Sunbeams School - School

Sunbeams School is one of the most reputable and prestigious private schools in Bangladesh, known for its high academic standards, strong moral foundation, and holistic approach to student development. Located in Dhaka, Sunbeams has consistently been a leader in education since its establishment in 1974 by Niloufer Manzur, an inspiring figure in the Bangladeshi education sector. From a modest beginning, the school has grown into an institution synonymous with quality education, fostering not only academic excellence but also the personal growth of its students through an array of extracurricular activities and community service programs.

Sunbeams follows the British curriculum and offers classes from the Playgroup level up to A Levels. Its commitment to nurturing well-rounded students who excel in both academics and extracurricular activities has earned it a stellar reputation. This article offers an in-depth look into various aspects of Sunbeams School, including its admission process, facilities, fee structure, achievements, and more.

Overview of Sunbeams School

Sunbeams School was founded with the vision of creating an educational environment that fosters academic excellence and encourages the overall development of children. Over the years, it has maintained a reputation for providing top-quality education that is grounded in discipline, integrity, and a global perspective. The school offers a curriculum based on the British education system, with students sitting for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams at the O Level and GCE A Level exams administered by Edexcel and Cambridge Assessment International Education.

Sunbeams places a strong emphasis on not only intellectual growth but also social and emotional development. The school prides itself on creating a nurturing environment where students are encouraged to think critically, engage in creative pursuits, and develop leadership skills.

Admission Process

Admission to Sunbeams School is highly competitive due to its reputation for academic excellence and limited seats. The school receives a large number of applications every year, and the selection process is rigorous, aiming to identify students with the potential to succeed in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Pre-School and Junior Section Admission

1. Playgroup and Nursery: Admission to the Playgroup (the entry level) is based on a combination of interviews with both the child and their parents. The interview process is designed to assess the child’s readiness for school in terms of basic cognitive and social skills, as well as the family’s alignment with the school’s values and expectations.
2. Junior School (KG to Class 5): Admission into the Junior Section, which covers Kindergarten (KG) to Class 5, is based on an entrance test that evaluates the applicant’s proficiency in English and Mathematics. The admission process for junior classes is highly competitive, and students are selected based on merit.

Senior Section Admission
For entry into the Senior Section (Class 6 to A Levels), the admission process is even more rigorous. Students applying for Class 6 and beyond are required to sit for an entrance examination that tests their abilities in English, Mathematics, and Science. The entrance exam is followed by an interview with the school’s admission committee, which evaluates the student’s academic readiness, communication skills, and overall attitude.
Admission to the A Level program (Class 11 and 12) is based on the student’s O Level or equivalent examination results. A student must have high grades in their O Levels to secure admission to the A Level program, and they must also pass an interview with faculty members.

Academic Programs

Sunbeams School offers a comprehensive and challenging curriculum that is designed to foster intellectual growth and critical thinking skills. The school follows the British curriculum, and students are prepared for the IGCSE O Levels and A Levels. The academic programs are divided into the following categories:

1. Pre-School and Junior Section: At the pre-school level, the focus is on developing basic literacy, numeracy, and social skills. Children are introduced to the world of learning through a structured play-based approach. In the Junior Section (KG to Class 5), the curriculum becomes more structured and includes subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, Bangla, and Social Studies. The aim is to build a strong foundation in core subjects while fostering creativity and independent thinking.
2. Middle School (Class 6 to 8): In the middle school, students are gradually introduced to a more rigorous academic curriculum that includes a broader range of subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, and ICT. The middle school years focus on developing analytical and problem-solving skills, with an increasing emphasis on preparing students for the IGCSE exams.
3. O Levels (Class 9 and 10): At the O Level stage, students typically choose a combination of subjects from the core areas of English, Mathematics, Sciences (Physics, Chemistry, and Biology), and Humanities (History, Geography, and Economics). The IGCSE exams are taken at the end of Class 10, and students are encouraged to focus on subjects that align with their future academic and career interests.
4. A Levels (Class 11 and 12): In the A Level program, students choose three or four subjects based on their intended field of higher education. A Level subjects offered at Sunbeams include English Literature, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Mathematics, Economics, Business Studies, and more. The A Level program is designed to prepare students for university-level education, both in Bangladesh and abroad.

Facilities

Sunbeams School offers a wide range of facilities to support the academic and extracurricular development of its students. The school is known for its modern infrastructure, which provides a safe and conducive learning environment.

1. Classrooms: The classrooms at Sunbeams are spacious, air-conditioned, and equipped with modern teaching aids such as smart boards and multimedia projectors. This allows for an interactive and dynamic teaching-learning experience.
2. Library: The school has a well-stocked library that includes a wide range of books, journals, and digital resources. Students are encouraged to use the library for research, self-study, and extracurricular reading. The library also subscribes to international periodicals, ensuring that students have access to current global trends and knowledge.
3. Science Laboratories: Sunbeams is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories for Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, where students can conduct experiments and learn through hands-on experience. The labs meet international safety standards and are supervised by experienced teachers and lab technicians.
4. Computer Labs: The school has well-equipped computer labs where students are taught Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Students from all grade levels have access to the labs, which are equipped with the latest software and high-speed internet to facilitate learning and research.
5. Sports Facilities: Sunbeams places a strong emphasis on physical education and provides facilities for various sports, including basketball, football, cricket, and badminton. The school has a large playground, and students are encouraged to participate in inter-house and inter-school sports competitions. Physical fitness is considered an integral part of student development.
6. Auditorium: The school has an auditorium where various cultural programs, debates, and school functions are held. It serves as a hub for student activities, fostering creativity and confidence through participation in performances and public speaking.
7. Cafeteria: The school has a cafeteria that provides healthy and hygienic meals to students. The menu is designed to cater to the nutritional needs of growing children, with a focus on balanced, wholesome meals.

Fees Structure

Sunbeams School is a private institution, and the fee structure reflects the high-quality education and facilities provided. The fees are charged on a semester basis, and they vary depending on the grade level of the student. While Sunbeams is known for its relatively high fees compared to other schools in Dhaka, the investment is justified by the quality of education, modern facilities, and individual attention given to each student.

Fee Breakdown (Approximate)

1. Pre-School to Junior Section (Playgroup to Class 5): The average tuition fee ranges between BDT 70,000 to BDT 90,000 per semester.
2. Middle School (Class 6 to Class 8): The fees for middle school students range from BDT 90,000 to BDT 1,10,000 per semester, depending on the grade level.
3. O Levels (Class 9 and 10): For students in the O Level program, the tuition fees range between BDT 1,10,000 to BDT 1,40,000 per semester. Additional costs for IGCSE examination fees may apply.
4. A Levels (Class 11 and 12): The A Level program is the most expensive, with tuition fees ranging between BDT 1,40,000 to BDT 1,80,000 per semester. Examination fees for GCE A Levels are charged separately.

The school also offers scholarships to meritorious students based on academic performance and financial need.

Achievements

Sunbeams School has a long history of academic excellence, with its students consistently achieving top scores in the IGCSE and A Level exams. Many Sunbeams graduates have gone on to attend prestigious universities around the world, including Ivy League schools in the United States, top institutions in the United Kingdom, and renowned universities in Canada, Australia, and Singapore.

1. IGCSE and A Level Results: Sunbeams students consistently achieve high grades in their IGCSE and A Level exams, with many students receiving the prestigious “Top in the World” and “Top in the Country” awards from Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).
2. University Placements: Sunbeams graduates have secured places at some of the world’s leading universities, including Harvard, Stanford, Oxford, Cambridge, and the University of Toronto. The school’s strong academic program and emphasis on extracurricular activities help students build competitive