Primary Computing

Computing in BBIS addresses digital citizenship, computer science and information technology. Through the six primary years, students are learning about the protection of personal information, netiquette, cyberbullying and selective searching to prepare them for an independent and responsible online life. We discover computational thinking in different ways, giving simple instructions to floor robots and using a variety of coding platforms from Scratch Jr to imagi, reinforcing the understanding of algorithms and the importance of debugging. As part of Information Technology, students are introduced to a variety of applications through iPads and Chromebooks for creating presentations, learning how to take photos and evaluate their quality, creating and editing audio and video, and learning ways of 3D design. Students are working on iPads or Chromebooks and with BeeBots, Micro:bits and imagi Charms during their Primary studies. Computing-based clubs also took place this year such as the 3D design club. During the open Computing room break times, students have the opportunity to practise typing, 3D design, coding or to catch up with their digital tasks.

As a tradition now, BBIS joined the Week of Code in December, joining this global event organised by hourofcode.org. In year 6, students engaged in a “Take a screen break” session where they discussed how much time should be spent online, they also started their Google Workspace training to be prepared for their MYP journey. During World Book Day year 5 and 6 students were coding parts of their literacy books in Scratch. As part of our ROOTS programme, students in KS2 all had a chance to work through the Design Cycle using 3D design skills, completing the City X project. Year 4 had a visitor from https://imagilabs.com/ which is an award-winning start-up based in Sweden, offering a fresh take on EdTech, gaming, and social impact.

Primary Visual Arts & Design

Primary Visual Arts & Design at BBIS provides students an open space to explore ideas and record their experiences by producing creative work in a range of mediums. Individual expression is explored through projects that inspire and challenge students, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to experiment, invent and create their own works of art, craft and design. From EYFS to Year 6, students continue to build proficiency in drawing, painting, sculpting, textiles, collage and additional interdisciplinary techniques. Students learn the language of art and design to evaluate and analyse the creative works of others, as well as to be able to think critically about the development and refinement of their own abilities. It is a highly cross-curricular subject, engaging students in open discussion on the global impact of art and design, and its contributions to shaping society and culture.

This year we opened the first Makerspace that became a hub of creative learning. A place not only for Visual Arts lessons but also for our new ROOTS programme promoting STEAM education, allowing for students to obtain practical skills in Cooking and Design & Technology. The Makerspace was also the centre for the Art Masters Club where students played a pivotal role in this year’s theatre performance of ‘Wonderland’. From designing backdrops to constructing all props and all set pieces, club students were involved in every step of the stage production process. During break times throughout the week, the Makerspace was also open to students to extend their learning either through self-directed projects or special projects commissioned by teachers for various events. Having such a well-equipped and dedicated space really made a difference in growing the Visual Arts & Design curriculums this year and opening up new possibilities for the future.

Primary Hungarian

The language and culture of the host country are really important for us as an international school. Therefore, at BBIS, there are two different methods being used for host language acquisition.

For non-native speakers of Hungarian - including students who don’t even speak a word in this language - BBIS offers an introduction to Hungarian Language and Culture lessons twice a week. In these lessons, students learn basic words and phrases, funny or interesting traditions and customs that can sometimes come useful when they meet new friends or go shopping! Through various games and activities, all focusing on communication, children can become a little more familiar with this beautiful language and exciting culture. For a broader understanding, the Culture lessons are held in English.

For native Hungarian speakers, there are 3 lessons of Hungarian a week. These are based on the Hungarian national curriculum about Literacy, Grammar, Composition writing, and also History in Year 6 and MYP.

The aims of these lessons are very similar to the students’ English / Literacy lessons. Our main goals are to develop communication skills and reading: reading both fluently and accurately, while developing different comprehension strategies and playing with the language. We believe that learning one’s mother tongue, the exact use of the language including syntax and a rich vocabulary, allows our students to orient themselves and thrive in their current and future lives as they explore their own culture, history, and traditions to create a proper overview and meaningful understanding of their country.

For all classes - native and non-native Hungarian learners - we put emphasis on celebrating the national holidays, and traditions throughout the year, studying unique folk tales and songs. Taking advantage of the local opportunities, we organise field trips and visits related to the curriculum.

Roots!

This year, we introduced Roots to our curriculum and it was a huge success! Our budding young chefs became more confident in the kitchen cooking up tzatziki, eggs and blueberry muffins, to name just a few. In Helping Hands, students planted, tidied and created all with the goal of helping our community. Bikeability gave students the key skills needed for bike maintenance and some cycling proficiency too. CityX saw some incredible designs which were carefully thought out,designedandprintedtoachieveagoal.Using woodworktoolsconfidentlyandsafelyinDragon's Den, students were able to make their own pen pot, each with a unique design. In Spotlight, our movie makers improved their video scripting and editing skills. Students in Mini Roots club, also developed skills in all of these different areas too! We've loved seeing your enthusiasm for these importantlife-skills!

Our students grow and develop into the best people they can be so that when they graduate or leave to move onwards in their education, they can make the world a better place.