Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Report of what it's like to live there - 04/25/19
Personal Experiences from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
School Name:
British School of Riyadh
Background Information:
1. Are you the parent of a child(ren) attending this school? A teacher at the school? Or both?
I am the mother of four children attending BISR.
2. What grade or grades do/did your children attend at the school? During what year(s) did they attend the school?
Kindergarten/1st grade, 1st/2nd grade, 4th/5th grade, & 6th/7th grade
2018-2020
3. What was your reason for living in the city where the school is located (e.g., government, military, corporate, NGO, retired)?
State department
4. Are other schools available to expatriates in this city? Why did you choose this particular school?
Most children from the US Embassy attend AISR. We chose the British school because of numerous parents telling us they were unhappy with the curriculum at AISR. They felt like it was about a year behind American schools and that students spent too much time playing on their ipads and learning to become a "global citizen". Our kids were already in a British school at our last post which was more advanced & rigorous than a typical American elementary school, so we felt our kids would waste two years at a school if it was a year behind American schools.
Admissions & Welcome:
1. Are the admissions and placement procedures clearly stated to prospective families, either on the school website or through other means of communication?
They are clearly stated. It is difficult to figure out how to pay for the application fee since most US banks won't send money to a Saudi bank. We had to have someone here at post go pay it for us and send them money through paypal.
2. How would you rate the school's support and welcome/integration of new students and their families, and why?
I think there are/were a lot of new students this year, so there wasn't anything special as a welcome or integration. They just started school like all the other kids.
Administration & School Procedures:
1. How is the overall communication between teachers and parents, and the administration and parents? How is communication facilitated?
Communication is almost all through the school's website & weekly newsletter. You have to read the newsletter to be aware of upcoming field trips and events. I wish teachers would email us directly. You have to read/scan a long letter to figure out what applies to your child. You can talk or email your teachers directly with concerns and they are prompt with getting back to you.
2. Aside from school fees, are there required expenses such as uniforms, laptops/tablets, musical instruments, or field trips that parents are expected to cover? What are the approximate costs?
Uniforms are required and laptops for year 7 (6th grade) and above. Field trips have been minimal cost. There are bigger trips that are optional and quite expensive.
Academics & Resources:
1. What personal or academic counseling resources are available at this school? Is there a dedicated college counselor at the school? Is he/she familiar with universities worldwide?
There is a counselor and I've heard she is really good but I haven't had any interaction with her. There are many college counselors but I would not suggest BISR for high school students unless you plan and can stay with the British system until they graduate. We will switch back to the American system since we don't know where my oldest will graduate from.
2. Is there before and/or after-school daycare available? What are the costs?
No
3. Does the school have a library? How large is it? How updated are the books? Can students borrow books to read at home?
Yes, kids can borrow books at their breaks as well as their weekly library day.
4. How are information technology resources at the school. Are they up-to-date? Is there a computer lab?
There is a computer lab and my kids really enjoy it.
5. What are the technology requirements for students? Do they need their own laptops/ipads? How is technology integrated into the classroom and homework?
Laptops for middle school and above. Ipads and computers are occasionally used in the elementary years but its not excessive. Seems like the right amount to me for that age group.
6. Describe the physical education resources at the school. Is there a gym? A swimming pool? Are there playing fields or tennis courts available?
Kids have PE or swimming twice a week. They trade off which kids are swimming. They learn the strokes and have really gotten better at swimming. There is a very good swim team and there are other extra activities and teams throughout the year. This is a big bonus over the American school which doesn't have any sports for elementary.
7. What is the approximate teacher-to-student ratio in the grades that your child attended?
About 15-20 kids in the elementary classes with a teacher and full time aid.
8. Are students generally challenged appropriately by the curriculum? Please describe any particular strengths or weaknesses in this area. Do you have any thoughts how the curriculum is applied and implemented at this school?
My kids have been appropriately challenged. I am pleased with what they are learning without there being excessive homework.
9. Is the amount and type of homework generally appropriate for the age and grade of the students?
Yes, very little in kindergarten and 1st grade. Not too much in 3rd grade either. My child in 6th grade has a good amount but the British system has taught him a lot of independence and time-management so he does well with the amount they are given.
10. What fine arts electives are available (music, drama, visual arts)?
Music lessons are available, choir, my 6th grade son has a drama class all year. You can sign up for additional plays if you're interested.
11. Are the teachers at the school required to speak English as a first language--or at least fluently?
Yes
12. What services are available for gifted/advanced students at the school? Please describe your experience with these services, if applicable.
I am not sure if there is any. They do divide the kids into levels for their math and English so they really do challenge them where they are at for those subjects.
13. What extra-curricular activities (including sports) are available at this school? Have your children participated in these activities? What activities do you feel are missing at the school?
Kids have participated in many after school activities. Rugby, soccer, art, cooking
Social & Emotional Well-Being:
1. What is the climate for LGBT+ kids at this school? Are there resources they can draw upon? Does there appear to be any exclusionary behavior?
Guessing none, it would be very difficult to have an LGBT child in this country
2. Do expatriate students socialize with local students at the school? Are both groups successfully integrated into the school culture?
Not many local kids at this school, it is very international. Students from all over the world in every class.
3. Are there are any problems with exclusionary behavior, cliques, or bullying at this school? Please describe any problems your children may have experienced in this area.
Typical middle school cliques
Overall Impressions:
1. What letter grade (ranging from A, excellent, to F, fail) would you assign to this school based on your overall experience? Would you choose it again?
A, yes we would definitely choose it.
2. Please tell us anything else you think prospective parents and students should know about this school. Thanks for your contribution!
It can be more difficult socially for you child if you are part of the American embassy as most kids go to AISR
