International Day & Boarding Schools - A ofLearningWorld · 2014. 9. 5. · International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Through their studies and a rich variety of school activities,

British School of Boston Middle and High School

WorldofLearningA


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The British School of Boston is a wonderfully resourced school located in a beautiful area of Boston. BSB

enjoys an excellent student-teacher ratio and has an exciting and vibrant learning focus. The school’s mission

is concise: to nurture lifelong learners and inspire global citizenship within a rigorous and supportive

academic environment.

BSB’s unique approach to personalized learning has become popular among a wide variety of American,

British and international families in the Boston area. Having opened in 2000, enrollment has reached 300

students with over fifty nationalities represented. The diversity of the student body is not merely respected,

but cherished, celebrated and embraced.

The British School of Boston provides a specially tailored British-style education for students from Pre-school

to Grade 12 (Year 13), incorporating the International Primary Curriculum, the UK National Curriculum and the

IB Diploma Program. Delivered by experienced, energetic, and inspiring teachers recruited from the United

Kingdom, the school’s curriculum represents the very best of current UK practice with an international

perspective appropriate to its American home.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is offered in the last two years of high school. This prestigious

qualification is highly esteemed and recognized by the world’s leading universities.

The British School of Boston has earned a well-deserved reputation for high academic achievement,

exceptional standards in learning and teaching and a rich and varied extra-curricular program which enables

students to explore their interests, develop talents and expand their horizons. The school’s program provides

an excellent foundation for college/university and beyond, preparing students for the opportunities,

responsibilities and experiences of adult life so that each student is given the opportunities to

develop his or her own abilities and potential to the full.

About the British School of Boston


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The British School of Boston is a member of the

British Schools of America, a division of World Class

Learning Group (WCL).

World Class Learning Schools offer the highest

standards of education through a learning-driven

philosophy where opportunities are created for

personalized learning for each and every child. Our

challenging curricula have a unique global focus

that promotes a world wide perspective preparing

our students for a changing world. Our high caliber,

British trained teachers provide the support students

need to achieve their all-round potential and produce

outcomes well beyond expectations, equipping our

students with the skills, confidence and resilience

they need to become confident, responsible learners,

ready to meet the challenges of the future.

Success-proven, World Class Learning Schools are

currently located in Boston, Charlotte, Chicago,

Houston, Washington, D.C., and Doha (Qatar).

Exceptional Academic OutcomesThe British School of Boston has earned a deserved

reputation for high academic standards. Our focus

on differentiation (teaching to the needs of the

individual) and our spiral curriculum (revisiting the

same topic areas regularly to pursue deeper

knowledge) serve to accelerate learning without

overburdening the students. Regular target setting

and intervention strategies for all abilities help

everyone maximize their potential.

Personalized LearningStudents are partners in learning with teachers at

the British School of Boston. Teachers work with

students to make judgments about their own

learning and set targets for themselves, as well as

assessing their learning along with their peers.

The school prides itself on its support system for the

social and emotional well-being of all its students.

Each student is placed with a mentor who helps

look after their welfare. This creates an open learning

community in which the academic, social and

personal needs of the student are recognized,

nurtured and supported.

Being a small community, BSB teachers know all

of the students within the school. Each teacher is

available to discuss any concerns the student might

have. The Senior Leadership Team also closely

monitor students and are available where students

may need extra support.

Global PerspectiveBecause of their access to internationally trained

teachers and the UK curriculum, lessons are taught

from a global perspective and include a wide variety

of viewpoints and ideas from around the world. The

school also embraces the diversity in the student

and parent body and draws on these unique

experiences into the classroom.

World ClassLearning Schools

I feel so lucky to have my child in such capable and caring hands. In spite of all the bells and whistles my other school choice has to offer, the differentiated learning emphasis at BSB and the quality of the curriculum are paramount, especially now that I better understand how well he is responding to your approach. Thanks again for your guidance. He’s all yours for next year.


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The British School of Boston provides students in the

Middle and High School a range of opportunities

to explore interests, develop skills, and broaden

individual attention across a range of areas, helping

each student to grow and mature, while enabling

them to meet the challenges of a changing and

exciting world. An example of this is the school’s

Duke of Edinburgh’s award scheme, which challenges

students aged 14 and upwards to undertake

adventurous outward-bound pursuits, pass on skills

and involve themselves in the local community.

Learning-Focused Trips AbroadEach year students have the opportunity to travel

within the US and abroad with their class and

teachers to explore the wider world around them.

Each trip has an educational focus and identified

outcomes to ensure that the experience abroad

dovetails with the educational program as a whole.

Recent trips abroad have included excursions to

Paris, Costa Rica, Quebec, Montreal, and Spain.

Community OutreachStudents of the British School of Boston are active

participants in the local community, instilling a

sense of responsibility and preparing students to

take their place as active members of the global

community. Students take the initiative in organizing,

operating and promoting a number of community

outreach programs and fundraising events. Past

events have included volunteering by students,

faculty and parents with:

• Habitat for Humanity

• Franklin Park Fall Festival

• Milton Hospital Volunteers

• Cradles to Crayons

• Community Servings

• Massachusetts Society for the Prevention

of Cruelty to Animals – Angell

• Sarvodaya Sri Lanka

ExpandingHorizons


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Student CouncilThe school’s Student Council is extremely active and

includes at least one representative from each grade

level. Monthly meetings bring this group together

and responsibilities include event planning and

serving as the voice to the school leadership.

Students stand for election and the process

of choosing between candidates reflects the

democratic ideals of the UK and the US.

LeadershipOpportunities

I am very pleased with the direction the school is taking. I have always appreciated energy and enthusiasm, and I can feel that you and other members of the British School have a vision and the willingness to implement it. On a personal level I have to thank the school for making my daughter a better person as each year passes. She came to the school a shy girl with little self esteem and she is slowly growing to be a respectful, honest and educated girl. I am very proud of her achievements because I know what she has had to overcome. I also think she has some great models in the teachers.


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DifferentiationAll teachers at the British School of Boston are

trained to use the multiple intelligences framework

to implement learning activities that allow for the

different learning styles of each student. This unique

approach to personalized learning is unique within

the New England education environment.

Cognitive LearningWe understand that the learning process is just as

important as the learning outcomes. Lessons are

structured so that students actively contribute to

the learning process. In addition to the acquisition

of knowledge we place great emphasis on investi-

gative skills and the exploration of understanding.

International BenchmarksThe British School of Boston benchmarks academic

progress against tested and proven international

standards which include IGCSE results, IB results

and standardized tests used in the United Kingdom

that take place at ages 7, 11 and 14. This helps us

to measure students‘ attainment and allows for

seamless transition for students who have joined us

from an international setting or for those who will

transition into an international setting.

Language AcquisitionThe British School of Boston has developed one of

the leading Modern Foreign Languages programs in

New England with students learning French from

age 3 and Spanish from age 7. Mandarin and Latin

are offered as enrichment activities.

International MindednessThe British School of Boston is truly a unique and

diverse international learning community. A world

wide view and global perspective are fostered

through the curricula we offer – the International

Primary Curriculum, the British Curriculum and

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

Through their studies and a rich variety of school

activities, students at the British School of Boston

not only learn about the world but celebrate other

cultures and diversity, understanding the value of

world citizenship.

Personalized LearningPersonalized learning is the tailoring of teaching

methodology, curriculum and learning support to

meet the needs and aspirations of individual

learners. Each student at the British School of Boston

has a personalized learning program that is tailored

to meet his or her individual needs. Individual

academic targets are set for each student and

monitored throughout the year.

Rigorous Assessment• Tracking of student performance and rigorous

assessment forms an integral part of each

student’s personal learning plan at the British

School of Boston.

• Each student knows his or her level of attainment

and understands what he or she needs to do

continuously improve.

• Every teacher is trained to make well founded

judgments about a student’s attainment and

knows how to use these judgments to forward

plan for each individual student.

• Every parent or guardian is kept well informed of

their child’s progress, what their child needs to do

to improve and how they can support their child

in their drive to improve.

Our Unique Points of Distinction


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British School of Boston students have the opportunity

to play and compete in a wide variety of athletics

including soccer, basketball, swimming, curling,

rugby, sailing, and golf. BSB teams pride themselves

on the teamwork, effort, commitment and respect

shown by each student who participates. The teams

compete against many other schools throughout

Boston and Massachusetts, both private and public.

Gifted Athletes are offered further opportunities

through the Able, Gifted, and Talented group in

Physical Education (AGT in P.E.). This is promoted

through increased opportunities for these students,

such as visits from world class athletes, training

from elite instructors, or visits to select training

centers.

Athleticsand Sports


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Drama and music are an important part of life and

tradition at the British School of Boston. Students

start performing at a young age, and middle and

high school students have the opportunity to

participate and perform in a multitude of settings.

Every year, each Key Stage will produce its own

musical or dramatic performance.

MusicMusic has a tremendous effect on the development

of individuals and plays an important role in students’

lives. Students are encouraged to learn a musical

instrument and are able to learn from both faculty

and senior students at BSB. Instrumentalists are

encouraged to perform regularly in assemblies

and concerts both within and outside school. High

school students also have the option to choose

Music for further study at IGCSE and IB level.

Each December, the school’s choirs perform at the

annual British American Business Council of New

England luncheon. A number of students from the

British School of Boston have also performed for the

British Consul General as well as at the Old State

House in Boston.

BSB has also made links with Berklee College of

Music and at present, our IB class are benefiting from

the expertise of composition specialist Simone

Scazzochio, a current student at Berklee.

The department takes advantage of being situated

in a culturally stimulating city and organizes relevant

concert trips and theater trips.

DramaDrama is offered as part of the curriculum for all middle

school students and may be chosen as a subject

for their studies at IGCSE. Drama offers students at

the British School of Boston a challenging medium

in which to explore their individual and group

creativity, and creates opportunities for students to

develop a strong sense of teamwork. All students

are provided with opportunities to participate in

annual theatre productions. The High School has

most recently performed Little Shop of Horrors and

Grease. Students also benefit from outside workshops

such as the AMICI Dance Theatre Company.

The Visual ArtsThe British School of Boston has an exciting visual

art program with art being part of the curriculum

throughout the school and taught by specialist

teachers from Grade 6 (Year 7). Art remains a part of

the compulsory curriculum until Grade 8 (Year 9)

after which students are presented with a choice:

students may choose to continue their art studies

through to IB level.

Performingand Visual Arts


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The Educational ProgramThe British School of Boston offers Middle and High

School students a rich and varied curriculum that

provides significant opportunities for students to

realize their potential. Based on the highly regarded

National Curriculum of England, and the prestigious

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, the

broad and structured framework outlines expected

levels of achievement and provides a regular

program of student assessment and evaluation.

Middle School – Grades 6 to 8 (Years 7 to 9) At the British School of Boston, the curriculum is

designed to provide a broad individualized program

for students. Beginning in Grade 6 (Year 7), students

at the British School of Boston begin the transition

to more in-depth study of subjects with specialist

teachers for each subject. This transition is carefully

monitored by Mentors who look after not only the

academic needs of their group of students but also

their social and emotional needs. The small size,

combined with our unique system of social and

emotional support, ensures that students remain

challenged while experiencing a smooth transition.

All Middle School students take the following classes:

• English (Language and Literature)

• Mathematics

• Science (includes Physics, Chemistry and Biology)

• History

• Geography

• French

• Spanish

• Physical Education (including Athletics, Sports, Games)

• Design Technology

• Information and Communication Technology

• Art

• Music

• Drama

High School – Grades 9 to 12 (Years 10 to 13)The British School of Boston’s High School program

consists of two 2-year courses of study with

externally moderated exams, making it unique in

the Boston high school landscape. During the first

two years, students take ten International General

Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses

allowing for much more in-depth study than

traditional semester-long courses. All students are

required to take IGCSE courses in English Literature,

English Language, Mathematics, a foreign language,

Global Perspectives and Science and may select

options in Humanities and Arts to round out their

course of study. At the end of the two years,

students are assessed on both course-work and

external exams.

IB Diploma ProgramStudents undertake the IB Diploma Program in Years

12 and 13 which provides an excellent preparation for

university entrance internationally and within the USA.

of LearningOpportunities

A World


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Be daring?Value other opinions?

Support your peers?Share your views?

Are you ready to...

Demand high academic standards of yourself?

Be a constructive influence in old and new communities?


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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

Program is a challenging two-year program offered

in the last two years of high school leading to an

International Baccalaureate Diploma, a qualification

that is widely recognized by the world’s leading

colleges and universities.

Students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma

Program take courses in six academic areas as

shown in the hexagon above that are combined

with three core requirements:

• Theory of Knowledge

• Creativity, action and service

• Extended essay

Aims:• Recognized international pre-university

qualification

• Broad general education

• Critical thinking skills necessary for further study

• The importance of developing international

understanding

• Need for flexibility of choice among subjects to

be studied

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program – Recognized by Prestigious Universities around the World

Language A1

Group 1

Group 6

Group 2 Group 3

Group 4 Group 5

Secondlanguage

Individualsand societies

Mathematicsand computerscience

Experimentalsciences

The arts

theo

ry of

knowledge extended essay

TH

E IB LEARNER PROFILE

creativity, action, service

I am extremely happy to see how my son thrives at BSB. We got his assessments for the term and we reaffirmed our decision to have him join this community. He is loving the learning experience and has found that at this school he counts on caring teachers like you. I thank you for making my boy a happy student.

During the two years of the Diploma students study

all subjects concurrently. In addition to the central

components above students study six subjects:

• English

• Second Language

• A Social Science

• Biology/Chemistry/Physics

• Mathematics

• Elective – Music, Art, a third Language, a second

Science

Three of these subjects are taken at Higher Level

and three at Standard. The difference in levels

reflects the time commitment of the course. This

personalized emphasize allows students to specialize

in their areas of interest or aptitude while ensuring

a broad and holistic program.

Students who are not entered for the full IB Diploma

Program will have the opportunity to take certificates –

these are equivalent to an Advanced Placement (AP)

certificate. All students will also be eligible for a

British School of Boston High School Diploma by

meeting the subject requirements during their four

years of High School.

Assessment within the IB DiplomaThe IBDP is criterion referenced, ensuring every

student is fully aware of the requirements for each

grade. This also ensures that colleges have clear

information on a student’s abilities as scores reflect

student achievement against international bench-

marks. Students do not compete against one

another for grades and this generates a cooperative

approach to learning. The maximum mark for a

Diploma is 45 points, made up of six subjects each

earning a potential 7 points and 3 points for the

central components. A Diploma is generally awarded

for scores of 24 of above.

College Admissions and the IB DiplomaThe IBDP provides demanding, well-rounded

international courses designed to qualify students

for entrance to universities world-wide. IBDP students

are sought after and they have an acceptance rate

at US universities well above the general population.

Nearly 1600 colleges and universities in the US

have confirmed policies regarding applications from

students studying the IBDP. Approaching 100 of

these institutions offer IBDP specific scholarships, in

addition to their general academic or talent based

scholarships. Many more offer college credits for

good IBDP scores.

An IBDP graduate enters college with:

• A sound education for life

• The tools necessary to handle university study

• A smooth transition and better coping skills

• Refined critical thinking skills

• An ability to analyze, synthesize and evaluate

information

Program

Theory of KnowledgeToK is an interdisciplinary course which:

• Provides coherence by exploring the nature of

knowledge across all disciplines

• Gives appreciation of other cultural perspectives

• Grows awareness of the interpretive nature of

knowledge, including personal bias

• Demonstrates an awareness of the values and

limitations of our individual outlooks

Creativity, Action, ServiceCAS is designed to foster students’ awareness and

appreciation of life outside the academic arena.

Students must undertake a range of self-initiated

activates within the themes of Creativity, Action

and Service. Reflective portfolios must be created

where the student demonstrates growth in a array

of skills including increasing awareness of their own

strengths and weaknesses, working collaboratively,

demonstrating perseverance and commitment and

consideration of the ethical implications of their

actions.

Extended EssayThe EE is an independent, self-directed piece of

research. It provides an opportunity for students to

investigate a topic of specific individual interest by

completing a college essay level of approximately

4000 words.

The Heart of the IB Diploma Program


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The IB learner Profile aims to synthesis this statement

into ten learning outcomes central to 21st Century

skills. By experiencing and embracing the IB Diploma

Program students will strive to be:

• Inquirers

• Knowledgeable

• Thinkers

• Communicators

• Principled

Our College Application team work with the

students to:

• Demystify the admissions process

• Develop a personal dossier

• Improve their time management

• Explore personal interest

• Develop research skills

• Define an effective course of action

• Make informed decisions

• Formulate a focused direction for their

college search

• Realize they are in control of their own destiny

• Encourage students to be enquiring, creative,

reflective and motivated learners

• Undertaking outreach to colleges

• Prepare their personal essay

IB Learner Profile

• Open-minded

• Caring

• Risk-takers

• Balanced

• Reflective

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…encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

– extract from The IBO mission statements

High Caliber TeachersAll teaching staff at the British School of Boston

are highly qualified UK trained teachers. Being an

international school, teachers are offered an exciting

international experience and outstanding professional

development opportunities. As a result, the British

School of Boston recruits some of the very best UK

qualified teachers.

All educators who are involved in the IB diploma

Program are trained by the International Baccalaureate

Organization (IBO). As a learning-focused school,

teachers at the British School of Boston participate

in regular, ongoing professional development

programs to ensure that learning and teaching

standards remain high and practice in the classroom,

and beyond, is of an exceptional standard. A number

of internationally-acclaimed speakers and trainers

work regularly with teachers and ensure that

teachers are at the cutting edge of educational

thinking and practice.

Teachers at the British School of Boston are trained to

support each individual student in achieving his or her

full potential, instilling the value of lifelong learning.

Year Group Entry InformationAt the British School of Boston, students are placed

in Year Groups (better known as Grades in the US)

based on their age before September 1 of the

academic year they are applying to, like schools in

the United Kingdom. The table below indicates the

appropriate Year Group applicable to a student’s age

(as on September 1) and equivalent Grade as is used

in the US.

Focusedon Learning

Teachers

Age Before September 1

BSB Year Group (UK System)

United States Equivalent

BSB Stage

11 years old Year 7 Grade 6 Key Stage 2



14 years old Year 10 Grade 9Key Stage 4 (IGCSE)

15 years old Year 11 Grade 10Key Stage 4 (IGCSE)

16 years old Year 12 Grade 11International Baccalaureate

17 years old Year 13 Grade 12International Baccalaureate


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The British School of Boston believes that regular

communication with parents is vital to a successful

school experience for the parent and student.

Weekly curriculum overviews and updates are sent

electronically, and newsletters are posted to the

website every half-term.

Parents can be also be involved in various school

groups – such as the Learning Communication Group

or the School Consultative Group. The Learning

Communication Group’s purpose is to promote

understanding between the home and school by

serving as a means of communication between

parents and the school. Each Key Stage has a

representative who attends meetings. There are

several other groups and representative bodies to

serve on which help promote community spirit

within the school.

It is the objective of the School Consultative Group

(SCG) to support the school in developing partner-

ships with parents, teachers, staff and the local and

international community to take the school forward.

The SCG works in conjunction with the school to

provide long term vision and work on specific

projects for the growth and development of the

school.

From time to time other parental committees are

set up in order that the school can involve as many

parents as possible in the development of the school.

The school also offers all parents the opportunity

to visit their child’s classroom to observe literacy,

numeracy and specialist lessons such as music

and physical education and to observe how their

son/daughter is learning. Other opportunities for

parents include “meet the teacher” days, picnics with

their son/daughter and teacher talks on how the

school delivers learning.

Partnershipwith Parents

This is the reason I LOVE BSB… the TEACHERS! I really appreciate the extra effort and initiative the Math teacher showed in communicating with me. As a parent, I am thrilled to receive positive, as well as not so, impromptu comments. You are to be commended on your leadership.


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The British School of Boston is located on the

borders of the popular and vibrant Jamaica Plain

neighborhood and the attractive Brookline area,

very close to Jamaica Pond. The school is easily

accessible from Boston Center and is closest to the

Orange T Line. The school is fortunate in sharing a

beautiful campus with the Showa Japanese

University of Boston, and is surrounded by green

lawns and sports fields. Ample parking is available

on the campus of the British School of Boston.

Location


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Recognition of QualityThe British School of Boston has earned a reputation for high academic standards and exceptional learning and teaching practice. Recognized nationally and internationally, the British School of Boston is accredited and affiliated with a number of prestigious organizations, providing external validation of the quality of the school’s educational programs.

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is well-esteemed and highly recognized in the US and internationally, providing students with a powerful credential to obtain admission into highly sought after Universities and Colleges around the world.

Learning-Focused School (Fieldwork Education) The British School of Boston is accredited as a Learning-Focused School by Fieldwork Education which means the school can demonstrate publicly its commitment to learning through its mission and vision statements, school improvement plans, brochures and, most importantly, through practice in the classroom. Learning-Focused Accreditation is important because the quality and quantity of learning taking place in a school represent the core business of everything a school does. The quality and quantity of learning are of concern to students, their parents, the leadership and management of schools, school boards and governing bodies and teachers themselves.

Council for International Schools (CIS) Following a rigorous two year process, the British School of Boston was awarded CIS accreditation in November 2008. The British School of Boston is now a member of this premier world-wide association which encour-ages high standards of professional performance in international education and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Council for International Schools in the Americas (CISTA)The Council of International Schools is the premier worldwide accreditation organization for international schools which manages a peer-to-peer Accreditation Program which encourages school improvement through a process of continuous self-study and peer evaluation. Full accredited status demonstrates that the school has achieved high standards of professional performance in international education and has a commitment to its continuing improvement.

European Council of International Schools (ECIS)The European Council of International Schools is a collaborative network promoting the ideals and best practice of international education. ECIS leads in addressing significant current and future educational and global issues in support of its membership in Europe and worldwide.

Parents’ Independent School Network (PIN)PIN is a parent-led organization and was formed as a way for these parents to share ideas and promote worthy programs at their schools.

AISNE (Association of Independent Schools of New England)BSB is pleased to be a part of AISNE, which asks its members to adhere to a set of strict guidelines for conduct and collaboration.

Examination BoardsThe British School of Boston is recognized by several external examination boards. The school is authorized to deliver academic qualifications and act as an examination center, thus allowing students the opportunity to gain a wide range of internationally recognized qualifications.

CIE and Edexcel Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) and Edexcel are UK-based examination boards. The British School of Boston is authorized to offer IGCSE examinations from both of these boards. The Cambridge International Examinations is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14 to 19-year-olds.

Accreditationsand Affiliations

I have to confess that I am one of those parents who initially found the MFL focus at the British school to be a downside – I did not see the value in having my son spend so much of his time on it. But, now that he is really starting to get it, I am getting a real kick out of it, and starting to believe he may actually one day be competent in these languages! He has come farther in 2 years… than we ever dreamed – congratulations to you and your team!

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Mission Statement“To nurture life long learners and inspire global citizenship

within a rigorous and supportive academic environment.”

416 Pond Street Boston, Massachusetts 02130Phone: 617.522.2261 • Fax: 617.522.0385www.britishschool.org/boston

25 Buckingham GateLondon, SW1E 6LD, United KingdomPhone: +44 (0)20 7821 4898 • Fax: +44 (0)20 7821 4899www.wclgroup.com

British School of BostonInspiring World Class Learning

World Class Learning Group

Documents

International Day & Boarding Schools - A ofLearningWorld · 2014. 9. 5. · International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Through their studies and a rich variety of school activities,