Insider: Congratulations on the latest chapter in BSW’s history.

Tom McGrath: The Irish have construction in their DNA and I have been fortunate to conceive and realise many building and renovation projects in my 25+ years in international education. However, this expansion project at BSW is one very close to my heart. Winston Churchill made the wise reflection that “We shape our buildings; thereafter they shape us.” This is a gamechanger in the development of British Primary School of Wilanow. It is not just about additional space, though this is much needed. It allows us to arrange space for the best quality of education. It helps to us to organise the wings to the school into phases of learning and to put our pupils at the heart of everything we do.

Please explain with some examples.

Due to the popularity of our school and space pressures, we have, in recent years, been compelled to reduce our intake in our early years. We did this with reluctance as we see the youngest age groups as the key to success. We begin our provision with three year olds and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum is a highly effective programme that teaches pupils key skills and meta learning behaviours that gives young children the very best start. We now have a custom-designed preschool of 9 classrooms, attached to the main building but operating independently. The learning spaces have been designed to deliver our programme, to allow our pupils to learn in a supportive environment with our excellent staff, to have their own dedicated space to play, to eat, to explore, to have fun. This is the facility I am most proud of and I am looking forward to see it in operation.

Can you put some figures on the expansion?

The campus now comprises three wings. The original building that has also undergone refurbishments and reorganisation, a new preschool building with 9 classrooms, specialist teaching spaces, offices, cloakrooms and dining room; I am delighted that all the preschool classrooms have built-in, age-appropriate bathrooms. The final wing is for our Upper Primary school. Our school operates up to the age of 14 and we have added 7 full-sized classrooms, two smaller teaching spaces, a new library and changing rooms for our sports facilities. The new sports hall is also nearing completion and will be ready to operate in Term 1.

Your school population is also expanding?

Indeed, we will exceed 400 enrolments. For the first time, we have the capacity to add further growth as the international-minded community in Warsaw learn more about our facilities and offering. We enjoy a reputation for quality education and we now have the facilities to match this reputation. As part of the International School Partnership group of schools in Poland we focus on two key criteria: improving quality and expanding offering. The reorganisation of the space allows us to provide more specialist teaching spaces. We have a new library space, an enlarged drama facility, a new Music room, an expanded canteen and a new teaching space for science. We are also able to bring our excellent administration team back into the building so we can provide an improved level of service to our community.

We also plan to have more opportunities to develop community with our newly formed Parent Teachers Association and we now have more spaces to welcome both the parent and wider community into the school.

So an exciting start to the new school year?

Every year when I have my wonderful staff back in late August for training and preparation I say we are starting anew. This is especially true this year as we have a totally different facility with very little left where it was in June. Starting a new academic year is a new voyage of discovery with many seasoned sailors but also some new hands on deck. We are also looking forward to celebrating the 10th anniversary of the school’s foundation and so plenty of fun ahead.

Any other expansion plans or projects to share?

The first year of operation of this amazing facility will be a major occupation and we still have further enhancements planned to the sports facilities, exterior spaces and play facilities. We were the first school in Poland to join International Schools Partnership (ISP) in early 2023 and we can see the result of their investments in the delivery of this significant construction project. ISP is keen to develop further projects in Poland and now has three schools, all in Wilanów. I am sure they will not be resting on their laurels…

British Primary School of Wilanow
Address: Hlonda 12

Website: bsw.com.pl