Head teacher introduction
Hello and welcome to Braeburn Kisumu International School. Having joined BKIS on August 2011 from our sister school Braeburn Garden Estate in Nairobi I can honestly say that life in Kisumu and at BKIS has been delightful! Warm weather (very warm weather!), warm hearts and a friendly and supportive local community has helped Braeburn Kisumu International School (BKIS) grow into the most respected and inspiring school in Kisumu.
BKIS is a day co-educational school situated less than two kilometers from Kisumu City in the lush Milimani suburb, overlooking Lake Victoria. The atmosphere of the school is family-like and it is a clear centre for our local community. The teachers are professional and well qualified, class sizes are small and the children and parents are friendly and supportive. Myself and my family have certainly felt a warm welcome from the school and community since we joined and I know that any new parents looking for a safe and supportive environment, which encourages all our children to achieve their full potential, will also feel the same.
Just to give a little background to any new parents wanting to know more about BKIS: we operate within the framework of the National Curriculum of England and Wales, in line with other Braeburn schools.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) caters for children in Pre-Crèche (18 months – 2 years), Crèche (2 – 3 years) Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) (3 -4 years) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) (4 - 5 years), where all aspects of learning are integrated and children use a clear framework to learn through play and discovery. Key Stages 1 and 2 cater for children from ages 5 to 11 leading into the Key Stage 3 programme which spans Years 7 to 9 (age 11 to 13). We offer a full academic programme for all three key stages in line with the National Curriculum (NC) which includes Maths, English, Science, ICT, French, Music, History, Geography, Art, Personal and Social Development, PE and Swimming. We have adapted some aspects of the NC to make it relevant for Kenya and our pupils who come from many different parts of the world. Each key stage is assessed through an end of Key Stage set of examinations. We also monitor the progress of each child carefully to ensure that we provide the best support for his or her individual needs.
In April in Year 9, students start the two year IGCSE courses leading to the IGCSE Examinations run by Cambridge International Examining Board in May of Year 11. These examinations open pathways to A Levels, International Baccalaureate and BTEC programmes which are offered at our other Braeburn schools as well as other pre-university programmes. In May 2010, our first cohort of students sat these examinations and we were delighted of their success as their grades sparkled with A*s and even more proud that this trend has been continued through the results of subsequent classes! Moreover, our Key Stage 3 results from our are also excellent with pupils attaining out of a possible level 7 an average of level 6.7 in Mathematics, 6.6 in Science and 6.1 in English which is much higher than level 5 which is expected progress indicated in the UK. A fabulous set of results giving the students a firm springboard from which to start their IGCSE courses with the same enthusiasm as their predecessors!
At BKIS learning takes place in a warm, supportive environment and the important integration of Information and Communication Technology is being extended with children in the EYFS now having the opportunity to use ICT and to start to develop what is now a very important life skill. All classrooms have at least one computer and data projector allowing teachers to employ various interactive ways to help the pupils understand, have fun learning and make good progress.
This year a teacher mentor was employed at the school to ensure that all teachers are up-to-date with changes in the National Curriculum and are also advised and trained in different ways of teaching our pupils to ensure that our teachers are professional, approachable and have high expectations ensuring that students love coming to school and are nurtured in an environment where everyone strives to do their best and have fun whilst learning.
Of equal importance is developing the whole person and encouraging students to discover and develop their talents. Consequently, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities including Model United Nations, scouts, President’s Award, swimming, board games, roller blading, badminton, Events and Occasions, needlework, cookery, design technology, drama, tennis and music. Private music lessons are also available for students who want to further pursue their musical talent and we encourage all students, regardless of their stage of learning, to perform to parents, family members and teachers at a Tea Time Concert every term. We are particularly proud of our whole school productions which include a Christmas Concert and our end of year production, The Jungle Book, which was absolutely amazing, reflecting the hard work and talents of every student and teacher in the school, alongside the invaluable support of parents who helped choreograph and played in the orchestra. This year we are excitedly preparing for our production “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” following on from our celebration of Roald Dhal Day in September. BKIS is well known for its celebration of events such as World Maths Day, World Literacy Day, World Book Day as well as Poetry and Pancakes, Thanksgiving, Diwali, St Valentine’s Day and many other events, too many to mention! We also have a parent teacher group called Rafiki Of Braeburn Kisumu School – ROBS (Rafiki is Swahili for Friends) who help to organise fun social events which have included Family Picnics, Murder Mystery evenings and St Valentine’s Day Dinner Dances.
Being a relatively small school we find that communication is a strength; Parents are kept informed of their children's progress through termly parent-teacher conferences and reports, open days and a weekly newsletter updating you on the week’s activities and upcoming events. Additionally student diaries allow for two-way communication between parents and teachers. BKIS has an 'open door' policy for parents many of whom participate in reading, helping in the library and accompanying students on field trips. Moreover many parents join their children for a picnic lunch at school on a daily or occasional basis! We feel the parents' participation enhances children's learning and it has clearly helped develop the friendly community atmosphere which I know you will love as much as me!
Braeburn Kisumu International School is a wonderful school, full of character and friendliness. Pleased be welcomed to come and visit the school and to come and join in one of our events which will give you the opportunity to talk to other families who I know will speak as highly of BKIS as myself and my family do!
Carmel O’Dolan
Head Teacher
Braeburn Kisumu International School
BKIS is a day co-educational school situated less than two kilometers from Kisumu City in the lush Milimani suburb, overlooking Lake Victoria. The atmosphere of the school is family-like and it is a clear centre for our local community. The teachers are professional and well qualified, class sizes are small and the children and parents are friendly and supportive. Myself and my family have certainly felt a warm welcome from the school and community since we joined and I know that any new parents looking for a safe and supportive environment, which encourages all our children to achieve their full potential, will also feel the same.
Just to give a little background to any new parents wanting to know more about BKIS: we operate within the framework of the National Curriculum of England and Wales, in line with other Braeburn schools.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) caters for children in Pre-Crèche (18 months – 2 years), Crèche (2 – 3 years) Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) (3 -4 years) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) (4 - 5 years), where all aspects of learning are integrated and children use a clear framework to learn through play and discovery. Key Stages 1 and 2 cater for children from ages 5 to 11 leading into the Key Stage 3 programme which spans Years 7 to 9 (age 11 to 13). We offer a full academic programme for all three key stages in line with the National Curriculum (NC) which includes Maths, English, Science, ICT, French, Music, History, Geography, Art, Personal and Social Development, PE and Swimming. We have adapted some aspects of the NC to make it relevant for Kenya and our pupils who come from many different parts of the world. Each key stage is assessed through an end of Key Stage set of examinations. We also monitor the progress of each child carefully to ensure that we provide the best support for his or her individual needs.
In April in Year 9, students start the two year IGCSE courses leading to the IGCSE Examinations run by Cambridge International Examining Board in May of Year 11. These examinations open pathways to A Levels, International Baccalaureate and BTEC programmes which are offered at our other Braeburn schools as well as other pre-university programmes. In May 2010, our first cohort of students sat these examinations and we were delighted of their success as their grades sparkled with A*s and even more proud that this trend has been continued through the results of subsequent classes! Moreover, our Key Stage 3 results from our are also excellent with pupils attaining out of a possible level 7 an average of level 6.7 in Mathematics, 6.6 in Science and 6.1 in English which is much higher than level 5 which is expected progress indicated in the UK. A fabulous set of results giving the students a firm springboard from which to start their IGCSE courses with the same enthusiasm as their predecessors!
At BKIS learning takes place in a warm, supportive environment and the important integration of Information and Communication Technology is being extended with children in the EYFS now having the opportunity to use ICT and to start to develop what is now a very important life skill. All classrooms have at least one computer and data projector allowing teachers to employ various interactive ways to help the pupils understand, have fun learning and make good progress.
This year a teacher mentor was employed at the school to ensure that all teachers are up-to-date with changes in the National Curriculum and are also advised and trained in different ways of teaching our pupils to ensure that our teachers are professional, approachable and have high expectations ensuring that students love coming to school and are nurtured in an environment where everyone strives to do their best and have fun whilst learning.
Of equal importance is developing the whole person and encouraging students to discover and develop their talents. Consequently, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities including Model United Nations, scouts, President’s Award, swimming, board games, roller blading, badminton, Events and Occasions, needlework, cookery, design technology, drama, tennis and music. Private music lessons are also available for students who want to further pursue their musical talent and we encourage all students, regardless of their stage of learning, to perform to parents, family members and teachers at a Tea Time Concert every term. We are particularly proud of our whole school productions which include a Christmas Concert and our end of year production, The Jungle Book, which was absolutely amazing, reflecting the hard work and talents of every student and teacher in the school, alongside the invaluable support of parents who helped choreograph and played in the orchestra. This year we are excitedly preparing for our production “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” following on from our celebration of Roald Dhal Day in September. BKIS is well known for its celebration of events such as World Maths Day, World Literacy Day, World Book Day as well as Poetry and Pancakes, Thanksgiving, Diwali, St Valentine’s Day and many other events, too many to mention! We also have a parent teacher group called Rafiki Of Braeburn Kisumu School – ROBS (Rafiki is Swahili for Friends) who help to organise fun social events which have included Family Picnics, Murder Mystery evenings and St Valentine’s Day Dinner Dances.
Being a relatively small school we find that communication is a strength; Parents are kept informed of their children's progress through termly parent-teacher conferences and reports, open days and a weekly newsletter updating you on the week’s activities and upcoming events. Additionally student diaries allow for two-way communication between parents and teachers. BKIS has an 'open door' policy for parents many of whom participate in reading, helping in the library and accompanying students on field trips. Moreover many parents join their children for a picnic lunch at school on a daily or occasional basis! We feel the parents' participation enhances children's learning and it has clearly helped develop the friendly community atmosphere which I know you will love as much as me!
Braeburn Kisumu International School is a wonderful school, full of character and friendliness. Pleased be welcomed to come and visit the school and to come and join in one of our events which will give you the opportunity to talk to other families who I know will speak as highly of BKIS as myself and my family do!
Carmel O’Dolan
Head Teacher
Braeburn Kisumu International School