Dear parents, 13 September 2013

A warm welcome to the academic session 2013-14 from the Mathematics Department at BISI. For those of you who are new, I am Sunanda Rao the Head of Mathematics. This is my second year at BISI and my fifteenth year of teaching Mathematics. I am also an Examiner for the IB Diploma Mathematics.

I would like to introduce you to the members of my Department.

Mrs. Joy Bosman who is also the KS 4 coordinator is into her 21st year of teaching Mathematics and her sixth year at BISI. She teaches the KS 3, the IGCSE as well as the IB Mathematics Studies/Standard Level. Joy originates from England.

Dr.Taylan Celtik has his roots in Turkey and is extremely popular for being a task master. He teaches all year groups from year 8 up until the IB Diploma. And this is his seventh year at BISI.

Mr. Brett Howard is the wizard of the Mathematics Department. He is Canadian and is into his fifth year of teaching. In addition to teaching Mathematics in all the Key Stages, he is popular with students for his magic/tricks with playing cards, elastic bands and much more.

Ms. Holly Garner is into her third year of teaching at BISI and teaches at Key Stage 3 as well as Key Stage 4. She originates from the USA and has been teaching for 17 years. Holly is also an Examiner for the IB Diploma Mathematics.

Mr. Rhys Jones is a new member of our Department and is teaching Year 7 Mathematics. He is British and this is his fifth year of teaching.

The last academic session was fantastic with a large number of our students taking online Mathematics Challenges. Our Key Stage 4 students did us proud winning Gold and Silver in Mathematics Olympiad exams. The results at the IGCSE and the IBDP May-June 2013 exams have been very good too.

At BISI, we ensure that every student enjoys studying Mathematics at his/her own level. In Key Stage 5, we have three streams Higher level, Standard level and Mathematical Studies. In Key Stage 4, we offer Accelerated, Extended and Core Mathematics. In Key Stage 3, students are streamlined into Accelerated, Extended and Core groups in years 8 and 9.

We offer after school classes for students who express the need for academic support. Otherwise also, every student is free to approach any member of the Department to discuss their difficulties in Mathematics or otherwise, at any time.

This year, we have incorporated ICT in Mathematics with the intention of developing technological skills in our students and facilitating a better understanding of concepts.

We have the International Mathematics Week in March, the Pi day, online Math challenges, the Euro Disney trip for year 9 students and much more in store for the year 2013-14.

We look forward to making this year an enjoyable learning experience for your child. Please do not hesitate to contact me via email if you have any queries or concerns. I would like to thank you in advance for your support in the forthcoming year.

Yours faithfully,

Sunanda Rao