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Good news for the international community in Brussels TEXT: ANNA VILLELEGER  |  PHOTOS: BEPS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

Over the past 45 years, BEPS International School in Brussels has produced confident and independent young learners, catering for pupils aged two and a half to 12. The establishment’s unique teaching concept promoting international mindedness and personal learning has been so successful that as of September it will expand with a new secondary branch. “We are known for developing strong relationships with parents and children alike,” begins head of school Pascale Hertay. “Lots of parents were looking for a secondary school that would do the same.” To meet this challenge, BEPS is opening a secondary school which will combine the well-recognised educational approach of its primary school with the rigour of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. Hertay, who has a wealth of experience from the international school sector, says a large part of the school’s success is its belief that educators should consider how 66  |  Issue 49  |  January 2018

pupils personally prefer to learn. “We do not just offer a rigorous curriculum, we offer personal learning experiences. Here, there is no ‘one size fits all’ policy. The support required by each child is different: some need to be challenged whereas others require extra support.” At BEPS, pupils are given personal goals which provide them with invaluable attributes for the future, such as being co-operative and respectful. The school also ensures pupils engage in personal projects in accordance with their own interests. “We offer real experiences to enable them to follow their personal passion. That could mean a student with an interest in science joining the coding club, or gifted writer reporting for the school newspaper.” BEPS is known for continually innovating and updating its teaching methods, and this year has been focusing on helping students develop their emotional intelligence. “Children who are stressed do not learn well,” points out Hertay.

Another example of forward-thinking at BEPS is the new ‘forest school’ approach, where pupils of all ages step outside to learn. “Rather than just learning about insects in the classroom, little ones can go outside and collect them for real.” BEPS secondary school will be located close to the primary school in the heart of Brussels’ most desirable area, close to the Bois de La Cambre. The school’s secondary expansion will be gradual. From this September, years one, two and three of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) will launch for students from 11 to 14 years old. Following this, BEPS will add one MYP level each year.

An Open Information Evening on ‘BEPS International School Curricula and Approaches’ will take place on 17 January 2018 at 6.30pm. To find out more please visit; www.beps.com or register at info@beps.com