The BIST way
A very strong community
based on learning
Introducing Key Stages 1 and 2
We would like to wish you a warm welcome to the British International School of Tunis.
Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfill their potential. At BIST Primary School, we have created a learning environment that is lively, fun and challenging, with a classroom atmosphere that generates a real enthusiasm for learning.
Our aim is to build a strong foundation, not just in the academic sense, but also to further the creative and moral development of children.
Growing through learning
Growth is part of life, emotionally, physically, and even academically. Regularly measuring our pupils’ growth and success in the classroom helps our teachers set learning objectives and plan accordingly to fit the needs of every pupil.
The curriculum of England and Wales
In terms of academics, we follow the English National Curriculum, and are the only school in Tunis to be accredited by the Council of British International Schools (COBIS).
This means your children will receive some of the best education Britain can offer. Each class has a dedicated teacher, educated up to the British standard, who teaches the core curriculum of English, Maths and Sciences, along with supplementary classes in Humanities (History and Geography), Sports (Physical Education) and PSHCEE (Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship and Economic Education).
Bilingual support
Our work involves ensuring access to the curriculum, raising self-esteem and valuing bilingual children and young people’s linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
We have Tunisian teaching assistants, all with English degrees, ready to offer additional support to the pupils.
Within the classroom, children are regularly and consistently assessed, to ensure we can offer the best personalised education that suits the pace of the pupils, and to set realistic and attainable goals for everyone, however high or low they may be.
Our Key Stage 1 & 2 Teachers
Tineke Chaouch
EYFS Teacher
Tineke has a degree in Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Intervention from Santa Monica College, California. She worked eight years in the US in early childhood settings, including four years in a Therapeutic Day Treatment Program for young children with mental difficulties. In 2012, when BIST first opened its doors, she joined the team as a Special Educational Needs Coordinator across Primary and Secondary School. In February 2021, she rejoined the Early Years Team as the Early Years Teacher and the Primary School Safeguarding Lead.
Clodagh Mullin
Year 2 Teacher
I am the Year 2 teacher, SENCO and PE Lead here at BIST. I grew up in the north of Ireland surrounded by mountains and vast beaches, in a small town called Omagh. I received a Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Development and Inclusion from John Moores University, and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from Northumbria University. This is my third year at BIST and it has been an honour to see the children develop into independent, confident young leaders with big plans, belief and ambition to make positive changes in the world! Tunisia has become my home away from home and in my free time I enjoy hiking, scuba diving, exploring new places and meeting new people.
Monika Prussas
Year 3 Teacher
Establishing genuine relationships and making meaningful connections are the foundations of my beliefs about fantastic teaching and learning. I started my teaching career in New Zealand as a teacher, then Principal and recently moved to the United Kingdom, teaching at a SEN specialist school. 25+ years later I still love being an educator.
Away from work, I enjoy travelling, gardening, time outdoors and riding my motorbike.
Raphael Sarker
Year 5 Teacher
Raphaël Sarker is a primary computing specialist who completed his bachelor of education degree at Froebel College in London, specialising in computer- and game-based learning systems, before working as a class teacher and computing leader in schools around London and the southwest. Having lived in Europe and Asia, he enjoys travelling and working in the international sector. At Club Med, he taught skiing and scuba diving, and sailed Laser and Zodiac dinghies with 7-11s, going on to travel around Asia, working with private agencies and NGOs on multimedia projects supporting primary and adult education, as well as health and environmental education projects.
David Sullivan
Year 6 Teacher
Mr Sullivan has been an educator of learners from 4 to 70 in various educational settings for over 23 years, holding Qualified Teacher Status in both NZ and the UK. He is fascinated by learning and believes we are in an age where more is known about how children learn than ever before. With 2 internationally educated children of his own, he is committed to the values and principles of international education. He cycles, attends a gym to keep fit and has been learning Morris Dancing to remind himself that we are all capable of learning something new.
Sabrine Chamakhi
EAL Teacher
I am Miss Sabrine or Mr Bean as some of the Year 2’s call me! I specialise in English Literature and civilisation and have a Cambridge certification of teaching English as a foreign Language- CELTA. My role at BIST is abundant and rewarding. I feel lucky and blessed that I work across the whole school and help children flourish and grow resilience through a challenging process. Seeing accomplishment after hard work, knowing that we are part of this milestone is what makes us come back the next morning with a fresh spirit. A simple “We love you Miss” or doodle drawn by a child during their play time can instantly brighten my mood during a busy or stressful day. They learn from us, we learn from them !
Marwa Mejri
Head of the MFL department Non-native Arabic Teacher
I have a Master’s degree in Applied Linguistics in addition to my CELTA. I am currently pursuing my studies at Sunderland University and have been working at BIST for almost 6 years now and if I can name one thing that grew up with me during this time would be my passion for what I do. I am here to give it my all from the bottom of my heart to help my pupils break the language barrier which will enable them to open all sorts of doors in the future in a very non-traditional way to show them that it is alright to break the uniformity and you will shine.
Emna Zouaoui
French Teaching Assistant
I am a Teaching Assistant and a French teacher working at the British international School of Tunis, since its foundation in 2012. I was the staff representative on the board of Governors from 2013 till 2018. I obtained my Bachelor’s Degree in English Language and Literature in 2007 (including a TEFL ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ Training and a TKT Cambridge Certificate). I participated in Maths, Literacy, Music, and Phonics training during these 10 years working at BIST. I love working at this school because I love working with the kids and helping them complete and understand their tasks.
Maria Mattiace
Social and Emotional Counsellor
I have twenty-seven years experience as a Behaviour Specialist as well as a Educational Specialist for pupils with special needs. What I enjoy the most is seeing the positive changes in the pupils. I want them to feel secure and confident, while making them have a positive outlook. While achieving these goals, I know I have made a difference in their lives. When the children go home happy, I believe I have achieved one of my goals.
Rahma Ksouri
French Teacher
I have nine years of teaching experience, with a bachelor’s degree in Business English, an IELTS and TEF Certificate. I have a true passion for working with our youngest learners!! Helping each child progress in all areas of their development —academic, social and language— is a challenge that I am honored to accept daily. I strive to create a community of learners that brings up this growth in a positive, fun environment.
An insight into Key Stage 1 & 2
Admissions for children ages 6+
The assessment procedure for older pupils joining the school will involve a more formal assessment in addition to the reception of the applicant’s full previous school reports (last two years) prior to the scheduled entry assessment date.
The test that we administer is the Cognitive Abilities Test (CAT4); a diagnostic assessment that helps our teaching staff to understand the pupil’s current level. Pupils sit a tailored assessment according to the age and the year group that they will be entering. Prior preparation is not required, and the assessment is in multiple choice format, requiring the use of a computer with internet access, and headphones or speakers in order to follow the audio instructions.
To further evaluate the level of each applicant, some additional assessments may be required in the intention of planning accordingly. The results help teachers decide what pace of learning is right for each pupil, whether a specific syllabus would be required, and whether additional support is needed.
At the British International school of Tunis, we recognise the importance of finding the right school for your child and offer as well the possibility to conduct our assessments from the confort of your home to able families abroad to conduct all necessary steps to secure their child’s enrolment at BIST.