BISC Graduating Class 2024

BISC's Year 13 Graduating Class of 2024 is very special and everyone is looking forward to celebrating their successes and achievements in our forthcoming graduation ceremony, hosted by our Chairman, on Friday 7th June. Details of this event have now been shared with Year 13 parents.

We are delighted to confirm that our guest of honour at this year’s graduation ceremony will be Sir Tim Berners-Lee; it is indeed a privilege that Sir Berners-Lee is able to join us for this momentous event, and we are delighted to welcome him to BISC.

Sir Berners-Lee invented the most powerful communication medium in the world, the World Wide Web. His creation has already changed the way people do business, entertain themselves, exchange ideas, and socialise with one another. We know that advancement in the World Wide Web is continuous, so the impact of Sir Berners-Lee's creation has yet to be fully realised.

A graduate of Queen's College, Oxford, with a first-class degree in Physics, Sir Berners-Lee is a pioneer in his field; his work revolutionised how we access and share information. 

Most powerfully, his success in making the World Wide Web free has shaped the open and accessible nature of the Web, on a global scale. 

Named one of TIME magazine’s “100 Most Important People of the 20th Century”, one of the UK’s "100 Greatest Britons” and one of the world's "Most Influential Thinkers”, Sir Berners-Lee’s work has been, and is, visionary. Often referred to as the "low-profile genius", we are sure that our wonderful graduates and guests will find his words inspirational and enlightening. 

Welcome Morning

It was a pleasure last Saturday to welcome our new families and pupils joining BISC in August 2024. 

BISC is committed to working closely and collaboratively with our families to secure an outstanding education for all our pupils. Our pupils’ wellbeing and pastoral care is always our priority. As such, this was an important opportunity to forge links within our community. 

The ‘Stay and Play Welcome Morning’ was also an opportunity for our new pupils to experience the quality education we provide in our very well resourced and purpose built campus. Phonics sessions, reading time, Science experiments, Music sessions and a campus tour followed by lunch made for an interactive and enjoyable day.

Presentations by Senior Leaders and the Chairman identified our longstanding history and experience - nearly 50 years -  in delivering high quality British style education. BISC’s reputation in the region is renowned and our not for profit status is a unique and differentiating factor in our approach, strategic plans and vision. 

Since 1976, as the oldest and most established British school in the region, we have set the standards in British education for others to follow. Quintessentially, our curriculum and teaching approach is British. It is tried and tested; so established that we can be innovative and visionary in its application.

What makes BISC different and special is that we have wrapped our British curriculum and pedagogy firmly within our local, regional and global context. Our British curriculum is fully immersed in our local Egyptian culture and heritage. Our Arabic, Egypt and Middle East Programme, the first in Egypt, runs strong and parallel with our English curriculum.

We are really looking forward to welcoming our new pupils to BISC.

Key Dates

Key Stage 3 Examinations

Congratulations to all our amazing Key Stage 3 students who are tackling their examinations at the moment, particularly our Year 7 students who are experiencing their first ever examination period, and whose teachers are impressed by the way they are approaching the challenge. 

Throughout the examinations, students demonstrated exceptional focus, staying on track and giving their best effort. Many students engage well with the material and demonstrate a genuine desire to learn and succeed. We hope that as we move into the final week of examinations, the positive behaviour exhibited continues to create a calm and supportive environment for everyone. This focus, engagement and excellent conduct are all hallmarks of successful students, and we are incredibly proud of each and every student at BISC.

Wellbeing During Examinations

During the end of year examinations, it is paramount that all students prioritise and care for their wellbeing. Here are some strategies and tips to support wellbeing during study and examination periods. 

Lost Property Collection

We will be holding lost property collection afternoons on Tuesday 4th and Wednesday 5th June, from 15:00 to 16:00, in the School cafeteria. This is a great opportunity to reclaim any items your child may have misplaced during the year.

Upcoming Events

The Chairman's Award

For the second year running, the Chairman’s Award will be presented to our Junior School pupils. This is an exciting opportunity for our very best pupils to be rewarded with a once in a lifetime opportunity to attend summer camps. 

• For Years 2 - 5, the pupils will attend a two-week summer school experience at La Garenne International School from 20th July to 2nd August.
• For Year 6, the pupils will attend Beau Soleil, College Alpin International from 28th July to 4th August. 

A boy and a girl from each year group will be selected to participate in the camps based on the following criteria: 

• Excellent academic performance: the pupil has attained the highest combined average results in English, Maths, Science and Arabic across the year group classes.
• Music: in Years 3 - 6, the pupil plays an instrument and shows commitment to practice in this area. In Year 2, the pupil shows interest and aptitude in Music.
• Sport: the pupil is an active participant in a range of sports and shows good sportsmanship in lessons and After School Activities. 
• The Arts: the pupil participates in dramatic performances with enthusiasm, and shows a flair and innovative grasp of techniques in Art lessons.
• Behaviour: the pupil demonstrates exemplary behaviour throughout the year; a positive attitude towards learning; care, concern and kindness for the welfare of others; and excellent manners towards peers and the rest of the School community. To show they are always ready, respectful and safe.
• Attendance: the pupil maintains a School attendance rate for the year of at least 90% (excludes absence from significant medical condition / significant family trauma event). 
• BISC Community member 2024-2025: this opportunity is available for pupils who are on roll for the academic year 2024-25.

This reward will obviously be with parental consent and approval. I am sure that you will agree that this is a fantastic opportunity for our pupils. 

Year 6 El Alamein Trip

Year 6 had a fantastic time bringing their World War II learning to life and enhancing their team building skills during their residential trip this week. They explored the Commonwealth Cemetery, the Italian and German Memorials, and enjoyed a visit to the El Alamein War Museum. The pupils took part in public speaking presentations, where they designed, created and pitched business ideas linked to El Alamein. 

They participated in a range of team building games, took a dip in the pool and relaxed on the beach. We are all extremely proud of their efforts and behaviour. Well done, Year 6.

CISSA Football Matches

Our CISSA football teams had a fantastic showing last weekend. Our U12 girls showcased their talent to secure an impressive 1st place finish. More photos here.

The U12 boys also played very well, putting their skills on display to achieve a well-deserved 2nd place finish. More photos here.

The U10 boys played together for the first time and showed great teamwork and determination, finishing an impressive 2nd place overall.

Another team playing together for the first time is our U10 girls, who represented the School with great spirit, coming in 4th place.

This week, Classes 2F, 2L and 2C presented a concert to their parents in the Music room, performing songs and pieces they have been studying in Music lessons this year. It was delightful to see how well the pupils learnt the pieces and performed. More photos here.

Student Achievements

Well done to Layan in Year 3, who won the gold medal in an Under 8 national competition for aerobic gymnastics along with two friends. Ten days later, she won another gold medal in the solo Under 8 national competition. Bravo!

Well done to Noor in Year 4, who won first place in an Under 10 tennis tournament at Smash Club Khamayel.

Alya in Year 3 completed a 5K run last weekend. Alya told her teacher “I made sure I jogged until the last part so I didn’t use all of my energy”. Well done Alya!

Last Week’s Key Stage 1 Assembly

Class 1E performed a song on stage as part of their transition to Year 2, and were ably assisted by some Year 2 pupils. We then rewarded our Stars of the Week: Bella 1E, Yehia 1J, Aurora 1H, Jana 1N, Karim 2F, Samia 2L, Aly 2B and Selim 2C. More photos here.

Last Week’s Key Stage 2 Assembly

Class 5S presented last week’s assembly, on using the medium of time travel to illustrate the impact of our decisions. We also rewarded Class 5S and our Stars of the Week: Omar R 3B, Roshdy 3M, Malak 3O, Selim 3F, Chester 4T, Ellie 4D, Karim 4B, Nael 4E, Youssef 5B, Tamara S and Tamara H 5W, and John 5S. More photos here.

Piano Concerts

Miss Elena’s pupils presented pieces to an audience of parents in the Junior School Music room on Wednesday 29th May. With pupils from Year 3 through to the Sixth form performing, there was a wealth of talent and ability on display. More photos here.

Thank you for all your support this year with our termly ASA programmes. ASAs will be ending on Wednesday 5th June. 

Upcoming Events

Open Day Stay and Play

Thank you to all the families who joined us for our Foundation Stage Stay and Play event on Saturday. Guests heard from our Chairman and Senior Leaders, while our teachers presented fun and colourful taster lessons to inspire the next generation of BISC pupils. More photos here.

Foundation Stage One

This week, Foundation Stage 1 children started their transition into Foundation Stage 2, exploring both the garden and classrooms. They had lots of fun and were very enthusiastic about starting the next stage of their educational journey.

For those who have been following the progress of the first ever homegrown tomatoes, you will see from the photograph we have finally harvested our crop!

Foundation Stage Two

The children are preparing to move to Year 1 and have enjoyed playing in the Adventure Playground. 

They made a list of things to find out about Year 1; to ensure a smooth transition. During the next two weeks, we will visit the School cafeteria and Year 1 classrooms.

Upcoming Events

Keeping our students safe online is a priority at BISC. We are happy to share advice from the National Online Safety, to enable parents to understand the pros and cons of various social media, games and digital trends.

This week, we are sharing advice about Developing Healthy Sleep Habits.