The British Junior Academy of Brussels invites prospective families to its Open Day on 20 March

The British Junior Academy of Brussels (BJAB) welcomes parents and students to explore the Etterbeek school at its Open Day on Wednesday, 20th March. 

“This is an excellent opportunity to discover what we have to offer from Early Years to Year 10,” says BJAB, which is located in the Montgomery area. The event will provide insights into the curriculum and extracurricular activities, as well as the school's ethos.

Visitors can tour the school, experience real-time lessons freely, and meet other members of the vibrant community. Registration is required and can be completed here.

With a strong focus on academic achievement and high standards, BJAB follows the National Curriculum for England, enhanced by a global perspective and a range of extracurricular activities.

All class teachers are experienced, fluent in English and UK-trained; many have experience from British schools all over the world. Administrative staff speak English, French and Dutch to help support parents on their school journey. 

Curriculum

With a commitment to preparing students for the future, the curriculum integrates technology and innovation. BJAB was the first school in Belgium to introduce artificial intelligence programmes to supplement its curriculum, offering personalised student learning and ensuring additional challenge to pupils and students already working above expectations. 

The school is one of two international schools in the Brussels area to be inspected by the British Schools Overseas Standards and is also a member of IAPS (International Association of Prep Schools).

Primary

The primary section is dedicated to laying the groundwork for academic success for children from a number of backgrounds, with over 30 nationalities represented in the school. Class sizes are kept small with a maximum of 16 children up to Year 6. 

Through a blend of traditional values and innovative teaching methods, the school focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals, with emphasis on behaviour, manners and dedication to learning.

The curriculum is enriched with a global perspective, fostering a love for learning from an early age. BJAB uses its city-centre location to its advantage, supplementing the curriculum with trips outside the school, from outdoor learning in the nearby park to visiting Brussels' many museums. Overnight residential trips begin in Year 2, allowing students to access a broad range of experiences and develop independence and resilience.

Language learning

English as an Additional Language is offered for pupils new to the language throughout the school. As a truly international school, BJAB accepts pupils with little to no English knowledge. Through individualised lessons, students often make rapid progress through the EAL programme and are then prepared to study French, which is a cornerstone of the academic offering and compulsory for all students.

Pupils in the Early Years programme begin to integrate French into their learning through activities and play before taking formal lessons from Year 1. Students in Years 6 and up also study Latin. Year 7 students and up study Spanish as an additional modern language. 

Secondary

The secondary section builds on the strong foundation laid in the primary school, offering a curriculum tailored to meet the needs of students as they go into the higher levels of education and prepare for university or work. A 'tutor system' allows each student to be  supported individually in their personal and academic goals by one of their teachers, providing excellent pastoral care to each student no matter their age.

BJAB plans to grow organically with a new Year 10 section opening in September 2024, Year 11 in September 2025, etc. The secondary school offers IGCSEs and was recently accredited by Cambridge International Education. The school is also planning to offer the IB diploma. 

New building

The acquisition of a new building signifies an exciting chapter for BJAB. The school started in just one building located on Boulevard Saint Michel in Etterbeek and currently has three buildings spread across two sites.

After opening the new Louis Schmidt site in September 2020, the school has now acquired a neighbouring fourth building which will serve as an extension of the Prep and Senior school. The building plans are already underway and allow for two enhanced science labs, informal spaces for the students to study and meet, an additional library and more. Works are planned for summer 2024 and summer 2025 to complete the renovation in two stages. 

The British Junior Academy of Brussels
83 Boulevard Saint-Michel & 101 Boulevard Louis Schmidt
1040 Etterbeek
info@bjab.org
+32(0)2 732 53 76