Curriculum Overview

We think it’s important to educate the ‘whole child’. Personal, Social Health Education is part of this. We teach it at all Key Stages, equipping students with the knowledge, skills and understanding to take responsibility for themselves, show respect for others and develop self-awareness and confidence.

Our attentive class teachers and Learning Support department look out for students who need support or to be stretched a little more. We also give students complete support with university applications and careers advice.

From primary through to secondary level we nurture learning through child-centred approaches, technology and a variety of learning styles. We believe that children learn through doing so, and we always strive to deliver creative and interactive programmes of study which emphasize cross curricular and experiential learning. Even from Year 1 children are encouraged to take an active role in their own learning by setting personal targets and evaluating their own progress. We help them to develop the learning skills needed to become lifelong learners who can apply their critical thinking skills to increasingly diverse and challenging problem solving situations.

Teachers use a wide range of teaching methods and strategies to engage children, make lessons stimulating, and cater to the learning needs and styles of all learners. Within a single lesson the teacher will use many different strategies to suit the task, the stage of the lesson and the particular group of children. Lesson content and tasks may be differentiated to meet the different needs of learners within classes and across year groups, ensuring that all children are effectively challenged and able to learn at their own pace. Children will also be given the opportunity to learn in a range of grouping situations such as whole class, mixed ability or leveled groups, partner work or as individuals.

Extended Curriculum

Learning outside the traditional classroom setting is an important part of our students’ development. We are very fortunate to have access to unique resources and outstanding opportunities in our part of the world.

PSHCE is an important component of BISB’s Wellbeing Programme. In the ever changing 21st Century the British International School Bratislava’s PSHCE curriculum empowers our students to make informed decisions that embody the school’s learner profile. Students explore issues key to their personal development in order to thrive as global citizens. The holistic nature of the programme promotes a shared understanding of the importance of well-being within the school community. Students are generally taught in their tutor groups, by their Form Tutor, though Heads of Years may take opportunities to vary the programme to facilitate visiting speakers or utilise staff expertise to best effect. 

Together with the BISB Clubs Programme, the PSHCE Curriculum offers our students the unique opportunity to participate in broader educational experiences and will provide them with enhanced opportunities to develop a greater depth of knowledge, skill, creativity and sophistication in their learning. As well as supporting academic development, PSHCE incorporates elements of the BISB Learner Profile and CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service), which aims to recognise and celebrate each individual student’s inherent abilities in areas such as sport, music, art and performance. 

The programme is designed to encourage risk-taking and challenge-based learning, as well as promoting teamwork, collaboration and community engagement. Whole school events, assemblies and time for self-reflection will also take place during some of these sessions, whilst students will also be able to participate in a block of elective workshops once per term. 

By participating in BISB's Well-being Programme it is our expectation that it will help our students develop into well-rounded, confident global citizens, who are fully equipped to meet the challenges of their future lives, and to be the type of people who make a positive difference to the world around them. 

The programme of study contains 7 core elements: 

Health and Well-being | Relationships | Living in the wider world | Creativity | Service  | Activity  | Careers 

Frequently discussion based, the topics and activities that are covered will enhance students’ international mindedness, empathy and self-awareness, and help them develop skills and confidence through activities such as public speaking and role-play. Students may revisit some topics during their time at BISB to provide more depth and detail, reflecting the needs and maturity of the students. 

Aims and Objectives Our Well-being Programme develops our students’ knowledge of a diverse range of topics and provides them with multiple opportunities to reflect upon their own beliefs and ideas. Through structured group work and individual tasks, they will learn skills that will help them develop into assertive and confident young people, able to make informed and healthy choices and with a broad understanding of the diverse world in which we live. 

Assessment Students receive continuous feedback from both the teacher and their peers in the Well-being Programme. This is designed to help them improve and develop their skills. Whilst there are no graded assessments, students will participate in formal verbal and written presentations, will receive individualized feedback on their strengths and weaknesses and be encouraged to reflect upon strategies to improve. Their engagement and participation will be monitored on a weekly basis and will contribute to their Learning Attitude report score.