BSB Primary School to showcase learning in action at open morning on 3 February

The award-winning British School of Brussels is looking forward to welcoming prospective families to its Primary School Open Morning on 3 February.

Located at the international school’s extensive leafy campus in Tervuren on the outskirts of Brussels, it is a highly successful inclusive learning environment for children aged one to 11.

From an early childhood centre through to kindergarten, reception classes and two primary sections, the school prides itself on its holistic approach to education that focuses on each child’s whole development.

Vice-Principal and Head of Primary Neil Ringrose is clear: “We know our children well, not just academically, but who they are as human beings. We are very much a values-driven community.”

He is enthusiastic about showcasing the school to families during the Open Morning, which offers tailored tours of classrooms and specialised units, as well as its world-class facilities. “Our proudest moment is when visitors come to our campus. It is really a chance for us to share the magic that happens in our school,” he says.

As an international school with more than 70 nationalities, the school offers additional provision including English-language immersion, designed to support students’ reintegration into the mainstream classroom when appropriate. Specialist teachers also provide French throughout the primary years as part of the school’s bilingual programme, alongside Dutch in upper primary.

Meanwhile, the youngsters have access to BSB’s renowned Enrichment Programme. This includes physical education and sports such as football, gymnastics and swimming with trained coaches. An extensive range of extra-curricular activities, including drama, singing, dance, graphic novels, and Minecraft, are offered. “These activities not only help new children feel comfortable in the school but also give them a chance to uncover talents and interests they might not have realised they have,” notes Ringrose.

The focus for children in the early years, though, remains play and discovery. “We are fortunate to have expert teachers who take children from where they are to where they need to be,” explains the primary head. “It means listening to them and observing them, throughout all academic, personal and social areas.”

Continual assessment rather than testing is the key to the children’s achievement at the school, which adheres to the British national curriculum, albeit tailored to an international environment.

In addition to support for language and educational needs, there is also space to challenge children who are exceeding expectations, whether it be in maths, English or science. “We ensure that they have the best days of learning, that not only we can offer, but that they are capable of,” adds Ringrose.

From new admissions to progressing from one school section to another, the Primary School works hard to ensure children know they are continually cared for. “The joy of being an all-through school is that we have access to secondary learning spaces such as science labs and tech rooms. The transition from primary to secondary is very smooth thanks to the close collaboration between our Year 6 team leader and colleagues in secondary,” he says.

Playing a valuable role in their adaptation is the school’s partnership with parents. “It is even more important when families are not living in their home country. We become a hub, especially because of the age of the children in primary,” explains Ringrose.

“Families joining us they know that we ensure that their children have the best learning experience and are happy, healthy and cared for - as if BSB is a little bit of a home.”

Underscoring the school’s vision and ethos are its guiding statements, co-created by the school community in 2016. “They are the filter and the lens through which all our decisions are made; they are not just words on the wall, they are an expectation that we live and breathe every day,” says Ringrose.

Together with staff and students, he is looking forward to the annual Open Morning. “This all comes to life when families visit,” he says. “Seeing children learning, talking with staff, and spending time on the campus gives parents a real sense of how their child would experience school here. It’s a chance to move beyond words and decide, with confidence, whether BSB is the right fit for your family.”

BSB Primary School Open Morning
 3 February, 9.15-11.00
 1 Pater Dupierreuxlaan
 3080 Tervuren
 Belgium