| British International School Vietnam | |
|---|---|
| Established | August 1997 [1] |
| Type | Private international school |
| Principal | Shaun Williams |
| Students | 1,500[2] |
| Grades | K–13 |
| Location | Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam |
| Website | www.bisvietnam.com |
The British International School (BIS), Vietnam is an international school in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, offering a British education. A British education and qualifications are recognized, valued and respected around the world and is a thorough preparation for students to progress to colleges and universities of their choice in any country. BIS Vietnam is located in An Phu, district two of Ho Chi Minh, and was founded in 1997, as Tiny Tots.[1] Starting with only two classes, two overseas teachers and 40 toddlers. It has since grown to a private day school with over 1,500 students in grades from Kindergarten to year 13. BIS has 145 full time teachers, most of whom are British qualified.[2] BIS offers the IGCSE for years 10-11, and the IB Diploma for years 12-13. The students at BIS are mostly Korean, Vietnamese, Taiwanese or English. The teachers are mostly British, with Vietnamese, Australian, New Zealand, Irish, Philippine, Chinese, & South African completing the mix.
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In August 1997 a pre-school named Tiny Tots was established on a villa on Nguyen Van Thu Street in District 1 of Ho Chi Minh City. Starting with just two classes, two teachers from overseas and 40 toddlers. Building on this success a second pre-school named Fundino was soon established in District 3. The original Tiny Tots villa was extended in 2000 to accommodate 10 additional primary classrooms bringing the total number of students to 300 children. This was the first year the school was officially called The British International School, with Ms Marjorie Hunt being the first Head Teacher.
Two years later a new Primary campus was built in the residential An Phu area of Ho Chi Minh City. Mr Alun Thomas was appointed as Principal of the three campuses and enrollment jumped to 600 children. In August 2006 a purpose built Secondary campus was opened on land very close to the new Primary campus in An Phu.
In August 2007 another new primary school was built on Tu Xuong Street in District 3, combining the Nguyen Van Thu campus and the Fundino campus into one new school. Mr Shaun Williams was appointed as Principal and the school roll had risen to 1,350 children with ages ranging from 2 to 18.[1]
"To prepare students for the future and futures for our students"[3] At BIS Vietnam every student is valued as an individual in a dynamic, challenging and educational environment. BIS recognises the value of integrating and learning about international influences, they do their best to create a motivating but disciplined educational environment that reflects their belief that students learn best when happy. BIS tries to foster a sense that every student belongs, and promotes commitment and pride by allowing every student to be included, which helps everyone to feel comfortable. BIS tries to develop every individual to their full potential by teaching them and giving them experience in academic, creative, social and physical activities. BIS provides up-to-date technology and quality learning materials. BIS encourages all the members of the community, including student, staff and parents to share with the learning experiences and interests.[3]
Two buildings, three ICT labs, two Design & Technology labs, one Macintosh lab, two dance rooms, two music rooms, one auditorium, one hall, a theatre, and one 6 lines wide swimming pool. Every classroom is equipped with a computer, and a projector connected to it to show up on a whiteboard. Nearly all the classrooms have 'Smart Boards'.[4]
The An Phu Primary has a new basketball court, and has a swimming pool and a football field.[4]
BIS Vietnam offers a wide range of activities at lunch times,break time,weekends,holiday,also after school and before school. These activities range from sports and music,to photography and hobbies plus others.[5] The major clubs in the secondary school are:[6]
Up until year 9, BIS Vietnam follows the British National Curriculum, after that, it has allows access to the IGCSE in years 10 and 11 and after that International Baccalaureate which is available to years 12 and 13.[7]
BIS Vietnam regularly has sport competitions with other international schools in Ho Chi Minh. The school is also involved in the annual Federation of British International Schools in South East Asia (FOBISSEA), with sport and music.[8]
BIS Vietnam was the founding school of SAIMUN (HCMC Model United Nations).[9] SAIMUN is the only MUN conference held in Vietnam, and was established in 2009.[10] In addition, BIS established and hosted the 1st Annual FOBISSEA MUN 2010.