Every parent wants their child to have a good future – a fulfilling career, a rewarding job, or a successful business that provides them with wealth and happiness. The child’s educational journey is crucial to reaching these goals, and it is a journey which begins from the earliest years of a child’s life.
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): An International Environment and English from a Young Age
Many parents who take their children’s education seriously choose to enroll them in preschool as early as age 2.5–3. International preschools where English is the primary language of instruction are a common choice.
Thanks to children’s incredible ability to absorb languages, they quickly adapt to new linguistic environments. They naturally begin thinking in English and simultaneously assimilate elements of Anglophone culture. Daily interaction with peers from around the world helps develop not only language skills but also intercultural competence.
In British international preschools in Warsaw (such as the popular Thames British School Warsaw – Włochy and Mokotów Primary campuses), special emphasis is placed on communication and intercultural skills combined with effective play-based learning.
Cambridge Primary School – British International Primary Education Means More Than Just Fluent English
Primary schools follow the British education system with English as the main language of instruction. This provides children with a wealth of opportunities to apply their knowledge, skills, and soft competencies such as critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving from an early age. The international character of the school fosters open-mindedness and the ability to objectively evaluate information.
Beyond building valuable relationships, the friendships formed in such environments often become professional or business contacts later in life.
Primary School is not only a time for academic learning – students explore the world from many perspectives, go on field trips, participate in school events, and engage in charity work and volunteering.
By learning about each other’s stories, children develop empathy and sensitivity to others’ needs. They become more open to different cultures, religions, and nationalities, learning values from each other that shape their worldviews and help them better understand the world around them.
In addition to the British curriculum, schools in Warsaw also follow the Polish educational system, ensuring children benefit from a comprehensive learning experience. For example, Thames British School Warsaw provides Primary School education across several campuses in Włochy, Ochota, and Mokotów.
Cambridge Lower Secondary – The Last Opportunity to Start Learning in English Before Preparation Begins for the IGCSE
As children enter adolescence, they acquire increasingly advanced academic knowledge while developing ever deeper linguistic competencies.
Besides English, students are introduced to other foreign languages. At Thames British School (Lower Secondary at Włochy Campus), they also continue to learn Polish and explore the history of the country and city they live in. They continue to build their empathic abilities and grow with their peers, creating lasting friendships in a supportive atmosphere.
Lower Secondary is the last opportunity to start studying in English before preparation for the IGCSE in British international high schools. It’s a time for finely honing language skills, with students increasingly using technical vocabulary, idioms, and advanced grammar in everyday contexts.
IGCSE – A Robust Two-Year Course that Prepares Children for the International Baccalaureate
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the most popular international education programme for students aged 14–16. Alongside core subjects taught in English and Maths, students choose additional subjects from a broad offering, including German, Spanish, Art, Design, Computer Science, Geography, Physics, Biology, and Chemistry.
At Thames British School’s Mokotów High School campus in Warsaw, students begin their high school journey with the IGCSE (the first two years) and then choose between two international high school graduation programmes: A Levels and the IB Diploma Programme.
International Baccalaureate – the Gateway to Global Universities, Careers, and Business (IBDP/A Levels)
The IB Diploma Programme encompasses a wide range of academic subjects and is ideal for students who are still exploring what they want to pursue in life. Students select subjects from six areas, with three studied at a higher level and three at a standard level. The IB diploma opens up future possibilities for studying in any field at any university around the world.
The A Levels, on the other hand, are ideal for students who have already decided on a specific field of study and university. For example, a student who wants to become a doctor would choose A Levels in Chemistry and Biology, along with Physics, Maths, or Psychology.
How Does Choosing a British International Education in English Impact Children’s Futures?
From an early age, children’s minds observe, analyse, organise, draw conclusions, and retain information. Exposure to a multicultural, international environment makes them more open-minded and flexible – qualities that make it easy for them to study, live, and work anywhere in the world in the future.
The earlier a child begins learning in a multilingual/international setting, the easier it will be for them to progress through various educational stages – from school and final exams, to university and eventually their professional or business careers.
The teachers at Warsaw’s British and international schools are highly qualified and excel at imparting knowledge and soft skills. At Thames British School Warsaw, many subjects are taught by native English speakers, which means students can acquire practical language skills naturally.
Increasingly aware of the impacts of globalisation, parents are looking to secure their children’s future no matter where they live. And as such, international or British kindergartens, schools, and high schools are becoming increasingly popular, providing parents with the peace of mind that their children are receiving the highest quality education that will enable them to gain access to the world’s finest universities.
What Do Universities Look for When Accepting International Students?
Beyond international exam results, universities often consider earlier academic stages, such as the IGCSE or diplomas from Lower Secondary and Primary School. The more applicants per place, the tougher the criteria. This is why early enrollment in international or British systems and strong academic performance are so critical.
The First Step to Your Child’s Journey into British/International Education in Warsaw
Recognising that many Polish and foreign parents are exploring the idea of international schools for the first time, Thames British School Warsaw employs top student recruitment specialists in all four of its campuses in Warsaw. From the start, they support parents and children, tailoring an educational offer to meet each family’s needs and providing them with everything they need to make informed choices.
To get started, visit the school’s website: www.thamesbritishschool.pl, attend an open day, and speak with a Thames recruitment specialist.
By investing in a high-quality education for your child, you’re not only ensuring a better, safer, and more prosperous future for them but are also contributing to their well-rounded personal development – helping them become responsible adults who can make a real difference in the world.
