British Schools Overseas

In February 2020, SCIPS underwent another rigorous and thorough voluntary inspection, carried out using the British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspection framework. Penta International, one of the leading independent providers in the UK and overseas, carried out the inspection. They are approved by the British Government and report to the English Department for Education (DFE) on the extent to which schools meet the standards for British Schools Overseas.

The school has once again successfully met all the standards and in several areas, exceeded them, making St Christopher’s the only BSO inspected school, on Penang. The inspection and report cover the critical areas of quality of the curriculum; quality of teaching and learning; the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of students; their welfare, health and safety; the suitability of the proprietor and staff; the school’s premises; and the school’s complaints procedures.

This inspection was the follow up to the one undertaken in 2017. The purpose of the inspection is to provide independent and transparent information to parents, teachers, senior managers and the school’s governors on the overall effectiveness of the school and the standard of education it provides.

During the visit, inspectors carried out observations of all teachers and analysed school documentation and policies. They scrutinised student workbooks and assessment data. Discussions were held with the senior staff, the management teams, a range of teachers, parents and groups of pupils.

The following is a statement made by the Inspectors, on the overall effectiveness of the school:

“The school offers a high-quality British education that meets the needs of its pupils. The curriculum is rich and inspiring, and engages pupils. Teachers make good use of the wide range of resources and creative outdoor spaces to plan interesting lessons across all subject areas. A range of after school activities complement the rich curriculum. Achievements in sports are high, and the school competes successfully in international and national sporting events. Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, and they enjoy school. As a result, pupils make good progress and become confident and articulate learners.”

The report identifies the many strengths of the school, including;

• confident and articulate pupils
• a caring and nurturing environment
• relationships between staff, pupils and parents
• social and cultural activities and events
• a broad and balanced curriculum that is inspiring and engaging
• successes in regional and international sporting events

The full report can be viewed and downloaded below: