Secondary school handbook 1011

Beijing BISS International School

Secondary School Handbook

for Parents and Students

2010 – 2011

No.17, Area 4, An Zhen Xi Li Chaoyang District, Beijing 100029

Tel: (+8610) 64433151 Fax: (+8610) 64433156

www.biss.com.cn

1

Welcome Message from the Principal

In 2009-2010, Beijing BISS International School celebrated its 15th

Anniversary of

operating a highly effective and successful International school in Beijing. During

our first decade and a half we have introduced all three IB programmes and have been

repeatedly accredited by a number of international bodies. Our recent accreditation

success in 2008 allowed us to reflect on our progress and look towards continued

improvement in all areas of the school. The most noticeable change this school year

has been the extensive remodeling of many parts of our campus with further work

planned for each summer. Our teaching staff embody the IB Learner Profile of

Reflective through their continual improvement of our curriculum, aimed to provide

the best teaching practices available based on the latest professional research of

student learning styles in the 21st century.

However, these excellent teachers do not work in a vacuum. As our name suggests

we are an international school, and BISS is rightly proud of its achievements in being

the first school in Beijing to offer all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP and DP). We

are proud of our academic record. As an IB World School we offer our students a

continuous, coherent, international experience for the duration of their school lives.

We are also committed to inculcating in our students the attributes espoused by the IB

Learner Profile and this desire to provide our students with the appropriate life skills.

This is reflected in our School Mission Statement that declares that our aim is to

„educate and empower our students to attain personal excellence and positively

impact the world‟.

I look forward to getting to know you all more this academic year. I hope this

handbook is of use to you and will facilitate understanding between home and school.

Your comments are both welcome and needed as we work together to ensure the

continued success of our school.

Mr Lennox Meldrum

Secondary School Principal

2

CONTENTS

SECTION A : IMPORTANT INFORMATION PAGE

School Philosophy and Strategic Plan 3

IB Learner Profile 4

School and Community 5

University/College Acceptances 6

Introduction 7

Communication 7

Contact Details 9

Calendar 10

SECTION B: THE ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Curriculum Overview 11

Assessment Beliefs of Our Learning Environment 12

Methods of Assessment 12

Schedule 13

Homework Policy 13

Grade 6-12 Assessment Descriptors 14

Reporting Student Progress 15

Attendance Policy 16

SECTION C: CODE OF CONDUCT

Rights and Responsibilities 17

Student Discipline 18

Dress Code for School/Classroom 20

Computer Use at BISS 21

Student Alcohol, Tobacco and Drug Abuse Policy 21

Drug Testing Policy 22

Academic Honesty 23

SECTION D: SUPPORT SERVICES

The Secondary School Homeroom Programme 24

Individual Counselling 24

Optimal Learning Centre (OLC) 24

ESOL 24

Clinic 27

SECTION E: EXTRA-CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

After School Activities (ASAs) 27

ASAs - student departure from school 27

SECTION F: GENERAL INFORMATION

Text Books 28

Lockers 28

Laptop Recharging Stations 28

Lunch/Canteen Services 28

Library 28

House System 28

Student Council 28

Yearbook 29

Books and Supplies 29

Calculators for Mathematics 29

PE Clothing 29

Lost and Found 29

Transportation 29

Telephone 30

Being Away From Beijing 30

Visitors to the School 30

Guardianship Policy 30

Promotion Policy 31

Graduation Requirements 32

Open Campus Policy 32

3

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY AND STRATEGIC PLAN

Core Values:

We believe in embracing diversity and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

We believe in living a balanced life.

We believe that people thrive in a caring, safe, healthy and stimulating environment.

We believe in acting with integrity, taking responsibility, and learning from our actions.

We believe in working for a better future by helping others and conserving our planet‟s resources.

We believe in striving for excellence.

Mission:

BISS is an IB World School serving the international community, committed to the ideals

of the International Baccalaureate. Our mission is to educate and empower our students

to attain personal excellence and positively impact the world.

Strategic Objectives:

1. Each student will acquire and demonstrate the knowledge, skills, attitudes and concepts necessary

for their success in life.

2. Each student will demonstrate the competence and confidence to identify and choose their own

course of action.

3. Each student will achieve their own goals and the outcomes of the IB programmes to their

personal best.

4. Each student will be an active, responsible participant in their various communities.

Strategies: 1. We will design and implement a scope and sequence for our curriculum that emphasises

academic rigour, active learning, and personal excellence.

2. We will ensure that our school has the financial capability to achieve its mission and objectives.

3. We will expand our technology and enhance its use school-wide.

4. We will employ and support enthusiastic, quality staff who are able to actively work together towards maximising student achievement and the betterment of the school.

5. We will develop open communication and decision making processes that will involve all stakeholders.

6. We will ensure that our class sizes are appropriate to optimise student learning.

7. We will improve our facilities and resources to provide a welcoming, safe, and clean environment that is conducive to the needs of the BISS community

4

IB Learner Profile

The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing

their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and

more peaceful world.

IB learners strive to be:

Inquirers – They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to

conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy

learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

Knowledgeable – They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global

significance. In doing so, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across

a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

Thinkers – They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to

recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

Communicators – They understand and express ideas and information confidently and

creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They

work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

Principled – They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and

respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility

for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

Open-minded – They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories,

and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities.

They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to

grow from the experience.

Caring – They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of

others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to

the lives of others and to the environment.

Risk-takers – They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and

forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.

They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

Balanced – They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance

to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

Reflective – They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They

are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their

learning and personal development.

5

Beijing BISS International School

Address: No 17, Area 4, An Zhen Xi Li CEEB No: 694202

Chaoyang District Website: www.biss.com.cn

Beijing 100029 Phone: (8610) 6443 3151/2/3

P.R. China Fax: (8610) 6443 3156

Head of School: Dr Ettie Zilber Secondary School Principal: Mr Lennox Meldrum

SCHOOL and COMMUNITY

Beijing BISS International School is an independent, co-educational day school, which offers an

English language curriculum for Kindergarten to Grade 12. BISS is a proprietary school founded in

1994 by International School Singapore. It has grown rapidly and now has over 320 students from 40

countries. BISS serves students from the international community of business people, educators and

diplomats residing in the greater Beijing area.

ACCREDITATION

BISS is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), the Western Association of Schools

and Colleges (WASC), and by the National Centre for Curriculum and Text Book (China), (NCCT).

BISS is also registered by the China Education Bureau. The school is a member of the East Asian

Regional Council of Overseas Schools (EARCOS) and an associate member of the Council of

International Schools. The International Baccalaureate (IB) recognises BISS as an IB World School

offering the IB curriculum from Grades 1 through to Grade 12 through all three IB programmes.

THE FACULTY

BISS has a Head of School, Secondary and Elementary School Principals, and IB Programme

Coordinators for the PYP, MYP, and DP. The teaching staff comes from a variety of countries but

predominantly from the USA, Canada, and Australia. In addition Chinese national staff teach Chinese

language and there are a number of Chinese national classroom assistants. All teachers are licensed in

their home countries, many hold advanced degrees and most are experienced in international

education. The Optimal Learning Center (OLC) and English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

Departments support students‟ academic pursuits.

ACTIVITIES and SERVICES The school facilitates students‟ participation in events with other international school students in

Beijing, elsewhere in China, and overseas. BISS is a founding member of the Association of Chinese

and Mongolian International Schools (ACAMIS) and students participate in ACAMIS events and

sports tournaments. BISS strongly encourages participation of all students in its After School

Activities (ASA) programme, which includes cultural experiences, creative activities, service-based

groups and sports. All students are required to take part in the Activity Week Programme (in and

around Beijing or to other regions of China). MYP students are required to participate in one

approved Community and Service (C&S) activity per quarter that they reflect upon in a journal. C&S

aims to develop a sense of community and positive citizenship leading to an intrinsic desire to serve

various groups found within a community. Often participation in the school‟s ASAs will meet this

requirement. Students in Grades 9-12 are also encouraged to participate in C&S organised by

community groups outside school. Grade 11 & 12 students complete two years of Creativity, Action,

and Service activities as part of their graduation requirements.

6

UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES

AUSTRALIA SOUTH AFRICA Roger Williams University (RI)

Bond University

Griffith University

Monash University

Queensland University of

Technology

RMIT

University of Melbourne

University of Sydney

University of New South Wales

University of Queensland

University of Western Australia

BELGIUM Vesalius College

CANADA University of British Columbia

University of Toronto

University of Victoria

University of Alberta

CHINA Beijing Culture and Language

University

Beijing University

BTIC Raffles Fashion Institute

Hong Kong University of

Science & Technology

Beijing University of Business

and Economics

FINLAND Polytechnic of Turku NETHERLANDS Erasmus University

ITALY University di Roma

University of La Sapienz

JAPAN Sophia University

University of Arts and Sciences

Weseda University

KOREA Chung An University

Dankook University

EWHA Womans University

Hanyang University Hong Ik University

Seoul National University Sungkyunkwan University

Yonsei University

SINGAPORE National University of

Singapore

SOUTH AFRICA University of Cape Town

SPAIN LaSalle University – Barcelona

St. Louis University – Madrid

UNITED KINGDOM

Canterbury Christ Church

University

Central St. Martin‟s College (Art

& Design)

Chester University

Liverpool Hope University

Manchester Metropolitan

University

Oxford Brooks University

Richmond American

International

St. Mary‟s University

Salford University

University of Bristol

University of East England

University Of Edinburgh

University of London -

Goldsmiths

University of London - Royal

Holloway

Warwick University

Lancaster University

Newcastle University

UNITED STATES

American University

Washington, D.C.

Berkeley College of Music (MA)

Boston University (MA) Carleton College (MN)

City University of New York

(NY)

Columbia University-Barnard

College (NY)

Creighton University (NE) Drexel University (PA)

Earlham College (IN)

Emmanuel College (MA)

Franklin College (Switzerland)

George Washington

University, Washington D. C. Gilford College (NC)

Hawaii University (HI)

Illinois Wesleyan University (IL)

Johns Hopkins University (MD)

Kalamazoo College (MI)

Lawrence University (WI)

Lebanon Valley College (PA)

Loyola University – Chicago (IL)

Hope College (MI)

Michigan State University (MI)

Ohio University (OH)

Parsons New School of Design

(NY)

Pennsylvania State University

(PA)

Purdue University (IN)

Roger Williams University (RI)

San Francisco Academy of Fine

Arts (CA)

Santa Barbara College (CA)

Savannah College of Art Design

(GA) Seattle University (WA) Stanford University (CA)

State University of New York-

Binghamton (NY)

State University of New

Stony Brook (NY)

Syracuse University (NY)

University of Alabama

University of California -

Berkeley (CA)

University of California – Los

Angeles (CA)

University of California -

Santa Cruz

University of Chicago (IL)

University of Illinois -

Champaign-Urbana (IL)

University of Michigan (MI)

University of Miami (FL)

University of Minnesota -

Twin Cities (MN)

University of North Carolina –

Asheville (NC)

University of San Francisco (CA)

University of Southern California (CA) University of Tampa (FL)

University of Tulsa (OK)

University of Wisconsin-

Madison (WI)

Vanderbilt University (TN)

Virginia Polytechnic Institute

and State University (VA)

Wheaton College (MA)

Willamette College (OR)

7

INTRODUCTION

At Beijing BISS International School, we value our parents highly. Their input and support help

make our school a special place in the lives of their children. We encourage them to communicate

with us and to become involved in our school. Parents are always welcome at the school. Anytime

you have a question or concern, come and see us. Together we can create the best possible situation

for all involved

Every week the school publication, BROADCAST, is available upon our website. This publication

helps keep parents informed of all the BISS school and community activities. Often important

information is communicated through Broadcast so all parents are strongly encouraged to peruse each

new issue.

The BISS Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) is also an integral part of our community. The PTA

meets once a month and all parents and friends of BISS are invited to attend. Your contributions are

always welcomed and appreciated. Check the latest BISS calendar for PTA meeting dates.

COMMUNICATION

Communication with the school is crucial for your son/daughter. Making sure that we do it well is

important and every effort is made to make sure that you are informed of what is going on.

Email is often the best way to make contact with staff at BISS as teaching schedules mean that

teachers are often unable to take phone calls. Additional ways to communicate include:

Meetings

Often the best and most effective means of communication is talking. Doing so face to face is not

always easy but usually resolves issues more effectively. Parents are encouraged to meet contact the

child‟s teachers at any time to discuss their child‟s performance. This can be done by contacting the

teacher directly or by making arrangements through the Academic Office. The Principal and

Counsellor are also available to talk over any issue related to your child and the school. They can be

contacted through the Academic Office.

eLearning

As part of the school‟s eLearning program students and parents can assess classroom activities online

through a portal called Studywiz. Students can interact through this medium by accessing and

responding to information, submission of projects, participation in discussion forums, etc. Parents can

also use this medium to communicate with their child‟s teachers. Our students are increasingly using

Studywiz to electronically record their daily homework and teachers place important notices and

assessment deadlines on the calendar so we strongly encourage your regular monitoring of this

website. This year the school will be using the parent email accounts available in Studywiz to

send out important school information so if you are not yet using this portal then we strongly

encourage you to contact our eLearning Coordinator, Mrs Julie Lindsay, to find out how you

can activate your account.

A crucial part of this process is having up to date information regarding telephone and email. Parents change locations, business, internet service providers and telephone numbers and we do not always hear about it immediately. You cannot assume that your child will tell us. Therefore, we ask that whenever there is change that we are told immediately. Thank you.

8

Telephone

Teachers are encouraged to get in touch with parents on any important issue that involves their child.

Often this will be through the homeroom teacher who also monitors your child‟s well-being and

performance. The Administrative Officers in the Academic Office will take a message if you cannot

contact the teacher directly.

Parent / Teacher Conferences There are several formal opportunities held during the year for parents to discuss and view evidence

of their child‟s performance. Please refer to the school calendar and web site for dates.

Parent/Teacher conferences are held after each Quarter‟s reports have been sent and are seen as a

valuable opportunity to discuss their child‟s performance with the teachers.

In the Secondary School, Student Led Conferences are held in Quarter 3 (April) with students sharing

a portfolio of work samples from their subjects. This is also a valuable opportunity for parents to view

their child‟s work and discuss their performance with their child.

Parents are strongly encouraged to attend these opportunities to discuss their child‟s performance. If

you cannot attend then feel free to contact the school or the teachers to see them at a mutually

convenient time.

Meet the Teacher Evening

At the beginning of each school year we have a Meet the Teacher Night. During the evening parents

get a chance to meet their son/daughter‟s teachers. They will talk about the curriculum, their

expectations, communication avenues, and about the various activities that will happen throughout

the year.

We encourage all parents to attend this evening. If you cannot attend then feel free to contact the

school or the teachers to see them at a mutually convenient time.

BISS Website

The school‟s website has a wealth of information including the curriculum, contact details, events,

calendars and so on. It is worth visiting the site regularly to keep up with what is happening in the

school and therefore affecting your child.

Japanese Teacher

Ms Makiko Koike is our Japanese teacher. Her email address is listed in the staff section and if

parents feel more comfortable communicating in Japanese, they are invited to email Ms Koike with

their queries.

Korean Teacher

Ms Angela Ku is our Korean teacher. Her email address is listed in the staff section and if parents feel

more comfortable communicating in Korean, they are invited to email Ms Ku with their queries.

Chinese Staff

There are many teachers of Chinese in the school who can and will assist parents in communicating

with the school. For the Secondary School, parents should talk to Academic Office who can assist in

finding a teacher or assist directly.

9

SECONDARY SCHOOL CONTACT DETAILS DEPARTMENT CONTACT NAME EMAIL TELEPHONE

Board Deputy CEO Mun-E Chan [email protected] Ext. 209

Head of School Dr Ettie Zilber [email protected] Ext. 208

Secondary School Principal Lennox Meldrum [email protected] Ext. 279

Elementary School Principal Wayne Demnar [email protected] Ext 223

MYP Coordinator Ross Brown [email protected] Ext. 278

School Receptionist Rebecca Wang [email protected] 6443 3151/2/3

SS Academic Officer Florence Mei [email protected] Ext. 263

Business Administration Manager Henry Wong [email protected] Ext. 256

Admissions Officer Joyce Chia [email protected] Ext. 216/215/253

Counsellor Karen Shrimpton [email protected] Ext. 237

eLearning Coordinator Julie Lindsay [email protected] Ext. 251

TEACHING AREA TEACHER E-MAIL COUNTRY

Athletics Director/CAS Coordinator Damian Johnson [email protected] Australia

Biology/Science Stan Covington [email protected] USA

Chemistry/Science/Mathematics Mark Saunders [email protected] United Kingdom

Chinese Studies Coordinator Wang Yan [email protected] PR China

Chinese Studies Pamela Yang [email protected] PR China

Chinese Studies David Wang [email protected] PR China

Computer Technology Ben Cooperman [email protected] Canada

Design Technology/TOK Rob Anderson [email protected] Australia

Economics/Business & Management Daiju Vithayathil [email protected] India

English Catherine Liang [email protected] New Zealand

English Doris Cowley [email protected] Canada

English Ross Brown [email protected] Australia

ESOL Alexis Kossiakoff [email protected] USA

ESOL/English B (DP) Christine Vithayathil [email protected] Austria

ESOL Filipa Covington [email protected] Portugal

French (part-time) Marie Paule Hutin [email protected] France

History/Humanities/TOK Dr Mary Montgomery [email protected] USA

Humanities//House Coordinator Henry DeGreef [email protected] USA

Japanese Makiko Koike [email protected] Japan

Korean Angela Ku [email protected] Korea

Mathematics Tracy Lu [email protected] Australia

Mathematics/Activities Coordinator Iain Fitz-Gerald [email protected] Australia

Music Gerard Dutton [email protected] Australia

Optimum Learning Centre (OLC) Gail Hall [email protected] New Zealand

Physical Education Mindi Dryer [email protected] USA

Physics/Science/Mathematics Andy Elmers [email protected] NZ

Records Officer Angel Li [email protected] PR China

Science Jenna Barnes [email protected] USA

Science Lab Technician Shujuan Qu [email protected] PR China

Spanish Cheryl Moen [email protected] USA

Secondary School TA Lynn Long [email protected] PR China

Teacher Librarian Ana Cob [email protected] Spain

Theatre Cath Rankin [email protected] Australia

Visual Arts Gillian Mercer [email protected] Australia

10

CALENDAR FOR 2010-2011 SCHOOL YEAR

Our calendar has major dates set during the previous school year, however at times even events we

believe are “locked in stone” can be forced to move due to circumstances beyond our control. In

addition, many additional events come up during the school year that we wish all members of the

BISS community to be aware of our participation. Hence we strongly encourage all BISS community

members to constantly check our Google calendar, conveniently located on our school website at

www.biss.com.cn and also on the home screen of our Online Learning Portal, Studywiz.

Major Planned Events

August 13: New Student Orientation

August 16: First Day of School

August 26: Meet The Teachers Evening

September 13-16: SS Activity Week

September 27-30: ES Activity Week

October 1-10: National Day Holiday

November 1-2: School Closed (Teacher Professional Development days)

December 17: Half Day

December 18-January 9: Winter Holiday

January 29-February 6: Spring Festival Holiday

February 24-28: 21st Century Learning Conference at BISS

April 2-10: Spring Break Holiday

May 2: May Day Holiday

May 3-24: IBDP Exams

May 21: International Day Spring Festival

May 27: Grade 12 Graduation

June 17: Final day (half-day)

11

ACADEMIC PROGRAMME

Curriculum Overview

The curriculum at BISS reflects our philosophy that the student is at the centre of the learning

process. Therefore we strive to educate and develop the whole student‟s individual, intellectual,

physical, emotional and creative identity. Around this philosophy we have developed a curriculum

that will grow with the school and its students. For further details of the curriculum, please refer to

the relevant course guides and our website – www.biss.com.cn.

The Secondary School curriculum encourages student exploration, discovery and experimentation in

a pleasant academic environment. Secondary School students follow a prescribed curriculum

consisting of the core subjects of the Arts (Visual Arts, Music, Theatre Arts), Experimental Sciences

(Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Mathematic, Technology (Computer and Design), Languages

(Chinese, English, Spanish, French, Korean, Japanese), Physical Education, and Humanities

(Combined Humanities, History, Economics, Business and Management).

The focus of the Secondary School curriculum is on experiences and lessons that develop students‟

writing skills, verbal fluency, comprehension, computational skills, analytical abilities and other skills

needed to effectively meet a variety of challenges. The curriculum brings together intellectual,

creative, social and emotional considerations, guiding the students towards problem-solving and

decision-making skills necessary for individual, family and community needs.

Grades 6 – 10 and the IB Middle Years Programme

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides a curriculum framework that is specifically

designed to meet the needs of students aged 12-16. These students are at an age of many transitions –

intellectual, social, emotional and physical. The MYP was devised to help them develop the

knowledge, attitudes and skills they needs to participate actively and responsibly in a changing and

increasingly interrelated world.

The BISS Middle Years curriculum offered in Grades 6 -10 is a rigorous, challenging and exciting

course designed to meet the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of preadolescents. The

program offers a variety of subjects and meaningful interdisciplinary units. Learning activities are

planned following the inquiry cycle which involves developing awareness of a topic, followed by

responsible action and reflection of their learning. Not only does the program offer academic

excellence it also promotes development of positive citizenship by involving all students in

community and service activities. At the completion of the five-year MYP course, students receive

the IB MYP Certificate and/or Record of Achievement. The MYP is considered an excellent

preparation for the IB Diploma Programme and an internationally recognised qualification for

students moving between schools.

Grades 11 & 12 and the IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year internationally recognised pre-university course.

Rather than being based on the curriculum of a single country, the DP is a deliberate combination of

the specialisation required in some education systems and the breadth required in others. The DP

came into existence in the late 1960s and now more than 850 schools participate globally in the

programme.

The DP emphasises a global, tolerant yet critical perspective of the world in which we live. By

insisting that students study a range of subjects, the DP helps students to become creative, informed

generalists who have the range of skills necessary to solve problems in a variety of areas and,

therefore, to be able to participate successfully in our rapidly changing world.

A student who earns an IB Diploma will have „a passport‟ to further education. IB Diploma students

are highly sought after by universities and colleges throughout the world and tend to be amongst the

most successful students in further education.

12

ASSESSMENT BELIEFS OF OUR

LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Assessment is fundamentally a feedback process. Self-reflection is an essential component

of most assessment.

1. Students should have clear criteria for success on any assessment task.

2. Assessment should improve student learning. Students should have access to and use

assessment results to improve their learning.

3. Assessment practices influence instructional practise and assessment results should be

used regularly to inform and modify instruction.

4. Most learners achieve higher standards when provided with models of excellence or

exemplars to understand how work is graded.

METHODS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessment is the collection and evaluation of evidence of student progress towards expected

learning outcomes. It measures the student‟s ability to apply knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Clear and reliable assessment is based on multiple measures and goes beyond paper and

pencil tests. For this reason a variety of assessment techniques are employed to meet the

various learning styles of students and allow them to show evidence of the learning

Assessment in the MYP is referred to as criteria related assessment which means each

subject is divided into sections with clear statements describing the students‟ level of

performance in each criteria. Teachers are responsible to design appropriate assessment tasks

for given units of work and that allow the students to show their performance in the subject‟s

criteria. These will be published and made known to students when the task is given with

timely feedback being provided.

In any given reporting period a child‟s performance from a number of assessment tasks is

recorded and used to determine the student‟s final level of performance according to the

Level of Achievements Grades 1-7. A grade of 3 or above is considered a pass, however

concern is raised for students who consistently score grades of 3.

For students in Grades 11-12, subject areas will be responsible for weighting assignments

according to their importance to the outcomes of the course. The final 1-7 subject attainment

grades on a report will be a weighted average of all previous assessments.

SCHOOL ACCREDITATION & PROGRAM EVALUATION

The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS), Western Association

of Schools & Colleges (WASC) and the International Baccalaureate (IB). Accreditation

means that the school‟s curriculum and operations have met standards set by the above

organisations.

In addition the school‟s curriculum is assessed annually by participation in external

assessment techniques such as the IBDP Exams, MYP monitoring and DP moderation.

13

SCHEDULE

Each day the students have eight 40 or 45 minute classes

as outlined to the right. The full timetable consists of 40

periods in a weekly cycle. At the beginning of the year

students are issued with their individual programme

schedule. Students should arrive at the school by 8:10am

so that school may begin promptly.

Students must remain on campus during school hours

unless given written permission to leave by the Principal

and the Academic Office.

HOMEWORK POLICY

The purpose of homework at Beijing BISS International

School is to:

extend learning;

reinforce new skills and concepts;

prepare students for new tasks;

consolidate previously learned skills and knowledge;

enable students to revise effectively; and

establish independent habits of study.

Outline of Recommended Homework for Grades 6-12

GRADE AVERAGE HOURS

PER WEEK

ADDITIONAL

(per week)

6 6 Minimum 1 hour independent reading

7 6 Minimum 1 hour independent reading

8 7 Minimum 1 hour independent reading

9 8 Extended reading and exam revision

10 9 Extended reading and exam revision

11 11 – 13 Extended reading and exam revision

12 12 – 15 Extended reading and exam revision

Homework diaries (electronic or paper) for students in Grades 6 – 12 will be

signed/acknowledged weekly by a parent or guardian and regularly checked by the

homeroom teacher. It is also expected that if a teacher does not set formal homework, a

student should utilise the time for independent study. Parents and teachers are encouraged to

use the homework diary to communicate information about the student‟s performance.

Time Secondary School

8:00-8:15 Students Arrive

8:15:8:25 Home Room

8:25-9:05 Period 1

9:05-9:50 Period 2

9:50-10:30 Period 3

10:30-10:45 Break

10:45-11:30 Period 4

11:30-12:15 Period 5

12:15-12:50 Period 6

12:50-13:45 Lunch

13:45-14:30 Period 7

14:30-15:15 Period 8

15:20 Early Buses Depart

15:20-16:20 ASAs

16:30 Late Buses Depart

14

GRADE 6 – 12 ASSESSMENT DESCRIPTORS

Grade Descriptors

Grade 7

A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge

and skills, and the ability to apply them almost faultlessly in a wide

variety of situations. There is consistent evidence of analysis,

synthesis and evaluation where appropriate. The student consistently

demonstrates originality and insight and always produces work of

high quality.

Grade 6

A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge

and skills, and the ability to apply them in a wide variety of

situations. There is consistent evidence of analysis, synthesis and

evaluation where appropriate. The student generally demonstrates

originality and insight.

Grade 5

A consistent and thorough understanding of the required knowledge

and skills, and the ability to apply them in a variety of situations.

The student generally shows evidence of analysis, synthesis and

evaluation where appropriate and occasionally demonstrates

originality and insight.

Grade 4

A good general understanding of the required knowledge and skills,

and the ability to apply them effectively in normal situations. There

is occasional evidence of the skills of analysis, synthesis and

evaluation.

Grade 3

Limited achievement against most of the objectives, or clear

difficulties in some areas. The student demonstrates a limited

understanding of the required knowledge and skills and is only able

to apply them fully in normal situations with support.

Grade 2

Very limited achievement against all the objectives. The student has

difficulty in understanding the required knowledge and skills, and is

unable to apply them fully in normal situations, even with support.

Grade 1 Minimal achievement in terms of the objectives.

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REPORTING STUDENT PROGRESS

Reporting is communicating the knowledge gained from assessing students‟ learning. It should

indicate what the student has achieved, and offer constructive recommendations. Reporting of

student achievement is carried out for a variety of purposes (advice, clarification, encouragement, and

negotiation) and a variety of audiences (parents, students, homeroom teachers and Principal).

Reporting student progress at BISS, takes place both formally and informally. We encourage parents

to contact their child‟s subject teacher to seek information on current progress and all email addresses

are listed at the front of this handbook. Formal reporting includes regular Academic progress (mid

semester) as well as detailed reports at the end of each Semester. All teachers are encouraged to

contact parents with any concerns or queries about individual students. Formal reports will be read

by parents, children and the Principal, and parents will be the principle recipients. Parent/Teacher

Conferences are also held regularly (check our calendar).

Formal Written Reports

Written comments are an essential element of any formal reporting process and are presented together

with grades in order to give a complete picture of progress.

Written reports address the student‟s performance in the various areas of assessment and skill

development identified by the course. They provide a detailed student assessment record which is

kept by the teacher and the school. They are sent home at the end of each semester. Quarterly reports

containing subject grades and homeroom comments are also sent home.

Secondary School reports show a number of criteria grades. There are usually separate grades for key

components of the course of study. There is also a summary grade for the semester course as a whole.

The relative contribution of each separate grade to the summary grade is determined in advance by

departments. Teachers will often discuss the reports, before they are sent home, with their students.

The school records, containing both the quantitative and the analytical information on reports, are

made available to all teachers so they may best meet students‟ needs and design appropriate learning

programmes. Records of diagnostic testing are also made available to teachers where appropriate for

the reasons given above.

Parent/Teacher Conferences

Parent/teacher conferences are valuable tools because they allow interaction between parents,

students and teachers. These usually occur at set times of the year but additional interviews may be

scheduled on an individual basis. They take place at school every quarter. For Grades 6-10 the final

Parent/Teacher conference is replaced by the Student Led Conferences and Personal Project

presentation.

General References

A general reference will be made available to all Grade 12 students when they complete their studies.

The reference will contain an evaluation of the student‟s academic achievement, records of sporting

and co-curricula achievements, of positions of responsibility held, and a commentary about personal

attributes. A general reference can be made available on request for leaving students of other grades.

Informal Reporting

Informal reporting may take the form of written teacher response to written and oral class work,

verbal teacher responses and student-teacher consultations. Informal reports are often descriptive

assessments and subjective, as they are based upon the teacher‟s professional judgement. All

informal reporting is part of the learning process so is usually constructive. Informal reporting is part

of everyday teaching practice. The reporting of peer and self-assessment is also valuable.

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ATTENDANCE POLICY Parents are required to inform the school before 8:15am by phone (SS Academic Office) if your

son / daughter is to be absent

All late arrivals to school need to report to the SS AO and give an explanation before they go to

class

Educational and academic success requires regular daily attendance at school and all classes

Students are expected to be on time to each and every class

In order to encourage appropriate attendance patterns the following will apply:

Students must attend at least 85% of each class to obtain a pass in that class. This means there is a

15% allowed absence for an unexplained/explained absence and unexcused absence. Any student

who fails to make the required 85% total school daily attendance will risk not being promoted to

the next grade or meeting graduation requirements.

There are 4 types of absence:

1. Unexplained Absence

No medical certificate or note or telephone call from parent/ guardian explaining the absence has been

presented to the school. These absences contribute to the 15% of allowed absences.

2. Explained Absence

Students absent for a day due to sickness or other emergency must bring a note or medical certificate

to school to explain the reason why they could not attend school. Although these are reported as

absences on official school transcripts, consideration for graduation/promotion will be made for

students who exceed the 15% of allowed absences due to Explained Absences but are able to catch up

all missed work successfully.

3. Excused Absence

Excused absence may be granted for a religious/national holiday, serious or long term illness,

accident, or to attend the funeral of a close relative. The Secondary School Principal must approve an

excused absence in advance. All work missed during an Excused Absence must be completed within

two weeks of returning to school, otherwise the Excused Absence will lapse. The Excused Absence is

not counted as part of the 15% allowed absence.

4. Unexcused Absence

This applies to any absence that does not fit the above categories and is included in the 15%

allowance.

Note:

1. Students arriving after homeroom will be recorded as “Late”, and Lates are taken into

consideration as: 3 Lates = 1 Absence. Students arriving after Period 4 or leaving before Period 5

will be recorded as Half-Day Absent.

2. The school will keep parents/guardians informed of students who are in danger of failing due to

poor attendance at school. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to ensure that the student

attends school. Students whose academic performance is suffering as a result of absences may not

be allowed to participate in sporting or cultural activities that require missing class.

3. Parents are strongly encouraged to plan family vacations around the school holidays so students

are not penalised for excessive absences.

Any request for reconsideration of this policy must be lodged in writing with the Head of School and

circumstances surrounding the absences will be taken into consideration. Appeals will be considered

by a Committee consisting of the Head of School, Principals and any other appropriate member of

staff.

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CODE OF CONDUCT

Rights and Responsibilities

Responsibility is inherent in all rights, especially the basic responsibility and duty to respect and

secure the rights of others. No student or other person involved in any school can realise their rights

unless he/she also exercises the self-discipline and care to afford all others the same rights. We can

never allow our actions to infringe upon the rights of others.

Every student at the BISS has the right to be treated with respect, courtesy and consideration by every

other student, teacher or member of the school. Each individual has the right to know what the rules

are and have the right to know the basic standards of expected conduct and behaviour for themselves

and others. Then, and only then, will the school environment be a community of individuals who live

and interact based on commonly shared rules, rights, expectations and common sense.

As a BISS student, one has the right to:

be treated with respect;

be provided with an educational programme and atmosphere conducive to successful

academic achievement and personal growth;

be given clear and timely information on all rules and regulations;

express one‟s views on educational policies and school regulations;

consult with teachers, counsellors, administrators and other school personnel;

present concerns to school authorities and receive prompt replies.

A BISS student has the responsibility to show:

Respect for the learning process by:

attending classes regularly and punctually;

following expectations and procedures of the classroom;

listening to others, both teachers and students;

being fair and honest in completing school work;

avoiding disruptive behaviour.

Respect for rules and authority by:

respecting the laws of the host country;

following school and classroom rules;

following the dress code;

refraining from the use of tobacco or alcohol on all occasions on school grounds and on

school sponsored activities and within the An Zhen Xi Li area;

refraining from the procurement, use, or possession of illegal or potentially dangerous

implements, material, drugs, or other behaviour altering substances;

leaving the school premises only when supervised by a teacher of the school, or with

permission from the Administration.

Respect for property by:

helping to maintain a pleasant, clean, safe environment;

taking good care of books and other school property;

refraining from damaging other‟s property.

Respect for others by:

being courteous;

avoiding name-calling, foul language and gestures;

welcoming and assisting newcomers;

demonstrating respect for other cultures;

moving carefully through corridors and the playground.

respecting the sensitivities and well-being of others;

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not encouraging or participating in any form of disrespect, humiliation, physical or sexual

harassment, or threat or violence toward another person;

understanding that all demonstrations of affection are, by their nature, private, and will

remain private; at school, they are inappropriate.

Mobile Phones and other Electronic Communication Devices

Students are permitted to bring mobile phones to school but they may only be used on the campus

outside the school buildings before school, during break, at lunchtime and after school. Once a

student is inside the school buildings, mobile phones must be switched off. They should be kept in the

student lockers or on their person. The school takes no responsibility for mobile phones that are lost

or stolen if they are not kept secure. An unsupervised school bag is NOT a secure place.

Please note that use of mobile phones at specific times and places should be considered a privilege.

Abuse of this privilege, or use of phones at inappropriate times and places, will be considered a

serious behavioural infraction. If a student is seen using a mobile phone inside a school building, it

will be confiscated by the teacher and handed to the Principal. Arrangements involving the parents of

the student will be made to return the phone. Infringement of this rule will be considered a level 1

offence. Repeated infringements will mean an elevation to level 2 and, at the discretion of the

Principal, level 2 offenders may be prohibited from bringing their mobile phone to school.

Recreational Equipment and Games

Because of the potential danger to both students and property, the use of skateboards, roller-skates,

roller-blades and bicycles is not permitted within the school grounds.

Electronic devices, for example MP3 players and Discmans, are permitted in school and may be used

before school, during break, at lunchtime and after school. Their use may be permitted in the

classroom at the discretion of the subject teacher. As for mobile phones, electronic devices should be

kept in the student lockers or on their person. The school takes no responsibility for devices that are

lost or stolen if they are not kept secure. An unsupervised school bag is not a secure place.

STUDENT DISCIPLINE

Discipline / Behaviour Management Process

Issues of discipline will be handled in accordance with the seriousness of the incident. Minor

infractions of the rules and/or inappropriate behaviour will be dealt with by the supervising member

of staff and may lead to a detention and correspondence with the parents or guardian. More serious

offences will be will be considered by a Disciplinary Committee. The Disciplinary Committee will

consist of the Head of School, Secondary School Principal, and a teacher who is considered to know

the student well. The Disciplinary Committee will judge the severity of the case and make a decision.

Suspension is a possible sanction as is expulsion in a very serious case. A student suspended out of

school may not attend classes or school events.

A student who commits a serious infraction of school rules and policies, as judged by the Disciplinary

Committee can be suspended for up to five days without Board approval. A student may be

suspended for a longer period of time with Board approval. A student on his/her return, accompanied

by the parent/guardian, will sign an individualised behavioural letter pledging a commitment to good

behaviour. A copy of this letter will be placed in the student file.

Expulsion

The Disciplinary Committee may recommend to the Board that a student be expelled. Normally, this

would be in a situation where, following counselling and conferences with the student and parents,

the student demonstrates one or more of the following: continues to behave in a manner that is

detrimental to the school; or, is unable to profit from the academic programme; or, either interrupts

the learning of others or endangers their safety. However, in severe cases, expulsion may be

recommended without benefit of prior counselling or conferences. In the event of expulsion, all fees

for that billing period are forfeited. The decision of the School Board in this matter is final.

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Searches

A search of student property in school - including but not limited to lockers and school bags - may be

made at the discretion of the Principal if a reasonable suspicion arises that items considered illegal,

dangerous, disruptive, or a general nuisance to the educational process are being kept at school or

there has been theft committed.

Personal searches of students may be made only in the presence of two adults of the same sex as the

person being searched, and written notification forwarded to the parents and the Head of School.

Lateness

All students are expected to be in school before 08:15 am and report to their classes on time. Habitual

tardiness is a serious concern which will lead to disciplinary action and may include suspension from

school. Lates accumulate and in extreme cases may lead to a student failing the year.

Avoiding Class Students are responsible for punctual attendance of all classes. Avoiding classes will result in a

formal school detention. Continued avoidance of classes will result in suspension and may lead to a

recommendation for expulsion.

Unauthorised Leaving of Campus

Since the school is responsible for the well-being of students from the time they arrive on the campus

until they leave, there is no unauthorised leaving of campus by students. The security guards are

instructed not to let them off campus. If they have to leave, they must present a written request from

their parents to the Home Room teacher and the Principal who will sign the note. For the safety of our

students there can be no exception to this rule. Students then take the signed note to the Academic

Office to secure a gate pass to leave campus. AO will email faculty to advise them of the student

departure.

Bus Behaviour Guidelines In order for bus travel to be as safe as possible for all students, regardless of age the following need to

be observed by all students;

Students have a designated pick up stop;

One student per seat on the bus;

Students should stay seated while the bus is moving;

Students must not stand on the bus seats;

Once the air-conditioners are on, the windows must remain closed;

Students should not lean out or put their arms out of the window;

No littering or graffiti on the bus;

The ayi and the driver on the bus should be shown respect at all times.

Any student who does not follow these guidelines and displays inappropriate bus behaviour may be

given a detention and/or be suspended from the bus for a period of time. These rules refer to travel on

the bus and in the period when students are boarding the bus at the end of the school day. When

classes finish students are to go directly to the bus. It is absolutely forbidden to go first to the annexe

or to leave school and then return to the buses. Once on the bus students will not be permitted to leave

the bus.

BISS ID Cards

The Admissions Office will issue these at the beginning of the year or at the time of admission. All

students are required to carry ID cards for proper control and supervision of school-related activities.

While students are at school ID cards must be immediately accessible. ID cards are necessary for

printing at BISS with no exceptions made.

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DRESS CODE FOR SCHOOL/CLASSROOM

BISS does not have a school uniform, but it does have a dress code and students' grooming

should reflect well on the school and the international community. It is expected that students

will demonstrate a respect for cultural differences and a sensitivity that will be reflected in

their appropriate choice of dress for school. In the absence of a school uniform, BISS

students are expected to demonstrate pride in themselves and in their school by their manner

of dress and appearance. The dress code for 2010/11 was devised by the Student Council and

approved by the Principal and therefore must be respected by all students. Offending students

will be sent home to change. If this is not possible they will serve an internal suspension.

Clothes, makeup, and hairstyles shall be neat, clean and in good taste.

Student‟s appearance should be modest and appropriate to the school environment. Visible

tattoos and body/face piercings are not allowed. This list has been written to help students

pick appropriate clothing for school:

General Appearance

Underwear should be covered by outerwear;

Clothing should be in good repair with no ripped or torn items (whether designed that

way or not);

Written motifs should not be offensive and should not include drug or alcohol slogans

or pictures;

Headwear should only be worn outside (except for religious reasons). Caps worn

inside school will be confiscated.

Tops

Straps on dresses and tops must be a minimum of 4cm wide;

Basketball jerseys should be worn over a T-shirt;

Student‟s torso must be covered with clothing.

Bottoms

Skirts and shorts should a maximum of three fingers above the knee.

Footwear

Heels on shoes should be less than 6 cm high.

Flat-soled covered shoes must be worn in Science Labs and the DT studio.

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COMPUTER USE AT BISS

All students at BISS are expected to use computers, the school network and facilities, email, and the

World Wide Web in an ethical manner appropriate for a school setting. At all times, BISS students

are expected to conduct themselves in a manner, which is cognizant of the rights, feelings and

freedoms of others as well as themselves. Due consideration must be given at all times to the effects

one‟s actions have on other members of the BISS community and our global society in general, when

using technology both at home and at school. Computers at school are to be used for school work

only and it is never acceptable to see students on social media sites (including email) or playing

games during class time. Use of a laptop in class is strictly for the work of that class and any other use

will be handled with the strictest penalties. Students downloading files of any type for non-school

purposes while on the BISS network will also be dealt with strictly.

All those using BISS ICT resources must agree to the following Acceptable Use Agreement:

Respect and practice the principles of community:

Communicate only in ways that are kind and respectful.

Practice ethical behaviour.

Report materials that are threatening or discomforting to a teacher or a student.

Not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that violates the school‟s code of

conduct (such as messages that are inappropriate, threatening, rude, discriminatory, or meant

to harass).

Not intentionally access, transmit, copy, or create material that is illegal (such as obscenity,

stolen materials, or illegal copies of copyrighted works).

Not use the ICT resources to further other acts that are criminal or violate the school‟s code

of conduct.

Not send spam, chain letters, or other mass unsolicited mailings.

Not buy, sell, advertise, or otherwise conduct business, unless approved as a school project.

Guidelines for the security and repair of laptops required by students are outlined during the

admissions process and further details can be obtained from the IT department.

ALCOHOL, TOBACCO & DRUG ABUSE POLICY

No student shall possess, use, attempt to use or transmit, or be under the influence of illegal drugs,

alcohol or tobacco in school or during school-sponsored activities. These include:

1. Any controlled substance or dangerous drug as defined by law, including but not limited to

marijuana, hashish, any narcotic drug, hallucinogen, stimulant, depressant, amphetamine, barbiturate,

or inhalant;

2. Any locally available pharmaceutical or over the counter medication without the knowledge and

permission of parents and Principal;

3. Any other intoxicant, or mood changing, mind-altering, or behaviour altering drugs, unless

prescribed by a qualified medical physician. In the case of such prescription the school should be

informed in advance.

Procedures And Sanctions

1. Use or Possession of Alcohol or Cigarettes/tobacco products

On the first offence, a student's parent/guardian will be notified and a letter of warning of suspension

will be placed on the student's file. The students will serve an in-school suspension. On a second or

subsequent offence a student's parent or guardian will be notified and the student will be suspended

out of school with no opportunity to make up work missed, for a period of up to three days as

determined by the Principal. Repeated offences will be dealt with in accordance with school policy

and procedures.

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2. Use or Possession of Illegal Drugs

Where a suspicion exists that a student may be involved with illegal drug use, or may be under the

influence of these substances, the student's parent/guardian will be notified and a parent/school

conference will be held. It will be the responsibility of the student and his/her parents to allay the

suspicion and to confirm with the school accordingly. The school will require the submission of a

medical report by a doctor nominated by the school and supervised by the school.

On the first offence, a student's parent/guardian will be notified and the student will be automatically

suspended from school. Further offences could result in a recommendation for expulsion.

DRUG TESTING POLICY

Drug Testing Beijing BISS International School, in an effort to provide students with reason to say no to drugs, will

carry out compulsory random drug testing on students from Grades 6 to 12.

Students will, under supervision of a BISS faculty member, provide hair or nail samples that will

serve as the basis for the test by an outside testing agency. Consent forms will be issued by the BISS

Admissions Department at the time of enrolment. Students will not be enrolled unless said forms are

completed and signed by the student, parent or guardian agreeing to drug testing. Refusal following

enrolment to submit to a drug test will result in immediate suspension or explusion. For further

information, please contact the Counsellor.

Procedures for Grades 6-12:

The Counsellor will randomly select students from the Grade 6-12 list of students via a computer

software programme.

Testing will take place on a regular basis throughout the year.

Selected students will be given a notification letter via their Home Room teacher during Home

Room time.

Chosen students must report to the Clinic at the specified time for Random Drug Testing

procedures and take the notification letter with them.

Either the School Doctor or School Nurse will conduct the test following the procedures indicated

in the Psychemedics Corporation Manual. The test will take approximately seven minutes. The

Counsellor will supervise the testing procedures.

Those students in the test group will need to take the notification letter home. Parents are to sign

the tear-off slip and return the slip to their Home Room teacher on the next school day following the

test. It is important that the school knows that parents have been notified; therefore failure by the

student to return the tear-off slip could result in further action being taken by the Home Room

teacher.

Once the tear-off slip is returned, the HR teacher forwards the tear-off slip to the Counsellor who

will keep a record of all students tested.

After the test

The results will be usually received within three working days after the test. This will be

accomplished through Psychemedics Corporation‟s secure web site.

If the test is negative, the Counsellor will inform the student and their parents by standard letter.

If the test is positive, the Principal will forward an appropriate letter to the parents. In addition the

Principal will make personal contact with the parents to set up a meeting to be attended by the

student, parents, and Counsellor.

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On a first offence of testing positive, there will be a variety of actions undertaken. Initially a period of

suspension will be served during which the student will be required to undergo professional outside

counselling in addition to some other tasks as specified by the Principal. A retest is possible through

Psychemedics Corporation following the procedures in the documentation. All costs will be met by

parents. Upon returning to school the student will be placed on a periodic, mandatory drug testing

regime at parents‟ expense. It is hoped that the student utilises this time and the assistance given to

him/her to reflect on and change his/her behaviour in relation to drug use. If however, the behaviour

does not change and a second positive test is recorded, the student will be permanently withdrawn

from BISS.

ACADEMIC HONESTY:

MALPRACTICE, COLLUSION AND PLAGIARISM

BISS defines:

Malpractice as the attempt by a candidate to gain an unfair advantage in any assessment component.

Collusion as a candidate knowingly allowing his or her work to be submitted for assessment by

another candidate.

Plagiarism as the submission for assessment of unacknowledged work (words, thought or ideas) of

another person as the candidate‟s own work.

It is the responsibility of the teacher to ensure, to the best of their knowledge, that all candidates‟

material for assessment is their own. Suspected cases of malpractice, collusion and plagiarism must

be dealt with by the school.

All work submitted to the IB for external moderation or assessment must be authenticated by a

teacher and must not include any instances of suspected malpractice.

A student found guilty of the above by the IB may not be awarded a diploma/certificate and will not

be allowed to take the IB examinations in the future.

BISS addresses issues of academic dishonesty seriously. Possible consequences are listed as: zero

grade, academic probation, detention, suspension and expulsion.

Students found undertaking malpractice, collusion and/or plagiarism

during an examination or major assessment, risk failing the entire quarter,

regardless of previously completed work.

Further details can be found in the Secondary School Academic Honesty Policy.

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SUPPORT SERVICES

Secondary School Home Room Programme

The Homeroom programme provides students with opportunities for positive interaction and

teamwork in a non-academic setting. Homeroom time is an opportunity for them to get to know their

peers, their teachers, and perhaps even themselves. In a partnership, the students and the homeroom

teachers will be asked to concentrate on developing activities that will enrich social awareness,

personal development, and academic growth. The groups meet daily for ten minutes during which

attendance is taken, the daily bulletin is read and discussed, sports activities are planned and the

homeroom programme is implemented.

Individual Counselling

The Counsellor is trained to help students with problems arising from academic, personal, social or

family conflicts. Some common problems include adjustments to school, changing peer

relationships, parent expectations and study habits. Confidentiality is always observed. Students

should feel free to make an appointment with the Counsellor whenever they need to do so.

Group Guidance At different times throughout the year, the Counsellor will conduct group guidance sessions. These

sessions are designed to help students gain insight into their behaviour, understand their attitudes,

interests and capabilities, and learn how to make intelligent decisions.

Academic Follow-up The academic follow-up service is a series of systematic checks co-ordinated through the Counselling

Office and the Optimal Learning Centre (OLC) to determine whether the educational programme is

meeting the needs of the individual student. It may include regular progress reports, individual

testing, individual counselling or consultation between student, parents, teachers and counsellor.

Career Guidance & College/University Placement Counselling and guidance on further education issues are of utmost importance to students in Grades

9 to 12. At Beijing BISS International School we have a full time counsellor, whose role is to assist

students with the following tasks:

Researching career options through discussions with teachers, use of the school library‟s

career resources and other materials on the Internet.

Contacting specific institutions, obtaining prospectuses and critically assessing the literature

and the courses offered.

Investigating specific entry requirements for specific institutions and assisting students to

prepare applications accordingly.

While the Counsellor will help the students make the step from school to college or university,

emphasis is placed on the student to make the transition happen.

Optimal Learning Centre (OLC)

The OLC programme is provided to assist students with mild learning disabilities through a wide

variety of services, including educational evaluation that will support students and teachers from

Grades K-12. These services will be utilized by qualified students and will accommodate a variety of

student learning needs. Each student will receive individualized attention that will encompass

assessment, learning strategies, individual programmes and reports. OLC staff will work to support

areas of weakness to promote remediation, as well as to reinforce student performances.

The OLC programme also provides an enriched programme for students with unique learning

abilities. The Enrichment Programme offers individualized programming as determined by student

interest and motivation.

ESOL (ENGLISH FOR SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES)

English is not the first language of many of our students. It may well be their second, third or even

fourth spoken language. Therefore, the ESOL programme is essential to help students who need to

improve their English skills quickly and so integrate fully in all aspects of their life here at BISS.

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The purposes of the ESOL programme are:

1. to assess the students English proficiency, assign a level of support and monitor their progress.

2. to develop the student‟s ability to communicate effectively in English in both academic and social

situations.

3. to develop a student‟s all round abilities in speaking, reading, listening and writing as well

general study skills in all areas of the curriculum.

4. to develop a student‟s cognitive and conceptual learning whilst they are learning English.

5. to value linguistic and cultural identities each student brings into the life at school.

Most of the learning in Secondary School takes place within the mainstream classroom. In this way

students continually use the skills and language they acquire directly in their learning, whilst also

helping them with their everyday communication with friends and teachers.

In delivering the best programme possible, we use a wide variety of teaching materials and resources

including professionally designed videos, recordings, computer based materials, and the very best

commercially produced texts alongside our own materials which have been custom designed to meet

the curriculum needs of students at BISS.

Placement of Students & Entrance Testing

Grades 6 - 10

All students in Grades 6-10 will take an English standardised entry/placement test and a school

based curriculum test before their formal enrolment into BISS. Subject to the scores achieved in

these initial tests students are provided with a level of support that is considered appropriate to their

abilities*. Such support is offered through the ESOL or OLC programs. Students assessed at a

beginning level of English acquisition may be withdrawn from some classes to receive additional

support.

In Grades 9 & 10, no English B Foundation students are admitted. Students must be at the English B

Standard level of English language proficiency for admittance into grade 9 & 10. No beginning

students will be admitted after the beginning of March in Grade 8 and by the beginning of Grade 9

they must be at the English B Standard level of English language proficiency.

* Following admission, to ensure that we provide the appropriate level of support, each ESOL

student is given a probationary placement period of up to 4 weeks. During this ‘settling in’ time we

carefully monitor a student’s progress and their level of ESOL support for suitability. Either during

or following the probation period a student’s placement is then evaluated and confirmed or adjusted

as necessary. Students will also undergo a more extensive English ability test during this time.

All MYP students studying in our English B programme are tested twice a year using the MAC II

test from Questar Assessment, Inc. Our minimum requirements for progression are listed below:

Grade Expected minimum percentile

rank – November

Required minimum percentile

rank for Grade progression - June

6 - 20

7 25 40

8 45 60

9 65 70

10 75 80

Grade 11 & 12 There is no ESOL support for Grades 11 & 12. Students wishing to enter Grades 11 or 12 must be

tested before any formal enrolment and must be at a Near-Native level of English language

proficiency for admittance.

Emergency Evacuation In the event of a major emergency or fire, the school will follow procedures to quickly and safely

evacuate to the main playground. Once there, further instructions will be given, depending upon the

nature of the emergency. In the event of an earthquake or school lock down students will remain in

their classrooms and follow given procedures as directed by their teacher.

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Clinic

The school operates an onsite clinic which provides emergency first aid treatment. Students who

become ill at school must be referred by a staff member to attend the clinic. The medical team will

assess the student‟s ability to remain at school or contact home so a student may leave to seek further

medical attention.

Students who need to take medication regularly during the school day need to have a note from

parents stating this. All medications are to be administered through the clinic.

The school has accident insurance for all students. It is limited liability coverage of medical

treatment. We encourage parents to have their own medical insurance to cover the costs of extra

medical care that may be related to any accident that occurs.

EXTRA–CURRICULAR PROGRAMME

After School Activities (ASAs)

Students are encouraged to participate in after school activities (ASAs). A wide variety of extra-

curricular activities is offered by teachers and other instructors after school and/or in the lunch break.

Activities are offered to all students from Grades 1-12. As a guide, the following is a list of activities

that have been offered in past years:

Art & Craft Stamping/Card-making Sport Gong Fu

Chinese Art & Craft Table Tennis

Clay Work Soccer

Mask-making Basketball

Photography Volleyball

Tennis

General Video Club Ice-Skating

Chinese Cooking Outdoor Games

Roots & Shoots

Spanish Club

Aerobics

Badminton

Computer Club

Student Council Music & Drama Maori Club

Model United Nations Hip Hop/Jazz Dancing

Winter Games Dramatics

Chess Rock‟n‟Roll Band

Creative Writing Choir / Singing Group

ASAs – student departure from school

Students may remain on school grounds after 3:15 pm for two reasons:

1. They are attending an ASA.

2. They have been given permission 24 hours in advance and are supervised by a teacher.

These students are in our care from 3:15pm until their time of departure to either the buses or their

own transport. Students in an ASA need to leave the school grounds by 4:30 pm.

Any teacher who has a student in their care from 3:15 pm-4:30 pm, either as an ASA or by individual

arrangement, is responsible for ensuring that they leave the campus. In the case of K-10, this may

mean that teachers need to either check that they get on the buses or they have departed the school

through their own transport.

If a student has not left the campus by 4:30 pm, and there appears to be no means of transport home,

the teacher can accompany the student to the foyer and request that reception and/or an

Administration Officer to follow up with a phone call home. The student needs to wait in the foyer

until he/she is collected. Guards will notify reception once the means of transport arrives.

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While attendance at ASAs is voluntary students are strongly encouraged to attend. For Grades 6-12

ASAs serve as the main means for students to meet their Community & Service requirements.

However once a student registers for an ASA they are expected to attend all scheduled sessions and

leave the school by 4:30pm or advise the supervising teacher in advance of any variation. The

Activities Coordinator and Homeroom teacher will be informed if a student does not attend an ASA

session or is regularly not picked by the appointed time. Parents will be given due warning that their

son/daughter may lose their ASA privileges if they are not collected at 4:30 pm or if they do not

attend a session without a valid explanation. A student who has a continuing problem with ASA pick

up or attendance will be referred to the Principal to follow up with parents.

These procedures also apply to sports teams and practices/matches.

GENERAL INFORMATION

TEXT BOOKS School-owned textbooks will be issued to all students. In cases of loss or damage, the school will

require reimbursement.

LOCKERS Secondary School students have a small locker in which to store their textbooks and school supplies.

A 50RMB fee will be charged to replace a lost key.

LAPTOP RECHARGING STATIONS Laptop recharging stations are available for general use. Students must provide their own lock to

secure their computers while they are being recharged. Students are only to use this service only for

the duration of recharging their computers and not for long periods (overnight).

LUNCH/CANTEEN SERVICES Lunch is eaten in the courtyard. Students are to leave their eating areas clean and return eating

utensils to the canteen. Free drinking water is available at all times throughout the school building.

Students are encouraged to bring their own water bottles as constant hydration helps learning. For

those students who bring their lunch from home, two microwave ovens are placed in the courtyard

and the assistant will help students warm up their meals. Our catering sub–contractor provides a hot

lunch daily and also sells snacks, instant noodles, ice cream, milk and other drinks during breaks.

LIBRARY AND RESOURCE CENTRE (LRC) BISS LRC is located on the second floor and it is divided in two resource rooms. BISS maintains a

library of books, magazines, DVDs, audio materials, etc. We also have subscriptions to several online

resources such as Brainpop and the EBSCO research database. Students are encouraged to visit the

library to borrow items to take home, as well as to use them on site. Students may use the library

materials in conjunction with their class work as well as for leisure. The library resources are

continually being extended and we welcome suggestions for new materials. Students are able to

search for library resources via the online catalogue, Destiny.

The loan period is two weeks for books and three days for magazines. If students have items that are

overdue, they will not be able to borrow any more items. Materials that are lost or damaged will be

charged according to current market prices. The library is open from 8:00am - 4:00pm. Any

questions can be directed to the Teacher-Librarian, Ms Ana Cob.

HOUSE SYSTEM Each student and each member of faculty is assigned to one of the four school houses designated by

the colours red, blue, green and yellow. During the year, a variety of house competitions take place

ranging from sports to quizzes with results being accumulated to determine winning house.

STUDENT COUNCIL The Student Council is an elected body of students from the Secondary School. The student body

selects four officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. Representatives from each

grade level complete the Council.

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The Student Council aims to organise various functions such as fund-raising activities, dances, and

holiday celebrations to enhance student life. The Student Council also serves as a liaison between

students and the school administration.

YEARBOOK

The BISS yearbook is representative of the events that take place throughout the academic year. All

students completing the school year at BISS receive a free copy.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES The school provides an initial package of basic stationery supplies such as notebooks, pens, pencils,

erasers, and crayons or coloured pencils. Textbooks are issued to each student on a loan basis.

Students are responsible for the maintenance of the supplies and, if necessary, their replacement cost.

CALCULATORS FOR MATHEMATICS

GRADES 6 TO 8

All students are expected to have a standard scientific calculator capable of performing statistical

functions and manipulating fractions. We recommend Casio brand and the Casio fx–65 or similar

would be suitable.

GRADES 9 AND 10 All students are expected to have a standard scientific calculator capable of performing statistical

functions and manipulating fractions however we recommend the purchase of a Graphic Display

Calculator. These are essential in Grades 11 and 12. Students that become familiar with their use

during Grades 9 and 10 put themselves at a distinct advantage. We recommend the Texas Instruments

TI-83+. These are available through the school at a cost of approximately RMB 1200. Please see Mr

Fitz-Gerald for orders.

GRADES 11 AND 12 All students are expected to have a Graphic Display Calculator. This is a requirement from the IB.

We recommend the Texas Instruments TI-83+. These are available through the school at a cost of

approximately RMB 1200. Please see Mr Fitz-Gerald for orders.

Important note: Please consult Mr Fitz-Gerald or view the IB Approved Calculators document

at http://www.biss.com.cn before buying a graphic display other than the TI-83+. Several

models are not permitted in IB Examinations.

PE CLOTHING For PE, a good tracksuit and sweatshirt is advisable. All students will be issued with two school T-

shirts.

LOST AND FOUND We maintain a lost and found area at the Reception desk. Please check at the Reception desk for

missing items.

TRANSPORTATION The school operates bus services to major expatriate areas. In the mornings, school buses leave their

designated pick-up points between 07:00 and 08:00. In the afternoons, buses reach their designated

drop-off points between 15:20 and 16:00. For more information, please contact the General

Administration Manager on 64433151.

Parents may wish to make other arrangements in order to ensure that their child arrives and leaves

school at the appropriate times. Students are required to leave the school grounds at 15:15 unless

they have an ASA or have specific permission and teacher who will supervise them.

The School must be aware of parental arrangements for transport, school buses, private cars or

leaving school on foot. When students wish to temporarily change school bus, parents should advise

the Academic Office in advance so that the appropriate permission form may be filled in.

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TELEPHONE The school has limited telephone facilities which are to be used for official calls only. The main

office phone number is 64433151/2/3 and students need written permission from a teacher before

they can use the phone. Students must turn their mobile phones off whilst on campus. They should be

kept in the lockers or turned off and on their person. Mobile phones can only be used at break times.

The school takes no responsibility for mobile phones that are lost or stolen.

BEING AWAY FROM BEIJING Given the transience of the International School community, we realise there are times when both

parents are going to be away from home. The change of routine can affect their child's performance

here at school. We request that they notify in writing the Academic Office in advance of their

departure, indicate to us who will be responsible for their child while they are away and whom the

school should contact in case of emergency. With their co-operation we can help ensure that things go

as smoothly as possible here at school while they are away. We recommend that no student be left

without adequate supervision at any time.

VISITORS TO THE SCHOOL It is standard operating procedure for our visitors/guests to the school to make appointments prior to

their visit. Our students know that in order to have a friend accompany them to school for the day,

they need to bring a letter of request from their parents/guardian and addressed to the Principal prior

to the planned visit (at least two days notice is appreciated). This is important so that we can

minimize disruptions to the school timetable - teachers could have activities or assessment planned

and it is not appropriate for guests to be present. Once permission is granted, the teachers are notified

so that they can plan for this, as well as other school personnel. Guests on campus are required to

wear their Visitor‟s Badge for the duration of their visit, and follow the rules of our school whilst here.

It is considered polite and good manners that students bring their guests to introduce them to the

school. We look forward to visitors to our school and hope that students and parents continue to

support our need to follow the above procedures, not only for security purposes but also to observe

courteousness.

GUARDIANSHIP POLICY

To ensure the safety and well-being of all students who are in Beijing without their parents, the BISS

admissions policy requires all such students to stay with BISS approved guardians.

Acceptance, and continued enrolment in BISS, will depend on approval of living arrangements by the

school Counsellor, Secondary School Principal, and Head of School.

Changes in guardianship or living arrangements require prior approval from the school. Failure to

obtain prior approval will bring a student's future enrolment status at BISS into question, and could

result in the student being directed to withdraw from BISS.

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PROMOTION POLICY

GRADES 6 - 9

In order for a student to be promoted to the next grade some minimum standards and requirements

need to be met. A student must:

1. The student has passed a minimum of 6 subjects. In order to pass a subject a student must get at

least an average of 2.5 over the 2 semesters with a minimum of 3 in the second semester. NO

subjects can be failed two years consecutively. If this occurs a student cannot be promoted to the

next grade.

2. All Community and Service requirements have been fulfilled.

3. The student has met the English level equivalent percentile for the Grade level for promotion on

the MAC II test from Questar Assessment, Inc.

4. The BISS Attendance Policy has been fulfilled.

5. The student has participated in the Activity Week Programme.

Students diagnosed with a Specific Learning Disability will be offered the appropriate support that

will allow them the opportunity to be promoted to the next grade.

GRADE 10 – Entry to IBDP

It is important that students take responsibility for their learning and that we ensure, as a school, that

students are able to cope with the level of instruction undertaken at the IB Diploma Programme level.

For this purpose, the following promotion policy is vital to ensure that academic responsibility is

ensured.

1. The student has an English level equivalent to the 80% percentile on the MAC II test from

Questar Assessment, Inc.

2. The student has completed all MYP subjects to a passing grade of 3 or more.

3. The MYP Personal Project has been fully completed to a passing level.

4. All Community and Service requirements have been fulfilled.

5. The student has received recommendations for at least 5 of the required IBDP Groups.

6. The BISS Attendance Policy has been fulfilled.

7. The student has participated in the Activity Week Programme.

Failure to meet the promotion requirements may affect movement to the next grade level.

A student with a specific learning difficulty may be exempt from the above promotion requirements.

The student must have documentation (which includes an educational assessment) that certifies the

learning difficulty to be exempt.

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GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The BISS Secondary School Academic Diploma is intended for all native speakers of English and

for second language speakers of English. The requirements for graduation and attainment of the

Diploma are:

1. Completion of two full years of study at Grades 11 & 12 at Beijing BISS International School (or

continuation from another school with a programme approved by the Diploma Programme

Coordinator).

2. Successfully pass (3 or above) six subjects at Grade 11 and Grade 12 levels (average for the four

semesters).

3. Complete all CAS obligations.

4. Complete the Extended Essay or Research Project (non-IB Diploma students) satisfactorily

(predicted grade of C or above).

5. Participation in the Activity Week Programme each year in BISS.

Other students who are unable to meet the above graduation requirements will be eligible to receive

the BISS Leavers Statement. This statement is a record that states that the students have studied in

Grade 11 and Grade 12 and lists the subjects studied during their time at Beijing BISS International

School.

Transfer Students - Beijing BISS International School will recognise the credentials of any student

transferring into the school from other accredited educational systems for graduation purposes.

Any exceptions to the normal graduation requirements shall be approved by the Head of School.

OPEN CAMPUS POLICY

Grade 12 students are given the privilege to leave campus at lunch time if they meet the requirements

and they have returned the appropriate permission forms from parents/guardians. Grade 11 students

who receive good effort grades in their quarter and semester reports will receive the same privilege.

Their continuance will be dependent on further good effort grades and will be monitored by the

Diploma Programme Coordinator. The BISS ID card is essential to the procedure of leaving and

entering campus, as is sign-in and sign-out procedures.

At times the Diploma Programme Coordinator may withdraw this privilege if students fail to meet the

responsibilities associated with this Policy or in emergency situations where students‟ safety could be

compromised.

This handbook is designed to assist parents and students in understanding how the

Secondary School at BISS operates. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to

contact your son/ daughter’s Home Room teacher or either of us.

Mr Lennox Meldrum

Secondary School Principal

Diploma Programme Coordinator

Mr Ross Brown

Middle Years Programme Coordinator

August 2010