The British School of Costa Rica

The School Year, as per local custom, runs from early February until early December (like Southern Hemisphere Schools).  It is divided into two 19-week semesters which run: I) from early February until mid-June and II) from mid-July until early December.  The two semesters are each divided into 9-week bi-semesters (quarters) with a one week break (holiday) separating them.

7:30 a.m.  - 5:00 p.m.         Cashiers Office : 7:30 a.m.  - 2:30 p.m.

8.00 a.m. until:

               Early Years & Primary 1            2.00 p.m. (12.00 md. Wednesdays)

               Primary 2 to 5                        2.00 p.m.

               Senior                                   3:00 p.m .

The School offers a variety of extracurricular activities which enable the students to complement their academic education with cultural, physical and recreational aspects.  Thus the School fulfils one of its main objectives of offering a well-rounded education ensuring the development of the "whole student".  The participation by students in many of the different activities mentioned below can earn them credits in the (Duke of Edinburgh’s) International Award and/or “House” merit points programmes.    At present, the available Afternoon Activities include:

Badminton, Band (Percussion), Basketball, Football, Conservation Club, Dance, Drama/Music, Dungeons and Dragons Club, Games (Traditional); Guitar, Gymnastics, Handicrafts, Latin, Mountain Bike Club, Religion Classes (1st Communion), Tae-Kwon-Do and Volleyball.

   

School Policy determines a maximum of 24 students per teaching class (18 in Early Years).  The average is 22 up to Senior 3 (8th Grade).  Above the level of Senior 3, most classes are taught in small option groups (of 12 – 15 students).  In Early Years 1 and 2 levels there are Teachers’ Assistants and a specialist English Teacher; in early Years 2 and Primary levels there are specialist Language (ESL & SSL), PE and Music Teachers.  In Secondary levels all subjects are taught by qualified, specialist Teachers.  The teaching staff (faculty) is a very stable population with 14% international; 23% British and 63% Costa Rican teachers.   In secondary levels, the ratio of international and national teachers is 50/50.  Native-English speaking teachers are contracted out of U.K., Canada, Australia and the USA on 2 year contracts through the “Selective Migration” programme of the “International Organisation for Migrations”. Nevertheless most extend their contracts for at least one extra year.