FAQs

Depending on the level of safety, BFS will apply different learning modes ranging from Virtual (high risk) to Business As Usual (low risk).

• Business  As Usual: all students on campus, standard health, and safety protocols in place.
• Relaxed enhanced: all students on campus, health, and safety protocols are slightly relaxed (optional use of masks, etc).
• Enhanced: all students on campus with high levels of safety (mandatory use of masks, etc)
• Hybrid: students attend school on campus but on alternate days in order to allow for enhanced social distancing.
• Virtual: no students on campus: instruction provided 100pc virtual.

Our safety analysis takes into account different criteria:

• Busan Ministry of Education recommendations
• The current state of transmissions (how many local transmissions and number of consecutive days with transmissions)
• Geography of the transmissions

At BFS we evaluate the current situation daily.

Based on our learning modes, we can deduct three main instructional models:

• Face to Face (on campus traditional instruction)
• Hybrid (partly on campus, partly at home with independent learning)
• Virtual (at home online learning)

Our stories below explain our models and address some of the fears students might experience when switching to one or another model.

In order to prevent further spread of COVID–19, we have been informed that the Busan Ministry of Education that anyone who has traveled to another country will need to wait 14 days from their return date to be physically allowed back in school.

Additionally, the government has put measures in place to control imported cases. Please refer to the chart below published by the Korean Centre for Disease and Control.

BFS is currently opened to staff and students. Parents and other visitors access is limited and upon appointment only.

Please be assured that we are following safety protocols as required.  

BFS cannot run virtual school parallel to the physically opened school.

Student safety will always be our number one priority. Prior to school opening, BFS will release a comprehensive list of actions taken to ensure everyone’s safety while at BFS. This list will utilize the guidelines provided by the Busan Ministry of Education.

At present we do not anticipate changes to the 2020-21 SY calendar.
Our calendar for 2021-22 SY has also been published.

Our campuses are not accessible to families while on Enhanced Safety, Hybrid, and Virtual modes.

Our campus is not accessible to students while on Virtual mode.

No activities are held at the school.

Please check our school calendar for SAT test dates.

College Board has confirmed AP exams go ahead following a modified format.
The exams take place online, at home, and last 45-minutes.
The exam content has been truncated, Your child’s teacher is aware of these changes and will be preparing them accordingly.

We know this global health situation poses many challenges for families. We would like to reinforce the message that you are not alone.
Our school Vice-Principal, Mr. Brenneman, is available and will help you navigate through academic challenges your child might encounter during this period.
Our school counselor, Ms. Ness, can also be contacted and plays an active role in emotionally supporting your children during BFS virtual school.

The best of all defenses continue to be respiratory hygiene and increased education efforts in all communities:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Wear a mask when you go outside.
• Stay home if you are sick, especially with any respiratory illness or fever.
• Respect social distancing guidelines as provided by your local authorities.

Check this link for the latest government promotional posters on safety and prevention.

The Korean government has been praised for its transparency in sharing information on the COVID-19 pandemic. Information about the situation in Korea, and Busan can be found in English using the following sources:

• Korea Centre for Disease Control
• Busan eFM for details of the spread in Busan

Worldwide official information is available:

• World Health Organization
• World Health Organization Situation Reports
• US Centre for Disease Control