One School. One Journey.
Although students move through different programmes and qualifications, they experience one continuous learning journey built upon strong relationships, high expectations and a commitment to academic excellence.
Every lesson, every conversation and every opportunity is designed to ensure that every child is known, challenged and inspired.
Our teachers combine subject expertise with a deep understanding of how children learn.
Lessons are carefully planned to challenge every learner while providing the support each student needs to succeed.
As an IB World School, BISNY is authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).
PYP, MYP, IGCSE and A Levels are different programmes, designed for different stages of a young person's development. At BISNY, however, they are connected by a shared philosophy of learning.
How each one works for your child: the PYP in Lower School · the MYP in Middle School · IGCSE and A Levels in Upper School
In the Primary Years Programme, children are encouraged to be active participants in their learning. Learning is deliberately connected across subjects where this adds meaning, allowing children to see that knowledge does not exist in isolated compartments.
The MYP places particular emphasis on conceptual understanding, global contexts and Approaches to Learning. By the end of the MYP, we want them to understand themselves as learners: to know how to approach a challenge, where to begin when they do not immediately know the answer, how to evaluate information and how to improve their own work.
Students begin internationally recognised, subject-specific qualifications with defined syllabi, assessment objectives and, ultimately, external examinations. They encounter greater subject depth, increasing academic rigour and more formal assessment, with a toolkit for learning that has been deliberately developed over the preceding years.
A Levels allow students to specialise. They choose a smaller number of subjects and study them in considerable depth, preparing for university and the pathways they wish to pursue beyond BISNY. Teachers remain experts, mentors and advocates, and students increasingly become partners in their education.
Being known is where possibility begins.
Open a subject to see what your child learns at each stage, from Nursery to Grade 12.
A BISNY learner in English is curious, articulate, reflective and confident. They read widely, write purposefully, think critically and communicate with clarity and empathy.
Children develop a love of stories, conversation, rhyme and language through purposeful play and rich literary experiences.
speaking and listening · phonological awareness · early phonics · vocabulary · storytelling · mark making · early writing
Students become increasingly confident readers, writers and communicators.
reading fluency · comprehension · spelling · grammar · handwriting · creative writing · persuasive writing · poetry · speaking and listening
Students deepen their understanding of language and literature through the IB Middle Years Programme.
literary analysis · analytical writing · comparative texts · media literacy · public speaking · research · academic discussion · independent reading
Students study English Language and English Literature through IGCSE before specialising in A Level courses.
literary criticism · sophisticated analytical writing · independent research · debate · rhetoric · wider reading · academic scholarship · preparation for university study
A BISNY learner in Mathematics is curious, logical and resilient. They recognise patterns, think critically and approach challenges with confidence.
Young children are naturally mathematicians.
counting and number sense · recognising patterns · comparing quantities · shape and space · measuring · mathematical vocabulary · problem-solving through play
The Lower School combines the structure and progression of the National Curriculum for England with the inquiry-based philosophy of the IB Primary Years Programme.
number fluency · calculation strategies · fractions, decimals and percentages · geometry · measurement · statistics · reasoning · mathematical communication
The Middle Years Programme encourages students to move beyond procedures towards conceptual understanding.
algebra · geometry · trigonometry · statistics · probability · proportional reasoning · financial mathematics · mathematical modelling
In Upper School, students study IGCSE Mathematics before progressing to AS and A Level Mathematics or Further Mathematics, depending on their interests and aspirations.
advanced algebra · calculus · mechanics · statistics · trigonometry · mathematical proof · modelling · abstract reasoning
A BISNY learner in Science is curious, observant and analytical. They investigate thoughtfully, question confidently and use evidence to understand the world around them.
Young children are naturally scientists.
observing nature · exploring materials · weather and seasons · plants and animals · light and shadows · movement and forces · asking questions · making predictions
Students begin developing a structured understanding of the natural world through the National Curriculum for England, enriched by the inquiry-based philosophy of the IB Primary Years Programme.
The IB Middle Years Programme encourages students to see science as an interconnected discipline.
Students study IGCSE Biology, Chemistry and Physics before progressing to A Level courses according to their interests and aspirations.
A BISNY learner in Additional Languages is curious, confident and internationally minded. They embrace new cultures with respect, communicate with courage and recognise that every new language offers another way of understanding the world.
Young children are naturally curious about language.
listening and responding · songs and rhymes · greetings · simple vocabulary · stories · cultural celebrations · confidence in speaking
Students begin developing practical communication skills while exploring the cultures, traditions and daily life of French and Spanish-speaking communities.
communicate simple ideas · ask and answer questions · understand familiar vocabulary · read and write simple texts · appreciate cultural diversity
Students continue studying French or Spanish while extending their ability to communicate in increasingly authentic situations.
Communication · Language · Culture · Global Perspective
Students continue to refine their language skills through IGCSE and A Level study where appropriate, developing increasing independence and sophistication in their communication.
Listening · Speaking · Reading · Writing · Culture
A BISNY learner in History is curious, reflective and open-minded. They explore the past with empathy, question evidence with integrity and recognise that understanding different perspectives strengthens their own thinking.
Young children begin exploring history through their own experiences and those of the people around them.
personal history · family traditions · celebrations · similarities and differences · people who help us · stories from the past · recognising change over time
Through the National Curriculum for England and the inquiry-based philosophy of the IB Primary Years Programme, students begin exploring significant people, places and events that have shaped our world.
Ancient Egypt · Ancient Greece · The Romans · The Vikings · Medieval Britain · Explorers and discoveries · The Industrial Revolution · Local and world history
Through the IB Middle Years Programme, students move beyond learning about historical events to thinking like historians.
conflict and cooperation · empires and civilisations · revolution · migration · democracy · human rights · technological change · global interconnectedness
Students study History through IGCSE and A Level, developing increasingly sophisticated analytical and research skills.
international relations · political history · social change · economic development · conflict · diplomacy · historical interpretation · independent research
A BISNY learner in Geography is curious, informed and globally minded. They seek to understand the relationships between people, places and environments, appreciate diverse perspectives and recognise their responsibility to care for the world they share.
Young children begin exploring geography by making sense of the world immediately around them.
our classroom and school · homes and families · local environments · weather and seasons · maps and directions · caring for nature · similarities and differences between places
Through the National Curriculum for England, enriched by the inquiry-based philosophy of the IB Primary Years Programme, students begin exploring both physical and human geography.
Through the IB Middle Years Programme, students deepen their understanding of the complex relationships between people, places and environments.
Students study Geography through IGCSE and A Level, developing increasingly sophisticated geographical knowledge and analytical skills.
As students grow, so too does their curiosity about the world around them.
Economics helps us understand the decisions that shape our everyday lives.
microeconomics · macroeconomics · markets · supply and demand · government policy · international trade · development economics · sustainability · global finance
Why do people think, feel and behave as they do?
cognitive psychology · social psychology · developmental psychology · biological psychology · memory · attachment · mental health · research methods · psychological investigation
Students investigate real businesses, analyse case studies and develop solutions to authentic business challenges.
entrepreneurship · marketing · finance · operations · human resources · leadership · business strategy · global business · sustainability · ethical decision-making
A BISNY learner in Physical Education is resilient, determined and collaborative. They embrace challenge with confidence, support others with integrity and understand that personal growth comes through effort, perseverance and reflection.
Young children develop confidence through movement, exploration and play.
balance · coordination · agility · spatial awareness · teamwork · confidence · fundamental movement skills
Students continue developing fundamental movement skills while experiencing a wide variety of sports and physical activities.
As students mature, Physical Education develops both practical performance and theoretical understanding.
Students continue developing practical skills while also having the opportunity to study GCSE Physical Education.
A BISNY learner in Art is imaginative, observant and courageous. They explore ideas with curiosity, embrace experimentation with confidence and express themselves with authenticity.
Young children naturally express themselves through making.
colour · texture · shape · pattern · mark making · painting · collage · clay · natural materials
Students begin developing artistic techniques while continuing to explore their own ideas and imagination.
Drawing · Painting · Sculpture · Printmaking · Artists and Cultures
Through the IB Middle Years Programme, students increasingly see themselves as artists and designers.
Creative Process · Technical Skills · Observation · Artistic Influence
Students studying IGCSE and A Level Art develop increasingly sophisticated technical skills alongside a strong personal artistic identity.
Drawing and Observation · Painting and Mixed Media · Sculpture and Three-Dimensional Design · Photography and Digital Practice · Personal Investigation
A BISNY learner in Drama is confident, courageous and compassionate. They communicate with authenticity, collaborate with generosity and embrace creative challenge with curiosity and resilience.
Young children naturally learn through imaginative play.
imaginative play · storytelling · role play · movement · expression · confidence · listening · collaboration
Students develop confidence through performance, collaboration and creative exploration.
Storytelling · Role Play · Voice and Movement · Performance
Through increasingly challenging projects, students learn to create, perform and evaluate dramatic work while developing greater independence and confidence.
Performance Skills · Devising · Theatre Makers · Reflection
Students studying IGCSE and A Level Drama develop advanced practical and analytical skills through performance, devising and theatre studies.
Performance · Devising Theatre · Theatre Studies · Production · Critical Reflection
A BISNY learner in Music is creative, expressive and collaborative. They listen with curiosity, perform with confidence and create with imagination.
Young children experience music naturally through singing, movement and play.
singing · rhythm · movement · listening · musical games · pulse and beat · musical storytelling · creative exploration
Students begin developing musical understanding while exploring a wide variety of musical traditions, instruments and styles.
Performing · Listening · Composing · Musical Understanding
Students develop increasing confidence as performers, composers and informed listeners.
Performance · Composition · Listening and Analysis · Music Technology
Students studying IGCSE and A Level Music develop advanced practical, theoretical and analytical skills.
Performance · Composition · Listening and Analysis · Music Theory
Individual Music Tuition. Alongside classroom music, students have the opportunity to take individual instrumental and vocal lessons with experienced specialist music teachers through our Peripatetic Music Programme, known in the United States as private music lessons.
LAMDA. Through our LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) programme, students develop communication, performance and public speaking skills that extend far beyond the stage. LAMDA examinations are internationally recognised qualifications.
Instruments, subject to demand and teacher availability: Piano, Violin, Viola, Cello, Guitar, Voice, Woodwind, Brass, Percussion and other instruments as available. Where appropriate, students are encouraged to work towards internationally recognised music examinations and are given regular opportunities to perform in concerts, recitals and school productions.
LAMDA disciplines include Acting, Verse and Prose, Public Speaking, Reading for Performance, Shakespeare and Devising Drama (where appropriate). Many students participate because they enjoy drama and performance, while others discover that LAMDA provides valuable preparation for interviews, presentations, leadership roles and university applications.
Yes. BISNY is an IB World School in New York, authorised since 2009 to teach the Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten to Grade 5) and the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6 to 8). The IB shapes how students learn in those years; the qualifications they graduate with are British, IGCSEs and A Levels.
The British curriculum, taught through the IB in the younger years: the Early Years Foundation Stage from 3 to 5, the National Curriculum for England through the PYP in Lower School, the MYP in Middle School, and IGCSE then A Levels in Upper School, examined by Cambridge International and Pearson Edexcel.
No. In Grades 11 and 12 students take A Levels, three or four subjects studied in depth with external exams at 18, accepted by universities in the US, the UK and worldwide. How A Levels work at BISNY.
Every stage and qualification is explained in American terms, and the content covers everything the American curriculum does, English, Math, Science, Social Studies and World Languages, typically about a year ahead. Reading by phonics begins in Pre-K, and French and Spanish begin at 3.
Our intentionally small community allows us to understand each child as an individual. We know their strengths, recognise their potential and support them as they grow academically, socially and personally.