Ms Sue Hill: Weekly Update 20/10/2017

Dear Parents,

Listening to our stakeholders is very important when making strategic plans for the future at BIS. Parents of students in Year 6 to 9 were recently invited to complete a questionnaire about our curriculum provision. Questions to establish how important parents viewed each subject, currently offered in Key Stage 3 (our lower secondary phase of education) has provided invaluable information. Parents were also invited to express opinions about what they would like to see added to our curriculum. The survey was sent in three languages: Vietnamese, Korean and English and offered the chance for additional opinions to be expressed. 112 responses were received.

Subject areas deemed to be of maximum importance included Mathematics, Science and PE. A curriculum which places the English language as a priority was recognized by all those surveyed. Further analysis of data by Mr. Webb is also indicating a strong interest in the provision of languages, both home languages and modern foreign languages. A sizable number of parents requested a more structured programme for the development of Vietnamese language for non-Vietnamese students and a preference for the inclusion of Korean for first language Korean students. More choice of language options, which is not dependent on the child’s nationality, was also expressed as a way forward. Those surveyed expressed a wish to have an inclusive curriculum which is offered to all, regardless of nationality.

The data collected is currently being discussed by the Senior Leadership Team to inform curriculum choices. Next steps include assessing our staffing needs in order to ensure we have high quality teachers to deliver an enhanced curriculum. The revisions to the KS3 curriculum will also be used when reviewing the Primary curriculum and IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma) options.  More detailed feedback will be provided by Mr. Webb and I in a parent workshop to be scheduled in November. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those parents who contributed to our survey.

I wish you all a wonderful October break and look forward to welcoming families back on Monday 30^th.

Ms Sue Hill, Principal