Mr. John Filby, Headmaster
Bishop Mackenzie International Schools
P.O. Box 102
Lilongwe, Malawi
Tel: 265 -743-294
Fax: 265 -744-674
E-mail: bmiss@unima.wn.afc.org

2000-2001

The Bishop Mackenzie International Schools (BMIS) are international, coeducational day schools, which offer an educational program from kindergarten through grade 13 for pupils of all nationalities. Founded in 1949 as a primary only school, BMISS now encompasses both a primary and a secondary school on the same site and sharing a number of the same facilities and faculty. The school year comprises 3 trimesters extending from September to early December, from January through March, and mid-April to mid-July.

Organization: The School has achieved independence from the Designated School Board of Malawi on January 1, 1999. It now operates as a not-for-profit Trust under Malawi law, governed by a Board of Trustees elected from among the parents.

Curriculum: The curriculum is modeled on the English National Curriculum adapted to the setting of Malawi and the international community. Instruction is in English. The reception class begins with those children who reach age 4 by August 31 and the highest level graduation class is made up of 18-year olds. Specialists are on staff to teach a full range of subjects including art, music, physical education, French, drama, media studies, science, math, English language and literature, history, geography, and information technology. The secondary school curriculum culminates in GCSE/IGCSE, a 2-year course in a wide range of subjects, taken between ages 14-16, and a certificate through examinations endorsed by the UK government sent from England. Pre-university students follow the two-year International Baccalaureate diploma course. A strong Special Educational Needs (including English-as-a-Second-Language) department has been developed across the two schools with 6 specialist teachers. BMISS is in an accreditation process with the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the European Council of International Schools.

Faculty: There are 50 faculty members, 47 of whom are third-country nationals, 2 of whom are host-country nationals and 1 is a U.S. citizen.

Enrollment: Enrollment at the beginning of the 2000-2001 school year was 601, including 29 U.S. citizens, 173 host-country nationals, and 399 third-country nationals. Of the U.S. enrollment, 9 were dependents of U.S. government direct-hire or contract employees and 20 of other private U.S. citizens.

Facilities: There are 21 teacher-based classrooms and specialist rooms in art, music, and computers in the primary school. In the secondary school, there are 17 specialist classrooms including 3 laboratories and a shared library. The newly completed IB building contains 2 general teaching rooms, a networked computer room used by the entire school, a communal study, and recreation areas. There are 25 acres of grounds including 2 soccer fields, mini-sports areas, and a running track. The Schools have a large multi-purpose performing arts/sports hall, which includes a substantial stage area, 2 badminton courts, and a volleyball court. An 18-meter pool and a splash pool for infants complete the sports facilities. The secondary school also makes use of the 18-hole Lilongwe Golf Club course.

Finances: The Schools' income is totally derived from tuition fees. The annual tuition rates are as follows: Kdg.-grade 5: $5,850; grades 6-10: $10,350; and grades 11-13: $11,385. (All fees are quoted in U.S. dollars.)

This Fact Sheet is intended to provide general information. The Office of Overseas Schools (A/OPR/OS) may have more detailed information. Prospective users of the schools may wish to inquire further with A/OPR/OS or contact the school directly for more specific and up-to-the-minute information regarding curriculum, special programs and the like.