My daily routine involves taking an Uber to work. What usually follows is a conversation with the driver, or a fellow passenger, about working in a British School. Are all of the students British? Do you play cricket? Do you teach the students to speak with an English accent? I usually resort to explaining the differences between working in a British school compared to being British/Australian and clarify some misconceptions.
I explain how we teach English, French and Spanish at BISC Lincoln Park, but we embrace all language learning. While classes are conducted in English, you could be walking the corridors or supervising lunch duty, when all of sudden you might hear a conversation in Spanish, Dutch or Polish. The diversity of nationalities at BISC-LP helps to broaden our perspective of the world, understand different cultures and realize the wealth of opportunities available to us all.
There is often disbelief when I explain the international composition of our families and how we educate children from over 40 countries at the school. There are obviously many reasons why American, Chinese, Dutch, or Swedish families choose to send their children to a British international school, so I often praise the English education system for its well-known reputation and rigor. Having studied and researched many curriculum models, I am convinced we have a superior offer.
I tend to direct conversation towards behavior, standards, Julliard, STEAM, Global Campus and anything else I can celebrate with my fellow passengers. There is universal agreement - by the end of journey - that the BISC-LP educational offer is unique and one which leaves passengers reflecting on their own educational experiences.
As I approach the end of my first year working and living in Chicago, I am proud to say that I work at BISC-LP, or what many parents call ‘British’.
Thank you for your warm welcome and support this year. I wish you all a peaceful and relaxing summer.
Mr. Dale Burr, Deputy Headteacher