School Life

News & Events

Discover the latest stories from our classrooms, school celebrations, community events, and everyday life at BrightSteps. Follow our learners as they explore new ideas, develop their talents, take meaningful action, and create lasting memories together.

Stay connected with the experiences, achievements, and special moments that bring our BrightSteps community to life.

A teacher leads circle time with a group of young students seated on a rug in a bright classroom
News Friday, September 25, 2026

Settling In: Our First Weeks of the 2026 to 2027 School Year

Three weeks in, our classrooms are full of energy, new routines, and new friendships. Since welcoming students back on Monday, September 7, our learners from Pre Nursery through Grade 7 have settled into their classes and are already asking big questions.

Here are a few highlights from our first weeks:

  • Circle time, where our youngest learners gather to talk, listen, and share their ideas
  • Swimming in our campus pool, where young swimmers are building confidence in the water one splash at a time
  • Up close encounters with our rabbit, a quiet lesson in gentleness and care
  • Our weekly lunch menu, now published on the Canteen page so families can see what is served each day
  • A young student floating in the pool with orange armbands
    Water confidence in the pool
  • A smiling student in goggles and armbands waving from the pool
    A wave from the water
  • A grey rabbit sitting calmly in a classroom corner
    Meeting our rabbit

Looking ahead: October Break runs from October 19 to 23, and Student Led Conferences take place in November, when students will share their learning with their families. Please keep an eye on the School Calendar and the Parents Portal for details.

Thank you to our families for a wonderful start to the year.

Three young BrightSteps students in school polos sitting together on a garden bench
Event Monday, September 7, 2026

First Day of School

We welcomed our students on Monday, September 7, for the start of the 2026 to 2027 school year. Familiar faces, new friends, and plenty of smiles made it a wonderful first day.

BrightSteps International School campus in Grand-Bassam
News

Beyond Flags and Accents: What Makes a School Truly International?

At BrightSteps, we often hear the question, what exactly makes a school international? Sure, you might imagine colorful flags in the hallways and students speaking different accents, and yes, you will find those here. But being truly international is about much more, it is about the way we think, learn, and grow together.

An international school does not just have students from different countries, it teaches children how to think like global citizens. English is our main language of instruction, with French as a strong supporting language, so children learn to express themselves confidently in both, building not just fluency but connection.

Our approach goes beyond academics. From tending plants in the school garden to exploring robotics, from performing on stage to solving real world challenges, we nurture confidence, creativity, and character.

A BrightSteps student reading closely and thinking critically
News

International School or Traditional School: What Is the Difference?

Choosing a school is an important decision for every family. While both international and traditional schools support children's education, their approaches can be different.

Traditional schools generally follow a national curriculum and teach primarily in the country's official language. Learning may focus more on textbooks, memorisation and examinations.

International schools often use English as the main language of instruction and provide a broader global perspective. Students are encouraged to ask questions, explore ideas, collaborate and apply what they learn to real-life situations.

International education also develops skills such as:

  • Critical thinking
  • Creativity
  • Communication
  • Independence
  • Cultural awareness
  • Collaboration

This does not mean that one type of school is right for every child. Parents should consider the curriculum, teaching approach, language of instruction, class size and support available to students.

At BrightSteps International School, we provide an English-medium, inquiry-based education in a caring environment. We help students build strong academic foundations while developing the confidence, curiosity and character they need for the future.

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