Braeburn Kisumu International School

Articleissues
notable = October 2007
unreferenced = October 2007
wikify = October 2007

The ethos of Braeburn Kisumu International School reads: “At Braeburn Kisumu International School, we provide a conducive environment to enable a child to attain his or her fullest potential through a broad based curriculum that promotes critical thinking, fosters self-motivation and encourages the child to become a responsible member of the society.”

One of the Braeburn Schools Kenya Limited schools, Braeburn Kisumu International School (BKIS) [http://www.braeburn.com/braeburnkisumu/index.htm] is located on the shores of Lake Victoria in Kenya's third largest city, Kisumu. Established in 1985, this pre-primary and primary school teaches the British National Curriculum to young students of all nationalities and cultures.

The Early Years Unit caters for children aged 2-5 years and is organized into two age groups. Nursery class is held daily in the mornings and Reception offers full-day provision.

Children encounter learning opportunities in the outdoor area every day, and additional activities such as Music, P.E, Swimming and Library time.

Primary teaching at Braeburn Kisumu is a combination of whole class, group and individual teaching with more specialised teaching in the subject areas of I.C.T., French, Swimming, P.E. and Music. Pupils study literacy, numeracy, Information Technology (IT) and science (core subjects) as well as Humanities; Art and Design Technology; Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) / Citizenship; French; Music; Physical Education (PE).

Older students enjoy the expertise of subject-based teachers as well as the pastoral support of a form tutor. All teachers provide for a range of needs in their classrooms.

Continuous teacher assessment plays an important role in supporting children in their learning and in informing teaching. At the end of Year 2 and Year 6, pupils sit statutory Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) as required by the National Curriculum. Children from Year 3,4,5,7 and 8 are tested at the end of the year using UK standardized tests.

After classes students may participate in clubs such as Tennis, Badminton, Table Tennis, Tae-Kwon-Do, Cookery, Needlework, Roller Blading, Skateboarding and board games. Some activities involve weekend commitments such as sports and swimming fixtures and Outdoor Education.

Children are taken out on educational visits as part and parcel of their work. These are not optional and are an integral part of the children's learning.

Parent-teacher interviews, curriculum evenings and regular newsletters help to explain policies and keep parents informed of developments. Enjoyable fundraising activities are organized by the Parent Fund Raising Committee which livens up the school community and promotes a sense of belonging.

Admissions: children may start in Early Years, which takes children from two to five years of age, with rising fives forming a Reception Class. Entry into Year 1, the 'formal' start of school, is in the September following a child's 5th birthday. From Year 3,children are given entry assessment in Mathematics and English.

Whilst most children begin at the start of the academic year, children may join throughout the course of an academic year. A small non-refundable registration fee accompanies applications for admission, and, upon receipt of this, an offer is made by the school in writing. Children who cannot be accommodated immediately are put on a waiting list.