The British School of Kuwait

'The British School of Kuwait (BSK) is an IGCSE school located in the suburb of Salwa, Kuwait. The school teaches students aged 3–19 who come and hail from a variety of nationalities

History

The school was founded in 1978, and in 1993 moved to its present campus in Salwa. It's opened by Vera Al-Mutawa, under its new principal(starting from 2008), Paul Shropshire. As years have progressed the school has managed to undergo a series of renovations and upgrading. The School courtyard is used for finals against rival school such as KES and NES. As of the academic year 2008-2009, all students in the Kindergarten and Reception levels have been moved to a new building across the road, named "The Sunshine School" or TSK. The name came from what is now called "The British School of Kuwait"; "The Sunshine School" being the original name of the older school building, which only taught young children.

Courses and Study

A full range of examination courses is provided including 'AS' and 'A2' level courses in the Sciences, History, Geography, Music, Art, Drama, Business Studies and Economics, Computer Studies and French. The Sixth-Form numbers 85 and teaching takes place in the "Britania" Sixth form centre.

At years 10 and 11, students have optional subjects to be given in blocks and to be decided in the previous year. For those who are new, they will have chosen while Registering for the next academic year.

The curriculum at the British School of Kuwait is designed in accordance with the principles of the British education system and the medium of teaching is English apart from in Arabic, Islamic Studies and French and German language lessons. Due regard is paid to the cultural context of the Middle East and the traditions of the 65 nations from which students come. Most of the English-speaking teachers at BSK are recruited in the United Kingdom and are recognized by the UK Department for Education and Skills.

For a fee the school provides access to a range of 'British Schools', these are after school events ranging from chess to yoga.

Facilities

According to the Good Schools Guide International, the British School of Kuwait is a "well resourced school". Facilities include a Computer Centre, about 4 laboratories, a library, a theatre, and art and music departments. Areas for sport activities or events include a swimming pool, two tennis courts, and 2 basketball courts. The British School of Kuwait has gymnasiums. The use of these facilities and the upgrades in technology has caused many students to be approached to pursue their studies in top universities in the USA.

E-Learning

In 2003 the British School of Kuwait underwent a project to encourage (or make it compulsory) for all students from Y3-Y13 to have personal laptop computers. Currently, The British School of Kuwait is also running the Middle East Challenge 2009; that is used through www.mathletics.com as part as teaching the Mathematics curriculum in the school.

Academic year and application

The school year runs from September to June and a summer school is offered during July. All new students are interviewed and are required to take an entrance examination.

Charity Events

In 2007, BSK's Charity committee announced their support for the Kuwaiti Charity KACCH (Kuwait Association for Children's Care Hospice) by raising money and having a group of students visit the hospital weekly in order to help entertain and occupy the children. The school has also organised several "charity events" where the aim was to donate as much money as possible.

The British School of Kuwait also runs occasional mufti days in which students are allowed to change parts of their uniforms for a donation of KD 1 ($3) to the Red Crescent Charity Organisation. The most recent mufti day was on Thursday, 5th of February 2009. The theme was "Crazy Tie Day"

Sport

The British School of Kuwait compete against IGCSE schools in a variety of sports such as soccer, swimming, basketball, volleyball, 5 a side indoor soccer and tennis. The school has recently launched a new program which offers 12 different hobbies/sports. The British School of Kuwait has participated in the Onion Bag tournament which is held in Dubai, UAE. The BSK U15 Football team won the plate cup for the best school in the Gulf 2008-2009.

External links

• Official site
• [http://www.gsgi.co.uk/countries/kuwait/kuwait-city/the-british-school-of-kuwait? Review of the British School of Kuwait by the Good Schools Guide International]