COVID - 19 FAQ's
This page has been created for Covid-19 FAQ's and updates.
We are here for you
​
At British International School we understand the concerns and worries caused by the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. On this page our students and their families will find frequent updates on what measures have been put in place by the school to protect our students and secure their education at the same time.
​
Online Learning
​
When did British International School move to online learning?
​
Following the advice of the Pakistan government, British International School’s building has been closed to staff and students since Monday 23rd March. Since the start of April 2020 students and teachers switched to online learning. We started with Zoom seminars and soon made the move to Moodle. The use of these online platforms has allowed us to continue to convey high-quality lessons and support our students remotely, and the feedback has been very extremely positive so far. Students follow their usual timetable, and are expected to attend all classes (where time zones allow) and complete all homework tasks as normal.
​
Will students due to progress into Year 11, Year 13, and onto A-levels in September 2020 be affected?
​
No. We expect our Year 10 and Year 12 students to progress onto the next stage of their courses (Year 11 and Year 13 respectively) as planned in September 2020. We will advise further on this as we receive further information from the government.
Examinations and University Progression
​
Will GCSE and A-Level examinations take place as normal?
​
Both the Pakistan and UK government have announced that GCSE and A-Level examinations will not take place this year as planned. Students will receive a calculated grade from their teachers, which will reflect the grade the teacher believes the student would had they sat the exam. The calculated grade process will take into account a range of evidence including, for example, non-exam assessment and mock results.
Students who do not feel their calculated grade accurately reflects their performance will have an opportunity to sit an exam early in the next academic year or appeal the decision if they wish. We are awaiting guidance from Ofqual on exam dates.
In the meantime, it is essential that students continue to attend their online lessons and engage with all assignments and homework set.
How will universities assess students in the absence of A-Level examinations?
​
We are awaiting further guidance from Pakistan/UK/USA/Canada and European universities on how students will be admitted in the absence of A-Level examinations. We will update our parents and students as and when further information is provided.
Prospective Students
​
Is BIS still accepting applications for September 2020?
​
Yes. We intend to open as planned in the new academic year, and are still accepting applications for September 2020/2021 entry.
Is the admission application process the same?
​
The application process remains unchanged, however, we will exercise greater flexibility regarding the invigilation of our entrance assessments where students are unable to sit them at one our centre. Students can attend an interview with our academic team via a video call, and can sit our online English language assessment. We now accept electronic signatures on our application forms, and documents can be scanned and sent to us via email.
Will current offer holders for September 2020 be affected?
​
Current offer holders for September 2020 will not be affected and all current offers remain valid. We intend to open as planned in September 2020 for both current students completing their courses and new students.
Can I still visit British International School?
​
Unfortunately, following government advice, British International School’s building are closed to staff, students, and visitors until further notice. Our Admissions team are working remotely, however, and are very happy to arrange individual consultations with prospective families to answer any questions they may have. You can contact us on info@biskarachi.com
​​
What happens if I cannot start my course in September 2020 due to coronavirus?
​
In the event that COVID-19 related travel restrictions and lockdown measures delay the start of the Autumn term, students will be given the option to arrive late, start classes remotely via distance learning, or defer their enrolment to January or September 2021.
If a student is unable to travel to us due to COVID-19 related travel restrictions and lockdown measures at the time of their course start date, and they do not wish to consider online learning or deferment.
​
​