Where British excellence meets the IB PYP to prepare children for life, not just exams.
Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself
John Dewey
At Buckswood School Riyadh, education is more than lessons and tests – it is life itself. Our philosophy combines the academic rigour of the British curriculum with the transformative power of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). Guided by our 12 Pillars of Education, we nurture confident, compassionate and globally minded learners who are ready for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
We use the British UK curriculum (Pearson iPrimary) to ensure clear academic progression, while the IB PYP gives our classrooms an inquiry-based, concept-driven structure. Books and resources guide learning, but they do not limit it. Teachers plan lessons that connect ideas, encourage questions, and help children understand the world around them.
We aim to nurture every student so that they can be the best they can be. We foster in them an understanding that learning is fun and for life. We are a ‘spark’ to help ignite or re-ignite a sense of adventure and discovery in the process of learning. We give students a sense of purpose so that they can harness this to inform future careers.
Buckswood is inclusive for all and students are educated to understand that sport is part of life not just something to do at school, it forms part of your wellbeing, it is social and it is competitive just like the world. There are winners and losers – a good sports person can handle both and can encourage others to do the best they can.
It is our job to find the talents our students possess and to encourage each and every child to be proud of their talent, no matter what it is.It is our job to find the talents our students possess and to encourage each and every child to be proud of their talent, no matter what it is.
We want individuals to have the opportunity to reflect on life’s fundamental questions and special moments as part of their overall development. Spiritual development is characterised by reflection through and valuing of the non-material dimensions to life – so time to put the phone and computer down and reflect on the world around us.
We want students to step out of their comfort zone and to just ‘have a go’, therefore preparing them for real life… be it reading in assembly; preparing them for presenting in the future or learning to dance. We want our students to feel comfortable and act respectfully in any situation they are put in. Life is not all about jeans and jumpers, its about understanding when and how to handle a situation appropriately.
Picture leading your team to victory in a house competition, organizing an inspirational school event, or standing up to make your voice heard on issues you’re passionate about. Our Leadership Pillar is designed to give you the skills, courage, and platform to shine and be yourself!
At Buckswood, we’re all about sparking that can-do spirit and turning ideas into action, a dynamic journey where you can take the lead, navigating through challenges with confidence and creativity.
Through hands-on projects, teamwork challenges, and leadership roles across our diverse school activities, you’ll develop the resilience, empathy, and strategic thinking that real-world leaders are made of It’s about more than just taking charge-it’s about inspiring others, making a difference, and having a fun while you’re at it.
We understand that we are privileged and that there are others less fortunate therefore we have a duty to our community. At Buckswood that community starts on campus and spreads across the globe as we follow Winston Churchills saying
We want our students to have zest for life, have passion and not be afraid to try something new. You only make progress when you learn to stick your neck out and have a go!
At Buckswood School, we are committed to embedding digital literacy across our curriculum, with a special focus on understanding the intricacies of artificial intelligence (Al) and other digital technologies. We aim to prepare our students for the demands of both today and tomorrow, ensuring they are not just consumers of digital content but also creators and innovators.
Our approach goes beyond conventional education to embrace the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age. We strive to equip our students with critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are essential in navigating the complexities of the digital world. By fostering an environment where digital literacy flourishes, Buckswood ensures its students are ready to lead and excel in a future shaped by technology.
In the heart of riyadh we focus on teaching students about ecology and sustainability by fostering environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices, and exploring local ecosystems. We aim to instill a sense of global responsibility through practical activities like tree planting and recycling initiatives, helping students understand both their local and global impact on the environment.
Buckswood is a home. It is a working establishment, it is a school and most importantly it is a place of learning and friendship. As they say, many bricks make a house but much laughter, learning and fun make a school!
Buskwood focuses on embracing the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students and teachers. With a mix of Middle Eastern students and British and American staff, we promote global understanding and respect through a curriculum that highlights different cultures and fosters cross-cultural dialogue.