Frequently Asked Questions
These are some frequently asked questions by parents relating to the curriculum as well as the future of the school, which parents and prospective parents may find useful:
What examinations will my child take prior to university/college entrance?
As a group of schools we recognise that our pupils will be moving on to a variety of further education opportunities. For those children moving into American colleges/universities we will ensure that they have taken the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) and the American College Test (ACT) and that they are fully prepared for entry. Those pupils moving on to universities in other parts of the world could study for the International Baccalaureate. This qualification can also provide Advanced Placement (AP) credits for American colleges. Those children returning to the UK may choose to study for A levels (or GNVQ) and indeed will need to prepare for Oxbridge entrance if appropriate. The choice of subject/pathway will have to be made by the end of Year 11.
How will the Key Stage Three programme/curriculum be developed?
There are three possible ways of developing the Key Stage Three programme. In the UK, a school which accommodates only secondary children would usually give the children a much reduced class/tutorial base and move them almost straight into a specialist programme. In some prep (private) schools the children do not move into the 'secondary' specialist programme until the end of Year 8. This is the point at which they move to 'senior school'. From Year 7 onwards the children have some specialist teaching. In a state (non-private) middle school the pattern is very similar. Children in Years 7 and 8 still have a strong class/tutor base but have specialist teaching in certain subjects in preparation for the transition to secondary school entering Year 9.
At the British School of Chicago (as with all the British Schools of America) we will be following the pattern of the independent and middle schools.
Will my child require extra tutoring for a return to the UK education system?
No. The children in the British Schools of America are working at a level that is at least on a par with the schools in the UK, and more frequently higher. The results of formal annual testing in all of our schools provide this evidence.
The only exception to this, is tutoring for the Common Entrance Exam, which is a mechanism that approximately 60% of private schools in the UK use for entry at 13 years of age. All children who take this exam are given extra tuition in preparation whether they are private, state UK based or International schools. Pupils will be prepared for Common Entrance only if it is appropriate for them.
How is my child being assessed?
The children are assessed by the class teacher upon their entry to the British School of Chicago and placed in the appropriate ability 'band' for each subject, within their age appropriate year group. On going assessment then takes place throughout the unit of work being undertaken. This is informal and relies on the teacher's professional judgement. At the end of a unit the children are assessed against identified criteria and given a 'level' that is recorded. This happens for each subject on a half-term basis and this determines the level given for attainment in each foundation subject for each child. At the end of the academic year a variety of formal testing takes place, which not only indicates the level of attainment in English, Mathematics and Science but also provides a comparative measure of ability against UK norms. Over the years a very detailed and informative profile is built of your child's attainment. The issue of term reports are one means by which you can receive detailed feedback of your child's progress.
How many schools in the UK follow the National Curriculum?
All state (non-private) schools in England and Wales follow the National Curriculum. A very large proportion of the private independent schools also follow the National Curriculum.
What are Extra-Curricular Activities?
These are 'fun' activities usually reflecting a teacher's own area of interest. They are provided for the enjoyment that they can bring, rather than having an identified and assessed educational objective.
We are sure the founding families will agree that the school has come a long way since it opened in September 2001 and that we are all excited to be part of the British School of Chicago.