Braeburn Kisumu International School (BKIS) is a day co-educational school situated less than two kilometres from Kisumu City in the lush Milimani suburb, overlooking Lake Victoria. The atmosphere of the school is family-like and it is a clear centre for our local community. The teachers are professional and well qualified, class sizes are small and the children and parents friendly and supportive.
BKIS operates within the framework of the National Curriculum of England and Wales, in line with other Braeburn schools.
Our Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) caters for children in Pre-Crèche (18 months – 2 years), Crèche (2 – 3 years) Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) (3 -4 years) and Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) (4 – 5 years), where all aspects of learning are integrated and children use a clear framework to learn through play and discovery. Key Stages 1 and 2 cater for children from ages 5 to 11 leading into the Key Stage 3 programme which spans Years 7 to 9 (age 11 to 13). We offer a full academic programme for all three key stages in line with the National Curriculum (NC) which includes Maths, English, Science, ICT, French, Music, History, Geography, Art, Personal and Social Development, PE and Swimming. We have adapted some aspects of the NC to make it relevant for Kenya and our pupils who come from many different parts of the world. Each key stage is assessed through an end of Key Stage set of examinations. We also monitor the progress of each child carefully to ensure that we provide the best support for his or her individual needs.
In April in Year 9, students start the two year IGCSE courses leading to the IGCSE Examinations run by Cambridge International Examining Board in May of Year 11. These examinations open pathways to A Levels, International Baccalaureate and BTEC programmes which are offered at our other Braeburn schools as well as other pre-university programmes.
At BKIS learning takes place in a warm, supportive environment with emphasis on integration of Information and Communication Technology in teaching and learning across the school. All classrooms have at least one computer and data projector allowing teachers to employ various interactive ways to help the pupils understand, have fun learning and make good progress.
BKIS aims to develop the whole person and encouraging students to discover and develop their talents. Consequently, we offer a wide range of co-curricular activities including Model United Nations, scouts, President’s Award, swimming, board games, roller blading, badminton, Events and Occasions, needlework, cookery, design technology, drama, tennis and music. Private music lessons are also available for students who want to further pursue their musical talent and we encourage all students, regardless of their stage of learning, to perform to parents, family members and teachers at a Tea Time Concert every term. We are particularly proud of our whole school productions which include a Christmas Concert and our end of year production. BKIS is well known for its celebration of events such as World Maths Day, World Literacy Day, World Book Day as well as Poetry and Pancakes, Thanksgiving, Diwali, St Valentine’s Day and many other events. We also have a parent teacher group called Rafiki Of Braeburn Kisumu School – ROBS (Rafiki is Swahili word for Friends) who help to organise fun social events which have included Family Picnics, Murder Mystery evenings and St Valentine’s Day Dinner Dances.
Being a relatively small school we find that communication is a strength; Parents are kept informed of their children’s progress through termly parent-teacher conferences and reports, open days and a weekly newsletter updating you on the week’s activities and upcoming events. Additionally, student diaries allow for two-way communication between parents and teachers. BKIS operates an ‘open door’ policy for parents many of whom participate in reading, helping in the library and accompanying students on field trips. Moreover many parents join their children for a picnic lunch at school on a daily or occasional basis! We feel the parents’ participation enhances children’s learning and it has clearly helped develop the friendly community atmosphere.
Braeburn Kisumu International School is a wonderful school, full of character and friendliness. Please be welcomed to visit the school or join in one of our events to experience the BKIS’ warmth.