THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL
SCHOOL, CAIRO
THE SENIOR SCHOOL
PARENT HANDBOOK
2016 - 2017
1
CONTENTS
Welcome letter
Page 3
Mission statement
Page 4
Aims of the Senior School
Page 4
Chapter 1 - Introduction
Pages 5 - 12
Chapter 2 - Curriculum
Pages 13 - 18
Chapter 3 – Useful information
Pages 19 - 32
2
Dear Parents,
I should like to welcome you to the Senior School of The British International School,
Cairo, as we look forward to the prospect of a new academic year.
The Senior School Parent Handbook for 2016-2017 contains information on most of the
topics that may concern you as a parent.
Should you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s form
tutor or the appropriate member of staff. Mrs Hanaa Tobia ([email protected]), in
the Senior School Office (Mobile 01111121984), is also a very good source of information
and is always happy to try to help. If she does not know the answer she will be able to find
someone who does.
A detailed academic calendar is posted on the Engage Parent Portal. If you are not a
registered Portal user, please contact Mrs Hanaa Tobia ([email protected]) who will
be able to assist you.
Yours sincerely,
Simon O’ Grady
Principal and Head of Seniors
The British International School, Cairo
[email protected]
3
THE MISSION STATEMENT OF THE BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL,
CAIRO
The British International School, Cairo is a selective, co-educational, academic day school
committed to excellence in all of its activities in and out of the classroom. It aims to be a
first-class school in which children are prepared to go on to the best local, regional, and
international universities and institutions of higher education and to positions of
leadership in all walks of life. BISC provides a challenging and stimulating environment in
which English-speaking students from diverse international backgrounds benefit from an
education which is British in its principles, practices, curricular structures and assessment,
and which encourages students’ appreciation of the host culture and ensures appropriate
competence in the Arabic language. At BISC, all are valued equally and encouraged to fulfil
their aspirations and potential.
The British International School promotes the values of a pluralist society and provides
equal opportunities to all students to develop their full intellectual, aesthetic, emotional,
physical, and moral potential. It gives boys and girls a broadly based, appropriate education
in which they strive for excellence and aim for the highest standards in their sporting and
extra-curricular activities. BISC provides a structured and challenging academic education
within a disciplined and supportive environment, which enables students to develop into
responsible men and women of integrity who can take their place confidently in a rapidly
changing world. The school endeavours to provide the best possible resources and facilities
for teaching and learning.
BISC fosters an atmosphere of mutual respect, tolerance, and regard for all members of
society. The school teaches essential human values such as honesty, trustworthiness,
honour, loyalty, compassion, and charity. It reaches out to all of our families, the local
community, and the wider world and promotes international co-operation and
understanding.
AIMS OF THE SENIOR SCHOOL
BISC was established in 1976 to provide educational facilities, based on the English
curriculum and educational principles, which will satisfy as far as possible the needs of:
 The children of the expatriate and Anglo-Egyptian communities.
 Children from Commonwealth and other countries with education systems based
upon English models.
 The children of the English-speaking Egyptian community and other nationalities who
are tied to the English type of schooling due to previous or likely future education
outside Egypt.
We aim for a high level of academic achievement; candidates are entered for GCSE/IGCSE
at the end of Year 11 and either the International Baccalaureate Diploma at the end of a
two-year Sixth Form course or a BTEC Level 3 course in Business. We also feel that it is
important for students to achieve success in more than just the academic sphere and,
therefore, encourage them to develop a wide range of interests. Needless competition is
avoided and we attempt to foster a genuine desire to learn, encouraging students to attain
the highest possible standard in whatever they undertake.
4
CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION
1.1 Contact details
BISC is located within the Beverly Hills Compound in 6th October City, approximately 20km
from central Cairo. The School’s contact details are as follows:
Physical address:
The British International School, Cairo,
Beverly Hills Compound,
Kilometre 38,
Cairo Alexandria Road
Postal address:
The British International School, Cairo,
P. O. Box 137,
Gezira,
Cairo, 11211
Egypt
Tel: 3827 0444
Fax: 3857 1720
Website: www.bisc.edu.eg
1.2 Term dates 2016-17
Autumn Term
Staff Planning
Student Induction Day – Y7,
110st day
and of
12,term
plus new students
Eid El Adha*
Half-term
Last day of term
Christmas Holiday
Spring Term
1st day of term
Police Day
Half term
Last day of term
Summer Term
1st day of term
Half term
Last day of term
Monday 23rd August onwards
Sunday 28th August
Monday 29th August
Sunday 11th September – Thursday 15th September
Tuesday 1st – Saturday 5th November
Monday 19th December
Tuesday 20th December 2016 – Sunday 7th January 2017
Sunday 8th January
Wednesday 25th January
Friday 17th February – Monday 20th February
Thursday 6th April
Sunday 23rd April
Sunday 4th June
Thursday 22nd June
*Dates of Islamic holidays are approximate and may change slightly
5
1.3 Staffing 2016-17
The Senior Management Team (SMT)
Mr S. O’Grady
Principal
Mrs M. El Fawal
Business Manager
Head: Curriculum & Professional
Mrs B. Zora
Development
Mr J. Durling
Head of Junior School
Ms D. Jones
Deputy Head of Junior School
Ms A. Phaup
Deputy Head of Senior School
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
.
The Senior School Leadership Team (SSLT)
Mr S. O’Grady
Ms A. Phaup
Mr D. Jones
Ms E. Zora
Mr H. Ahmed
Mrs B. Zora
Mr D. Dorran
Heads of Key Stage
Mr D. Jones
Ms E. Zora
Mr H. Ahmed
Head of Senior School
Deputy Head of Senior School
Head of Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Head of Key Stage 4 (Years10-11)
Head of Sixth Form (Years 12-13) /
IB Coordinator
Head: Curriculum & Professional
Development
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
Assistant Head: Assessment
[email protected]
[email protected]
Head of Key Stage 3 (Years 7-9)
Head of Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Head of Sixth Form (Years 12-13) / IB Coordinator
Heads of Year
Ms L. Roberts
Ms C. Ingoirin
Mr I. Ashraf
Mrs T. Jenkinson
Ms N. Gaafar
[email protected]
Head of Year 7
Head of Year 8
Head of Year 9
Head of Year 10
Head of Year 11
6
Heads of Department
Mrs R. Nemr
Mr P. Jenkinson
Mr N. Corrigan
Mrs J. Ibrahim
Ms G. Chakos
Ms K. Nutbeem
Mr JM. Alvarez
Mr A. MacKenzie
Mr M. Rashid
Mrs C. Jouffrai
Ms R. Brierley
Mrs G. Nichols
Mr C. Roberts
Mrs S. Fuschillo
Head of Arabic
Head of Art
Head of Business and Economics
Head of Curriculum Support
Head of Drama
Head of English
Head of Humanities
Head of ICT
Head of Mathematics
Head of Modern Foreign Languages
Head of Music
Head of Physical Education
Director of Sport and Activities
Head of Science
Subject Teachers
Arabic
Mrs S. Shilbaya
Mr N. Farag
Mr A. Hamza
Mrs R. Nemr
JS Arabic teacher
Year 6 Art teacher and Senior School Art teacher
Head of Department
Art
Mr N. Farag
Mr P. Jenkinson
Arabic and Year 6 Art teacher
Head of Department
Business and Economics
Mr H. Ahmed
Mr N. Corrigan
Dr U. Deplazes
Ms E. Zora
Business – BTEC
Head of Department and BTEC Business
Business and Economics
Business
Drama
Ms G. Chakos
Head of Drama
7
English
Ms C. Grassby
Ms N. Gaafar
Mr T. Miller
Mrs J. Ibrahim
Mrs T. Jenkinson
Ms K. Nutbeem
Ms E. Taylor
Mrs B. Zora
Mrs L. Ward
Second in Department
English and French
Head of Curriculum Support
Head of Drama
Librarian
Humanities
Mr JM. Alvarez
Mr JP. Downie
Mr R. Banks
Ms A. Phaup
Ms L. Roberts
Head of Department
History
History
Geography
Geography
ICT
Mr I. Ashraf
Mr A. MacKenzie
Mr O. Sheikh
ICT, Computer Science and ITGS
Head of Department
Head of Digital Learning
Mathematics
Mr W. Abdalla
Ms I. Dalzell
Mr M. Rashid
Mrs H. Wilson-Boak
Mr M. Samad
Second in department
Head of Department
8
Modern Foreign Languages
Ms M. Abelli
Mrs C. Jouffrai
Mrs F. Ternieden
Mr T. Miller
Mrs M. Sanchez
Ms C. Ingoirin
French
Head of Department/French
German and JS French
English and French
Spanish
French
Music
Mr G. Cuthbertson
Ms R. Brierley
Mr D. Jones
Junior School Music
Head of Music
Music and ToK
Physical Education
Mr I. Arnott
Mr G. Boak
Mrs H. Foley
Mr L. Hinds
Mrs G. Nichols
Mr C. Roberts
Mr W. Adams
Science
Mr D. Dorran
Ms S. Fuschillo
Mr D. Kuszynski
Mr C. Pedersen
Mr A. Sartain
Mr N. Turner
Mr R. Young
Ms V. Castle
Business and PE
Junior School PE Coordinator
Senior School Head of PE
Director of Sport & Activities
Science/Chemistry
Head of Department/Science/Biology
Science/Physics
Science/Physics
Science/Biology
Science/Physics
Science/Chemistry
Science/Biology/Chemistry
Careers Adviser
Ms L. Barratt
CAS Coordinator
Mr R. Young
9
International Award Coordinator
Mr A. Sartain
MUN Coordinator
TBC
Administration Staff
Mrs H. Tobia
Mrs M. Zakaria
Mrs A. Hosny
Mrs S. Ezz El Din
Mrs N Fikri
Mrs Y. Nazmy
Mrs L. Sayed
Mr A. Sayed
Eng. M. Ehsan
Mr A. Gad
PA to HoS and Data Services Manager
Curriculum Administrator
Examinations Officer
PA to Principal
Reprographics
HR Officer
General Services Manager
Security Manager
Engineering Manager
Transport Manager
10
Tutor list – 2016/17
Key Stage 3
Tutors
Co-tutors
7N
Kathryn Nutbeem
7C
Victoria Castle
Christian Pedersen
Jennifer Ibrahim
Tom Miller
7W
Hayley Wilson-Boak
7R
Chris Roberts
Tutors
Co-tutors
8J
Candice Jouffrai
8N
Riman Nemr
Peter Jenkinson
Abdelazim Hamza
8R
Muhammad Rashid
Tutors
Co-tutors
9A
Warren Adams
9T
Emma Taylor
Mohamed Samad
Ruth Brierley
9N
Grace Nichols
Key Stage 4
Tutors
Co-tutors
10A
Jose Alvarez
10J
Mariam Ayad
Andrew Sartain
Neil Turner
Georgina Chakos
10B
Ronan Banks
11
Tutors
Co-tutors
11D
Isi Dalzell
11G
Carrie Grassby
Tom Miller
Samah Shilbaya
11F
Sarah Fuschillo
Key Stage 5
Tutors
Co-tutors
12K
Denis Kuszynski
12M
Andrew MacKenzie
Wafi Abdulla
Mercedes Sanchez
12C
Noel Corrigan
Tutors
Co-tutors
13U
Ursula Deplazes
Richard Young
13A
Mickaella Abelli
13D
John Paul Downie
12
CHAPTER 2 – CURRICULUM
2.1 The school day
Students are expected to arrive between 07:45 and 07:55 each day to ensure they reach
Registration by 08:00. The structure of the academic day is as follows:
Sunday – Thursday
Registration
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
First break
Lesson 5
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Second break
Lesson 8
Lesson 9
08:00 – 08:10
08:10 – 08:50
08:50 – 09:30
09:30 – 10:10
10:10 – 10:50
10:50 – 11:30
11:30 – 12:10
12:10 – 12:50
12:50 – 13:30
13:30 – 13:45
13:45 – 14:25
14:25 – 15:00
2.2 Curriculum Overview
The Senior School follows a curriculum largely based on the National Curriculum for England
and Wales in Key Stage 3, with IGCSE and GCSE courses in Key Stage 4 followed by the
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in the Sixth Form or a BTEC qualification. As
an international school, we use the National Curriculum as a framework for our own
curriculum but adapt it to take into account the context in which we are teaching.
We continually review our curriculum to ensure that it meets the needs and aspirations of our
students and that it is in line with changes coming from the UK, such as the end of the modular
GCSE system. Recent changes have included the introduction of IGCSE Mathematics, French
and Spanish. In 2014-15, we started to offer a BTEC in Business as an alternative course in the
Sixth Form.
13
2.3 Curriculum Structures
Key Stages 3 and 4
Students follow a broad curriculum in Key Stages 3 and 4 which allows them to select from a
wide range of subjects in the Sixth Form. At Key Stage 4, students are encouraged to select
one language, one humanities subject, one creative art and then a fourth subject of their
choosing. Students may opt for a different combination provided it fits with the option blocks.
The academic week for Key Stages 3 and 4 is as follows:
Subject
PSHE
Assembly/Tutor
PE
Mathematics
English
History
Geography
Business
Science(s)
Art
Music
Drama
ICT
Arabic
French
Spanish
ESL (Withdrawal)
Totals
Year 7
Year 8
Year 9
Year 10
Year 11
1
2
4
5
6
3
3
0
5
2
2
2
2
4
4
0
(4)
45
1
2
4
5
6
3
3
0
5
2
2
2
2
4
4
0
(4)
45
1
2
4
6
6
3
3
0
6
2
2
2
2
3*
3*
3*
(4)
45
1
2
4
6
6
1
2
4
6
6
4
4
10
10
4
4
4
4
4
4
45*
45*
* Students choose two languages from a choice of three in Year 9. The options system in Y10
and Y11 encourages students to choose four different elective subjects from the wide range on
offer.
14
The Sixth Form
Students usually follow the International Baccalaureate’s Diploma Programme in Years 12 and
13:
BISC usually offers the following options in each of the six groups:
Group 1
English
Literature –
SL and HL
Group 2
Arabic B – SL
and HL
Group 4
Biology – SL
and HL
Group 5
Mathematics
– SL and HL
Group 6
Visual Arts –
SL and HL
French B – SL
and HL
German ab
initio – SL
Group 3
Business and
Management
– SL and HL
Economics –
SL and HL
Geography –
SL and HL
Chemistry –
SL and HL
Physics – SL
and HL
Mathematical
Studies – SL
Music – SL
and HL
Spanish ab
initio – SL
History – SL
and HL
Computer
Science – SL
and HL
Spanish B –
SL
ITGS – SL
and HL
15
We are also now offering a BTEC in Business in the Sixth Form.
In the Diploma Programme, students select one subject from Groups 1 – 5 and then opt for
either a Group 6 subject or a second subject from Group 3 or Group 4. Three subjects are
studied at Standard Level and three at Higher Level, creating the following timetable structure:
3 Standard Level subjects
3 Higher Level subjects
Theory of Knowledge
Assembly/Tutor
PE/CAS
PSHE
Total
3 x 4 periods per week
3 x 6 periods per week
2 periods per week
2 periods per week
2 periods per week
1 period per week
37 periods per week
Please note that students studying a Standard Level subject in Group 4 usually attend Higher
Level lessons.
2.4 Modern Foreign Languages at BISC
In Years 7 and 8, all students study Arabic and French.
In Year 9, students are given the opportunity of selecting two languages from the following
options:
 Arabic (GCSE)
 French
 Spanish
In Years 10 and 11, students are again offered the opportunity of specialising in one modern
foreign language leading towards an IGCSE qualification. Students can opt for two languages at
IGCSE; however, this is subject to availability and students’ choices. Students can only select
languages they studied prior to IGCSE.
The following languages are offered at BISC at Key Stage 4 (IGCSE)
 Arabic (First Language)
 French
 Spanish
In Years 12 and 13, students must study a modern foreign language as part of the IB Diploma.
BISC offers the following languages at IB level:
 Arabic B (Higher and Standard Level) - GCSE A/A* necessary
 French B (Higher and Standard Level) – (I)GCSE A/A* necessary
 Spanish B (Standard Level) – (I)GCSE A/A* necessary
 German ab initio – beginner’s course
 Spanish ab initio – beginner’s course
16
2.5 Assessment and reporting
Although there is regular testing and assessment we do not produce class rankings. Students
differ in ability so, throughout the School, credit is given for effort; this is regarded as highly as
attainment. A positive attitude and a commitment to do one's best are encouraged. Such a firm
foundation is good preparation for the demands of GCSE and IB courses.
Assessment of students, both formal and informal, is used to influence teachers’ planning.
Students are given specific feedback on strengths and areas for development. Explicit steps are
given to students to ensure progress. Students are asked to regularly self-assess, to ensure a
reflective and independent approach to learning.
Students in Years 7, 10 and 12 receive a short Progress Report early in the first term. All year
groups, with the exception of Years 11 and 13, receive two Full Reports per year; Years 8, 9,
11 and 13 receive Full Reports in December while Years 7, 10 and 12 receive their reports in
February. All remaining year groups receive a Full Report at the end of the academic year.
Parents are encouraged to read reports carefully and discuss the teachers’ comments and
targets.The achievement grade states the stage the student has reached so far this
academic year, the comment should explain why and how this grade was reached.
The targets should identify clear strategies/actions for improvement. Parents are encouraged
to monitor these targets and discuss them with the teachers during parents’ meetings.
2.6 Assessment for Learning
Assessment for Learning is the driving force at BISC which seeks to improve student progress and
raise standards. This is in line with current educational practice in the UK.
Assessment at BISC is an integral part of teaching and learning. It is based on the principle that
assessment is not a linear process; it is about measurement of performance at a given point in
time and a way of gaining information to promote future learning.
Therefore, rather than simply grading students in several aspects, BISC staff provide a variety of
assessment tasks that help to give a holistic understanding of what the student has
achieved, and use this information to further develop their learning. Assessment for learning
helps to identify the next steps needed to make progress. It takes account of each student’s
strengths as well as weaknesses.
At BISC we have identified the following features in our assessment procedures:
Variety of Assessment Tasks: Students are allowed the opportunity to demonstrate their
learning in a variety of ways. This can include formal, traditional tests; however, the
achievement grade is not exclusively based on this type of assessment and takes into account
their performance throughout the term. In fact, many departments have embedded several
activities throughout the term to allow students to demonstrate their learning.
17
Formative Assessment: Rather than just grading the students’ progress (known as summative
assessment), teachers attempt to explain why the students have achieved this grade. Behavior
and effort are an integral part of the Full Report and teachers are asked to comment on factors
that directly impact the student’s learning.
Target Setting: Each subject specialist sets specific, realistic and achievable targets; these
identify actions students should take in order to improve, and should explain to the students
how to ‘get to the next grade/level.’ These targets are important, indeed essential, to ensure
further progress.
2.7 Curriculum Support
The School offers support to students whatever their learning needs. In particular, we offer
support to students who may have specific learning needs, who have English as their
second language or who are considered gifted or talented within a particular subject. Mrs
Jennifer Ibrahim coordinates the work of the Curriculum Support team throughout the Senior
and Junior Schools. Mr. Nick Rowe is the Whole School Gifted and Talented Coordinator.
2.8 Marking and grading
Work will be marked on a regular basis and students will be provided with feedback and
targets. Grades are awarded sparingly as we believe that students need to focus on what they
need to do to improve, rather than on the actual grade itself. At Key Stage 3, students are
graded from A*-E, at Key Stage 4 we use the I/GCSE grades, from A – G, and in the Sixth Form,
students are graded from 1 – 7, in accordance with the International Baccalaureate levels. In
2016/17, some GCSE and IGCSE subjects will move to the UK’s new 1 – 9 grading system.
The BTEC is graded on a pass, merit and distinction basis.
18
3. USEFUL INFORMATION
Absence
Please telephone or email the school on the (first) morning of any absence to inform us of your
child’s absence. On their return to school, students must bring an absence note to their Form
Tutor. Please email [email protected] with attendance information.
Activities
Optional extra-curricular activities run after school and sometimes at the weekend (e.g.
swimming, volleyball, drama rehearsals, etc.). A schedule is set up every term to inform
students as to the activities on offer and students then sign up electronically, via a link sent to
their BISC email accounts or myBISC.
For some activities, a charge has to be levied to cover the cost of the activity. Students are
encouraged to bring additional food and water to school on days when they participate in
activities and to ensure that they have the appropriate clothing and equipment with them, such
as shin pads for football.
Annual Events
There are a number of events that occur annually such as parents’ meetings, concerts, open
days and exhibitions. Details can be found in the weekly BISC Bulletin and on the Engage Parent
Portal.
Attendance Policy
The correlation between school attendance and educational success is strong. The school has
an established attendance policy with the following principal aims:
 To ensure that our students derive maximum benefit from the school’s curriculum and
extra-curricular activities.
 To enable our teachers to complete teaching and learning programmes.
 To foster self-discipline and a sense of autonomy in our students.
 To prevent students gaining unfair advantage over other students by taking additional
time off to complete coursework and other assessment requirements.
The School distinguishes between two types of absence:
Authorised absence: This is an absence accepted as legitimate by the school and recorded as
an authorised absence in the attendance register. The following reasons for failure to attend
lessons may be treated as authorised absences:
1. Sickness or any unavoidable cause; 2. A day exclusively set apart for religious observance by
the religious body to which his or her parents belong; 3. School trips locally or abroad; other
school events or competitions requiring leave from lessons; 4. Leave granted by the Principal or
by authority delegated by the Principal to the Head of Senior School.
19
Unauthorised absence: This is an absence not authorised by the Principal, or delegated
authorities, which will be recorded as such in the school’s attendance registers. The school
cannot prevent parents from withdrawing their children from school sessions but is under no
obligation to accept a simple expression of parental wishes as constituting authority for
absence. The recording of an absence as authorised or unauthorised is at the discretion of the
Principal or delegated authorities.
The following is a non-exhaustive list of the types of absences which will be, or are likely to be,
recorded as unauthorised if parents withdraw their children from lessons without the support
of the school:
1. Extensions of family holidays at the beginnings and ends of terms or extensions of half-term
breaks and other short closures; 2. Family holidays in the middle of a term or half-term; 3. Early
departures for summer camps or other such leisure activities; 4. Family occasions which could
be arranged within school holiday times; 5. Birthday parties and similar family celebrations
which could be held at the weekend before or after the anniversary; 6. Accompanying siblings
or other family members on non-essential or non-emergency trips or outings; 7. Trips deemed
‘educational’ by parents but not accepted as being so by the school; 8. Other types of absence
the Principal deems to be non-essential or to be avoidable.
Truancy and wilful absence from school activities is automatically unauthorised absence. The
school is obliged to report the total percentage of unauthorised absences in all reports,
references (such as those required by universities and other schools).
Attendance procedures
a) SMS notification of absence: By the end of period 2 each day the attendance officer will SMS
the parents of any child who has not registered their attendance. We do this to ensure parents
are aware that their children have not registered at school. If a student is not on time for
period 3 (09:45), it will be treated as half a day’s absence.
b) Planned absences: Where parents can foresee an absence, they should apply in writing to the
Head of Senior School through the relevant Senior School Head of Year. The specific nature of
the absence and some explanation to support the application is necessary. The application will
be considered on its merits and authorised or not as the case may be.
c) Unforeseen absences: In instances where absences are unforeseen (e.g. illness, accident, etc.),
pupils must return to school with a note or email from their parents to the Form Tutor
certifying their absence and, for the purposes of our records, giving a brief explanation of the
reasons for the absence. The school will give all parental notes/emails due regard and respect
but is under no obligation to accept a note as the basis for recording an absence as authorised.
The school reserves the right to ask for further information or for medical certificates to
support the note where this would be helpful. Normally the school will ask for medical
certificates to support absence notes for illness in the three days before public examination
coursework deadlines and in the three days at the beginnings and ends of terms and other
holiday periods. Absences which are not covered by a valid note and/or medical certificate will
sit on the record as unauthorised absences.
20
Consequences:
If a student’s monthly attendance falls below 95%, parents will be contacted by the Head of
Year (HoY), via a letter to express concern. If there is no subsequent improvement or if the
attendance figure is below 90% at the first attendance check of the year, parents will be asked
to attend a meeting with the relevant Head of Key Stage (HoK). The Head of Key Stage will
meet with parents if attendance shows no sign of improvement. Attendance letters are issued
on a monthly basis after a review of the figures by tutors, HoYs and HoKs.
Should the problem persist, parents will be informed in writing of the school’s concerns and
that their children risk being required to repeat the year or not being entered for
public examinations.
Assemblies
All students are involved in weekly assemblies either with the whole of Senior School or as a
Key Stage or as a Year Group. Parents will receive invitations to attend if a special assembly has
been planned, such as a prize giving ceremony.
Behaviour
We expect students to adhere to a code of conduct and behave appropriately at all times.
Disciplinary matters are dealt with by the Form Tutor, the Heads of Year, Heads of Key Stage
and the Head of Senior School. Parents are kept informed of any such issues.
At BISC, we have very few disciplinary problems; however, we do have a number of
mechanisms to deal with the students, both to reward good behaviour and to address any
incidences of poor behaviour. Good work is rewarded in a variety of ways. If a student
produces an excellent report, then their parents are sent letters of commendation.
Sanctions
Any student who commits a serious enough offence enters the system of sanctions at an
appropriate level.
Detentions
For problems with punctuality, work and behaviour, there are teacher detentions, departmental
detentions, or more seriously, a detention on Monday after school, run by the Deputy Head,
and more seriously again, Saturday detentions, run by the Head of Seniors.
The school reserves the right to detain a student until 4:30pm Sunday – Thursday
provided we have given parents 24 hours’ notice.
In parallel with these sanctions, we have a supportive monitoring system based on White,
Yellow and Red Cards, which we use where necessary to help students set and meet
behavioural targets. The first level is the White Card, monitored by the Form Tutor. Students
have to present the card to every teacher before the lesson begins to ensure that the particular
aspect of behaviour is commented upon. The next level is the Yellow Card and this card has to
be shown to the Head of Year or Key Stage on a regular basis. The final level of the card
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system is the Red Card, where the student has to report to the Principal on a regular basis.
BISC Bulletin
This is sent to parents by email each Thursday in term time. Besides general news, it contains
information specifically for Senior School parents.
BSME (British Schools of the Middle East) and COBIS (Council of British International
Schools)
The school is a full member of BSME, an organisation of several schools from all over North
Africa, the Middle East, and the eastern Mediterranean. We are also a full member of COBIS,
an alliance of international schools that provide British education across the globe. We take
part in a variety of sporting and cultural events each year involving other BSME and COBIS
schools.
Calendar
This is posted on the Engage Parent Portal and the website and includes details of all school
events and scheduled holidays.
Careers
The school helps students towards the next step after BISC by providing careers lessons during
the PSHE time. In addition, the Careers Adviser, Ms Lucy Barratt, is available to meet students
and parents for individual guidance.
Code of Conduct
At BISC, we work courteously with each other and conduct ourselves in a way that brings
credit to us all. We enshrine our expectations in our code, written and agreed by staff and
students.
We behave inclusively by using English as our working language; by being thoughtful towards
others and by ensuring no one is left out.
We will be active, caring and thinking members of the community, as follows:
ACT
 Try our best in all aspects of school life; being punctual, meeting deadlines, presenting
ourselves well
 Conduct ourselves in an honest, respectful and responsible manner; working appreciatively
with our teachers and collaboratively with other students
 Maintain a healthy mind and body
CARE
 Be polite and courteous, conducting ourselves in a responsible and respectful way
 Respect others, our environment and ourselves
 Be actively involved in serving our communities
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THINK
 Enjoy learning
 Embrace new concepts, ideas and perspectives
 Develop independent and enquiring minds
As a community we will not tolerate:
 Bullying
 Discrimination
 Dishonesty
 Insensitive behaviour towards others
 Drug abuse
 Vandalism and theft
The School thrives on the positive relationships that exist between all members of our
community. Teachers are always there to help, parents always willing to support, and students
always striving to do their best and improve the school community as much as possible.
These specific values apply to everyone in the BISC community. All members of our community
are expected to embrace these values, without hesitation, because as we all know:
Tomorrow Begins Today.
Catering
There are two catering outlets available on site for students to use at break times or after
school. Cairo Kitchen serves hot meals and salads while Cilantro provides sandwiches, snacks
and drinks. Students may bring in money to purchase food from these outlets or they may bring
in a packed lunch. We encourage students to bring healthy snacks and not to bring in fizzy
drinks or sweets. Water is available throughout the school; students should have a full water
bottle with them at all times.
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Communication
If you need to contact school at any point during the day please telephone the main
switchboard numbers: 38270444 and ask for Mrs Hanaa Tobia. Alternatively, use her school
mobile number 01111121984. For queries about subjects please email the teacher directly.
The Form Tutor should be the first point of contact if you have any concerns about your child’s
academic or pastoral welfare.
The School uses a variety of methods to communicate with parents, including:
Types of Communication Generally used for
BISC Website
Information about the School
Announcements
Contact details
Parent Handbooks
BISC News App.
Bulletin
Calendar
Emergency news/messages.
Weekly Bulletin.
Key events, dates, policies, ideas and achievements to the
School community.
myBISC
Emails
Homework tasks, curriculum plans, syllabus guides and
revisions materials.
Activities.
Information
Letters
Concerns or updates
SMS Messages
Emergency/ daily announcements messages
Absences notifications
Engage Portal.
Details, attendance, School reports
Parent Conferences
Students’ progress and achievements, target setting
Meetings
Academic/ pastoral concerns, complaints.
Drugs, alcohol and smoking
The possession, use, sale or distribution of drugs or alcohol is prohibited. Students suspected of
taking drugs or alcohol will be reported to their parents. Smoking is not allowed at BISC nor
when travelling to and from the school or when representing it in other places. Students not
observing this rule may be removed from the student roll and banned from trips. In cases
where a child is taking a course of prescribed drugs, please inform Dr Rasha Darwish so that
she may monitor and administer the medication.
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Emergencies
If there is an emergency, of any nature, we will contact you. We must have up-to-date contact
numbers and email addresses. Please inform us, in writing with your signature and date, of any
changes, including postal address and medical information.
End of day arrangements
Only students involved in an extra-curricular activity may remain on site after 15:15. Students
involved in activities may remain on site until 16:45 at the latest. Most students travel by school
bus or private car. There are bike racks available for students who choose to cycle to school.
Equipment
Students require a pencil case with pens, pencils, coloured pencils, eraser, ruler, sharpener,
protractor, pair of compasses, a scientific calculator and it is recommended that GCSE and IB
students have a graphical calculator. They should also bring a tablet or laptop to lessons.
Field studies and trips
The school organises many field trips to various regions of Egypt and takes advantage of
alternative facilities offered by other educational establishments within the Cairo area.
The school has its own buses and, when necessary, hires additional coaches for these visits.
Before such excursions take place, parents must complete consent and medical forms. There
may be an additional charge for such visits.
Trips for activities such as sport, Model United Nations and the International Award take place
throughout the academic year; some of these trips take place overseas. Parents will be
contacted with all the information relevant to the trip well in advance of the departure date.
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Homework
Homework has a fixed timetable for Key Stage Three and it is arranged so that some work is
set each school day. Students will be issued with a homework timetable at the start of the
academic year. In Key Stages Four and Five, students can expect to receive homework after
almost every lesson. The homework timetable is also posted on myBISC and can be accessed
via the parent dashboard. Students can check their homework tasks via the myBISC dashboard
or via their school email account.
If students do not complete homework, parents will be notified either by text message or by
email. If there are recurring problems, parents will be invited to discuss the matter with the
Form Tutor or Head of Year.
Induction
An induction programme is offered to students in Years 7, 10 and 12, as well as new students in
each year group, at the start of each academic year. This is an important day as it introduces
students to the requirements and routines of each Key Stage.
Jewellery and valuables
Such items, which include necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, broaches and badges, may not be
worn at school. Girls who have had their ears pierced may wear up to one pair of studs, but
these may have to be removed for PE or other activities. Students may also wear a religious
necklace, provided it is discrete and not on display. If such items are brought and lost, the
school will not be held responsible.
We do not encourage mobile phones or other valuable items to be brought on to the
premises and if a student does bring these items on to the site, we will not accept any
responsibility for them. Mobile phones should not be used in classrooms or corridors and will
be confiscated if they are.
Library
The Library contains a variety of paper and electronic resources and periodicals. Students are
encouraged to use the Library to complete research which may be required as part of their
studies.
Lockers
Any personal items brought into the school are the responsibility of the student. Such items
ought to be clearly marked with the student's name.
Each student has a locker which may be used for storing books and equipment. Valuables
should not be left in lockers. IPods, etc. may be used on the journeys to and from school.
However, these are not to be used during the school day or during lessons. We will confiscate
such items for the day if necessary. The school holds no responsibility, should such items be
lost or stolen while on our premises.
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Medical matters
The school has both a full-time, qualified doctor and nurse on the premises during school hours
together with an ambulance on site. They will deal with any accidents and illness as they arise,
informing parents of any action needed or taken. When it is necessary for a student to be sent
home, parents will be notified and asked to collect him/her; if it is deemed necessary to send a
student to a hospital, the medical officer will arrange transport and notify the parent with the
necessary details.
Parents will be asked to complete a form giving the medical officer permission to deal with
medical emergencies. They will also be required to complete a form covering their children's
medical history.
Students are encouraged to wear a hat, carry water with them at all times and to wear sun
screen to counter the side effects of the hot weather we experience in Cairo.
Music tuition
There are a number of peripatetic music staff who offer instrumental lessons on a private basis.
Please contact Ms R. Brierley, Head of Music, if you need further advice.
Parents’ meetings
Parents’ meetings are then held at regular intervals throughout the year, usually following the
reports. Parents will be informed of the dates by letter and in the BISC Bulletin, together with a
text reminder. These meetings give parents an opportunity to talk about student progress with
the relevant subject teachers, Form Tutors and Heads of Year. Bookings for these meetings
are made via the Engage Parent Portal.
Members of the teaching staff are generally available during the term to answer any queries
from individual parents. Appointments are made through the PA to the Head of Seniors, Mrs
Hanaa Tobia ([email protected] 01111121984). When any student becomes a cause of
concern, arrangements are made for the parents to come in to talk to the relevant teachers
and tutors. Teachers can also be contacted via email.
Pastoral Support
There is a pastoral support structure based, in the first instance, around the Form Tutor. Every
day there is a meeting between the Form Tutor and their tutees; a ten-minute registration
period is scheduled for the beginning of the day. It must be stressed that this is seen as an
important contact period and parents are urged to see that all students are in the building in
good time so as to attend registration at 08:00.
There is a single tutor period on one day of each week, giving scope for a developing
relationship between student and tutor. The majority of teachers have been assigned to a tutor
group and are in close contact with that group. This leads to a monitoring of progress, both
academic and social, within the confines of the students' peer group.
In addition to the channels outlined, each student is under the overall charge of a Head of Year.
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S/he is involved with the overall pastoral care of the students and as such, you or they can
approach him/her. The Head of Key Stage provides yet further pastoral care.
Prefects – Sixth Form
The Prefect system in the Sixth Form aims to provide leadership opportunities for the Sixth
Form students and to develop a sense of social responsibility and inclusion in the wider school
community. BISC aims to provide opportunities for students to improve their personal skills,
supporting university applications.
We have a Head Boy and Head Girl, as well as a Deputy Head Boy and a Deputy Head Girl,
and a team of Prefects who help with duties and the promotion of different subject areas and
events. Prefects are also expected to assist with activities outside the traditional school
academic/pastoral structure e.g. MUN, IA, the activities programme, and the yearbook.
Punctuality
The School places great importance on punctuality. Students are considered late if the arrive
after 08:00 in their tutor room.
If a student is late three times in one half term, they will receive an after school detention from
the Head of Year. Progression of sanctions is as follows:
Late 3 times per half term
After School Detention
Late 5 times per half term
2 After School Detentions & Saturday Detention
Problem persists
Privileges withdrawn e.g. trips and activities
Student Council
There is a Student Council, which meets on a regular basis to represent the views of the
students as well as to organise social and charity events. Students have the opportunity to stand
for election to the Student Council on an annual basis.
Transport
A comprehensive bus service is offered to all BISC students. Safety is paramount and students
using the school buses must adhere to the school code of conduct and must wear their seat
belt properly for the whole journey. Students failing to adhere to these rules will be
banned from using the school bus.
Should you have questions about transport, please
contact Mr Ashraf Gad, our Transport Manager, on his mobile 01116222234 or via his email
address [email protected]
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Uniform
Students in Key Stages 3 and 4 have a uniform:
Girls

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

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
Navy skirt or navy tailored trousers.
Blue and white check skirt.
Navy jumper with school logo.
Plain navy blue or white socks or tights.
Shoes – black leather, polish-able.
Stud earrings and a watch.
Boys






Navy tailored trousers with a suitable belt.
Blue and white check skirt, worn smartly and tucked in.
Navy jumper with school logo (optional)
Plain navy blue or white socks.
Shoes – black leather, polish-able.
A watch.
Please note the following points:




Students should not have dyed hair; make-up and coloured nail varnish should not be
worn.
Boys’ hair should be short enough not to touch their collar.
Facial and body piercings are not acceptable.
A fine chain with one small pendant of religious significance may be worn, provided the
pendant is out of sight.
Senior sportswear for girls and boys





Blue shorts.
House T-shirts.
White socks.
Training shoes.
School hooded tops (only allowed in PE lessons).
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Sixth form dress code
The dress code for the Sixth Form is clean, smart casual, such as would be worn by good
quality business people. All boys must be clean shaven with hair no longer than collar length.
Hair should not be dyed in a fashion which attracts attention.
Suitable
Boys:
Leather shoes or sandals
Smart trousers or shorts
Tailored shirt with collar/shirt with collar/smart polo shirt.
Girls:
Leather shoes or sandals
Smart trousers
Reasonable length skirts (approximately knee length)
Tops / shirts/ blouses with sleeves
Leggings with long top/blouse
Neutral nail paint
Boys and Girls:
Jumpers/ cardigans - plain
Jewelry: discrete, unobtrusive, reasonable jewelry
Unsuitable
Trainers
Jeans or track suit trousers
Shirts must not have slogans or pictures
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School uniform may be purchased in the following locations:
6th October
Dandy Mall,
Tel. 35391440
Open from 9:30am to 10pm
Zamalek
8 Ahmed Sabri Street
Tel. 27382790
Open from 10am to 10pm
Further details will be provided to students as part of the induction programme.
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