FAQ
General Questions
Is the British School appropriate for American students or just for children from Great Britain and other countries?
The British School of Chicago is open to children of all nationalities. As BSC offers a differentiated curriculum, we are able to ensure each child reaches his or her maximum potential, regardless of whether his or her previous experience of school has been in a British style environment.
Do you have a diverse student body?
The British School currently has students from all over the world: India, Russia, United Kingdom, Italy, The Netherlands and Pacific-Rim countries. The majority of the students are, however, American.
Do you accept children who do not speak English or do not speak English fluently?
Yes, as long as children are able to make themselves understood.
Do you teach "British English" or "American English"?
Both; American children spell in the American way, whilst British children returning to the UK use the British method. All children are introduced to the differences in both language and spelling.
Are there before and after-school programmes available?
There are extra curricular activities offered to children from Reception and above on three days each week. Children can stay for an extra hour after school and join in activities which vary on a termly basis. In addition, we do have before and after school care: before school care runs from 7.30am -8.00am (Teachers are in the class from 8am each morning, although school does not start until 8.30am); after school care from 3.30-6.00pm daily.
Is there a dress code or uniform requirement?
The children attending BSC all wear school uniform.
Enrollment
What is the deadline for enrollment applications?
For applications for 2007-2008 is 5th January 2007. The school has Open Enrollment, so will accept an application for the current academic year at any point during the year, as long as there are spaces available.
Transferring In or Out of the British School
If my child has to transfer to a traditional American School, will he be on a par educationally with other students in his grade?
In most cases, children will be 1-2 years ahead of their peers in the American system.
If my child is transferring to the British School from an American school or pre-school will she be behind others in her grade?
All children are assessed prior to entry. If we find that a child has gaps in his or her learning, we have a programme in place to give extra support.
Expectations for Parents
What level of involvement is expected from parents?
Our school prides itself on a close liason between home and school, as this is a partnership required so each child can fulfil his or her potential.
Does the school require or expect parents to assist in fund raising?
No, there is no fund-raising at BSC.
Is there a parent council or advisory group at the school?
We currently have two formal groups at school. The Parent Representative Group is made up of one or two parent volunteers from each class who meet as a group with the Headmaster once each month. We also have a Parent Consultative Group, who are a group elected by the parent body.
Curriculum
How does the British system differ from the American approach to education?
At the British School we have an individualised programme, so although we have a general expectation of what a child will achieve in each year group, each child works to achieve his or her maximum potential. This means that children who are able can work at a higher grade level than their chronological age. Also, in the British system, children are introduced to reading and writing much earlier, beginning at age three and four in pre-school.
Will my child learn American history and civics?
Yes, children in Years 7 and 8 (ages 11-13) are currently studying civics with an American provider.
What type of extra-curricular activities does the British School offer?
The children from Reception class up are able to participate in extra-curricular activities from 3.45-4.45 each day. These after school clubs are offered by our own staff and include a wide variety of activities which change on a termly basis. These usually include sports clubs, art/creative activities, dance and so on.
It is also currently possible to stay for after school clubs in chess and fencing. There is a small charge for these activities, as they are taught by external staff.
What type of athletic activities are available?
All the children at BSC take part in Physical Education lessons. For children age seven and older, we have a full sports programme covering a wide range of sports, including soccer, field hockey, basketball, softball, rugby, cricket, tennis and swimming. There is also a gymnastics and dance programme. Additionally, many sports are offered as extra-curricular activities.
Does the school offer music, art and gym?
Music, art and gym are all part of the curiculum for every child at the British School and are not an "extra", although it is possible to do extra-curricular activities in these subjects.
GCSE
What are GCSE's?
GCSE stands for General Certificate in Secondary Education. Pupils study for GCSE for two years, from age 14-16, in 8-10 subject areas.
What advantage will it give American students to study GCSE?
The GCSE is the preparation for International Baccalaureate, which is studied from age 16-18 and is the finest qualification at this level world-wide and is highly regarded by Higher Education intitutions both here in the US and throughout the world.
Will GCSE be accessible by all levels of ability?
Yes; at BSC the curriculum is differentiated to meet all levels of ability. The GSCE courses studied will be broad and balanced and are tailored to develop investigational skills as well as fact based learning. There are many opportunities for students to follow particular areas of interest in some subjects, thereby having greater ownership of their studies.
How are GCSE's assessed?
The courses are a combination of coursework and formal, terminal examination.