British International School - Addis Ababa

The school offers a British-Ethiopian curriculum from the Early Years Foundation Stage through IGCSEs and Grade 12 National Examinations. The International Curriculum works toward IGCSE, AS and A2 examinations, offered by Edexcel (London). Subjects include English Language, English as a Second Language, English Literature, French, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business Studies, Information Technology, Geography, History, and Development Studies. Preparatory-level courses are planned to enable university admissions in Ethiopia and elsewhere, including AS level offerings in English Language and Literature, Mathematics (Pure, Applied and Statistics), Business Studies, Physics, Chemistry, and Development Studies.

The upper part of the school prepares students for higher education at universities and colleges throughout the world as well as universities within Ethiopia. The national track specializes in the sciences. BTec courses in ICT and Health and Social Care are offered under Edexcel (London) examinations.

The Early Years Foundation Stage emphasizes Personal, Social and Emotional Development.

A Learning Support Consultant supports students with Special Educational Needs; EAL and SEN assessments are conducted where necessary; acceptance is conditional on available resources.

English Language and English as a Second Language are offered.

1. Priority of admission is according to order of application. BIS serves children from both overseas and local communities. In principle BIS is non-selective, but admissions occur only if BIS can cater for the child's personal, social, academic and physical needs. Some places are reserved for expatriate children who join the school during the academic year. 2. Application forms may be obtained from Admissions and completed forms should be returned. A tour of the school can be arranged by appointment. Registration is completed when the registration is accepted and validated by the school stamp, which guarantees a place. 3. Applications are considered in strict order by date of application. In the event of over-subscription, pupils will be given preference in the following year's admissions. Preference is also given to siblings of current or past pupils. 4. Requirements and assessments: The sequence includes written assessment tests in Maths and English and an interview, with possible additional spoken and written EAL and SEN assessments as needed. A place may be offered based on a Learning Support Consultant's assessment at the parent's cost. Placement may be deferred if there are no vacancies or if BIS cannot meet the child's needs. 5. Knowledge of English and SEN: Students with less than fluent English may need additional support. For the final four years, English proficiency is assessed by interview to determine course availability. Acceptance for students with Special Educational Needs is conditional on resource availability and may incur additional charges. 6. Placement in the class: Children joining BIS from other systems are placed in the class that will best support their progress. Each class tends to have an age span wider than one year but normally less than two years, with one mixed-ability class at each level from Pre-kindergarten upwards. Some subjects may be organized into sets, and above Grade 6, options allow differentiation. Progression to the next year occurs automatically unless exceptional circumstances; placement depends on English fluency and prior educational background and ability.