infection.

If a child has live head lice you will also be called to collect your child.

Punctuality A prompt start to the school day is expected in the Primary School. The teachers plan early activities that take place from 08:30 to 08:45 to get the children focused and ready for learning with lessons starting at 08:45.

The issue of poor punctuality must be taken very seriously. When a pupil arrives late they miss out on essential instructions given out at the beginning of the lesson/school day. This reduces their chances of academic success. Poor punctuality can also cause social disruption – children may feel uncomfortable and embarrassed arriving into the classroom when everybody else is already settled. In fact, when one pupil arrives late it disrupts the teacher and the rest of the class compromising everyone’s learning.

Occasional lateness can sometimes be unavoidable. If your child arrives at school late three times a letter will be sent home. If there is no improvement a meeting will be arranged with the teacher and Head of Primary. If there is still no improvement a meeting will be requested with the Head of Primary and the Headteacher.

Health and First Aid All staff are first aid trained and so can deal with day-to-day matters such as cuts or bruises, and students who feel unwell whilst at school. If there is an accident/injury at school and the child needs to see a doctor the parents will be called immediately. If you have private medical insurance you can take your child to your preferred doctor. If you would like to use the school ́s medical insurance provided by Mapfre insurance you will need to go to the Clinica Ochoa, Avenida Severo Ochoa s/n, Marbella. If you decide to take them to the Clinica Ochoa you will need to take along an accident declaration form which has been filled in by the school, signed and stamped with a unique file number.

Medicine for Students Academic staff are prohibited from giving any medication to students while on-site. School Administration require a prescription from a doctor with the doctor’s signature and stamp in order to administer any medication to a child. If this cannot be provided, a family representative known to the school will need to administer the medicine to the student.

Role of the Parent At BISM we acknowledge the importance of involving our parents in their child’s education and we encourage the support of parents throughout the school.

Parents are often invited to support class assemblies, activities, open days and curriculum days in order to be involved in school life as much as possible. Parents are invited to join the EFC (Events and Fundraising Committee) to support school events and charity work.

Other opportunities to get involved: To be involved in school life as much as possible parents are invited to take part in the following activities: ● Reading with children in the class (support booklet is given) ● Helping with class trips ● Helping with cookery or art lessons ● Supporting class assemblies and other activities ● Extended curriculum Please get in touch if you would like to offer some of your spare time in school. We would love to have your input.

Home/School Communication At BISM we greatly value working in partnership with parents and guardians to ensure the very best for your children. As part of this, we place a strong emphasis on opening up many avenues of communication between parents and teachers. Please take the time to read the following to help you understand the different ways that we can share information with each other.

Daily Communication: ●

Parent Portal - most communication from the school is provided via the online Parent Portal.

Therefore, it is essential that all parents review all of the information on the Portal regularly. Not only will information from key staff members be presented there but also important calendar events that we would hate you to miss.

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Email - critical/individual communication can also be maintained by email, though we ask you to do this selectively and concisely so that email communication remains manageable for teachers and they can focus on their classroom work. The Mentor would be the first point of contact on most issues. When appropriate, they will refer any important issues to the Head of Primary or the Primary Leadership Team. If you wish advice on administrative aspects of school our admin team are always happy to help.

Weekly: ● Weekly Blog - teachers will inform you of learning experiences that took place during the week and upcoming events via the weekly blog that is posted on the Parent Portal.

Monthly: ●

School newsletter - This will be published on the Portal and the school website every month. It includes articles from staff and students and photos celebrating what the children have done

throughout this period.

Termly: ●

School Reports - There are four annual reporting points with dates published at the beginning of the school year

When

●

Type

October

Initial Report

Dec/Jan

Mid Year Full Report

March/April

Pupil led Consultation

End of Year

End of Year Full Report

Parent-Teacher Consultations - these take place three times a year and give you the opportunity to talk one-on-one with the teacher about your child’s progress, development and targets.

Additional Information and Correspondence during the Year: ●

Curriculum Information Sharing - at the start of the academic year, a Meet the Teacher day will be held, during which time parents will be invited to visit the classroom of their son or daughter and gain an insight into their new class and teaching staff. It is also an opportunity for teachers to share important information about class procedures and expectations.

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Class Timetable - this timetable indicates which activity your child is doing at what time during the week.

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News - we have regular updates of school activities posted via the newsletter, website and parent portal.

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Face-to-face - Mentors/teachers are happy to discuss concerns you may have about your son or daughter but are unable to do so during teaching time. Any small issue that can be discussed briefly at drop off or pick up time must be completed outside of lesson time.

Teachers will gladly arrange for you to make an appointment (with mentors) to discuss any important topics that you wish to raise.

In order to maintain consistent lines of communication, we ask that you ensure that your contact details including mobile phones and email addresses remain regularly updated with the school office.

If you have a question or concern, please arrange a meeting with your mentor. If you are not satisfied with the result of the meeting, then please meet with the Head of Primary. If the issue still cannot be rectified, please meet with the Head Teacher.

If you have a grievance to bring to our attention please always use a polite and respectful tone at all times. All BISM staff work very hard for the good of your child and we expect them to be treated with the respect that they deserve.

Student Work Parents will have regular opportunities to see the work being achieved by the students as part of the parent-teacher consultations and other open house events.

Using English in School Bilingualism at BISM is an asset to the pupil and the school, and this is reflected in the way we approach the use of language in school. English is the first language of the school and we should encourage it to be used as much as possible. It is the one common language that all pupils will share and therefore has the capacity to unite all pupils.

It is not forbidden for children to use their native language in school, however, our graduation towards the exclusive use of English in the classroom and on the playground grows with the age of the children and their English language proficiency. Younger children and those new to English, may use their native language when necessary but move gradually towards more and more English.

When determining the use of native language in school, the age and capability of children are key and all staff will take a common-sense approach. Pupils are not reprimanded or sanctioned for using their mother tongue.

Instead, they are positively encouraged to use English wherever possible.

Educational Visits Educational visits are crucial opportunities to learn beyond the classroom. Educational visits are organised in relation to the topics and themes being taught in class. Educational visits may be to museums, cultural sites and events or activity centres and are designed to support the learning in the classroom.

Meeting Student Needs EAL (English as an Additional Language) As an international school, we seek to accommodate students from a range of cultures, nationalities and backgrounds. We strictly limit the number of students who need significant support to fully access our curriculum to 20% of any class. This means that effective support can be offered and that English remains the language of our school and the playground.

EAL students may initially be withdrawn from other classes to work individually or in small groups with one of our EAL team. Progress is monitored regularly with the aim of being fully integrated into classes without additional support. An intensive EAL course is available for children with exceptionally low English at an additional cost.

SEND (Special or Additional Educational Needs and Disabilities) Our teachers are skilled at meeting the needs of different abilities within a typical class. Some students may need additional, specialised support due to a moderate learning difficulty. This can be generally supported through the development of an IEP (Individual Education Plan) that can be designed by our Learning Support Coordinator.

However, due to our limited capacity to support SEND here in Marbella, it is the school policy not to accept students that require more extensive support.

A G & T (Able, Gifted and Talented) Able students are accommodated by effective differentiation to challenge high ability groups in classes across the curriculum. All student’s talents and academic potential are recognised. A register recognises these talents and academic areas of strength for each child and this is updated regularly by teachers, in collaboration with parents.

We believe that it is important that talented students are challenged and have an opportunity to showcase their abilities. Some of the practical examples of opportunities for our most able students include:

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Entry in COBIS competitions and festivals Competitive sports teams Leading roles in productions BISM talent show competition Art exhibitions Primary choir, ensembles and recitals Intervention groups and streamed sessions for excellent readers, writers and mathematicians.

Summary We hope that this handbook provides an informative introduction to the school. Of course, not every piece of information will be here and if you need any further guidance, please feel free to contact the appropriate member of the school for further advice. We look forward to working with you this year.

Mr Adam Johnson - Head of Primary adam.johnson@bsm.org.es

Calle Teba 29602 Marbella Málaga Spain

+34 952 779 264 www.bsm.org.es