British International School Budapest: An Inside Look

The British International School, Budapest (BISB) is located in the 3rd district, just behind the Kiscelli Museum atop Retetehegy (Hermit’s Hill). The modern facility teaches children aged 3 to 18. The school projects an organized yet busy atmosphere, especially when I visited near the end of the school year. Some were returning from a field trip to the museum, others were away on their annual end-of-year trip. The school’s facilities are top notch, providing students with opportunities for academic and personal development.


Quick Facts:
Students Enrolled (May, 2011): 467
Years: Ages 3 – 18
Selected Programs: Active Games, Arts and Crafts, Nature Club, Ballet, Capoeira, Climbing Club, Aikido for Parents, Pottery, Tennis, Rugby, African Drumming
Foreign Language Classes: French, German, Hungarian, Mandarin

BISB is divided into an Early Years school, Primary School and Secondary school. The schools are divided into Years and Levels. Early Years covers three and four year olds in the Foundation Stage. Primary School covers ages five through 11 in Key Stages 1 and 2. Secondary School covers ages 11+, teaching Key Stages 4 and 5 along with the International Baccalaureate (IB).

What to Expect…
From the Teachers:

In the Early Years and first three years of Primary School, classes are taught by one teacher and one teaching assistant. In the second half of Primary School, classes share assistants. All BISB teachers, the majority of whom are British, are accredited with a British education. Class sizes range from 20 to 30 students.

From the Curriculum:

BISB follows the National Curriculum of England, which teaches a range of subjects with a focus on mathematics and English. Technology and experiential learning play an important role in BISB education. Learning is supported by science laboratories, computers, interactive white boards and music technology. Upon completion of the National curriculum in Year 11, students have the option to proceed to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program. At this stage, students begin a thorough study of 6 subjects of their choosing, from liberal art studies such as art and music to History to Business and Management. Additional components include a “Theory of Knowledge”class, 150 hours of community service in a CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) program, and a 4000 word Extended Essay on a subject of their choosing.

From the Student Body:
Students represent a variety of nationalities. The majority of students are Hungarian and British; other nationalities include Korean, Israeli, Belgian and French and many others. In May, 2011 enrollment was 467. Key Stage breakdowns are available from November 2010 and are as follows:
Early Years: 62
Key Stage 1: 98
Key Stage 2: 150
Key Stage 3: 72
Key Stage 4: 34
Key Stage 5: 22

From the school / administration:
The school offers modern facilities, frequent communication with parents and a variety of extracurricular activities to get involved in. Available activities include sports, visual arts programs, Model United Nations and Student Council. The school also offers a great deal of support to new families. Their newsletters, new family material and magazines provide assistance to newcomers in Budapest.

Learn More:
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Mobile: +36 20 262 7864

E-mail: lindsay.grant@athome-network.com

Visit our website: www.athome-network.com/hu

Contact the British International School, Budapest: www.bisb.hu

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