The secondary (12 to 18 years)

"We encourage all to value learning and the pursuit of truth"

In an academic institution like BICS, academic rigour is the first essential. We ask of each pupil that he or she give the best that they can give. We ask much of their gifts, and support them in their difficulties. Academically a comprehensive range of subjects, highly professional teaching, and first class facilities for learning create that challenge. The majority of our pupils are fluent in English and French, although we can integrate pupils who are not. An interview and entrance examination is a requirement for admission. We have small class sizes and well qualified teachers who give of their best to get the best from students-inspiring and challenging them.

A pupil’s first three years in the School are the years in which he or she lays solid academic foundations. Every pupil studies English, French and Mathematics. They also study the three principal branches of science-Biology, Chemistry and Physics. History, Geography, Greek and Latin are also obligatory. We believe that all of our pupils in their first two years should follow more or less the same broad curriculum, and that it is wrong to ask a pupil to choose between subjects before the requisite maturity and experience.

A Christian education is rooted in the conviction that, as God’s creation is good, the young deserve access to all the great scientific, literary and artistic achievements of our civilisation. We strive to give to all our students a sense of the value of learning for its own sake. We hold that the search for truth begun early is the foundation of a full adult life.

A full range of extra-curricular activities is provided within school hours, including sport, art and music. A vast number of other interests outside school hours can supplement these, especially on Wednesday afternoons in specialist clubs. Regular visits are made to cultural and artistic events. Once a year a class trip lasting a week is organised to a foreign country. We encourage our pupils to be become fully rounded individuals, ready to serve others generously, be strong in friendships and loyal towards their families.

The curriculum is that of the Belgian Communauté Francaise, with public external examinations at the ages of 14, 16, and 18 leading to the Belgian Secondary Diploma. This is internationally recognised and gives access to universities in Europe and the United States. Over the past 5 years we have had a 100% pass rate with pupils placed consistently in the top 10%.

FAQ :

What is your success rate in national exams?

In 2007 our pupils achieved a 100% pass rate in their national exams (épreuve du jury first degree), with our pupils being ranked in the first ten out of eighty passes nationally. One of our pupils was indeed grade first.

Are your diplomas recognised internationally, and will they enable our child to enter other schools in the appropriate year?

All our children take the nationally approved and recognised examinations of the ‘jury d’état’ organised by the Belgian education authorities. Our curriculum covers all that is necessary for these exams. Success in these externally marked examinations obtains a diploma that is not only recognised by all members of the European Community, but also worldwide. The fact that these exams are marked externally to the school, like the International Baccalaureate, maintains an objective control of our standards.

Do you offer the possibility of exchanges with other schools?

We are at present elaborating an exchange programme with two schools in England. This will enable children to have the option of completing their sixth form studies in England. In the past our pupils have done so on an informal basis, with pupils notably going on to complete their studies at schools such as Eton and Ampleforth.