Q. Is BISC connected to other schools in Cairo with “British” in their title?
Absolutely not. BISC is a completely independent, fee- financed and a not- for- profit Society. The school is not in any way connected to any other school in Egypt. All the profits of the school are ploughed back into the school rather than being given to an owner or director.
Q. How else is BISC different from most of the other schools in Cairo with the word
'British' or 'English' in their titles?
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BISC is one of a handful of British Schools which do not have owners.
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BISC is more academically selective.
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For us the most important aspects of teaching and learning are the qualifications and teaching experience of the staff. They are recruited from the best of the maintained and private sectors in Britain or in comparable overseas schools.
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The teaching staff are particularly valued and benefit from regular in-service training from experts in Britain and overseas. The school's educational aims and objectives are especially clear.
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BISC does not offer several different educational curricula.
BISC implements the British National Curriculum up to and
including GCSE and the IB Diploma in the Sixth Form.
Q. How
is the student roll made up?
At any given time, BISC has students from over 50
different nationalities.
Q. Does the school teach religion?
Religion is not taught in this multi-denominational school. All faiths are respected equally but there is no provision for formal worship or religious instruction.
Q. When can prospective parents visit BISC?
The school is delighted to see parents by appointment during the school
term in the school week. This is so that parents can see the school in
operation. In addition to the tour, parents will have the opportunity to
ask questions of the Head of Juniors, Head of Seniors and the Principal.
Parents are urged to contact the school in advance to arrange a visit.
'Open Mornings' are scheduled throughout the school year and are
advertised well in advance on the school website. The school calendar is
also available on the website.
http://www.bisc.edu.eg/nschool/calendar.php
Q. Does BISC have a summer school?
The
school does not operate a summer school at present as the climate in
Cairo at that time is very hot and most pupils are away enjoying a
cooler and well-deserved holiday!
Q. What is the staff/ pupil ratio?
The
pupil numbers vary very slightly from year to year but on average it
is 1:11.
Q.
What is the situation with regard to 'waiting lists'?
Parents are strongly encouraged to
apply through the admission system as early as possible to avoid
disappointment. While there may be the occasional place that arises
through the academic year as a result of parents changing locations,
this cannot be relied upon. Parents are urged to apply and ensure
that their children are assessed as there are a limited number of
places. This is very important for parents with siblings. For
example, if all other things are equal and we have several pupils
for the one available place, the decision will be made on date
order. For more information, please visit the admissions
section on the School website:
Q.
If we have to move to another country or back to the UK, can my
child
transfer to another British School?
Yes, easily, providing the future school has places
and your child passed whatever assessment procedures that school may
have. The great advantage of a British curriculum education is that
it is both portable and widely acclaimed. Further information on
advantages in choosing a British curriculum education for your child
is available at
http://www.bisc.edu.eg/nschool/why_choose_british_school.php.
However, we
recommend that students do not change school in the middle of GCSE
or IB courses if a move at this stage can be avoided.
Q. I
am worried that my child's English is not good enough. What
provision is
available at the school?
We select the pupils on ability and
their potential. We are aware that English for pupils who represent
50+ nationalities may be a cause for concern, and there is some ESL
provision within the school. Pupils who need additional help if they
are dyslexic, for example, are able to take advantage of the
professional help offered by the local Learning Resource Centre.
Q.
We live some distance from the school: is there a bus service?
Yes, there is a bus that operates from
a wide range of areas such as Mohandiseen, Maadi and 6th of October
City. The bus routes are on the school website.
Q.
What Communication is there between the school and home?
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Annual Parent Information Evenings at
the beginning of the school year.
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Regular Parent’s meetings for
individual consultation on academic progress.
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Individual appointments with the
appropriate teacher, department Head or Head of School may be made
throughout the academic year.
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Parents receive regular written
reports.
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A weekly school bulletin is published
on the website,
http://www.bisc.edu.eg/nschool/news1.php
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Parents’ Handbook and curriculum descriptions provided each year.
