Weekly Updates on 14/03/2025

Dear Families, 

This week I hosted two sessions updating families on the progress of the school and the next steps. Thank you to all those parents who attended and I hope you found it useful. 

A huge congratulations to our students who attended the NAE regional games. What a great opportunity for them to visit another country and play sports against other teams. 

We continue to offer an extensive range of trips and visits. In just the last two years we have offered and completed over 60 residential, sports, and curriculum trips and visits. A total of over 2500 children have been involved in these opportunities and we will continue to do more this year. 

This week you will have received a survey about your intentions for next year. Please take the time to complete it so that we can plan accordingly for the next academic year. Please also be reminded that the deadline for submitting a withdrawal form to guarantee receiving your deposit back is 27^th March. 

Last week we launched our academic scholarship process for the 2025/2026 academic year. We look forward to receiving your applications. 

Academic Excellence Scholarship Programme

A reminder that we are running the summer school again this year please see full details below:

Summer School 2025

I wish you all a very relaxing weekend ahead.

Active, meaningful learning

In the Early Years, we know that active learning is crucial for young children's development. It encourages them to engage directly with their environment, ask questions, and solve problems. This week, the children have been exploring sensory materials in F1, growing plants in F2 and developing their physical skills with expert teachers in F3. By participating in hands-on activities, children gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and are more likely to retain what they've learned in a meaningful way. 

Storytelling and imagination

Last week, the children had a fantastic time celebrating Book Week! Year 1 enjoyed reading stories with peers across the school, engaging in exciting book-themed activities, and showcasing their creativity by dressing up as their favourite characters. It was a wonderful week of storytelling, imagination, and a shared love of reading!

Inspiring a love of reading

Year 2’s Book Week was full of excitement as students dressed up as their favourite book characters. Mr. Paul, the Principal, read a book with them, making the day even more special. With a fun catwalk during Assembly and engaging activities, the event inspired a love of reading and creativity. 

Exploring the world of chocolate while developing cooperation and practical skills

The Year 3 students had an exciting hands-on experience making cocoa cookies and banana cocoa smoothies. They eagerly followed each step, carefully mixing flour, cocoa powder, bananas, and milk. Working together, they practised teamwork by taking turns measuring, stirring, and shaping the cookies. Blending smoothies and creating treats gave them a sense of joy and accomplishment. It was a fun and engaging way to explore the world of chocolate while developing cooperation and practical skills! 

Showing great maturity

Year 4 students participated in many exciting activities during Book Week. They showed great maturity by reading to the Year 1 and F3 students. The classroom door decorating activity not only allowed them to showcase their creativity but also helped strengthen their teamwork skills. Year 4 was especially excited to have the opportunity to read with the Leadership Team. One of the most impressive activities was when the students got to dress up as their favourite book characters.

Stilt Houses and Ancient Tools from Vietnam

This week Year 5 children co-operated to make Au Lac stilt houses and models of ancient tools from Vietnam. They had a great time making things with their hands. 

Poetry, models and performing

This week, Year 6 students continued learning about poetry-writing techniques. They enthusiastically read various types of poetry and explored its beauty. From there, they began composing their own poems. They have completed the stilt house model in the IPC lesson. Additionally, they eagerly prepared performances for the Exit Point.

At BVIS we believe that offering a wide range of extracurricular activities (ECAs) is crucial as it helps students explore their interests and develop valuable skills outside the traditional classroom setting. These activities also foster a sense of community, encourage teamwork, and enhance students' personal growth, leading to a more well-rounded educational experience. We are extremely proud of the wide range of experiences and activities on offer and in this newsletter, we will share updates from a few of these ECAs.

Term 2 Secondary ECA Overview 

This term we are offering an impressive array of ECAs!

Exciting Rehearsals Underway for Magic, Music, and Mischief!

Over in the Drama ECA, our talented students are hard at work rehearsing for Magic, Music, and Mischief, a spellbinding performance filled with enchanting stories, lively music, and a touch of mischief!

The show features performances from students in Years 7-10 and includes scenes from Matilda, Beetlejuice, Wicked and Peter Pan. It also includes a full performance of Shakespeare's magical comedy A Midsummer Night's Dream.

Join us in the Secondary Auditorium at 5:30 PM on Wednesday, 16th April, to witness the magic come to life. Don’t miss this chance to support our performers and enjoy an evening of theatrical wonder!

Sport and Fitness ECAs

Sport and fitness extracurricular activities are essential here at BVIS as they promote physical health and well-being, helping students develop lifelong habits for a healthy lifestyle. Additionally, these activities encourage teamwork, discipline, and resilience, contributing to the overall personal growth and social skills of students. Our students really benefit from the use of our super facilities including the fitness suite, excellent coaching from our staff and external partnerships.

Crafting Club

Our crafting club ECA provides students with a creative outlet, allowing them to express themselves while developing fine motor skills and enhancing their artistic capabilities. Additionally, the club fosters a sense of community and collaboration, as students work together on projects, share ideas, and build lasting friendships.

Social Football

The KS4/5 social football ECA is a chance for all students in the upper-year groups to come together and enjoy a game of football. All ability levels are welcome, and the students have a lot of fun and laughs while playing. It is not taken as seriously as a competitive game or training session, but the students still want to play well and win. It's a great mix of fun, exercise and socializing for those who love football

ECA – School Magazine!

Our school magazine is going from strength to strength and is a really popular and engaging ECA. Each term a magazine is now shared in digital and print format. Last week the group had this term's press meeting, and it's set to be their biggest issue yet. We have had more student journalists volunteer than ever before! Therefore, the editorial team are busy starting the design process for the next issue.

Korean Social Club Kicks Off with Great Success!

We are thrilled to share that the Korean Social Club launched last week with great enthusiasm! Led by six of our Year 12 students, the club offers a welcoming and fun space where students can relax, play games, explore Korean culture, and build new friendships. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with one another and broaden their cultural horizons. We look forward to seeing this vibrant community grow throughout the year!

Ice-skating Superstars!

 Mr John Hennigan has shared ‘This term’s ice skating ECA has been a pleasure to run, especially seeing the students’ skills improve each week. We’ve had a few new starters this term, as well as many who have continued from Term 1, and I really admire their confidence in stepping onto the ice and giving it a go. Whether they’re beginners or more experienced skaters, it’s fantastic to see their determination and progress every session!’

Harvard Summer School at BVIS

We have been invited to host the LEARN WITH LEADERS session again this year, allowing students from Year 7 to Year 13 to complete this at the end of term 3. This event is directed and delivered by Harvard Students and Graduates (see brochure):

TITLE:  FUTURE ENTREPRENEURS & LEADERSHIP COURSE

VENUE: BVIS SECONDARY CAMPUS

DATES:  23rd June - 25th June 2025

Students earn a Certificate for participation in the HARVARD COLLEGE PROJECT.

Scan the QR Code to express interest.

If you want more information, speak to Ms Usher.

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