LEARNING
Learning at BEPS
To ensure that each child reaches their true potential we treat them as an individual.
For the past 49 years, BEPS International School in Brussels has developed confident and independent young learners. Our approach to teaching and learning and its development of international mindedness has been so successful that, as of September 2018, we expanded with a new Secondary section.
We offer a challenging, inquiry-based learning experience for students from 2 ½ to 16 through the International Early Years Curriculum, the International Primary Curriculum and the Middle Years Programme from the International Baccalaureate® (IB).
Early years
In our Early Years (Toddlers, Pre-School and Reception – 2.5 to 5 year olds) we provide a caring and welcoming environment where children feel safe, happy and challenged at their own level.
Primary school
Our Year 1 – Year 6 children (5 – 11 year olds) learn independently and together, but most importantly they learn happily and are willing to challenge themselves.
Secondary school
We are an authorised IB World School for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and a candidate school for the IB Diploma and IB Career-related Programmes*. IB World Schools share a common philosophy—a commitment to high-quality, challenging, international education. We believe that this is important for our students.
Our Learning Definition
Our learners are engaged in a range of experiences to develop our knowledge, skills and understanding. Reflecting on these enables us to build our confidence to become independent learners for life.
Online Learning Plan
The aim of online learning is:
- To ensure a continuous learning experience whenever and wherever learners need it.
- To provide meaningful learning opportunities, which are individualised and challenging for each child whilst offering various learning experiences (brain friendly/multiple intelligences).
- To widen the opportunities for engagement with teachers and peers.
- To prepare students for a world where work practice includes online skills.
As a whole school, BEPS identified the need to create a more connected learning experience for staff, learners and parents. Recent events have accelerated the implementation of this and as such, this is an ongoing development plan.
The technology used for learning and communication:
Platforms: SeeSaw for Early Years, Lower School and Year 3, Google classroom for Upper School, Google Classroom and ManageBac for Secondary and ManageBac for parents. These are used alongside the established email procedures.
Advice concerning a selection of educational apps adapted to age levels, and websites suitable for learning will be offered to parents.
Learners will:
- Complete a range of online learning options in all subjects
- Post learning back in various ways such as forms, pictures or videos
- Respect deadlines
- Participate in individual, group or class online meetings
- Continue reading every day
- Maintain device-free time and physical activities during the day.
Teachers will:
- Continue to plan a range of meaningful learning experiences for the learners
- Provide a weekly timetable with an overview of the week’s learning
- Post learning activities indicating the WALT, WALA, success criteria, ATL skills and learning objectives as appropriate
- Introduce the activities using written and/or video/voice instructions
- Provide meaningful feedback to the children and students
- Offer individual, group or class online meetings to the learners.
Parents will:
- Assist their child by providing a quiet learning space
- Provide a device such as a laptop, Chromebook or tablet and an internet connection
- Establish routines with learning time and free time
- Support their child to enable them to access their online learning in accordance with their age and needs
- Encourage them to complete their online learning
- Continue to communicate with class and subject teachers or mentors following the usual communication lines.
During all online learning opportunities learners will:
- Uphold the values of the school (the Golden Rules, Personal Goals and Learner profile) when using all online platforms
- Use the internet safely and appropriately and communicate effectively
- Complete work with honesty and integrity.
During a school closure
When learners are put into unexpected situations, they can experience anxiety very quickly. To be confined at home is not a normal situation. Therefore it is crucial:
- To provide children with a structure, a familiar routine – breakfast/school/break /school/lunch etc.
- To be in contact with teachers and friends, even online, gives everyone a sense of security.
- Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Online Learning activities
Preschool
Daily:
- Circle Time
- Activities linked to IEYC Unit of Work
Weekly:
- 1 session of Music
- 1 session of PE
- 1 session of French
Reception
Daily:
- 1 activity linked to IEYC Unit of Work
- 1 Phonics activity
Weekly:
- Numeracy activities
- 1 session of Music
- 1 session of PE
- 1 session of French
Year 1 & Year 2
Daily:
1 activity linked to:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- IPC
- Reading
Weekly:
- 1 session of Music
- 1 session of PE
- Year 1: 1 session of French
- Year 2: 2 sessions of French and 1 session of ICT
- One or two sessions of EAL and/ or SEN if applicable
Years 3 – Year 6
Daily:
1 activity linked to:
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- IPC
- Reading
Weekly:
- 2 sessions of French
- 1 Music session
- 1 PE session
- 1 ICT session
- One or two sessions of EAL and/ or SEN if applicable
Daily:
- Follow the published timetable
- Check Google calendar and classroom
- Speak with teachers in a video call (1:1 and group)
- Submit work as they complete it
- Check feedback on assignments or tasks
Weekly:
Session/s of EAL or Learning Support