Situated on an expansive estate in the British countryside, SIS-UK opened its doors in September 2013 to students in grades 7-10. The school, which occupies 148 acres, is located approximately 8 miles from the city of Bath, a location that provides an inspiring setting for students to build a solid academic foundation and explore their full potential.
One of only two boarding schools in the global SABIS® School Network, SIS-UK offers boarding students the chance to be part of a truly international community that is committed to achieving academic excellence. From September 2014, SIS-UK will expand its offerings to include Grade 11. In each of the two subsequent years, the school will add an additional grade level until it reaches a full, Grade 7-13 offering.
The SABIS® Educational Experience
Like all SABIS® member schools worldwide, SIS-UK follows the SABIS® Educational System, a proven system that has been tried and tested for over 127 years. The SABIS® Educational System uses proven teaching methods to implement a challenging, international curriculum that is reinforced through frequent assessment. Like all SABIS® member schools, SIS-UK emphasizes a well-balanced body of knowledge, skills, and experiences that provide students with a solid academic foundation that prepares them for success in university and beyond.
To date, SIS-UK students in grades 7 to 10 are prepared to take British-based International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) program and can also take the DELF, a certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French administered by France's Ministry of Education. As the school expands, students will be prepared for a wide range of additional leaving certificates and external examinations including A Levels, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (pending approval), and the American-based Advanced Placement® exams in a variety of subjects.
Boarding School: A Life-Changing Experience
In addition to a high-quality educational experience through the SABIS® Educational System, SIS-UK offers its students the chance to experience boarding school life in the U.K. In its first year of operation, all 68 students enrolled at SIS-UK were enrolled on either a full or weekly boarding basis. Full-time boarding students live on campus during the entire term, while weekly boarders go home on the weekends. Girls and boys live in separate dormitories and share single-gender rooms based on age, year group, and academic performance.
“Attending boarding school is a life-changing experience on so many levels,” explained Mr. John Nicholson, SIS-UK School Director. “SIS-UK is a close knit community that currently brings together students from over 23 different nationalities. It is an ideal environment for students to embrace diversity, learn tolerance, and form lifelong friendships.”
Students at SIS-UK agree with Mr. Nicholson.
“I have met students from all over the world whom I have grown to care for very deeply. SIS-UK has made me a more independent person and I am constantly encouraged to make the most of my abilities.”
--Zeinab Mackie, Grade 10
“SIS-UK has taught me how to be independent. It has increased my confidence and taught me how to overcome obstacles in order to achieve something greater. It is here that I truly experienced, for the first time, the weight and rewards of responsibility.”
--Paulo Fortu, Grade 8
“SIS-UK has had a great impact on me; it has been a life altering experience that has taught me about responsibility, leadership, and friendship. Moreover, I have learned to cherish every moment, and for that I will always be grateful.”
--Farah Abbas, Grade 10
“My first few weeks away from home were very difficult. But very soon I started to make new friends and enjoy myself. SIS-UK is my second home now. I love the cosy corridors, the welcoming classrooms, and most of all my amazing friends and teachers.”
--Katerina Vlasova, Grade 9
The SABIS Student Life Organization® at SIS-UK
With students living on campus throughout much of the year, SLO® takes on a whole meaning at SIS-UK. In all SABIS® member schools, students are encouraged to join the SABIS Student Life Organization®, or SLO®. Through SLO® activities, students experience real-life responsibilities, develop their leadership and communication skills, gain self-confidence, and learn how to give back to their community. Students also engage in a number of sports and activities and learn how to make their school a place for everyone to enjoy.
During their free time, students at SIS-UK enjoy a number of clubs and activities to explore new hobbies and areas of interest. With a wide range of choices including dance, theater, cooking, movie, basketball, football, journalism, chess and music clubs, there is something for everyone to get involved in. The school also offers several extra-curricular activities such as swimming, photography, martial arts, and horseback riding to name a few.
With every single one of the students on campus involved, SLO® plays a central role at SIS-UK. The SLO® departments — Academics, Discipline, Sports and Health, Activities, Management, Social Responsibility, Outreach, and Lower School — ensure that each and every student is fully engaged, challenged, and having fun during and after regular school hours.
All the SLO® departments at SIS-UK have successfully contributed to making the school a welcoming place for all. Departments that have been particularly active in the past include the Social Responsibility and Lower School departments. During Term 1 of the 2013-14 academic year, the Social Responsibility Department rolled out a successful “Big Brother and Big Sister” program, pairing each young student with an older “bother” or “sister” who ensured that they settled into their new school happily. The department also organized a number of events to promote friendship and understanding of each other’s culture, which is of particular importance in a boarding school environment. The SLO® Lower School Department has also been active in ensuring that the younger students, many of whom are away from home for the very first time, feel welcome and accepted in their new “home away from home.”
The SABIS® Study Abroad Program
In addition to the full-year academic program offered at SIS-UK