The British School of Costa Rica

ACHIEVEMENT OF AIMS - In order to develop all-round excellence and international understanding, the School shall prepare its students so that eventually they are able to participate productively in the programmes of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in 9th and 10th grades and the International Baccalaureate (IB) in 11th and 12th grades.

 

In addition to the academic programme, a variety of means will be used in order to achieve the goals of developing all-round excellence and of educating the "whole student".  Depending upon the grade level, these may include: the “Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Scheme”, the “CAS” programme of the IB Diploma programme”, the “Philosophy for Children” programme, a House System, an extensive extra-curricula programme and a “Form Period” system incorporating a Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme.

 

OBJECTIVES - In order to achieve its aims, the School shall strive to fulfil various objectives, among these, the most important shall be to:

 

1) maintain the highest possible academic standards applying them, as far as practically possible,

individually in order to challenge each student at their particular level of intellectual development;

 

2) expect the highest levels of achievement from each student, according to their talents and ability

 

3) respect the individuality of each student both on a personal level and, as far as practically possible,

by providing courses of study that offer opportunities to pursue personal interests and work at a level of difficulty that corresponds to students’ individual talents and abilities.

 

4) ensure the continuity of academic programmes throughout the whole school;

 

5) ensure that the students develop and maintain a positive attitude towards education, learning and knowledge.

 

6)  actively promote an appreciation of and participation in music, drama and the creative arts.

 

7) employ only qualified, experienced teaching staff and ensure that, by means of in-service training, they remain well prepared to carry out their duties;

 

8) constantly evaluate and improve the instructional methods and resources.

 

9) promote not only the acquisition of knowledge but also of skills that will benefit the students in their academic and professional careers.

 

10) promote an appreciation of the value of honesty and truth in all aspects of life and inculcate in the students the attitudes and habits that will produce responsible citizens.

 

11) promote an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment; the need for the conservation of that environment; the value of recycling resources and of achieving sustainable development within the natural environment

 

12) permit all students to develop their potential in a variety of sporting, athletic or recreational activities by offering variety in the physical education and extra-curricula programmes.  

 

13) promote respect and understanding of others by, directly or through various media, bringing students into contact with other peoples, races, creeds and religions.

 

14) promote the necessary analytical skills in order to predispose students to be sceptical of prejudice and intolerance.

 

15) equip students with the Information, Communication and Technology skills necessary for both today’s and tomorrow’s world

 

16) facilitate the development of the students’ emotional well-being and enable students to develop their interpersonal relationship skills by providing courses of personal and social education (PSE).

 

17) ensure that students are aware of the career choices open to them and offer them advice that enables them to make the best decision possible in relation to their tertiary education.

 

18) promote excellent working relationships between the various parts that make up the whole school ensuring, as far as practically possible, that i) all parties understand and practice the principles espoused by the school’s philosophy and mission and ii) respect the fact that the process of education requires close collaboration between the home and the school.