NURTURING CREATIVITY AND CURIOSITY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is play-based learning?

  At BISB, we have designed a wide variety of playful early childhood activities to nurture our preschoolers’ cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Examples of purposeful play and their benefits include:

  • Pretend play: Role-playing as animals, superheroes, or family members (develops creativity and social skills).
  • Sensory play: Playing with sand or water (develops fine motor skills and sensory awareness).
  • Outdoor play: Running, climbing, and ball games (develops physical coordination and social skills).
  • Arts and crafts: Drawing, painting, and crafting (develops creativity and fine motor skills).
  • Music and movement: Singing, dancing, and playing instruments (develops coordination and self-expression).
  • Social play: Group games like hide-and-seek (develops communication and teamwork).
  • Reading and storytelling: Listening to stories or making up their own (develops language and imagination).
• What qualifications do your teachers have?

  We only recruit the most highly qualified and experienced teachers. As part of the Nord Anglia family of schools, we’re able to attract talented educators with a wealth of experience in British and international schools. All of our teachers have a degree in teaching, such as the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) from the UK, or the equivalent from their home country. Our teachers are also passionate learners who regularly undergo training to stay informed of the latest learning approaches.
• What curriculum do you teach?

  As the largest international school in Bratislava, we’re proud to deliver internationally recognised British and international curricula. We teach the English National Curriculum up to Year 9. In Years 10 and 11, we offer Cambridge IGCSE. And in Years 12 and 13 we teach the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
• What languages do you teach?

  Our classes are taught in English, with the exception of dedicated language learning courses. In primary and secondary school, we offer an extensive range of additional languages, including Slovak, French, German, Spanish and Korean.
• My child is not a native speaker of English. Will my child be ok?

  Yes! We’re open to children who can’t speak English up to Year 6, and children with limited English up to Year 9. Our expert English as an Additional Language (EAL) teachers will make sure your child gets the support they need to become a proficient English speaker. Students joining us in Years 10 to 13 need a good level of English so they can follow the curricula we teach.
• What size are your classes?

  Our average class size is 20, with a teacher-student ratio of 1:11. Class sizes are smaller in our Early Years programme, with a teacher-student ratio of 1:10.
• What afterschool activities do you offer?

  We offer more than 100 extracurricular clubs and activities throughout the year, including sports, performing arts, culture, wellbeing, STEAM and service. From coding to cookery, and forest skills to fine arts, there’s something for everyone!
• Do students wear uniforms?

  Yes, our students wear a smart and comfortable uniform. The BISB uniform instils a sense of belonging and respect, saves students time when getting dressed, and enables better focus in school.
• Do you provide a bus service?

  Yes, our minibus service can pick up and drop off your child at a home address in almost any area of Bratislava, up to 15km from the school. If you live further away, we can arrange this service for an extra charge.
• Do you provide meals?

  Yes, our catering team prepares healthy snacks and tasty hot lunches every day.
• Can my child join at any time?

  Yes, your child may join us at any time. Admissions are open throughout the year. Our teachers are used to welcoming students at short notice, and our personalised induction process quickly makes them feel at home.