Holistic education and that the extra-curricular and co-curricular activities are as important as the formal curriculum. Our boys and girls must develop their natural curiosity and acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research. They must be able to explore concepts, ideas, and issues that have global significance, and exercise initiative in applying thinking skills effectively, and make reasoned, ethical decisions. They must be able to understand and address ideas and information effectively and act with honesty and integrity, with a strong sense of justice and fairness. They must take responsibility for their actions. Students of international schools must also try to understand and appreciate their own cultures and be open to the perspectives, values, and traditions of others. They should show empathy, compassion, and respect towards the needs and feelings of others, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas, and strategies. They should also give thoughtful consideration to their learning and experience. If we can provide an environment that offers all these, our children will thrive.
We follow the National Curriculum for England to the end of Year 9, GCSE courses in Years 10 and 11, and A levels courses in Years 12-13. We benchmark ourselves against private and leading state schools in Britain. We have long-standing links with British universities. Our staff frequently go on training courses in the U.K. and we bring British trainers, speakers, and facilitators into school to work directly with staff and students. We have a strong and valued relationship with the British embassy and with the RGBB. Our adherence to a modified National Curriculum for England enables students to transfer seamlessly to U.K. schools or universities if or when they return to Britain.
We are independent of the UK government and we are not overseen by any local authority. Ofsted has no power over our practices and although we cast a critical eye over UK initiatives, our educational practice is governed by one simple question What is in the best interests of our students?
We have 55 nationalities in the school and we have to prepare our students for life in a complex and interdependent world. Preparation for university is a must, but we also have a responsibility to prepare students for life beyond the university in an increasingly complex world. Global citizenship and global ethos must have a core place in all that we do. In our school, we feel that we must strive to instill in our students ethical behavior and an appreciation of diversity. They must understand and be able to act on global issues, communicate in more than one language and develop a sense of personal responsibility to a wider community. We believe that our curriculum, as well as the very broad enrichment program, enables our students to experience a British and International education.
The British International School Riyadh offers a curriculum that is based on the National Curriculum of England. British education has achieved a worldwide reputation for quality and is recognized and respected around the world. One of the huge benefits is how transferable it is students can move seamlessly from country to country or back to the UK.
The National Curriculum of England (also commonly referred to as the “UK Curriculum”) is a very structured curriculum that is designed to meet the needs of all students, stretching brighter children and supporting those who need it through differentiated teaching and learning activities. The curriculum extends and excites all students, whatever their interests or ability. Through it, teachers can identify, celebrate and nurture the talents and intelligence of students.
The Primary section of the school is made up of the Foundation stage and Key stages 1 and 2. On entry to the school, we always seek to place children in an age-relevant year group. The Foundation Stage comprises Foundation 1 (children aged 3-4, and Foundation 2, (children aged 4-5). The curriculum at this level guides the learning and teaching process and helps us to establish an optimum learning environment. We believe that to engage, achieve and make positive contributions students must be healthy, secure, and safe. We value all of these needs and understand their contribution to the development of happy students in an enjoyable, encouraging, and stimulating atmosphere.
The British School is well prepared to cater to the academic and social needs of internationally mobile students and encourages all students to constantly challenge themselves. Our teachers nurture students who are intellectually curious, creative, respectful, caring, and discerning young adults, conscious of their responsibility to the community and their environment. Parents are encouraged to work in partnership with the school and support it in its mission of continual improvement.
The Senior School Curriculum (11-18 years of age) is organized to ensure that all students receive a broad, balanced, and articulated learning entitlement, which is coherent within each Key Stage, as well as being progressive and continuous, building upon the foundations laid during the Primary school.
