Frequently Asked QuestionsHere we hope you can find answers to common questions new parents often have when joining the school. If you cant find what your looking for please email admissions@bisc.edu.eg
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FAQ - About BISC
Q: IS BISC CONNECTED TO OTHER SCHOOLS IN CAIRO WITH “BRITISH” IN THEIR TITLE?
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Absolutely not. BISC is 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.
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Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF BISC’S DISTINCTIVE FEATURES?
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Q: HOW IS THE STUDENT ROLL MADE UP?
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At any given time, BISC has students from over 50 different nationalities.
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Q: DOES THE SCHOOL TEACH RELIGION?
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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.
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Q: WHEN CAN PROSPECTIVE PARENTS VISIT BISC?
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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 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. Find out more from our admissions pages.
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Q: DOES BISC RUN A SUMMER SCHOOL?
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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!
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Q: WHAT IS THE SITUATION WITH REGARD TO ‘WAITING LISTS’?
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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.
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Q: IF WE HAVE TO MOVE TO ANOTHER COUNTRY OR BACK TO THE UK, CAN MY CHILD TRANSFER TO ANOTHER BRITISH SCHOOL?
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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 are available on www.bisc.edu.eg. 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.
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Q: I AM WORRIED THAT MY CHILD’S ENGLISH IS NOT GOOD ENOUGH. WHAT PROVISION IS AVAILABLE AT THE SCHOOL?
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We select the pupils on ability and their potential. We are aware that English for the 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 guidance from the school’s Curriculum Support Department.
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Q: WE LIVE SOME DISTANCE FROM THE SCHOOL: IS THERE A BUS SERVICE?
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Yes, there is a bus that operates from a wide range of areas such as Mohandiseen, Maadi and 6th October City.
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Q: WHAT COMMUNICATION IS THERE BETWEEN SCHOOL AND HOME?
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FAQ - Senior School
Q: IS BISC THE ONLY SCHOOL DOING GCSE’S?
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No, although most of the other schools in Cairo only do IGCSE’S.
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Q: WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)?
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This is the programme of study that our Sixth Form study. It is a highly acclaimed and
world-recognized two-year course. For further details, please see the information pack on the IB and details on the school website. See also the IB’s website www.ibo.org |
Q: CAN STUDENTS HALF-WAY THROUGH GCSE OR IB JOIN BISC FROM ANOTHER SCHOOL?
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The school does not accept pupils midway through exam courses (GCSE & IB).
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FAQ - Junior School
Q: WHERE CAN I FIND INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE OF THE JUNIOR SCHOOL, ITS ETHOS, CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES?
Q: AT WHAT AGE CAN THE CHILDREN ENTER THE JUNIOR SCHOOL?
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Pupils can enter BISC at the beginning of the academic year in September, once they are three years of age. Pupils are usually assessed on the basis of their age. For social and emotional reasons, every attempt is made to ensure that they are in the class in accordance with their chronological age. However, the Principal makes the final decision on all student admissions.
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Q: WHAT DOES THE JUNIOR SCHOOL DO ABOUT MEALS?
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Pupils can bring a healthy lunch box or they can buy food from the school caterers.
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Q: WHERE DO I COLLECT MY CHILD AT THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY?
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Parents are requested to collect their children at the school Cafeteria. Drivers should carry their identity cards and show them to the security staff. Only parents are allowed into the school buildings.
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Q: ONCE MY CHILD IS IN THE JUNIOR SCHOOL, WHAT OPPORTUNITIES ARE THERE FOR PARENTS TO DISCUSS PROGRESS, CONCERNS, ETC?
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BISC prides itself on a systematic and thorough approach to formal and informal opportunities to meet with parents. There are Parent Information Evenings for every year group in the school at the beginning of the academic year; Parent Conferences (meetings) during the academic year; appointments can be made with class teacher, subject specialist teacher, the Head of Juniors and the Principal during the normal school week. Informal communication between parents, teachers and the Head of Juniors usually occurs when children are collected at the end of the school day. Regular and formal reporting occurs throughout the school year.
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