Programmes

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Brummana High School (BHS) currently offers two programmes, the Lebanese Programme and the International Programme. Except for the Arabic/French/Spanish language classes and a few courses in the Lebanese Programme, the language of instruction is English. BHS has no mandatory religious education, but there is a strong pastoral programme school-wide.

Every effort is made to integrate students from abroad with students in the Lebanese Programme. Up to Grade 8, students in the International Programme and the Lebanese Programme are in mixed classes, wherever possible.

BHS prepares students for admission at various local, regional and international universities, the latter mainly in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada and other European countries such as Holland and France.

The Lebanese Programme

The Lebanese Programme is designed to fulfil the requirements of the Lebanese Ministry of Education and the school prepares students for the Brevet and Lebanese Baccalaureate exams. Students have the choice of the Lebanese Baccalaureate in Life Sciences, General Sciences or Sociology and Economics. The Lebanese Baccalaureate qualifies the students for entry into the sophomore year of university.

The International Programme

The International Programme leads to a High School Diploma, International Baccalaureate Diploma or A Levels Qualifications, with all students sitting for the British IGCSE exams in Grade 10. Students in Grades 9 and 10 follow the IGCSE programme and then move on in Grades 11 and 12 to the three programmes available. All students in the International Programme also study either Arabic or French as a second language.

Students graduating from the International Programme with a High School Diploma will be admitted to university in the freshman year. While students graduating with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or three A Levels will be admitted to a university in the sophomore year.

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

The IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16-year-olds. It is recognised by leading universities and employers worldwide and is an international passport to progression and success. Students start preparing for it in Grade 9 and sit for the exam in Grade 10. (Please take a look at the relevant brochure here.)

High School Diploma

The High School Diploma is a school-based curriculum constantly modified to cater to the needs of the students and university admission requirements. Courses leading to SAT and SAT subject tests are offered.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The IB is widely accepted at universities in Europe and North America as well as other universities throughout the world. Every year there is an increased number of universities worldwide accepting the IB diploma for admission. (Please take a look at the relevant brochure here.)

A Levels

A Levels, or Advanced Level Qualifications, are accepted at universities in Europe and North America, particularly the UK as they originate from there. The Cambridge International A Level is run at BHS. (Please take a look at the relevant brochure here.)

Graduation Requirements

In order to understand the requirements for successfully graduating from BHS in either the Lebanese or the International Programme, please click here.

International Assessments

BHS uses two international assessments which informs the school on students’ progress and level of performance compared to other international schools:

The Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER) has a long history of producing scientifically designed assessment instruments that can provide diagnostic information useful to understand students’ learning progress in English and Mathematics. BHS uses ACER assessments at Key stages (Grades 3, 6, and 8) for both the Lebanese and the International Programmes.

The Diplôme D’études en Langue Française (DELF) is certification of French-language abilities for non-native speakers of French awarded by the French Ministry of Education. Starting from Grade 3, or when ready, students take one of the A2, B1 or B2 exams. Acquiring the B2 level entitles students to enter French universities without the French language entrance exam.