Prefects
The prefect system at the British International School of Timisoara is part of the overall programme that develops leadership and responsibility.
Prefects are expected to establish and maintain the highest standards of behaviour, attitude and appearance at all times and provide a positive role model for other pupils. They are appointed each year to undertake various roles and responsibilities around the School.
Prefects will exhibit the personal qualities that are valued at BIST, including self-discipline, leadership skills, communication skills, public speaking, politeness, helpfulness, respect and care for others. They are reliable and responsible members of the School’s community.
Student Council
The aim of the School Council is to provide an opportunity for students to contribute to the development and organisation of the school, to address student interests and concerns, and to foster the development of leadership skills. The Student Council is an opportunity for representative pupils of each year group to voice their ideas, suggestions, and comments on behalf of the student body with regard to how their learning and recreational activities could be carried out.
The School Council promotes a strong relationship between fellow pupils and members of staff. It is an integral part of developing the school and bridging the gap between what students and staff would like to see being achieved and taking place within the school. It also gives students the opportunity to develop their speaking and listening skills as they communicate, debate, and negotiate their suggestions.
BIST is always growing and improving and can only continue to do so with the input, feedback and support of students and parents. For this reason, the school sees the Student Council as playing a vital role in building mutual understanding and respect within the school community, not only academically but also socially. The School Council meets at least once every month to discuss areas of concern, to brainstorm ideas for school improvement, and to propose and discuss upcoming events both within the school and within the local community. Items discussed in Student Council meetings may then be placed on the agenda for Middle Management or Senior Leadership Meetings. In many areas the Student Council will work with the School Prefects to implement the changes or plans discussed.
The School Council makes a positive contribution to the school community in several ways:
- It gives students to share their ideas and opinions with the School Leadership Team
- It offers a forum for students to discuss and resolve difficulties or problems related to school life
- It supports the Prefects in implementing whole school events
- It enables teachers and pupils to work together in a formal framework
The School Council intends to involve young people in the life of their school. BIST wishes to reform change to ‘challenge’ the traditional way of regarding pupils as passive learners by ensuring that students make use of their talents and abilities and that they are encouraged to express constructive views for the benefit of their community. Meeting agendas are open to any student within the school who wishes to raise an issue that is relevant to the whole school or a particular course or subject area. The student should raise their issue with one of the School Council representatives, who will then raise it in the School Council. Suggestions for topics of discussion can be left in the Student Council boxes at the entrance to the Primary and Secondary School buildings.
BIST Students’ Houses
The BIST House System is an integral part of a student’s life at BIST. All our students are placed into one of three houses: Ursa, Aquila or Lupus.
The House System plays a key role in our Pastoral Care System, providing students with a collegial network of friends when they first arrive on campus. The Houses each elect a House Captain at the start of the school year, both in the Primary and Secondary School, and then meet regularly to prepare for the House Competitions that will take place. Students are awarded house points at the end of these games (house competitions), for acts of charity and for helping each other and the teachers throughout the normal school day. House points are also awarded for student involvement in school events and as such play a pivotal role in encouraging students to adhere to our school values and in developing team spirit and greater individual responsibility.
At the end of each term the winning house is awarded a certificate, as a reward for all their effort throughout the term. At the end of the year, the winning House is announced, with their names etched onto the BIST House Cup.
| House Points | |||
| Aquila | Ursa | Lupus | |
| Total | 8883 | 9077 | 9889 |
University and Career Councelling Service
The university application process is both challenging and exciting and requires good preparation. As a school we designed a very comprehensive programme meant to support our students plan their path to University and beyond.Beginning in Year 10 and continuing through Year 13, we will provide students with careful guidance on course selection and academic performance. The process starts by arranging individual coaching meetings with all of our Year 10 students. Over the following years, upon graduating from the British International School of Timisoara, we will, amongst others, help students find out what qualifications are needed for their intended course of study and to get into prestigious universities worldwide; we will teach students how to choose a course of study and find the right university for them; we will teach students how to write personal statements and college essays.
Work Experience Programme
British International School of Timisoara is planning to operate an annual work experience programme for the secondary school students, and this is envisioned to become the most comprehensive model for any school in the region.
Work Experience is an important part of education for employability which allows students to learn about the world of work in a “real life” working situation. It is intended to give a student an experience of working life and the key skills needed in the workplace rather than a chance to try out an occupation they may want to follow. All students, from those taking the fewest examinations to those who will take degrees, need real knowledge of the world of work. The participant students will be awarded with a “Work Experience Diploma” which is a major asset for their Portfolio of Achievements. Also, they will receive Letters of Recommendation from the partner companies. These meet the requirements and weigh substantially for their future admission into strong universities like Cambridge and Oxford.