The British Schools Group opens first school in the Philippines

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines finally welcomes the establishment of the first King’s School under the British Schools Group.

The prestigious school opens formal classes in September 2012 and its campus is ideally located near the Mall of Asia.

The Group is one of the largest networks of British international schools in the world and operates some of the top private schools in Spain, Brazil, Russia, China, and Malaysia.

The school is thoroughly British, offering the same high standards and breadth of options as the best independent schools in the UK.

The school recently appointed its founding head teacher, Janet Brock. Brock is one of the region’s most highly regarded and experienced academics, having managed some of the best international and independent schools in Europe, Asia, and UK for more than 20 years.

According to Brock, the nature of education at the BSG schools is “thoroughly British and thoroughly modern.” She adds, “While children perform at a level placing the vast majority of them in the top 10 percent of UK students, the education they receive and the school environment are based on warmth and encouragement.”

Among its broad range of activities, music stands out, with all primary school children learning at least one instrument every year as part of the curriculum. Concerts and other musical performances can be expected to be regular occurrences at the school.

The ultimate goal for both students and the school is for secondary students to gain spots in top universities in the UK or the US. However, students will also be pleased to know that in addition, they are programmed to take part in activities with a view to further build independence and confidence. The King’s School will offer a full-fledged sailing program for senior secondary students, among others.

A strong Mandarin Chinese language program will likewise be offered. According to Brock, Mandarin has become a priority not just for Asian students but also for many Western expatriates in the region. She adds that the King’s School in Manila will draw on expertise developed at its China and Malaysia schools, and now used by private schools in the UK, to provide a differentiated Mandarin language program which requires all primary students to study Chinese 45 to 60 minutes every day.