Our Curriculum
Preschool
This curriculum sets standards for the learning, development and care of students from birth to 5 years old. The EYFS framework supports an integrated approach to early learning and care. It gives all professionals a set of common principles and commitments to deliver quality early education and childcare experiences to all students.
Classes 1-6
In classes 1-6 we follow the IPC . This certified international curriculum reflects a British approach to education whilst preparing students to succeed as global citizens. At BISG we match the best of international standards with the requirements of the Polish podstawa programowa. Our students receive a solid foundation as international primary students, studying in Poland.
Learning through IPC allows children to develop connections to the wider world we live in, learning through thematic units. Units cover a range of subjects including History, Geography, Science, Health and Wellbeing. There are eight IPC learning goals which aim to develop children's personal skills and qualities which are necessary in the 21st century: inquiry, resilience, morality, communication, thoughtfulness, cooperation, respect and adaptability.
Classes 7-8
In classes 7-8 we follow the IMYC. This certified international curriculum reflects a British approach to education whilst preparing students to succeed as global citizens. At BISG we match the best of international standards with the requirements of the Polish podstawa programowa. Our students receive a solid foundation as international primary students, studying in Poland.
Classes 10-11 (1-2 LO)
In the secondary section of BISG we use a fully bilingual curriculum which is in line with the Polish National Curriculum for secondary schools. As an IB candidate school we are embracing inquiry-based teaching approaches to education, fostering conceptual understanding, collaboration, and continuous assessment. English is the primary language of instruction, complemented by a robust academic and extracurricular program. Our approach to education is based on several key principles which set us apart from other schools. We aim to provide a comprehensive education focused on developing versatile, reflective, and conscious global citizens.
English Curriculum
At BISG, our English curriculum is designed to nurture both language proficiency and creative expression. We aim to support every student in developing strong English skills while encouraging them to explore their imagination through a wide range of writing and speaking opportunities.
Support for All Learners
From the start, we offer dedicated support to students who are new to English through small group work and English as an Additional Language (EAL) support. By Class 4, we encourage greater independence in language learning, helping students develop their skills both inside and outside the classroom.
Spelling, Punctuation & Grammar (SPaG)
Our SPaG programme provides explicit instruction in spelling, punctuation, and grammar, ensuring that students build a strong foundation in language mechanics. Regular independent reading is also encouraged, with access to our well-stocked library to support literacy development.
Creative Opportunities
As students progress through the school, the English curriculum expands to include a wide variety of creative genres, including science fiction, myths and legends, adventure stories, historical fiction, drama, poetry, fables, and more. Students also have the opportunity to present their work, honing both their writing and speaking skills in formats ranging from essays to dramatic performances.
Exam Preparation
In Class 7-8, we start preparing students for their Class 8 exams, focusing on test-taking strategies and helping them become familiar with the materials. For older students in Classes 9-10, we offer targeted preparation for formal exams such as the First Certificate in English (FCE), Cambridge Advanced (CAE), and Cambridge Proficiency (CPE), depending on their proficiency level.
Public Speaking & Presentation
We believe in giving students the tools they need to succeed in the real world. In addition to their academic studies, students practice valuable presentation skills through projects such as TED Talks and drama productions, which are performed on local theatre stages.
At BISG we foster both academic excellence and creative expression, equipping students with the skills they need to communicate confidently and creatively in English.
Polish lessons at BISG take place in accordance with the Polish core curriculum, which includes 4 educational goals:
- Literary and cultural education
- Language education
- Forming an expression
- Self-education.
Within these areas, we create and implement detailed lesson-content so that throughout the school, students are being effectively prepared for their class eight exams.
At BISG, we work not only with children who are first language Polish speakers but we also have extensive experience in working with students who have joined our school with little, or no Polish.
Some students are bilingual or even trilingual at the point when they join our school and so our lessons enable students to continue to develop these language skills.
We also have a number of Polish returnees - Polish families who have lived abroad but have returned to Poland.
Our lessons enable these students to refresh, rebuild and develop their first language foundations too. To non-Polish students we offer PFL lessons, Polish as a Foreign Language five times a week.
When working with children, we take a personalised approach to teaching. We take particular care of our students who have special educational needs, providing them with support teachers who enable them to participate in our classes. We also take care of particularly gifted students - both by expanding the curriculum to include topics from areas of culture such as film, painting and photography, and by running after-school, interest clubs.
At BISG, we promote the importance of reading in Polish. We emphasise the vital place of literature in the comprehensive development of all our young people and so every year we also organise events which help us promote the place of literature in our lives (e.g. a book week, book fairs, a school recitation competition).
At BISG, our approach to teaching Mathematics integrates both the Polish and British Curricula, offering a comprehensive learning experience.
We encourage our students to explore mathematics in a variety of contexts, teaching the subject creatively through projects linked to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics – known collectively as STEM. This approach helps students see the real-world applications of math and fosters a deeper understanding.
Throughout our lessons, we emphasize creative problem-solving. This often leads to valuable group work and collaboration, as we strive to develop learners who think critically, work independently, and tackle challenges with confidence.
In classes 4-7, students receive five Maths lessons per week, compared to the four lessons typically offered in other schools. This extra lesson allows our teachers to build students' confidence in mental mathematics and ensures a solid foundation in mathematical skills and knowledge. In classes 4-8, at the beginning of each new unit, students learn math terminology in both Polish and English, supporting the transfer of knowledge between the two languages and enhancing their global perspective.
In class 8, the final year of primary education, students benefit from six math lessons per week. This additional time allows us to thoroughly prepare students for their class 8 exams and provides a strong foundation for those who continue their studies at BISG Secondary School, where they will follow an extended Maths curriculum.
At BISG, History is taught according to both the Polish core curriculum for Polish students and the British curriculum for international students. Additionally, all students—both Polish and international—have the opportunity to develop key historical skills through a unique subject, Historical Reasoning in a Global Context, offering a well-rounded perspective on the past.
We emphasize the development of 21st-century skills, particularly historical reasoning. Rather than simply memorizing dates, students learn to organize events chronologically and assess their significance within a historical context. They are encouraged to prioritize events based on their impact on world history and to debate and argue their views.
Through this approach, students develop essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and collaboration. They are taught to critically engage with historical events, form their own opinions, and challenge prevailing views—whether from historians, their peers, or teachers.
Historical reasoning is further emphasized in our International History lessons, where students in classes 4-8 explore history in a more analytical and scientific way. They tackle questions like:
- What is the difference between history and the past?
- How is history written?
- What distinguishes direct and indirect causes of historical events?
We encourage students to become "mini-historians," focusing each term on developing the core skills needed to answer critical historical questions. These skills are taught through a variety of historical themes and case studies, with each term culminating in a project where students can demonstrate their mastery. At BISG, our approach to teaching history is not just about understanding facts; it's about actively doing history and engaging with the past in a meaningful way.
At BISG, Geography is about sparking a love for exploring the world. Polish students follow the Polish Geography curriculum, while international students study International Geography. All students also take Geographical Skills, taught in English.
In Polish Geography, students learn to analyze various geographic data sources, exploring global challenges in an ever-changing world. We emphasize the development of skills that help students understand people, places, environments, and their interconnectedness. In International Geography, students are encouraged to think critically, particularly in relation to today’s major environmental and social issues.
Both Geographical Skills and International Geography follow the British National Curriculum. In Geographical Skills, we focus on map reading, navigation, data interpretation, and presentation skills, which are not only crucial for Geography but also transferable to other subjects. Key geographical knowledge is developed across all three streams.
At BISG, we have a unique advantage when it comes to learning about the world. With a diverse student community representing nearly 50 countries, students can connect classroom topics to real-world experiences. This makes Geography both engaging and relevant, encouraging students to contribute meaningfully to lessons. Just as History at BISG is about more than memorizing dates, Geography is about more than recalling capital cities. Our goal is to nurture internationally-minded citizens equipped with the skills and knowledge to thrive in our dynamic, globalized world.
At BISG, our Biology curriculum aligns with the Polish core curriculum for classes 5-8, enhanced by IPC and IMYC projects that encourage interdisciplinary learning. Our approach focuses on understanding the natural world through observation, experimentation, and inquiry, fostering curiosity and strong foundations in scientific reasoning and biological concepts.
We integrate Biology with other STEM subjects to offer a holistic view of scientific phenomena, often involving hands-on projects that connect Biology, environmental science, and technology. This approach allows students to apply their biological knowledge in real-world contexts, developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Each year, students dive deeper into specific biological topics:
- Class 5: Plants, fungi, bacteria, and viruses, exploring life forms and basic biological processes.
- Class 6: The animal kingdom, focusing on species, habitats, and survival strategies.
- Class 7: Human anatomy, covering key body systems and their functions.
- Class 8: Evolution, genetics, and ecology, connecting biological concepts to environmental and social issues like natural selection, DNA, and ecosystems.
We place a strong emphasis on scientific terminology in English, preparing students for future studies in international or bilingual environments. This strengthens their scientific vocabulary and ability to communicate their understanding clearly.
Our curriculum goes beyond memorization; students formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments, and analyze results. They explore key questions such as:
- How do living organisms adapt to their environments?
- What is the relationship between genetics and inheritance?
- How do human activities impact biodiversity?
Through these inquiries, students develop essential research and scientific methodology skills. We also engage them in discussions on current environmental issues, like climate change and conservation, fostering environmental stewardship and ethical responsibility.
At BISG, Biology education is about nurturing a lifelong interest in science. We aim to develop globally aware, scientifically literate individuals who respect and value the natural world, preparing them to address the challenges of the modern world.
At BISG, Chemistry is an exciting journey into the heart of matter. Our students dive deep into the world of atoms, molecules, and reactions, exploring how substances interact, transform, and shape the world around us. Students experiment with chemicals, conduct investigations, and observe fascinating reactions that bring textbook concepts to life. From creating new compounds to understanding the science behind everyday products, our Chemistry lessons are designed to challenge students’ thinking and spark their curiosity. With a focus on practical skills, problem-solving, and critical thinking, BISG’s Chemistry program prepares students for a future where science meets innovation, helping them understand and navigate the complex world of chemistry.
At BISG, Physics is brought to life through hands-on experiments, technology, and real-world applications. Our students explore the fundamental laws that govern the universe, from motion and energy to forces and magnetism, in ways that spark curiosity and ignite a passion for discovery. Students conduct experiments that allow them to experience scientific principles firsthand, testing theories and solving problems like real-world physicists. Whether building circuits, launching rockets, or exploring the wonders of light and sound, our students are encouraged to think critically, reason scientifically, and apply their knowledge to solve complex challenges. Our approach to Physics at BISG is designed to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and scientists.
In BISG students have opportunities to boost their musicality and creativity during music lessons. Our music classroom is a place where community, diversity and creativity are encouraged and embraced. We have two Music lessons per week in most primary year groups.
In classes 2 and 3 students are taught the objectives of the IPC curriculum and elements of the Polish curriculum. They learn FUNdamentals of music: making up rhythms, instrumentations, songs, dance movements and more. Classes 4-7 students stimulate their brains while playing ukuleles and ocarinas.
They follow a dual curriculum gaining knowledge about history, theory and genres of music as well as engaging in more practical skills of singing, playing instruments and dancing.
We believe all of our students can enjoy making music in any shape - our role is to help them find what fits them the most. In BISG Music classroom every student feels like a musician!
At BISG, our approach to Art and Design Technology (DT) is as innovative as it is inspiring. In our Laboratories of the Future, students experience a dynamic, hands-on environment where creativity knows no bounds. While we nurture traditional art forms—painting, drawing, sculpture, and printmaking—students also explore exciting, modern disciplines. From sewing and fashion design to cooking, baking, and working with clay, our curriculum empowers students to bring their ideas to life in new and imaginative ways. The blend of classic techniques with cutting-edge technologies and practical skills fosters a love for creation and innovation. Whether it’s designing a piece of clothing, sculpting with clay, or experimenting with new recipes, our students are encouraged to think outside the box, develop their skills, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. At BISG, every project is an opportunity to explore, learn, and create in ways that will shape the future.
At BISG, Physical Education is about much more than fitness—it’s about building teamwork, resilience, and a lifelong love for physical activity. Our PE program encourages students to push their limits, develop their athletic skills, and understand the importance of healthy living. With a variety of sports and activities on offer, from traditional team sports like football and basketball to individual pursuits like swimming and athletics, students are encouraged to explore their strengths and passions.
Our facilities, combined with the local beach and the Park Regana just steps away from the school, provide the perfect environment for students to learn, compete, and grow. Through PE, BISG students develop not only physical strength but also key life skills like leadership, communication, and discipline. We believe that active, engaged students are better equipped to thrive both inside and outside the classroom, and our unique location allows them to experience physical activity in inspiring, real-world settings.