Vision & Mission The British School Manila (BSM) provides an outstanding holistic international education for British children and English speaking children of other nationalities. We aim to develop students as positive global citizens who are equipped with skills, understanding and values to be able and willing to contribute to our world. We achieve this through collaboration between our families, the school and our students.
We aim for our students to flourish through: • being happy, healthy and managing their own well-being • being resilient in adversity • application and effort • meeting challenges by accepting that risk taking and making mistakes are positive parts of learning • reflecting, self-assessing and driving their own learning • being confident in expressing and being themselves • being respectful, honest and kind, have integrity and take responsibility for their own actions • making their world sustainable, peaceful and fair
To achieve this BSM will: • be a learning community where all members have a desire to be life-long learners and strive for excellence • foster a friendly family atmosphere that nurtures a community feeling • meet the emotional, physical, creative and cognitive needs of all children • use an adapted form of a British curriculum along with the IB Diploma programme and intercultural learning • use technology to enhance learning • provide authentic skill based learning opportunities • provide a wide range of holistic opportunities that allow students to discover their interests Contents 3 Welcome from Head of School 12 Learning Power 26 Sports Programme
5 Primary School 19 Senior School 28 Visual & Performing Arts
6 Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) 20 Key Stage 3 30 Service Learning Programme
8 Key Stage 1 22 Key Stage 4 33 Residential Programme
11 Key Stage 2 24 Key Stage 5 34 Our Community
36 After School Activities
Being confidentin expressing and being themselves. Welcome to the British School Manila (BSM), where we proudly offer your child an outstanding holistic journey of exploration, independent inquiry, and fulfillment.
Our internationally focused and holistic education prepares students for a dynamic future. We equip them with the confidence to embrace an ethos of proactive lifelong learning so that they may grasp the varied opportunities our changing world has to offer. Our mission is to offer an outstanding holistic education and develop students positive global citizens. We commit to this each and every day and live this out in our deep Our robust, personalised academic framework develops a love of learning alongside desire to grow confident individuals, respectful, honest and kind people, eager to make understanding, selfless contribution, compassion and the desire to be positive global their world sustainable, peaceful and fair. citizens. BSM is a very special place, a place of community and of a deep and shared commitment to enable each child to flourish. Welcome to the British School Manila. We look forward to seeing you soon.
Your child’s academic experience at BSM is supported by dedicated and highly motivated teachers, complemented by skilled support staff and excellent facilities and resources. Our innovative sporting and arts programmes provide invigorating platforms to develop individual expression and competitiveness while instilling values of respect and a strong sense of community. Our holistic educational environment is underpinned by our service learning programmes, residential trips, and BSM’s commitment to develop socially responsible global citizens.
Our sense of community is embedded in what we do and nurtures our commitment and desire to engage our families, staff and broader community. We regularly come together BSM is a very special place, a place of community at coffee mornings, parent forums, exhibitions and class events to support our parents’ and of a deep and shared commitment to enable understanding of their children’s educational experience and to offer support for their each child to flourish. learning. These also provide opportunities for dialogue on contemporary educational and social issues affecting us as parents and professionals alike. Numerous community events, “ activities, and celebrations are designed to make BSM a home for the whole family. Martin van der Linde - Head of School
www.britishschoolmanila.org”3
Primary
Authentic projects that provide ‘real purpose’, capture our School students’ imaginations, provide them with real challenges In the Primary School we welcome your child into a happy and calm learning environment and the opportunity to drive their own learning, and designed for contextual well-being with natural colours, plants and soft lighting. The “ deliver wonderful learning opportunities. well-being of each child is at the core of our practice, starting by getting to know students Glenn Hardy - Head of Primary School and their cultural background as they become part of our community. We look at sense of self, a sense of belonging, self regulation and fostering a heathy balanced lifestyle. We empower our students to consistently reflect and drive their own learning by developing thinking skills, independence, and high quality communication. We develop collaborative ” and reflective skills in your child through our class based and co-curricular programmes. We inspire our students to be life-long learners and global citizens who have a desire to make a positive difference to their world.
The Primary curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum for English, Mathematics and Science, with ICT (Information Communication Technology) integrated in all that we do. Our students follow inquiry-based units focused on global citizen concepts of sustainability, choice, change, nature and interdependence. Our authentic projects are based on the UN Sustainable Development goals and our service learning programme inspires and supports these concepts.
In addition, we place a strong emphasis on sport and the arts, with specialist teachers and wonderful facilities for these areas. A comprehensive extra-curricular programme offers additional opportunities to develop creativity and collaboration and our residential programmes foster resilience, independence and social skills. www.britishschoolmanila.org 5 Early Years Foundation Stage
Play underpins all aspects of student’s learning and development in EYFS. Through play, the children develop language, explore new concepts, practise skills, take risks, imagine and create, develop motor skills and learn how to solve problems on their own and with others.
Early Years teachers carefully plan and resource the learning environment with loose parts and natural materials to inspire play. Students discover and make sense of their world as they freely explore their safe but challenging indoor and outdoor environments.
There is particular attention paid to the holistic development of each child. The children’s development of communication and language skills, physical development, personal, social and emotional development and well-being are of equal importance, thus equipping them with the strongest foundations on which to build future learning.
6 www.britishschoolmanila.org What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is comprised of two year groups: Nursery (ages 3-4) and Reception (ages 4-5). In our Nursery and Reception classes, the emphasis is on learning through play and focused around the interests of the children.
Through a strong staff-to-student ratio, we are able to skillfully interact with the students in order to deepen their understanding as they play, talk, observe, plan, question, repeat, reflect and respond to adults and each other.
We place a strong emphasis on teachers and parents working in partnership and this is strengthened by the daily soft starts, a flexible start when parents are welcome to spend time with their child in the classroom for the first half hour of the day.
The EYFS framework is used to focus on 7 key areas of learning and development: • communication and language • physical development • personal, social and emotional development • literacy • mathematics • understanding of the world • expressive arts and design
www.britishschoolmanila.org 7 Key Stage 1 We believe that child initiated play should continue to underpin the learning as children make the transition from Early Years into Key Stage 1. In Year 1 children continue to learn through play. They develop language, explore new concepts, practise skills, take risks, imagine and create, develop motor skills and learn how to solve problems on their own and with others.
Year 1 teachers carefully plan and resource the learning environment with loose parts and natural 6 materials to inspire play.
Learning through play is balanced with an increasing level of small groups and whole class, teacher directed and structured learning, throughout the key stage.
In Key Stage 1 the curriculum is based on the English National Curriculum, for English, Mathematics and Science. For Humanities your children will follow inquiry-based units based on the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and the key concepts of interdependence, choice, nature, systems, society and change. The children will also have specialist lessons in What is Mandarin, Art, Music and PE.
Key Stage 1? The well-being of children is paramount and they have daily activities linked to our well-being framework to support their development in this area. Key Stage 1 is comprised of Year 1 (ages 5-6) and To ensure a smooth transition from EYFS, the students Year 2 (ages 6-7). The aim of KS1 is to build on the will continue to experience elements of play-based Your children will begin to reflect on what they need to develop as independent learners and are provided with rich experiences to spark curiosity and questioning. Your children will be learning as they bridge into more formal learning foundations laid in EYFS and continue to provide a encouraged to reflect throughout their time at BSM which allows them to make connections safe, secure and stimulating learning environment environments during their progression throughout the between the different facets of their learning, building on the foundations laid in EYFS. that encourages your children to become confident Key Stage. learners. We support your child as they make Well-resourced, flexible learning environments are designed to facilitate both independent and the transition from EYFS into Key Stage 1 and collaborative learning, developing key learning competencies. during Years 1 and 2 your children will continue to Emphasis is placed on partnerships with our teachers working closely with you to address the develop their skills in preparation for Key Stage 2. individual needs of each child. Close monitoring of social and academic development, small class sizes and excellent communication with our families all help to contribute to the success of 8 www.britishschoolmanila.org children in Key Stage 1. We prepare our students for the future by inspiring them to be lifelong learners. Making their world sustainable, peaceful and fair. What is Key Stage 2?
Key Stage 2 at BSM covers Years 3 to 6 with children Key Stage 2 spanning the ages of 7 to 11. This area builds on the learning developed in Key Stage 1 and prepares them Students experience a rich and varied curriculum with English and Mathematics at its for a successful transition into Senior School. core and through specialist teachers for the delivery of PE, Music, Art and Languages. Each day begins with a well-being activity to foster positivity and readiness for learning. This is further enhanced by learning environments designed for contextual well-being. Your child’s development will be characterised by an increasing level of independence alongside the acquisition of essential skills, knowledge and understanding of their world. Real life, concept based, authentic project learning opportunities challenge students to understand and develop empathy with global issues, fostering a desire to make a difference. Technology is integrated to enhance learning and deepen your child’s ability to use technology as a tool to learn and interact.
Students will participate in residential programmes that support personal development and independence. Trips off-site maximise the opportunities for your child to use the locality as a learning resource.
www.britishschoolmanila.org 11 Our capacity to exchange ideas and sharing information has never been greater. To take full advantage of this potential we must become good communicators. At BSM our students are always encouraged to express their ideas, thoughts and opinions. We aim to develop active listeners, with excellent communication skills. The students learn a range of different presentation skills in order to share what they have learnt in a clear and thoughtful way. Communication Skills Collaboration is the ability to work successfully with other people, whether it is with a partner, with a group or with a team. Through collaboration our students develop empathy and the ability to respect and utilise other people’s ideas, opinions and values. Great collaborators are able to inspire and lead, bringing out the best in the people they work with. Collaborative Skills Creative and critical thinking to solve problems is another key skill. Our students learn to analyse from different points of view, judging what is relevant and useful. They are encouraged to challenge opinions and ideas. They are given authentic problems to solve, using their creative thinking skills and strategies to come up with practical and Thinking Skills successful solutions. Reflective Skills Reflection involves evaluation of our learning. It is about identifying our strengths and weaknesses in order for us to understand what we need to work on in order to improve. BSM students are always encouraged to reflect, not only when their work is ‘finished’, but on the journey they took to get there. They learn to set themselves targets that help pave their way to success. Independent Skills
Independence is about being able to look after yourself, taking responsibility for your own actions, organisation and learning. At BSM we develop students who are self-reliant with the confidence to try activities and approaches that are new to them. They take on challenging tasks with a growth mindset and demonstrate perseverance when difficulties arise. They have the resilience to recover quickly from setbacks. Inquiry Skills
A good inquirer is curious to find out, and asks pertinent questions in order to deepen their understanding of a topic. At BSM our students develop the skills they need to design their own learning. They plan steps to investigate and interrogate a problem and/or a question and then use their research skills to gather the required information. Nurturing Well-being and self-confidence. Our Senior School is a vibrant, diverse, and fun learning environment. We guide and support students on their journey to academic excellence and equip them with tools to promote a healthy sense of well-being. We provide them with opportunities to develop the skills needed for life in the 21st century, underpinning this with a strong emphasis on the development of moral values. We are highly skilled in transitioning students both from our Primary School and/or students who may be joining us for the first time. Whilst much learning takes place inside the classroom, we place a high level of importance on providing experiences beyond the scope of the traditional curriculum. Our Sports, Visual and Performing Arts, Service Learning , Residential Programmes and Model United Nations groups provide our students. This holistic Senior approach to your child’s education, supported by our strong pastoral welfare team, is tailored to meet the needs and passions of each individual student.
We are extremely proud of the happy, confident people our students become and the strong academic results they achieve. Our International Baccalaureate (IB) School Diploma results are consistently and significantly above world average, with students accepting offers from the world’s most prestigious universities. At International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) level, students are highly successful and prepared with the skills needed for study at International Baccalaureate level and beyond. Students leave BSM equipped with skills of communication, independence, collaboration, questioning, creativity and reflection, preparing them to be flexible, successful and adaptable life-long learners in an ever changing world. Learning is at the heart of all we do in the Senior School.
We are a school that cares about your children. Their well-being and academics are both important in equal measures!
“ Rebekah Russell - Head of Senior School ” www.britishschoolmanila.org 19 What is Key Stage 3?
Key Stage 3 is comprised of three year groups, Years 7, 8 and 9. The major emphasis in these years is on the transition into the Senior School and the development of key skills required for successful completion of Key Stage 3 Key Stages 4 and 5.
Students find Key Stage 3 (KS3) an exciting, dynamic transition point in their lives as Years 7, 8 and 9 provide a foundation and pathway between the Primary School and the (I)GCSE examination years. We broadly follow an adapted form of a British curriculum with modifications to reflect our international context and focus on developing lifelong learners prepared for the challenges of the (I)GCSEs and the IB Diploma.
A strong emphasis is placed on managing the transition from the Primary School and supporting the successful integration of new students into life at BSM. Our pastoral welfare team actively assists students, ensuring they are able to make informed choices and helping equip them with the skills needed to make good decisions about their learning and personal development.
Our KS3 students enjoy a greater level of independence and a wider range of subject specialists to lead their learning. As your child moves into Year 9 they are given an increasing level of choice about the units of work they study, allowing them to explore areas of particular interest in more depth. Your child will also be provided with careers guidance to help them with the selection of subjects they wish to study at (I)GCSE level.
20 www.britishschoolmanila.org We use technology to enhance learning. What is Key Stage 4 Key Stage 4? Our Year 10 and 11 students complete a two-year programme of study, consisting of a range of (International) General Certificate of Secondary Education (I)GCSE subjects. Key Stage 4 is comprised of two year groups, These are externally examined and are a direct stepping stone to pre-university courses Years 10 and 11. Students follow a two-year such as the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme or A Levels. Our Pastoral externally examined curriculum. The courses welfare team supports students throughout their (I)GCSE studies, ensuring that they are fully equipped with the skills required to be successful with their examinations and followed provide a strong foundation for the the information needed to make informed decisions about careers, pre-university and IB Diploma programme in Key Stage 5. university courses. (I)GCSEs are globally recognised qualifications and we are extremely proud of how our students perform, their results are comparable with top schools in the United Kingdom and internationally.
Core subjects studied are Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, Biology, Chemistry, Physics (Co-ordinated Science) and a World Language (Mandarin, French or Spanish). In addition, students have a choice of option subjects from the following: Business Studies, Economics, Geography, History, Psychology, Art, Drama, Computing, Music and PE. (I)GCSE studies are enriched with core PE (for health and fitness).
In addition students undertake work experience and participate in a range of day trips and residential trips. Students also complete an internally assessed Research Project to develop critical thinking and independent life-long study skills, supporting their learning across all other subject areas and developing skills that will be required in KS5.
22 www.britishschoolmanila.org Being respectful, honest, and kind. Key Stage 5 International Baccalaureate Diploma
The IB Diploma prepares students for Higher Education courses around the world. Our Year 12 and 13 students follow the academically rigorous International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), which we believe is the best pre-university course available in the world.
Students follow six subjects, one from each curriculum area shown on the IB Diploma Programme circle; three must be taken at Higher Level (HL), allowing for a degree of specialisation, and three at Standard Level (SL), providing a breadth of study.
The programme has the strengths of a traditional broad curriculum, but with three important additional features:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – where our students develop skills in critical thinking and reflection with threads running through all academic subjects.
What is Key Stage 5?
International Baccalaureate Diploma – Key Stage 5 is comprised of two year groups, Years 12 and 13. Our students follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, where they are prepared for Higher Education courses around the world.
24 www.britishschoolmanila.org Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – where our students develop a sense of social responsibility and learn new skills outside the sphere of their immediate school environment.
Extended Essay – where our students develop independent research skills that will take them beyond the confines of the syllabus in their chosen subject area.
Our IB results are consistently and significantly higher than world averages and our students go on to study and succeed at top universities around the world. Our Higher Education team is very experienced and has a high level of expertise, supporting our students with careers advice, prior to and during IB as well as information about university courses around the world, and with their university applications.
Whilst the majority of our students opt to study in the United Kingdom or the United States of America, significant numbers select universities in a wide range of other countries with the vast majority accessing their university of choice.
www.britishschoolmanila.org 25 Physical Education, Health & Well-Being Our PE, Health & Well-Being program aims to empower all students to become physically literate and lead an active and balanced lifestyle. Students will display strong sporting values, demonstrate self regulation and acceptance of themselves as a unique individual. A capacity for growth and resilience will be evident alongside a strong sense of belonging.
Our teaching has a concept based, inclusive and student centred approach, where students will be encouraged to: • display the BSM sporting values of respect, humility, gratitude, dignity, fair play and compete to the best of their ability • demonstrate BSM Learning Power skills; communication, collaboration and independence • develop a positive relationship with physical activity through a broad and balanced curriculum with physical literacy at the heart of the programme • participate in the wide range of BSM After School Activities programme, engaging in some form of physical activity every day at a level appropriate to their ability • develop strong global citizenship values
Sport is a central part of our After School Activities programme. The majority of our programmes are fully inclusive and allow students to pursue their sporting passion at a level appropriate level of their ability. We have excellent facilities that include grass and synthetic fields, an indoor sports hall, an outdoor basketball court, a dance studio and several multi-purpose areas. Swimming, Football and Basketball provide the core of the co-curricular sports that we offer while we also provide students with opportunities to get involved in Rugby, Golf, Gymnastics, Dance, Taekwondo and We aim for the student to Fencing amongst others. Many of our students have the opportunity to compete regionally within the Philippines and Asia. develop the skills and passion to lead a healthy balanced We aim for our students to lead a healthy balanced lifestyle and encourage them to continue sports or physical activity as they leave BSM for the next stage of their lives. lifestyle now and in the future.
26 www.britishschoolmanila.org
Creative Arts
28 www.britishschoolmanila.org We believe that access to and engagement in Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) is a central component of your child’s education. The development of communication skills through performance, artistic exploration and creative thinking is essential for children of all ages as part of their core education. All of our students experience Art, Drama and Music, which are delivered by specialist teachers. High value is placed on these programmes and we are committed to providing access for all students to the Arts throughout their time at BSM. We are very proud of our students’ abilities and ensure we have regular displays, performances and exhibitions of their work.
Creativity and creative thinking alongside the confidence to perform in front of others are critical aspects of learning for all children.
To supplement your child’s core programmes and extend our students who have a talent or passion in VPA, we provide multiple opportunities outside class time. These include art clubs for all ages, music ensembles and choirs, dance groups and drama clubs. We also have a number of major drama productions, a series of school concerts, year group assemblies in the Primary School and peripatetic music lessons for all students, where your child can prepare for and take ABRSM or Rock School exams.
From Nursery upwards we aim to ensure that the students will have the opportunity to perform through lessons, assemblies, and special performance days. In this way we support the process of building self-confidence and communication skills. Service Learning Programme making a difference
We are rightly proud of our Service Learning Programme. Service begins in Nursery where our youngest children, supported by their parents and teachers, begin to learn about empathy, and making a difference to the lives of others. It continues through to Year 13 where Service becomes a hands-on student led experience.
As a community we identify partners with specific needs appropriate to the age of the student. These range from international NGOs to local organisations, but all of them address issues in the Philippines, and aim to make a sustainable difference. Our students have the opportunity to learn about the problem, and how to have an impact on a range of global and local issues. Our programme is designed to empower and motivate the students to use their individual talents and passions to make a positive difference. They begin by developing an understanding of the issue, working together to identify solutions, and finally implementing them.
We believe exposure to a range of Service Learning experiences and opportunities, and encouragement to lead activities allows your child to grow as an individual and experience the rewards of making a positive contribution to the lives of others. We aim for your child to develop empathy, respect and a lifelong passion for Service through real life experience. In an increasingly connected world, we hope their positive contributions to the communities around them and their environment will instil a desire to continue this work beyond school. Service Learning Programme making a difference photo We want your child to develop the skills and values to make a difference in the world. So much of what our children need to learn best takes place outside the classroom. Residential Programme Our residential programmes are a central part of our curriculum designed to nurture student leadership and to develop the personal and social skills that are essential for the students to become a successful adult. From Year 1 onwards students participate in at least one residential programme during each academic year. We start with an overnight stay at school and progress in Year 6 to a full week away. We also offer the opportunity for our Senior students to extend themselves through engaging in the International Award (Duke of Edinburgh Award) at bronze, silver and gold levels. These experiences outside the classroom provide students with the chance to explore different communities and cultures, to be challenged through outward-bound and physically demanding activities and to grow as individuals. We support our students to take calculated risks, work in challenging environments and undertake unfamiliar personal challenges. We also aim for the students to recognise the value in both supporting and being supported by others. These activities outside the classroom are central to building resilient and self-motivated individuals who are prepared to embrace the challenges life sends their way.
www.britishschoolmanila.org 33 Our Community
BSM prides itself on our outstanding sense of community. We believe that by engaging with all of our stakeholders we add a vital element in supporting the success of all of our students.
Through relationship-building and positive, open engagement through numerous activities and celebrations we enable BSM to be a home for the whole family. This community spirit underpins the shared understanding of our vision and reflects a commitment to offering a fulfilling educational experience for all our students and families.
We enjoy outstanding support from our families through our Parent Teacher Association (PTA) and the friends and partners of the school. We stage a number of major events annually that bring together all members of our community that will help you engage with BSM, other families, and the Philippines.
Our sense of community and ambition to engage our families, friends, and staff makes BSM a home away from home for the heart and mind. If it takes a village to raise a child, then what does it take to raise a school of happy, resilient and caring young people? It takes all of us, together, all of the time.
34 www.britishschoolmanila.org Our vibrant community spirit shines brightly especially during weekends, events and fundraising. After School
There is so much more to BSMActivities than classrooms and learning! With close to 100 clubs and activities, our ASA programmes are designed to develop relationships with peers and teachers that promote a sense of belonging. These opportunities start from Reception. Activities largely run after school, however a number of clubs also take place in the An integral part of morning and/or at weekends. We encourage all students to be involved in activities that will enrich their learning and support them to broaden their experience and take risks. our holistic education. Art, music, drama, dance, sport and fitness are all key components of the ASA programmes as they are accessible for all ages. We have a focus on academic extension such as Robotics, World Languages, Science clubs and Journalism. Model United Nations is offered from Year 5 upwards and leading expansion in the country, and there are a number of Information Technology clubs and activities that provide opportunities to
apply technology to real world situations.
Our extensive ASA programme provides students with a sense of belonging to a community outside of the classroom and aims to provide all our students with the opportunity to lead an active and balanced lifestyle which is consistent with their abilities, hobbies and interests.
We strongly believe that through linking our extensive ASA programmes with the learning that takes place in the classroom our students will become well-rounded individuals who have the skills and mindset to balance both work and recreation as they move into the next stage of their lives.
36 www.britishschoolmanila.org Empowering students to flourish.
An integral part of our holistic education. How to contact us 36th Street, University Park Bonifacio Global City Taguig City 1634 Metro Manila Philippines
(632) 8860 4800
www.britishschoolmanila.org
@BSM_1976 facebook.com/ BritishSchoolManila @ thebritishschoolmanila