Welcome back to the start of the 2015-2016 school year. I trust you had a wonderful summer break with family and friends and return fired up for the exciting year ahead. I also welcome all the new students and their families. We will do our very best to ensure you quickly feel at home and settle in to life at our busy school.
Our examination results for last year were outstanding and placed The British School Warsaw in a class of its own. The students and teachers certainly delivered in terms of UK and Worldwide standards. Even within the Nord Anglia Education (NAE) family of 41 schools we were highly competitive.
The results reflected the emphasis we place on helping students to be ambitious and reach for the stars.
IGCSE
Percentage of students achieving Grades A* or A
UK average 21%
NAE average 47%
TBS average 55%
Percentage of students achieving 5 A*-C grades, including English and Mathematics
UK average 53%
NAE average 83%
TBS average 94%
IB DIPLOMA
Average IB score (out of 45 points)
Worldwide 29.0
NAE 33.5
TBS 35.1
Percentage of students with 40 or more points
Worldwide 7%
NAE 12%
TBS 20%
Remarkably, 4 of our students scored 44 points (out of 45).
These scores ensured that our IB cohort was able to gain entry to many of the world’s leading universities particularly in the UK, USA, Netherlands and Poland.
I am sure you would agree that this was a remarkable achievement by a non-selective school and testament to the high standard of teaching and learning in our school.
This year we look forward to joining other NAE schools in forging a close relationship with the Juilliard School of Music in New York. Furthermore, as a family of schools we shall be improving on the highly success Global Classroom with the launch of the Global Campus. TBS students will once again be given an opportunity to visit the NAE campsite in Tanzania. Also coming on board this year is a NAE Expedition Centre at Les Martinets on the bank of Lake Geneva, Switzerland. Exciting times lie ahead!
To say that the Early Years campus at Dabrowskiego has been upgraded would certainly be an understatement. Indeed, it has been transformed over the summer. Our brief to the architect was simple: use bright colours, make it fun but also a little ‘quirky’. He delivered on all fronts. Feedback from parents and children has been very positive. To the parents and children who have fond memories of Dabrowskiego from years past, I invite you to return and take of look. You will always be welcomed.
Summer works at the main campus in Limanowskiego have been extensive. Many of the classrooms, corridors and stairwells have been repainted. The buildings look fresh and even more welcoming to students and visitors. A new playground has been set up in the Primary School with fun equipment designed to engage children in imaginative play. Early indications are that this is the case!
Of course, the obvious change at Limanowskiego is the building of a third Gymnasium, to be completed next month. This new facility will provide more opportunities for students. The new Head of PE, Mr. Matthew Lennon, is focusing on delivering a comprehensive PE and Sport programme that is long overdue at our school. I would encourage all families to get behind Mr. Lennon as he rolls out his plans.
I wish you all the best for an excellent year at The British School Warsaw and look forward to seeing you at one (or more) upcoming events.
John Kennard
PS. Please enjoy some photographs of changes at our two campuses.