The British International School Cabo Verde was officially opened on Tuesday in Praia, marking a new milestone in the country's education sector. The school starts with 52 students and a team of international teachers, with a curriculum based on the Cambridge International standards, taught entirely in English. The school's founder and executive director, William Arthur, said the institution aims to provide a world-class education, starting with students aged 3 to 11 years old.
The school's curriculum includes 11 subjects, such as Mathematics, English, ICT, digital literacy, and well-being, with Portuguese language classes three times a week. The school's approach focuses on developing skills like curiosity and critical thinking. According to Arthur, one of the main advantages of the international curriculum is that it allows for a smooth transition for students who may move to another country in the future.
The British International School Cabo Verde is part of the Council of British International Schools and adheres to specific standards of teaching, health, safety, and child protection. The school's classes will have limited sizes, with a maximum of 12 students in the 3-4 age group and 16 students in other classes. The school's fees for Cape Verdean citizens start at 300 euros per month, with higher rates for foreign students and companies.
The creation of the school was a result of several years of discussions, with the UK Embassy in Cabo Verde playing a key role in bringing the project to life. The British Ambassador to Cabo Verde, Lisa Bandari, considered the school's opening a "great achievement" and a reinforcement of cooperation between Cabo Verde and the UK. Bandari highlighted the reputation of the British education system and the importance of the English language in science, diplomacy, and international business.
According to Lisa Bandari, the school's opening is another step in a strong bilateral relationship that already includes educational exchanges, such as scholarships for master's degrees in British universities. The ambassador expressed interest in supporting English language teaching in Cabo Verde's public schools. The Cape Verdean government supported and facilitated the school's installation, allowing the project to be completed in about a year.
Despite the school's promising start, its founder, William Arthur, revealed that one of the biggest challenges faced so far is access to water. The school's facilities had running water only twice in the past two months, raising concerns about hygiene and safety. Arthur appealed to the water supply company to address the issue, highlighting the importance of a reliable water supply for a school.
The British International School Cabo Verde aims to establish itself as a truly international institution, with an international curriculum, teaching staff, and operating standards. The school plans to expand its educational offer next year, including students up to 15 years old. With a strong start and ambitious plans, the school is poised to make a significant contribution to Cabo Verde's education sector.
Key points
- The school's curriculum is based on Cambridge International standards, taught entirely in English.
- The school starts with 52 students and a team of international teachers.
- The school's fees for Cape Verdean citizens start at 300 euros per month.
