While all teachers in the region were preparing for the new school year, those at the British School of Geneva had an extra reason to look forward to the start of term since, for the first time, BSG welcomed a class of Reception year students. These eager four-year olds occupied the front-row, centre spot at the whole-school assembly on Day 1, and have found their place in the school’s happy and busy environment ever since.
This small group of students is led by teacher Isabella Farrar, as well as a teaching assistant. Miss Farrar told knowitall.ch, “In our first few days, we have been working hard to create an environment in which each child feels safe to explore, ask questions and develop their innate sense of curiosity. I’m thrilled to be teaching our new Reception class, and I’m looking forward to helping my students become confident and independent thinkers.”
Since it opened its doors more than ten years ago, BSG has grown steadily and now counts more than 200 students on roll. It remains the only school in the region that brings the English National Curriculum to children from Primary straight through to A Levels (a pre-university qualification), but despite its student body having such a broad range of ages, it has retained its small-school feel. This year, there are more than 50 nationalities represented in its classrooms, which naturally means that students understand what it means to be “the new kid”, and the importance of a warm welcome. This ethos can make all the difference to a young child just starting school.
Classes are deliberately kept small at BSG and, this year, Reception is combined with Year 1. The Head of the school’s Primary section, Mrs Jackie Smith, believes that there are real advantages to having the two year groups share a classroom. “By watching and learning from older classmates,” she said “Reception year children will acquire developed abilities at a faster rate and, therefore, move towards academic achievement with more confidence. Reception year students will learn and practise social skills such as cooperating, being flexible, taking turns, and solving problems. Older children will have the opportunity to serve as mentors to their younger peers.”
There are still some spaces available in this year’s Reception class, and families of school-ready four-year olds are invited to visit the school and learn more about what makes this learning environment unique.
British School of Geneva
Av. de Châtelaine 95A
1219 Châtelaine
022 795 75 10
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www.britishschoolgeneva.ch
