This year, our Enrichment programme has once again proven to be an exceptional platform for extended learning and personal growth. With almost 250 activities offered across the school, students have had access to an incredibly diverse range of opportunities spanning sport and expeditions, personal wellbeing, arts and culture, community outreach, knowledge and skills development, and sustainability.
An impressive 85% of students participated in at least one activity each week, with many choosing to engage in several. This level of involvement is a powerful testament to the enthusiasm and commitment of our students.
Enrichment is deeply embedded in the culture of BSB. It provides meaningful opportunities to connect beyond the classroom, take on new challenges, and build essential life skills. Whether pushing beyond their comfort zones, developing resilience, or learning to persevere through unfamiliar experiences, our students continue to grow into well-rounded individuals prepared to thrive in an ever-changing world.
This year, our Enrichment programme has continued to thrive, combining much-loved legacy clubs with exciting new additions — all designed to inspire, challenge, and connect our students.
Signature clubs such as Model United Nations (MUN), Amnesty International, BSB Bees, and the Global Issues Network (GIN) have remained a core part of our co-curricular culture. These long-standing activities are deeply embedded in school life, offering meaningful experiences year after year. MUN students represented BSB at their culminating event in The Hague, while GIN made a tangible impact through local outreach projects. BSB Bees have continued their work addressing sustainability on campus and in the community, and Amnesty brings students together to explore and reflect on vital global issues.
Alongside these, we’ve introduced a host of new activities that reflect both staff passions and student interests — including Taekwondo, the Angers Exchange, and Mindfulness Serenity, to name just a few. These new opportunities enrich our school environment, build confidence, and foster a strong sense of community that carries through into everyday school life.
Together, these activities help shape the character and values of our students, making Enrichment a vital and celebrated part of the BSB experience.
Total number of Enrichment opportunities across school:
An average school week has roughly 250 sessions offered and 5660 weekly session slots allocated through SOC’s. The table below shows the allocation at BSB.
Celebrating Sporting Excellence at BSB
Sport continues to be a defining part of student life at BSB, and this year has been nothing short of extraordinary. With access to world-class facilities, we are proud to offer one of the most extensive sports programmes among international schools in Europe. From early morning sessions at 7:00 to evening practices finishing at 19:00, students have had countless opportunities to train, compete, and grow — and they’ve embraced them wholeheartedly.
This year saw a surge in popularity for both volleyball and basketball, with thriving programmes led by dedicated and passionate coaches. These activities have welcomed students of all skill levels and fostered a strong sense of team spirit. A standout moment came with BSB’s first-ever basketball tournament win at the NECIS Varsity Championships — a historic achievement that coincided with rising interest in local league participation. Couple this with Volleyball Seniors winning the global Verona beach volleyball tournament, it becomes a defining year for both sports.
Our academy sports have also had a phenomenal year. Football continues to go from strength to strength, now engaging over 500 students and earning a string of impressive titles: three-time ISSA Varsity Boys champions, ISSC champions at both middle and senior school levels, Verona tournament winners, and Tempo champions and ISSA Champions for senior girls. We’re genuinely running out of space on the sports hall wall for all the new banners!
Swimming saw a rise in participation at both local and regional events, highlighted by the Middle School Girls’ victory at ISSA. Meanwhile, our gymnastics team once again exceeded expectations, qualifying for the prestigious ISGA National Finals and finishing in the top ten — an outstanding accomplishment.
These achievements represent more than just medals and trophies; they are a testament to the resilience, teamwork, and dedication of our students. Most importantly, they create memories that will stay with them for a lifetime.
This year marked an exciting milestone for the Duke of Edinburgh’s (DofE) Award at BSB, with our Silver and Gold expeditions moving to the stunning Les Elfes site in Verbier, Switzerland. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps, students had the unique opportunity to take part in their expeditions in one of the most spectacular locations in the world. Led by a team of highly trained and experienced expedition leaders, the experience was both challenging and truly unforgettable.
Meanwhile, interest in the Bronze Award continued to grow, with another strong cohort of students taking part in expeditions set in the beautiful natural landscapes of the Ardennes.
At BSB, we continue to place great importance on providing students with enriching experiences through a wide range of trips that support both their academic curriculum and personal development. This year, students from Year 3 to Year 9 participated in memorable year group trips, some with as many as 120 students involved. From sailing and skiing to team-building exercises and outdoor adventures, these trips have not only helped students forge new friendships but also provided valuable life lessons. For example, the Year 7 trip in October offered students the chance to bond and grow together, while Year 6 celebrated their final primary school trip in unforgettable ways.
In addition to these, our subject-specific residentials took students to Iceland, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and other exciting destinations, deepening their learning experiences. One of the highlights of the year was our first-ever KS5 expedition into the heart of the Mexican Jungle, where students spent two weeks working alongside university professors conducting vital research on biodiversity — a truly unique and rewarding experience.
Shorter day trips also provided valuable opportunities to complement classroom learning. Whether it was Year 7’s visit to Rixensart, the performing arts trip to London to see Wicked, or the wide range of Geography field trips, these experiences continue to expand students’ horizons and bring their studies to life.
This year, the Performing Arts department at BSB has truly shone, with remarkable achievements across music, theatre, and beyond. The high level of commitment to peripatetic lessons and the exceptional skills displayed by our students in various instruments have contributed to the continued success of our orchestra and choir. It’s no surprise that both groups have been invited to perform at prestigious ambassador events throughout the year, showcasing their talent to a wider audience.
A significant milestone for our choir is the organisation of their first-ever tour to Italy, where they are currently performing (this week!) across several cities, culminating in a special performance in Verona at the opening of the Opera season — a truly unforgettable experience for all involved.
In theatre, the KS4 musical ‘Kiss Me Kate’ was a dazzling showcase of talent, colour, humour, and beautiful singing, leaving the audience captivated. Our KS3 play, ‘The Secret Garden’, was an ethereal, emotive and highly thought-provoking piece that ventured into the open air. Another example of the thriving performing arts scene at BSB.
In addition to these productions, BSB had the honour of hosting an ISTA event for the first time in 10 years. Over four days, we welcomed eight schools to collaborate with professionals in the industry, culminating in a joint performance for parents and staff on the final day. This event was a wonderful celebration of collaboration, creativity, and community.
We are incredibly proud of our students and the continued success of our performing arts programme, and we look forward to more memorable performances in the future!
Thank you to all the students, staff, and parents for your incredible commitment. Experiences like these create life-changing and life-shaping memories that support student growth beyond the classroom. They offer authentic opportunities to develop emotional resilience, build meaningful social connections, and face challenges in a supportive environment—and above all, to have fun!
Tristian Cook, Whole School Assistant Head, Enrichment, Sport and Trips.