The BISC Newsletter 17th April 2025
Welcome Back
Welcome back to Term 3 at BISC; we hope everyone enjoyed a restful break.
We wish the BISC community a Happy Easter and Sham El Nessim; the school holiday will be observed on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st April, school resumes as normal on Tuesday 22nd April.
As announced earlier, please mark your calendars for a public holiday on Thursday 24th April. The Government has declared the day in lieu of Friday 25th April, on the occasion of the Sinai Liberation Day. All other holidays on the BISC calendar remain as they are, unless otherwise notified in advance.
On a different note, we would like to remind you that Egypt is set to switch back to Summer time at midnight on Friday 25th April. The clocks will be turned forward by one hour (shifting from GMT +2 to GMT +3). Please make sure your clocks are set to the new time to ensure your plans are not disrupted.
Senior School News
End of Year Exams - Home Study Guide
End of Year exams are fast approaching. To help you support your child during this important time, we have put together a Home Study Guide with practical tips and strategies. From creating a revision timetable to building healthy study habits, the guide is designed to make exam preparation more effective and manageable.
Click here to access the guide.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Thank you to all families who attended the Year 10 and Year 12 Parents' Evenings. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss student progress, celebrate achievements and identify areas for growth as we look ahead to the next academic year.
A reminder of the upcoming Parents' Evenings:
- Year 7 and Year 8 – Wednesday 23rd April
- Year 9 – Monday 28th April
We strongly encourage all parents to attend and engage in these important conversations to support their child’s learning journey. Booking details will be sent out in advance.
Pearson Outstanding Achievers Ceremony
Our Year 12 students, recipients of prestigious awards in their GCSE examinations last year, were recently welcomed to the residence of His Excellency the British Ambassador for an Awards Ceremony. We would like to extend our sincere congratulations to all the students who received these accolades. Well done.
Name | Award | Qualification Title | |
1 | Ali G | Highest Mark in the World | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Mathematics A |
2 | Layan M | Highest Mark in Egypt | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE English Language A |
3 | Nour K H N S | Highest Mark in Egypt | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE French |
4 | Sarah A N A R | Highest Mark in Egypt | Egypt Pearson Edexcel GCSE Arabic |
5 | Tamara L M | Highest Mark in Egypt | Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Spanish |
Sports Day
Senior School absolutely smashed it at their recent student-led Sports Day! It was a fantastic blast from the past, bringing back all those awesome games we loved in Junior School, alongside some totally new and epic challenges! This was a huge House competition, and the energy was through the roof as students went all-out in Capture the Flag, King Ball and those classic Sports Day races like the Egg and Spoon! And the GRAND FINALE? A mega obstacle course that had everyone on the edge of their seats! What an incredible day of fun, teamwork and HOUSE SPIRIT!
Morocco Trip
Our amazing Year 11 students recently embarked on an enriching journey to the vibrant city of Casablanca! This was not just a getaway; it was a deep dive into history and culture, where they explored fascinating landmarks and soaked up the unique atmosphere of this iconic Moroccan hub.
Beyond the historical sites, this trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to strengthen their teamwork skills and forge even stronger relationships with their peers and teachers. From navigating bustling souks to sharing delicious tagines, every experience helped them connect and collaborate in new and exciting ways.
We are sure this incredible adventure to Casablanca has created memories that will last a lifetime! The shared experiences, the discoveries made and the bonds formed will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come. What an inspiring and enriching trip for our Year 11 cohort!
Year 11 Celebration Assembly
This week, we came together for a special assembly led by the wonderful Ms Hardy and Mrs O'Leary to celebrate our fantastic Year 11 students! This assembly was all about recognising their incredible effort and diligence throughout the year as they prepared for their upcoming GCSE examinations.
Ms Hardy and Mrs O'Leary shared inspiring words, acknowledging the hard work, late nights and unwavering commitment they have all shown. It was a fantastic opportunity to reflect on progress and the resilience demonstrated in the face of academic challenges.
We are so incredibly proud of the dedication Year 11 poured into their studies. Keep that focus and determination strong as you approach your exams – you've got this! Let's carry this positive momentum forward and continue to support each other every step of the way. Well done, Year 11! Your hard work truly shines!
Upcoming Events
| Year 12 Residential Trip Meeting | Tuesday 22nd April, at 15:30, in the IB Common Room |
| Year 7 and Year 8 Parent Teacher Meeting | Wednesday 23rd April |
| Year 9 Parent Teacher Meeting | Monday 28th April |
Junior School News
Year 4 Writing: Explanation Texts
At the end of last term, Year 4 pupils took home Explanation Texts to share with their parents. In English, the pupils had been applying their knowledge of structure, sequencing and technical vocabulary.
Using their prior learning in Science, they created their own explanation texts about the Digestive System; demonstrating their ability to organise information logically, use precise language and explain cause-and-effect relationships.
As they progressed through the unit, they refined their writing skills by incorporating subheadings, conjunctions and the appropriate tone; ensuring clarity and coherence in their explanations.
This unit provided an excellent opportunity for pupils to showcase their understanding while developing their ability to present complex information in a structured and engaging way.
They were proud to share their explanation texts with you!
Class 1E Assembly
Our assembly featured an important message about keeping the planet healthy and safe. The Y1E Superheroes and Scientists were on hand to share valuable information on how to Recycle, Reduce and Reuse.
Adam in Class 2F also showcased his 'junk to funk’ drum set, which he made at home.
Key Stage 1 Stars of the Week
Key Stage 1 proudly presents this week's Stars of the Week:
1E: Ali Abdel A, 1T: Nayla, 1N: Jannah, 1H: Majed, 2F: Yunis, 2L: Soraya, 2S: Leila and 2B: Yehia.
We also celebrated KS1 Mathematicians of the Week during the assembly.
Key Stage 2 Stars of the Week and Mathematicians of the Week
The Key Stage 2 Stars of the Week are:
3O: Jalila A, 3M: Adam E, 3B: Nazli A, 3F: Khadija, 4D: Omar S, 4B: Khaled M, 4W: Liam W, 4F: Sheriefa E, 5S: Yousef F, 5C: Yolanda G, 5B: Ramzi E, 5D: Hassan T and Rokaya E, 6F: Kenz H, 6i: Kayla R, 6M: Tamara S and Zahara N.
KS2 Mathematician of the Week are:
Year 3: Abdulkarim N and Year 4: Hassan S.
تحضيرات الاحتفال بيوم تحرير سيناء
في إطار التحضير للاحتفال بيوم تحرير سيناء، خصص طلاب المرحلة الابتدائية وقتًا خلال بعض حصص اللغة العربية للتدرب على أداء إحدى الأغاني الوطنية الشهيرة (أغنية حلوة يا بلدي للمطربة داليدا).
بإشراف الموسيقي والملحن الدكتور طارق عباس، تعرّف الطلاب على آلة العود الشرقية التقليدية، حيث ساعدهم الدكتور عباس على فهم معاني كلمات الأغنية مع التركيز على اللغة والإيقاع.
لقد كانت تجربة ساهمت في تعزيز مهارات الطلاب اللغوية، وتقديرهم للتراث الموسيقي المصري والهوية الوطنية.
Preparations for Sinai Liberation Day Celebration
As part of the preparations for Sinai Liberation Day celebrations, Junior School students dedicated time during some of their Arabic lessons to practice one of Egypt’s iconic patriotic songs.
Guided by the musician and composer Dr Tarek Abbas, students were introduced to the traditional Eastern instrument, the oud. Dr Abbas supported them in exploring the meaning of the lyrics, focusing on language and rhythm.
This enriching experience strengthened students’ Arabic skills and deepened their appreciation of Egypt’s musical heritage and national pride.
Accelerated Reader
A big congratulations to Noor K in Class 5S for reaching 2 million words on Accelerated Reader!
Upcoming Events
Easter Sunday (holiday) | Sunday 20th April |
Sham El Nessim (holiday) | Monday 21st April |
5S and 5B Class Assembly | Wednesday 23rd April |
Sinai Liberation Day (holiday in lieu) | Thursday 24th April |
JS STEAM Week | Sunday 27th April - Wednesday 30th April |
Beginning of ASA - Term 3 | Monday 28th April |
Labour Day (holiday) | Thursday 1st May |
Year 6 Production | Thursday 8th May |
Foundation Stage News
Foundation Stage children started the third term with an action-packed week.
FS classes had their first swimming lessons, and it was a perfect morning; the sun was shining, it was not too hot and the water was warm. You will see from the photos that the children had a great time.
Photos of FS1 Swimming:
Photos of FS2 Swimming:
The FS1 field trip to the Pyramids, which had been postponed due to bad weather, took place today. The children experienced the novelty of travelling without their parents; all part of the adventure. The thrill of being so close to the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, as well as the amazing Sphinx, was a spectacle that the FS children at BISC are in a unique position to enjoy. Alongside this, the brightly coloured camels, horses and carriages provided a talking point for the children who were fascinated to watch them move around the site.
The trip culminated in a picnic snack before heading back to school for even more fun at the Spring extravaganza.
All FS children were given a ‘bonnet’ to decorate, and you will see from the photos below how these turned out.
Photos of Foundation Stage 1 children celebrating Easter:
Photos of Foundation Stage 2 children celebrating Easter:
التعرف على فصول السنة الأربعة والاحتفال بشم النسيم في حصص اللغة العربية للمرحلة التمهيدية
في إطار خطة تعلم اللغة العربية، شارك طلاب المرحلة التمهيدية في أنشطة تطبيقية وأعمال فنية إبداعية للتعرف على الفصول الأربعة؛ خاصة فصل الربيع، و للتعرف على احتفال شم النسيم المصري. من خلال الأغاني وسرد القصص والتلوين، تعلم الأطفال مظاهر كل فصل وما يميزه، وربطوا بين ما تعلموه وتجاربهم الحياتية اليومية. وكانت أبرز محطات هذا الدرس التعرف على احتفال شم النسيم، أحد أقدم الأعياد في مصر. قام الطلاب بتزيين البيض وتحدثوا عن الأطعمة والعادات التقليدية المرتبطة بهذا اليوم.
Exploring the Seasons of the Year and Celebrating Sham El-Nessim in Foundation Stage Arabic Classes
As part of their Arabic learning journey, FS pupils have been actively engaged in hands-on activities and creative crafts to explore the four seasons, especially spring, and to learn about the Egyptian celebration of Sham El-Nessim. Through songs, storytelling and colouring activities, students learned how each season looks and feels, while connecting their learning to real-life experiences. The highlight of this unit was introducing Sham El-Nessim, one of Egypt’s oldest spring festivals. The children joyfully decorated eggs and discussed traditional food and customs.
Upcoming Events
FS2G and FS2S Farm Trip | Monday 28th April |
FS2L and FS2J Farm Trip | Tuesday 29th April |