Education

The British International School, KYIV (BISK) believes a quality education requires that students be given the opportunity to experience a wide range of subjects in order for them to develop a broad and balanced world view.
On the International Programme all lessons, except foreign languages, are taught entirely in English. The subjects we offer are:

• Key Stage 3 (Years 7, 8&9)
• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
• Art
• French
• German
• Russian
• Geography
• History
• Physical Education

Key Stage 4 (Years 10&11) leading to (I)GCSE examinations:

• English: English as a Second Language and First Language English
• Mathematics
• Combined Science (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• ICT (Information and Communications Technology)
• Business Studies
• English Literature
• French
• German
• Russian
• Geography
• History

Key Stage 5 (Years 12&13) leading to A Level (AS and A2) examinations:
The subjects offered vary from year to year, dependent upon student choices, but include:

• English Literature
• Mathematics
• Science (Biology and/or Chemistry and/or Physics)
• Business Studies
• Geography
• History
• ICT

On the Bilingual Programme, the subjects offered (all taught in Ukrainian, except the foreign language) are:

• Ukrainian Language
• Mathematics
• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Foreign language
• Geography
• History
• Physical Education (Years 7,8&9)

In English, first and foremost, we aim to develop students’ confidence in the spoken language, particularly those who join the school with limited knowledge of English, but the study of grammar, punctuation and spelling is equally important in order that students also become competent in the written language. This is achieved through dedicated language lessons and the exposure to a variety of forms of written English (e.g. short stories and novels, poems, plays, newspaper reports). We seek to instil in all students a love of reading.

Additional help is offered through specialist EAL teachers (English as an Additional Language).

In Mathematics we teach students how to understand and use numbers in a variety of areas, e.g. algebra, statistics and probability, in order that they can apply recognized techniques in the process of solving problems. We aim to use real-life situations so that students can fully understand the importance of being numerate.

In Science, we seek to give students an understanding of the world around them, to develop their curiosity and powers of observation and to give them the opportunity to develop skills, through hands-on experience in experiments as far as possible.

In ICT, in addition to teaching students how to make effective use of computers and the internet and introducing them to various software applications, we aim to develop their skills in such areas as research and manipulation of data. It is offered both as an independent subject and as a tool for life-long learning.

Art lessons (Years 7&8) are intended to develop students’ observational, perceptive and expressive skills, their enjoyment and confidence in drawing and painting and the use of other media, and to give them some understanding of a variety of artistic forms, e.g. Impressionism.

Business Studies is one of options for (I)GCSE students. It is obviously an extremely valuable subject for those students interested in any career in business, but it is also useful for anyone who is interested in understanding how the goods and services they take for granted are in fact created and why some run more successfully than others.

In Foreign Language (French, German or Russian) classes we aim to give students a thorough knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of the language and, equally important, the confidence to use it. Being able to speak a second, or third or other language is extremely useful in today’s cosmopolitan world. International companies are often looking for employees who not only have specific skills related to their business, but also capable of promoting it in other countries.
Geography aims to stimulate an interest in and to provide the basis for an understanding of this vast, fascinating and constantly changing natural and man-made world in which we live.
History investigates the often conflicting beliefs and actions of the past through the evidence available today. It helps students to better understand how the nations and societies in which we live have been shaped.
Physical Education (PE): Keeping fit and healthy is very important, so all students are expected to participate in PE lessons - and they will also be encouraged to join sporting activities in the after-school programme. Learning to contribute to a team is an important skill and being physically fit gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and performance and to take part in competitions.