As the academic year draws to a close, it is with a mix of emotions that I write this bulletin entry. It has been a year of challenges, growth, and ultimately, success. Today, I bid farewell to the BISC community as I embark on a new journey. Before I do so, I want to take a moment to reflect on the achievements we have accomplished together.

This year has marked a turning point for us as we traversed through the uncertainties of the pandemic. I am thrilled to announce that we successfully reintroduced a wide array of trips, events and performances, allowing our students to experience the richness of extracurricular activities once again. It was truly heartwarming to witness their enthusiasm, joy, and camaraderie as they actively participated in these experiences, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering dedication and support of our exceptional staff. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for your tireless efforts, resilience and commitment to providing our students with an exceptional education. Your passion, expertise, and unwavering belief in our mission have been instrumental in shaping the success of our school.

I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the parents and guardians of our students. Your partnership, trust and active involvement have played a pivotal role in creating a thriving learning community. Your support, especially during these challenging times, has been invaluable. Together, we have navigated uncharted waters and ensured that our students received the support and resources they needed to flourish.

I want to express my profound gratitude for the privilege of serving as your Principal. It has been an honour to work with such incredible students, dedicated staff, supportive parents, and such an active and dedicated Board of Governors. I leave with a deep sense of pride in what we have accomplished together and confidence in the bright future that lies ahead. The incoming Principal, Mrs. Basman Zora, worked at BISC for over 10 years. Mrs. Zora was not only a friend of mine but also someone who helped me become a better educator. She played a massive role in shaping this school when we moved to this wonderful campus, here in Beverly hills, as Deputy Head and ultimately Vice Principal. I am delighted that someone who really knows BISC, and who is so capable, will be taking over next year. I wish her every success. 

I wish you all a restful and rejuvenating summer break. May it be filled with joy, laughter and cherished moments with loved ones. To the students, continue to pursue your passions, embrace new challenges, and believe in your ability to make a positive impact in the world.

Thank you BISC, for an unforgettable journey. I met my wife here, my children were born here and my career blossomed here. BISC and Egypt will forever hold a special place in my heart and that of my family. 

With warm regards,

Dan Dorran

Year 10 International Youth Award

Last week, 45 of our Year 10 students were in the French alps working toward their bronze Duke of Edinburgh International Youth Award. Over the week students developed camp craft, first aid and map reading skills as well as several days of hiking amongst some stunning scenery. More photos here.

Senior Praise Assemblies

This last week of term has seen each year group attend their own praise, recognition and celebration assemblies. These assemblies are pastorally based with recognition of consistent attendance, effort and positivity for students. Many different awards were handed out for tutees of the year, Head of Year awards and the new Head of Seniors award too. 

Senior School Artwork

Students in Years 7 to 10 have been busy completing their end of year practical exams and there has been some amazing work produced. All of the art teachers are very proud of them. 

Year 7 

Cakes and Candy Box designs

Year 8 

African style masks

Year 9 

Artwork inspired by the theme Humanity and Nature

Year 10

Design ideas for Identity and A Sense of Place GCSE projects 

Senior School Reading News

Term 3 has seen an incredible increase in our students reading within Year 7 and Year 8. We had the most ever students reach their target at BISC due to the dedication of our students. It was great to see previously reluctant readers embrace the joy and importance of a good book and reach their potential.

Our readers of the term are: Olfat in Year 7 and Hana in Year 8. Both have become enthusiastic readers this term and have set shining examples of how reluctant readers can become avid readers once they find the right book.

Summer Reading Challenge

We are going to conduct our first ever summer reading challenge here at BISC to continue to promote students’ love of reading. We challenge everyone currently in Year 7 and 8 to continue to read over the summer as avidly as they have this year. When they come back, they will have a two-week period where they can take quizzes to contribute to a prize for 'the most read books over the summer'.

Accelerated Reader in 2023/2024

We will be continuing with our Accelerated Reader programme in the next academic year across all of Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8 and 9) and meeting their target will still count for 20% of their final English grade. These targets will start in week 3 of Term 1 and only reading that is conducted during the term will count towards their grade. Any summer reading is applicable for the summer reading challenge.

Year 12 Arabic Calligraphy Workshop

Year 12 Arabic B students were introduced to Arabic calligraphy by certified  graphologist Mr. Tamer Abu Elkhair, a member of the Egyptian General Society for Arabic Calligraphy in Cairo.

They learned the principles of writing Arabic letters in their different positions correctly, and they also practiced writing some Arabic proverbs using the techniques they learned during the workshop. More photos here.

Year 6 Graduation and Key Stage 2 Assembly

Today we celebrated the graduation of our Year 6 students from the Junior School. Next stop: Senior School!

A wonderful ceremony featured performances from the band and choir, speeches by our students, and addresses from our Senior Leaders and Chairman. Congratulations to all the prize winners and performers for a beautiful ceremony. 

All photos from the event can be seen on this link.

Below is a replay of the event for anyone that may have missed it:

Year 4 and 5 Music Soloists

This week, students in Years 4 and 5 have been showing off their musical talents, with beautiful solo performances for their peers and parents. Follow the link for more photos of Year 4 and Year 5. 

Arabic Drama Performance

This week, the Egyptian Drama team presented the final show of the activity in the school's theatre. In the presence of Dr. Alia El Mahdy, Director of the Egypt and Middle East Programme, and the parents of the participants, students presented the play "The Little Lively Elephant" by the poet Salah Jahin and directed by Mr. Sherif Fathy, along with a short film showing different stages of the Egyptian drama club throughout the academic year 2022-2023.

The event was also an opportunity to present a short film directed by Salim in 4T that shows some of the activities of the Arabic language classes around the school. At the end of the ceremony, students received certificates to show appreciation for their creativity and commitment. It was an enriching experience and participants showed a desire to join the club again next year. More photos from the event can be seen on this link.

Rubik's Cube Challenge

More than 30 participants from Years 3-6 attempted to finish a Rubik's Cube this week.  There was a wonderfully supportive environment of students encouraging one another and even teaching quick tricks to the Rubik’s algorithm. Ultimately the winners were as follows:

Commendations for efforts and perseverance:

Malika in 3K, Rokaya in 3K, Aisha in 3D

Year 5 Fastest Face - Yusuf 15.83 seconds

Year 6 Fastest Face - Youssef 6M - 11.30 seconds 

Fastest Whole Cube Solved: Mohamed S in 6B - 41.03 seconds

Well done to all who tried and to all who made an effort to develop their problem-solving skills.

House Points

Every term, we count your well earned dojos to see which House has earned the most House points!

Well done to all Houses for an excellent work in achieving all those dojos this term (5 Dojos = 1 House Point).

The clear winners this term are Fire House with a grand total of 731 Housepoints!

New School Uniform

From 23rd July, the new school uniform shop can be contacted on 01060131111 between the hours of 09:00 to 16:00; Sunday-Thursday.

The new uniform will be available at school at the start of August. 

Start of Term 2023-2024

We look forward to welcoming you all back to school on Monday 28th August. For any new joiners to the Junior School, we look forward to welcoming you on Sunday 27th August.

The children of Foundation Stage 1 produced a wonderful performance in the Theatre this week, with singing, dancing and some colourful costumes! Well done, little ones! More photos here.

Meanwhile, Foundation Stage 2 children enjoyed their own graduation.

All photos from the event can be seen on this link. 

Here are some highlights of their year at BISC:

And here is a replay of today's Graduation Ceremony for those that missed it.

If parents would like copies of any of the photos you have seen in the Bulletin, please email s706@bisc.edu.eg.