ABOUT HIRAM BINGHAM
ABOUT HIRAM BINGHAM
Hiram Bingham as a British International School, is British in terms of the ethos of the school and international in its educational philosophy, curriculum, student body and teachers.
The school believes that bilingualism is a benefit in a global society. As such all students are prepared to be bilingual in English and Spanish. Classes throughout the school are taught in one or other of these languages although the main emphasis is on English as a first language.
Although based on British International models of education Hiram Bingham is obviously strongly influenced by Peru´s cultural and geographical diversity. Music, field trips, drama, and specific academic courses related to the Peruvian National curriculum in history and geography, are included in the school curriculum.
The school is a coeducational school of 600 students. The average class size is between 15 -25 students and the student-teacher ratio around 1:8 This allows for a personalised education and student-centred learning. Additionally there is excellent communication between students and teachers who are able to work with students on an individual basis in order to meet individual needs to help them achieve their full potential.
The school follows the International Baccalaureate as the basis of its curriculum. This is the most prestigious international curriculum in the world and is currently in practice in 124 different countries. Hiram Bingham is one of only four schools in Peru and one of a small number in the world to offer all three IB programmes. – the Primary Years Programme for students from 3-11 years of age, the Middle Years Programme for students aged between 11 – 15, and the IB Diploma Programme which is a two year pre-university programme for students between the ages of 16-18. The school also follows the curriculum of the University of Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in combination with the IB Middle Years Programme. This assures a highly articulated and coordinated curriculum from 3 to 18 years of age.
By developing the ability to communicate effectively, be self-confident, and display leadership.
By focussing on attitudes, skills, and the formation of sound values.
By developing investigative, analytical and critical skills
By focussing on student-centred learning and the development of thinking skills.
By developing self-awareness and the ability to reflect on oneself critically.
By creating an awareness of community and community values.
By promoting curiosity for knowledge and the ability to question.
By promoting respect for oneself and for other people, cultures and religions.
By promoting concern for others who are less fortunate, and for the world in which we live.
The IB Diploma is recognised by the most prestigious Colleges and Universities around the world as an entry qualification. Many universities also offer credits for IB courses.
The school uses summative assessment which is based on student achievement in knowledge skills and formative assessment which is focussed on individual skills and aptitudes such as attitude, thinking skills and learning skills.
All teachers are either Peruvian or expatriate graduate teachers who regularly receive in-service training from the United Kingdom or through International Baccalaureate workshops.
The school is well equipped with areas for basketball, football and volleyball as well as having swimming-pools and a cafeteria. There are Primary and Senior School libraries, creative art rooms, information technology and science laboratories. There is a theatre and sports centre in construction
The school has a medical room and a trained nurse to attend to normal minor illnesses. It is also affiliated to an emergency medical service to attend any accident within school.
The school meets all requirements for Health and Safety as laid down by the Peruvian Civil Defence. Emergency drills are practised regularly and personnel trained to deal with any emergency. Entry to the school is controlled by professional security staff and the school guarded by electronic systems.
Formal and informal appraisals and evaluations of the child's progress are sent to parents regularly. There is a weekly information sheet for parents and a term Newsletter. There are frequent parent open evenings and parent meetings to discuss a variety of educational issues so that the parent is an active participant in the child's education.
Hiram Bingham is interested in the student's potential. As such in the Pre Primary section the entry procedure involves a series of psychological tests designed to evaluate the child's development. In the Primary and Senior Schools there are placement tests in English, Spanish, and Mathematics. In addition there are a series of psychological tests designed to identify the student's learning potential and attitude to learning. Knowledge of English and Spanish are not a pre-requisite for entry, as there is a language support programme for those students who require it.
The school accepts students at any time of the year although most students enter at the start of the school year in March. Children entering Upper Nursery and Pre-Kinder are normally evaluated in August/September for entry in March.
The school year begins in the first week of March and finishes in the third week of December. It is divided into four terms of nine weeks with one weeks break in May between the first and second term, and a week's break in October between the third and fourth term. There is a winter break of three weeks between the second and third term, from the last week in July until the end of the second week in August.
After Hiram Bingham - success! We expect our students to have the academic, moral and personal formation to face university, and life in general, with self-confidence and success.