BSY General Information Prospectus 2017 (19.09.17)

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 Yangon (BSY).

BSY offers a modern and vibrant education to boys and girls aged 2 to 13 with an expansion plan to provide for up to 18 years old. The school serves expatriate and Myanmar 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.

BSY 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 Yangon.

A printed handbook can only go so far in conveying our ethos and spirit, but we hope this brochure can give you some insight into why BSY is an excellent school of choice.

Teaching and Learning BSY combines modern and contemporary child-friendly teaching with traditional values and high standards. The school balances a nurturing environment that fosters understanding, critical thinking and enthusiasm with a stimulating curriculum.

We employ highly qualified teachers with a genuine passion for their profession.

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. Our approach to teaching and learning encourages active participation by all pupils.

In addition, Teaching Assistants work in each class in Early Years and Primary plus the appropriate classes in Secondary School. This enables 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 is not a simple one. 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 acquire a second language, learn to play an instrument, or expand 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 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 Primary School, lessons are planned with a view to making them interesting and engaging.

As they move into Secondary School children receive teaching by subject specialists and work towards their IGSCE and the IB Diploma.

Personalised 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.

Curriculum Overview Rigorous Pupils who complete their education at BSY 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.

Global A global vision is embedded throughout the curriculum and all subjects extend national borders. Our established network of schools in South America, Europe and Asia allows older students to develop cross-cultural experiences through various events and award schemes.

Social Educational excursions allow students to learn more about the world around us and provide them with the opportunity to develop their 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. In the upper Primary School, we offer and encourage all students to take part in residential educational trips designed to reinforce independence and confidence.

Curriculum Overview 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 broaden pupils’ physical competence and confidence. It also promotes co-ordination, physical development and knowledge of the body in action.

From inter-school matches, to House competitions and after school clubs pupils will always find an activity they can enjoy.

Music: Music has a fundamental place within the curriculum at BSY. The school runs music and instrumental programmes in Early Years, Primary and Secondary School as well an optional individual instrumental programme provided by highly trained and qualified music teaching staff. For pupils with a greater interest in music, there are further opportunities to participate in ensembles, orchestras, choirs and plays.

Art: Our teachers deliver lessons designed to grow 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.

Drama: Drama includes dramatic play, story enactment, imagination journeys, theatre games, music and dance. Through plays and performances we aim to help every pupil develop a sense of ease in public situations. Our annual productions contribute to fostering a strong sense of community within the school.

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 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 and stimulate their enthusiasm.

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

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

Primary School The Primary 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, thereby achieving high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding.

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 (Personal, Social, Health and Economics), Spanish and Computing are also essential aspects of the curriculum.

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

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.

Secondary School The Secondary School covers the English National Curriculum Key Stages 3 and 4 (ages 12 -16). Teachers provide stimulating activities to build up pupil confidence and harness their natural curiosity, thereby achieving high levels of knowledge, skills and understanding.

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 will also deliver the PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economics) programme, which includes global citizenship and health education.

Students study English, Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Drama, Art, Computing, Music and PE. In addition, students choose to study at least one Modern Foreign Language.

Key Stage 4 In Years 10 and 11, students are able to choose subjects from a broad range of options in more depth. Our courses are provided by the UK Cambridge University International Examinations Board (CIE) and UK EdExcel Examinations Board. This twoyear programme is globally recognised to be one of the best academically rigorous programmes for this age range of students and enables pupils to gain formally recognised IGCSE qualifications as a result.

The British Schools Foundation Our school is a member of The British Schools Foundation (BSF), a registered, non-profit organisation that aims to promote the highest levels of international education worldwide.

BSF has an established history of delivering top tier education in an international setting. BSY 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, Philippines, Burma and Uzbekistan.

We also enjoy links with other schools in the region and beyond, with our affiliations to many councils and federations including COBIS and FOBISIA. The Foundation has established a reputation for high academic, managerial and employment standards.

Location and Facilities The British School of Yangon is located close to Inya Lake on the Yangon-Insein Road.

Classrooms All classrooms are generously resourced and equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, such as Interactive White Boards (standard in all classrooms) and mobile devices. Specialist classrooms include: Music rooms, Language rooms, Library and Performance spaces.

Playgrounds BSY 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.

Libraries BSY 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.

Campuses The

buildings

offer

modern,

smart

interior

and

exterior

environments, with playgrounds and facilities that are age appropriate, safe and enjoyable.

Admissions 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 allrounders 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. BSY 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 BSY 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.

BSY 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, see www.britishschoolyangon.org or call us at

+95 (0)1 525 044.

2A Yangon-Insein Road Ward No. 9 Hlaing Township Yangon 11051 Myanmar +95 (0)1 525 044 info@britishschoolyangon.org www.britishschoolyangon.org