British School of HoustonOverviewThe British School of Houston (BSH) offers an academic program based on the International Primary Curriculum, the National Curriculum for England and Wales, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Additionally, it will offer British A-Level courses beginning in September 2014, making it one of the very few schools in the United States to do so. BSH is part of World Class Learning Schools, a division of the for-profit company World Class Learning Group.
All of BSH’s teachers are required to have teaching degrees from the United Kingdom. Students are introduced to both British English and American English at an early age with educational material from America and Britain. The school is open to children of all nationalities. Approximately 60% of the student body is British, 7% American, and the remaining 33% come from countries such as The Netherlands, Oman, Australia, Singapore, and Egypt. To accommodate its diverse student body, the school offers a special Dutch language program for young children. Religious AffiliationBSH has no religious affiliation.
Location and FacilitiesAs of the 2016-2017 academic year, BSH has moved to its new campus at 2203 N Westgreen Blvd, Katy, TX 77449.
AdmissionsBSH features an open enrollment policy, in which students may apply throughout the year and are admitted based upon openings in enrollment. However, students generally enter the school at the start of the academic year. Siblings of currently enrolled students are given priority but are not guaranteed enrollment. The admissions office also takes into consideration an even balance of the sexes within the classrooms, and thus, the minority sex may receive priority.
The admissions process consists of three steps: an application, an assessment visit and, enrollment. The application phase is composed of an application and essay, an application fee , school transcripts, and teacher evaluations. For applicants to grades 6-12, evaluations must come from an English teacher and a math teacher. Following the receipt of the application, students are invited to meet with a member of the assessment team. If the school deems the application and assessment visit adequate, and if there is space available, an offer of enrollment is made. Academic Tracks and CurriculumStudents in the Early Years (ages 3 to 5) follow the Foundation Curriculum with a focus on six areas of education, including social development and mathematical development. Students enrolled in the Primary School (ages 5 to 11) are instructed using the International Primary Curriculum and the National Curriculum of England, which includes a three to six week period of study on real-life interests. Middle School students (ages 11 to 14) follow the National Curriculum, which structures twelve disciplines into a circular method of education. High School students continue to follow the National Curriculum by way of the International General Certificates of Secondary Education examinations, which act as a preparatory tool for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. In their final two years, students follow the curriculum designed by the IBDP, which includes CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) hours. They finish by earning an IB Diploma.
In order to graduate, students are required to complete six subjects, three Higher Level and three Standard Level courses. These subjects consist of a first language, a second language, math, science, social science, and an IB elective. Students must also complete 150 hours of CAS, a 4,000 word research essay, and a capstone course titled "Theory of Knowledge." Special NeedsThe British School of Houston does not advertise a specific policy regarding students with special needs. However, BSH prides itself on its differentiated instruction. According to its website, “BSH teachers tailor their instruction and adjust the curriculum to students’ needs rather than expecting students to modify themselves for the curriculum.”
Foreign LanguagesStudents attending BSH may study French and Spanish; however, additional languages may be available via remote-learning according to the IB program requirements.
ArtsBSH considers the fine arts an important part of the student’s education experience. BSH offers students the opportunity to participate in a number of musicals and dramas, school choirs, ballet, recorder and trumpet ensembles, and more. Performances are held throughout the academic year. Additionally, as part of the curriculum, students are introduced to digital design and design technology.
Music receives special attention at BSH. Housed in a new building built in 2009, the Music Department has access to three teaching rooms and a large practice room where approximately 80 instrumental lessons take place per week. Music instruction begins at the Foundation level and from the fourth grade onward, the school encourages students to form their own bands. Major music performances include three winter concerts, an annual piano recital, and a rock concert. TechnologyNo information concerning BSH's technological facilities or technology policy is available at this time.
Extracurricular ActivitiesUpon enrollment, each student is assigned to one of four Houses: Air, Earth, Wind, and Fire. Throughout the year, students are awarded House Points based on participation in House events and outstanding performance in all aspects of their education. Individually, House Points will earn students certificates, such as the Platinum House Certificate (150 points).
Students may also participate in several academic clubs (such as IB Chemistry Revision), the school newspaper (Students Extra!), and various opportunities for community service. Additionally, BSH has a Student Council open to grades 7-12. AthleticsBSH hosts seven sports programs in which students may participate, including several athletics clubs. The current sports programs are rugby, track & field, touch rugby, soccer, netball, golf, and volleyball. The school’s mascot is the Bulldog. BHS teams have participated in the Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools, the Texas Youth Rugby Association, and the Florida Netball Classic.
Parental InvolvementThe BSH community comes together through the Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA), which organizes and hosts various events. The PTSA also reaches out to welcome new families.
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