Byron College – The British International School

About Byron College
Byron College is the British International School in Athens, accredited by the BSO (British Schools Overseas) and formally registered with the Department for Education in the United Kingdom with DfE reference no 6337. It is a leading school in Athens founded on the British tradition of academic excellence whilst embracing a global perspective. The school has been providing an enriched British National Curriculum to its pupils aged between 3-18 years olds since its establishment in1986. Byron is an is egalitarian and inclusive school which consistently pursues academic excellence whilst maintaining the highest standards of self-discipline, community participation and ethos.  It has always been truly international, with a community of pupils from over 45 different nations.At Byron College pupils are happy, self- confident learners. They develop critical thinking skills, are encouraged to become independent learners, to time manage and to develop self-confidence, grit and determination; all skills essential for their future success. They also learn to be active citizens who can show empathy, respect and tolerance and can offer to the school, local and international community. The strong pupil leadership structure throughout the school enhances a sense of responsibility and accountability to the school community.

Vision
Byron College is consistent in its efforts to discover the talents inherent in every child, to inspire creativity and to encourage individuality.The highly qualified staff are dedicated to building confidence in pupils by celebrating their many accomplishments and helping them to maximise their potential. Byron pupils, past and present, are a living testimony to its successes; individuals who benefit their community, society and the world of tomorrow. Byron College is a vibrant element of the community; its pupils act as ambassadors upholding and promoting its altruistic philosophy and environmental commitment, while maintaining and buiding bridges between many diverse cultures.

Education
Byron College has a whole school policy which forms part of the school's unique character where children across age groups mix safely together and are often involved in joint activities. In this way older pupils can develop a sense of responsibility towards the younger pupils alongside their obligation to be community leaders and positive, healthy role models. The school House system also reinforces this philosophy. During their time at Byron College pupils from Nursery to Year 9 the British national curriculum enhanced by the addition of Drama and Music as well as Philosophy for Children ( Years 3-5 ) and debate ( year 6 ). In year 10 pupils begin their two year IGCSE courses followed by the two year Sixth Form AS and A level course of study leading to their entrance into world leading universities. These qualifications are awarded by the following examination bodies:

• EdExcel London Examinations BoardUniversity of Cambridge
• International Examinations Board

In addition, Byron pupils can also enter for the exams conducted by ECDL (European Computer License) and by the Greek Ministry, Ellinomathia.

Academic Excellence
Byron College prides itself on the achievements of its pupils. 100% of pupils enter the universities of their choice worldwide including in the U.K. and other European countries, U.S.A., Canada and Australia.The A level qualification is considered the “gold standard” at these universities as well from McGill University, MIT UCL etc. Russell Group Universities

• Byron College pupils have been accepted and graduated from the following top universities in the United Kingdom.
• University of Birmingham*
• University of Bristol*
• University of Cambridge*
• Cardiff University*
• Durham University*
• University of Edinburgh*
• University of Exeter*
• University of Glasgow*
• Imperial College London*
• King's College London*
• University of Leeds*
• University of Liverpool*
• London School of Economics & Political Science*
• University of Manchester*
• Newcastle University*
• University of Nottingham*
• University of Oxford*
• Queen Mary, University of London*
• Queen's University Belfast
• University of Sheffield*
• University of Southampton*
• University College London*
• University of Warwick*
• University of York*

Exam success rates and university placement records are good indicators of the achievement of academic success by aiming for excellence, but the school also uses other measures. Academic excellence also means:

• being able to record consistent and sustained progress
• that Byron pupils not only enter top universities throughout the world but succeed as undergraduates and, later, postgraduates
• Byron pupils being properly prepared to enter their first choice university
• Ensuring that real 'value-added' is achieved for all Byron pupils i.e. positively comparing pupils actual results against predictions.

Byron College also ensures the excellent quality of educational provision by applying the following:

• Recruiting properly qualified and experienced teachers
• Providing the conditions under which these teachers and pupils can teach and learn whilst constantly upgrading that environment by investment in teaching materials and investment in the professional development of staff
• Setting the highest standards of academic behaviour and discipline and by constantly having high expectations of pupils whilst setting them ambitious but attainable goals
• Constantly appraising the effectiveness of teaching and encouraging the sharing of good practice
• Closely monitoring the progress made by pupils so that timely interventions can be made
• Reporting to parents and providing feedback to pupils
• Providing considered and appropriate teaching and support to EAL pupils and to children with particular needs
• Offering exceptional support to pupils prior to exam periods with well-organised revision, ensuring lesson time is used to the full and that intervention is provided if necessary.

Other educational opportunities of Byron College include:

• Extracurricular Activities at Byron include participation in National and International debate tournaments, Model United Nations conferences, Panhellenic Forensics Tournament, International competitions and Erasmus projects, sports tournaments and school productions.
• Byron College Summer Programme for Children aged 4 to 12