BSNJ General Information 2017 (f)

General Information

Welcome

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you can make for your child’s future, so we are delighted that you are considering The British School of Nanjing (BSN).

BSN offers a modern and vibrant education to boys and girls aged 3 to 18. The school serves expatriate and Chinese families looking to provide their children with a private education of the highest standard. We nurture high aspirations for each and every one of our students.

Many achieve great academic results and aim for places at the best universities around the world while others discover a passion or special talent. Our day-to-day focus is on helping pupils to thrive in their own unique way.

We offer a rich and varied curriculum that allows pupils to explore the breadth and depth of their abilities. Work is underpinned by a highly qualified and dedicated teaching body. Small class sizes and low student to teacher ratios mean that pupils can receive the support they require to make good progress both academically and in their personal development.

BSN has preserved a strong sense of community since its foundation and every member of the school, young or old, has many opportunities to contribute to the welfare of the school community. We are proud of the role our families play in our school and in turn the role we play in their lives during their time in Nanjing.

A printed handbook can only go so far in conveying the ethos and spirit of a school but we hope this brochure can give you some insight into what makes BSN special and unique.

Teaching and Learning

BSN combines modern and innovative child-friendly pedagogy with traditional values and high standards. The school balances a nurturing environment that fosters understanding, critical thinking and enthusiasm with a stimulating curriculum.

BSN employs highly qualified teachers with a genuine passion for their profession. Small class sizes help ensure our mission of providing personalised learning and student success.

Teaching and learning at our school is based on three fundamental principles: • Stimulating curiosity and nurturing an interest in learning • Thinking critically and taking a structured approach to understanding and solving problems • Having an open mind and respect for other people and new ideas These principles are supported by lessons that are delivered in an interactive and thought-provoking manner using a wide variety of teaching styles. Lessons are planned to suit a range of abilities allowing every student to benefit and improve upon their skills and knowledge.

In addition, Teaching Assistants work alongside the teachers in every class in Early Years and Junior School and some classes in Senior School, enabling more attention to be given to each student and closer monitoring of the work.

Curriculum Overview The notion that learning a second language improves your first, or that playing the violin deepens your reasoning skills, or that a game of tennis might even boost your mathematical ability are not naturally intuitive. Yet it is these ideas that are at the very heart of our curriculum. As children, our learning capability is extremely heightened. It is during childhood that we can pick up a second language, learn to play an instrument, or develop our athletic ability with an ease that is difficult to match later in life. Our curriculum aims high and relies on exceptional teachers to motivate and inspire pupils to relish in their learning.

Child-Centred

Rigorous

Teaching and learning is aimed at making the most of children’s natural curiosity to learn and inquisitiveness. In Early Years, learning takes place principally through guided play. As work gradually becomes more structured in Junior School, lessons are planned with a view to making them interesting and engaging. As they move into Senior School children receive teaching by subject specialists and work towards their IGSCE and A Levels.

Pupils who complete their education at BSN will attain a high level of competency across all subjects. Learning is largely enquiry-based, with an emphasis on problem solving, aiming to build up a pupil’s ability to reason and think independently.

Personalised

Global

Teachers plan lessons with differentiated outcomes, allowing for a range of achievements.

This enables teachers to match each lesson as closely as possible to individual needs whilst providing scope for pupils to be stretched academically.

A global vision is embedded throughout the entire curriculum and all subjects extend national borders and become global. Our established network of schools in Europe and Asia allows older students to develop crosscultural experiences through exchanges.

Curriculum Overview In addition to a rigorous and challenging academic programme, BSN also runs lively sports, music, arts and drama programmes in which students are presented with many opportunities to develop their skills and interests outside of the classroom.

Sports: Physical Education forms an integral part of the curriculum at the school and is also a major area of extra-curricular activity. It is considered a healthy way to develop pupils’ physical competence and confidence. It also promotes physical coordination, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. Many students represent BSN in interschool matches against other international schools in the city. House competitions and after school clubs also provide the chance to learn and participate in sport. The important thing is to join in!

Music: Music has a fundamental place within the curriculum at BSN. In addition to covering the basic National Curriculum requirements, the school runs instrumental programmes and an individual instrumental programme provided by highly trained and qualified music specialists. For pupils with greater interest in music, there are further opportunities to participate in ensembles, orchestras, choirs, plays and other music and drama groups and to perform in venues both at the school and within the community.

Art: Our teachers deliver lessons designed to develop creativity using a variety of media and techniques in art and craftwork. An awareness of colour, shape, balance, focus and proportion are developed alongside the use of symbols to convey ideas and feelings. Students study a wide range of artists, craftspeople and designers. These studies do not remain solely in the classroom as we invite artists every year to hold workshops in their field.

Curriculum Overview

Drama: Drama includes dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, theatre games, music and dance. Whilst not every child can be expected to be a natural performer, through plays and performances we aim to help every pupil develop a sense of ease in public situations. Our whole school productions also contribute to fostering a strong sense of community within the school.

Educational Trips: Educational excursions provide the opportunity to learn more about the world around us and provide pupils with the opportunity to develop their group and social skills in different settings. All pupils enjoy regular opportunities to enrich learning through trips out of school, usually relating to an aspect of the curriculum being covered. We offer and encourage students to take part in residential educational trips designed to develop independence and confidence.

Early Years

We aim to provide children in Early Years with educational experiences that will help them develop a positive approach to learning. By creating a learning environment, both indoors and outdoors, where children feel at home, they will be more willing to explore new concepts and ideas. Self-discipline, a sense of responsibility, and respect for others are encouraged.

Classroom walls are covered with displays of children’s art and craft, as well as language-based information to help them develop literacy skills. Displays of educational material related to topics being studied and an ever-changing role-play area helps further stimulate their enthusiasm.

Lessons incorporate communication, language and literacy, enabling development towards independent speaking, listening, reading and writing. Particular emphasis is placed on speaking and listening and in pre-reading and pre-writing activities.

In Mathematics, children are introduced to aspects of mathematical understanding and are provided with the foundation for numeracy. This is achieved through practical activities and by using simple mathematical language.

Children acquire a basic knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and features of the natural and manmade world. Personal and social development focuses on children learning how to work, play, co-operate with others and function in a group beyond the family.

The physical development programme aims to help children develop physical control, mobility, awareness of space and manipulative skills in indoor and outdoor environments. Children are actively encouraged to establish positive attitudes towards a healthy and active way of life. Opportunities to be expressive and creative are, of course, crucial and offered daily through art, craft, role-play and music.

Much of what is learned in the classroom at BSN is extended to the outdoor environment, with many classes taking place in the specially-designed outdoor learning area.

Junior School The Junior School covers the English National Curriculum Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 5-11). Teachers provide stimulating activities to build up pupil confidence and harness their natural curiosity. Children thereby achieve high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding while enjoying the learning process.

Key Stage 1 Our aim is for children to enjoy their time at school and to develop knowledge, understanding and values in order to reach their full potential in all academic and social areas of school life. Daily focus is given to English and Mathematics. Science, Geography, History, Art and Design are taught through an integrated “topic� approach that enhances pupil learning. Of course Music, Physical Education, PSHE, Mandarin, Spanish and Computing are also essential aspects of the curriculum.

In English, we aim to provide a rich and stimulating environment in which children find interest and pleasure in communicating and writing. They are offered many experiences to develop their interest in reading with fluency, accuracy, understanding and enjoyment.

In Mathematics and Science, we aim to develop a knowledge and understanding of the role of these subjects in everyday life.

Children are encouraged to relate their work to other areas of the curriculum.

Junior School Key Stage 2 In Key Stage 2, we emphasise active investigative methods to facilitate purposeful learning and to encourage independence, while at the same time ensuring that the main requirements of the English National Curriculum are covered.

In line with UK expectations, pupils complete end-of-year assessments that are able to identify progress and achievement very clearly in the “core� areas of Reading, Writing and Mathematics. The curriculum also incorporates Science, Geography, History, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, PSHE and additional opportunities to learn languages, as well as Computing.

In general, Junior children work mainly with one class teacher although certain subjects, such as Music, PE and languages are taught by specialist teachers. All teaching staff are British nationals or have appropriate teaching qualifications and experience in delivering the English National Curriculum. Each teacher also has the support of a full-time Assistant Teacher.

This approach helps ensure that the highest quality of teaching and learning takes place.

Senior School Key Stage 3 In Key Stage 3, lessons are taught by a series of subject specialists with the class tutor having the important pastoral role of coordinating all aspects of the pupils’ academic and social development. The class tutor also delivers the PSHE programme, which includes global citizenship and health education.

Specialist teachers deliver a balanced programme based on the English National Curriculum. Students study English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Drama, Art, ICT, Graphic Design and PE. In addition, students choose to study two Modern Foreign Languages from Mandarin, French and Spanish.

Key Stage 4 In Years 10 and 11, students follow the UK Cambridge University International Examinations Board (CIE) and UK EdExcel Examinations Board IGCSE programme. This twoyear programme is globally recognised to be one of the best academically rigorous programmes for this age range of students.

Sixth Form In Years 12 and 13, students study A-Levels, which are accredited by the Cambridge International Examinations Board, UK (CIE) and Edexcel Examinations Board, UK. As students prepare for university entrance, they start choosing and specialising in subjects they have greatest interest in, and are likely to study further at university. The school will also start working with the students and parents, helping with university entrance applications and suggesting aspects that need to be worked on, both academic and extra-curricular.

The school places a great emphasis upon a diverse co-curricular programme, which offers students sporting, musical, house and academic opportunities. Students are offered a variety of options to further enrich their learning that may include sailing, volunteering and charity projects, leadership trips, house events, and other pursuits in the sports and arts.

Location and Facilities

Location The British School of Nanjing is located in Nanjing. The school enjoys a spacious, green, clean-air surrounding located in the heart of the city’s schools quarter.

Classrooms All classrooms are generously resourced and equipped to meet English National Curriculum standards, making use of state-ofthe-art technologies, such as Interactive White Boards (standard in all classrooms). Specialist classrooms include: Music room, Language room, Library and a multi-purpose hall.

Playgrounds BSN has exceptionally well equipped playgrounds, combining a selection of climbing frames, hard-court and rubber surfaces and a clear differentiation between children of different ages. It also has several sports facilities, such as a multi-sports outdoor pitch, an indoor movement room, and many other specialized areas, both indoors and outdoors.

Libraries BSN has exceptionally well resourced libraries with a wide selection of books and resources imported from the UK. The libraries are complemented with comfortable reading areas to encourage a love of books and reading.

Campus The buildings offer modern, smart interior and exterior environments, with playgrounds and facilities that are age appropriate, safe and enjoyable. The facilities on offer match that of any top international school, not only in terms quality, but also in how they enhance the education we provide. The school also has a canteen, infirmary, arts centre and several specialist classrooms.

The British Schools Foundation Our school is a member of The British Schools Foundation (BSF), a registered, non-profit organisation that aims to promote quality international education worldwide. BSF has an established history of delivering top quality education in an international setting. BSN is fortunate to be able to draw from that expertise and to attract staff of the highest calibre.

Our established global network of schools is one of the largest in the world with schools in Spain, China, Russia, Brazil, Malaysia, The Philippines, Myanmar and Uzbekistan.

We also enjoy links with other schools in the region and beyond, with our affiliations to many councils and federations set up to support and monitor International Schools. We are also fully accredited by local educational authorities.

The Foundation has established a reputation for high academic, managerial and employment standards.

Admissions Admission to BSN is selective. We are committed to achieving the highest levels of academic and personal attainment, seeking students who thrive in this rigorous and challenging learning environment. We look for students who are all-rounders with strong academic potential, a positive attitude and an interest in extra-curricular activities.

We are committed to ensuring our pupils gain access to top universities in the UK and worldwide or are able to continue their schooling at the highest level. BSN welcomes individual visits to our school throughout the year and holds open days for parents to visit our campus and learn more about our curriculum.

How do I apply?

Applications for enrolment at the school must be submitted through our online application form. Parents unable to complete an application online can call the admissions office for assistance. Parents can also complete the online application form at BSN with the assistance of our admissions team.

Together with the application form, parents will be required to submit: • Signed copy of our Declaration Form • Copies of your child’s most recent school report • Application Fee Once the application is submitted, a parent meeting and pupil assessment will be scheduled. The school aims to communicate the application outcome within a few days of the assessment date.

BSN offers scholarships and financial aid those who would not normally be able to send their children to the school. Please feel free to ask for more details.

For more information, please email admissions@bsn.org.cn or call our admissions office at +86 25 5210 8987.

16 Han Fu Lu Jiangning Nanjing 211106

www.bsn.org.cn info@bsn.org.cn