A . PAST AND PRESENT

 The British School of Benghazi has just celebrated its 50th birthday, having been established in 1958 to serve the educational needs of the “English-speaking International Community” resident in Benghazi. The size of the School has fluctuated and in its new premises, beside the European School, it is limited to one form of entry, each year comprising no more than 22 students in each of eight year groups, who generally represent around 40 nations. The school programme covers Nursery, Reception and Year One through Six. Parents of our students are connected with areas which include the diplomatic community as well as the oil and construction industries, engineering consulting, health and education. The School is full and prospective parents are advised to place their names on the waiting list for the coming academic year at the earliest opportunity.

The School is approved by the Ministry of Education and subject to inspection.

B. SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Great emphasis is to be placed on the interrelated nature of knowledge and practical skills. We aim to offer a warm, caring environment in order to help our students enjoy and benefit from all they do at school. We aim for all our students to develop as individuals, yet be responsive to and tolerant of the needs of others. We endeavour to provide a lively and stimulating environment in which effective learning can take place and a sense of curiosity be encouraged. We promote the development of the whole child and encourage him/her to realise his/her full potential.

Throughout their school lives students are encouraged to explore their own attitudes and beliefs and to see these in the context of their varied environments. Personal and social responsibilities are emphasized throughout the school and children are encouraged to have an understanding of why these responsibilities are important. This brings breadth and balance to the curriculum and promotes personal qualities such as independence of mind, respect for the truth, persistence, flexibility and imagination. It also contributes to a happy school environment.

The multicultural, international character of the school is considered and incorporated in the school curriculum. Examples from other cultures are explored and investigated to enrich the students’ education. While the language of instruction is English in the core and foundation subjects, Arabic and French are offered as additional languages. A range of other languages can be studied, together with musical instruments, and various activities undertaken, sporting and other, after school and at the weekends. The school’s beliefs in multicultural, personal and social education are firmly interlinked and play a vital role in all that we do at the school.