THE WORLD IN A CLASSROOM. Berlin International School Campus Dahlem in the Heart of the Capital City

Transcription

1 THE WORLD IN A CLASSROOM Berlin International School Campus Dahlem in the Heart of the Capital City

2 CAMPUS DAHLEM Google Earth PRIMARY SCHOOL ADMISSION BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Phone +49 (0) Fax +49 (0) SECONDARY SCHOOL

3 BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL In 1998 the Private Kant-Schule e.v. opened Berlin International School to add an international school to their range of well established private schools in Berlin. B.I.S. and the associated Kita International together now have approximately 1000 students from early childhood to Grade 12. It is a private, non-profit, non-denominational day school offering child-centered instruction to international and local children in a supportive climate of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning. English is the language of instruction from early childhood throughout Grade 12. PRIMARY SCHOOL Grade 1-5 (age 6-11 years) MIDDLE SCHOOL Grade 6-8 (age years) IGCSE Grade 9-10 (age years) IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME Grade KITA INTERNATIONAL EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER (age 3-5 years) Kita International (part of Kantis-Kinder-Klub e.v.) specialises in early childhood education. Kita International shares both, the campus and the educational programme, with B.I.S.. Homepage: STUDENTS & STAFF The student body is composed of more than 60 different nationalities. Germany provides almost half of the student body, although many of these students have lived abroad and hold dual nationality. Many of the embassies in Berlin use the Berlin International School as the school of choice for their students. The Berlin International School staff hail from more than a dozen countries on five continents and hold university degrees. Internationally experienced and qualified educators join German staff members. The school has a generous professional development budget and expects its faculty to be life-long learners and keep abreast of the latest educational developments. ACCREDITATION 1998 Recognition Berlin Department of Education 2000 IB World School (IB Diploma Programme) 2002 International General Certificate of Secondary Education, Cambridge University Exam Centre 2003 Authorisation (IB) Primary Years Programme 2009 Accreditation New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC/United States) Accreditation Council of International Schools (CIS) The school is a member of the European Council of International Schools, the Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development and the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).

4 PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP) The curriculum at B.I.S aims to develop internationally-minded students who can think critically, knowledgeably and respectfully about the world around them. Our school implements an internationally acknowledged curriculum, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP promotes an inquiry-based approach to teaching and learning which gives students the opportunity to take an active role in their learning. Our programme builds upon the diversity of student experiences and backgrounds. Our aim is to nurture globally-minded citizens who are: communicators thinkers inquirers risk-takers knowledgeable balanced principled caring open-minded reflective Sharing the planet Who we are language How we organise ourselves personal social & physical education science & technology ACTION CONCEPTS ATTITUDES art SKILLS social studies mathematics Where we are in place & time How the world works How we express ourselves The curriculum framework consists of five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action. The programme design is transdisciplinary and the elements of the programme are

5 developed in all classes and all subject areas. Different subject areas are integrated through transdisciplinary units of inquiry which develop understanding of themes of global significance, thus making learning relevant for all our students, but subjects are also taught as distinct learning areas. The core curriculum is taught by the class teacher, while art, music, library and physical education are taught by specialist teachers. German is taught in all grades at different levels (first language as well as foreign language levels). Information Communication Technology is integrated into all aspects of the curriculum. In the Primary School, our students learn in a cooperative, caring environment which promotes the development of each child s individual potential. Our dedicated teachers ensure that students are encouraged and learn throughout these crucial years. MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES In the Middle School we realise that adolescence is a time of rapid intellectual, as well as personal change. Students strengthen their independent learning skills and begin to pursue some personal learning interests at the same time as having to deal with the physical and emotional challenges associated with moving closer to being an adult. Our balanced international curriculum with a strong academic foundation promotes intercultural awareness and supports and nurtures the physical, social and emotional development of adolescent children. It allows students to start to develop some of their individual interests and begin to take responsibility for choices in their learning. In our classrooms, we believe that regular homework helps build lifelong learning skills and that regular feedback from teachers helps students become increasingly independent as learners. Through our Personal and Social Education programme (Grades 6-10) we aim to provide a nurturing environment and guide our students in the exploration of a range of issues related to their health and personal development, and to encourage them to look beyond themselves.

6 WE, AT BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DON T JUST PREPARE STUDENTS FOR UNIVERSITY. WE GUIDE THEM TOWARDS INTELLECTUAL AND CULTURAL CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN A GLOBALLY CONNECTED WORLD. IGCSE GRADES 9 & 10 The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognised qualification for school students, typically in the age groups. The IGCSE prepares students for further academic work including progression to the IB Diploma Programme. It is recognised by academic institutions and employers around the world. IGCSE encourages learner- centered and inquiry- based approaches to learning. It develops learners' skills in creative thinking, inquiry and problem solving, giving learners excellent preparation for the next stage in their education. Assessment for Cambridge IGCSE takes place at the end of the two-year course and includes written and oral examinations. HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA GRADES 9 & 12 In grades 9-12 students take courses that can lead to the B.I.S. High School Diploma. As a school, accredited by the New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC), our school Diploma is recognised as equivalent to a high school diploma in the USA or Canada. In order to graduate a student must attend Grade 12 at B.I.S. and have successfully completed four years of Senior School (Grades 9-12), fulfilling the minimum requirement of 22 credits. In conjunction with SATs/ACTs, this diploma qualifies students for entry to North American and Japanese universities.

7 IB DIPLOMA GRADES 11 & 12 The Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically focused curriculum for students aged (grades 11 & 12) preparing to enter university. For international students the IB Diploma is usually the only guarantee for admission to European and Commonwealth universities. For American universities, successful participation in IB courses can promote university acceptance, while successful completion of IB exams can lead to university course credit and/or advanced university placement. In Germany the IB Diploma is recognised as equivalent to the Abitur. The IB Coordinator will advise the students in their subject choices. B.I.S. has offered students the opportunity to earn IB credentials since The school s record of achievement is directly related to the excellent quality of our teachers and programme. With the support and expertise of the faculty, students operate in an academic learning community environment, which stimulates them to explore and excel. Personal abilities and future goals usually determine a candidate s curriculum, but the IB Diploma Programme is structured to accommodate every motivated, sincere and serious student. The following courses are currently offered at B.I.S. as part of the Diploma Programme (grades 11 & 12). The school reserves the right to add or delete courses according to student demand and staff availability. The Diploma Programme has four components: 1. Study of six subjects: students study three courses at Higher Level (HL) and three others at Standard Level (SL). Students sit externally assessed examinations at the end of the two-year programme. English Literature (SL & HL) English Language/Literature (SL & HL) German Literature (SL & HL) German Language/Literature (SL & HL) Tutored Mother Tongue (SL) LANGUAGE A1 English B (HL) French B (SL & HL) German B Spanish B German ab initio GROUP 1 History (SL & HL) Geography (SL & HL) Economics (SL & HL) Business & Management (SL & HL) SECOND LANGUAGE GROUP 2 ToK C.A.S GROUP 3 INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES Biology (SL & HL) Chemistry (SL & HL) Physics (SL & HL) Environmental Systems & Societies (SL) GROUP 4 EXTENDED ESSAY GROUP 5 Mathematical Studies (SL) Mathematics (SL & HL) EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE GROUP 6 MATHEMATICS THE ARTS Visual Arts (SL & HL) Additional Choice Groups 1 to 4 (SL & HL) 2. Extended Essay: students are introduced to and guided in university-level research through the Extended Essay process, culminating in the writing of an approximately 4,000 -word essay. 3. Theory of Knowledge (ToK): a foundational course that all DP students take, helping them to explore and understand the problematic and holistic nature of knowledge. 4. Creativity, Action, Service (C.A.S.): a programme (3 x 50 hrs.) designed to help students develop their creativity, well-being and commitment to serve the communities in which they live and beyond.

8 STUDENTSUPPORT STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES The Student Support Services consist of several components. The School Counselling Service is designed to help students, parents and teachers develop positive learning experiences. By providing proactive in-class workshops for all B.I.S. students and counselling support for students with specific social or emotional concerns, the School Counsellors aim to make B.I.S. a healthy learning environment. We recognise that some students require special programmes of services and the Student Support Services Team strives to meet the needs of these students. The EAL (English as an additional language) programme assists students whose first language is not English. The overall aim of the EAL programme is to offer additional help in building language skills to develop confidence in English as rapidly as possible. Our Student Support Services Department also includes learning specialists, an in-house speech and language therapist and an ergo-therapist. UNIVERSITY COUNSELLING The University & Guidance Counsellor helps engage students in, as well as support them through, the often complex college application process. From Grade 8 through Grade 12 there are programmes and activities to help students to identify their abilities, interests, and aptitudes that relate to career development and further education. WORK EXPERERIENCE PROGRAMME In the final weeks of Grade 10, following the IGCSE examinations, we offer our students the opportunity of taking part in a work experience programme. LIBRARY The libraries play an important role in our educational programme by helping to teach the skills required by the students to become information literate in the 21st century. Children will also learn library and information skills and how they can use the library to enhance their classroom learning experience. SPORT DEPARTMENT Physical Education lessons are scheduled for all students from Grades 1-10, including psychomotoric classes for Grade 1 and swimming classes for students in Grade 3. Berlin International School is a full member of GISST (German International Schools Sport Tournament) and students represent our school in a variety of sporting events all over Germany. We believe in offering competitive team and athletic opportunities to as many students as possible, striving for broad participation and competitive excellence, whilst encouraging the highest levels of sportsmanship and fair play. MUSIC & ART DEPARTMENTS Music is featured in the B.I.S. curriculum from Grade 1 through High School. In the early years, children develop their listening skills, they learn the role of rhythm and beat and explore a whole variety of sound and movement. They have the opportunity to play the recorder and through our After School Activity Programme a range of musical instruments. There is a Primary School & Middle School Choir and we give our musicians and singers opportunities throughout the year to play regularly in school and at local venues in the Berlin area. We offer students playing instruments the opportunity to play in an international orchestra with three other international schools in Berlin and Brandenburg.

9 AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY PROGRAMME & PRIMARY AFTER CARE Aftercare Service (Primary School) is available for those families who, through work or professional commitments, are unable to pick up their children at the school finishing times. Children who need to stay in After Care need to be enrolled beforehand (except for cases of emergency). There is an extensive extra-curricular programme at B.I.S. which includes the visual and performing Arts, sports teams, Student Council and Model United Nations. More than 50% of all students are involved in a huge variety of course offerings. Students are encouraged to make the most of the leadership and participation opportunities provided by the Student Council. The school is constantly seeking other positive avenues for student involvement, including student assemblies, clubs, artistic performance, international public speaking, local and global service projects. Activities are offered at additional cost by qualified teachers and change every semester. A Holiday Club is offered to primary students during the major holidays. B.I.S. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA) B.I.S. is more than just a place where children spend their school day. It is a place where teachers, staff and parents try to work closely together to create an environment in which the students can prosper, academically as well as socially. A major aim of the work in the PTA is to promote opportunities for each member of the B.I.S. community to participate in, benefit from and contribute to the exceptional advantages given by a community consisting of various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. The PTA would like to: Provide a structured forum for communication between administration, faculty and parents Help integrate new families into B.I.S. Support special programmes which strengthen the B.I.S. community. FRIENDS OF B.I.S. Friends of B.I.S. is a group of dedicated parents who through all kinds of activities, like our annual Silent Auction or the Sponsored Run raise funds in order to support the school s sporting and cultural activities. Monies have been raised to purchase technological equipment for our science laboratories, a professional stage was donated to the school, musical instruments were purchased, etc.

10 FREQUENTLY ASKEDQUESTIONS (FAQS) CAN I ENROL MY CHILD IN B.I.S. NOW? Parents can enrol their children anytime during the school year by using the application form which can be downloaded from the B.I.S. homepage: DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE AN ENTRANCE EXAM? In primary school we usually invite potential students for three trial days. Admission is then decided on the basis of this visit. The principal meets the parents and the child to determine whether B.I.S. is the right school choice for the child and, if yes, to determine which grade level the child will enter. Secondary students will need to sit an entrance exam. IB students will, after admission, need to meet with the IB Diploma Coordinator in order to determine the choice of subjects. CAN CHILDREN WHO COME FROM BERLIN OR BRANDENBURG ENROL IN THE SCHOOL? Yes. International schools are ideal for parents who want their children to grow up in international and multicultural environments. The certificates/diplomas which are offered by B.I.S. (IGCSE, High School & IB Diploma) are recognised by the German educational system and the city of Berlin. WHAT IS THE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION? English is the language of instruction, with instruction in German as first language and German as second language taught every day. IS IT POSSIBLE FOR A CHILD WHO DOES NOT YET SPEAK ENGLISH TO LEARN SUCCESS- FULLY IN AN ENGLISH MEDIUM SCHOOL? Learning in a second language for academic purposes takes time. However, at B.I.S. we have a supportive environment that enables students, whose first language is not English, to acquire the social and academic language needed to participate fully in all aspects of school life. Each teacher supports language learning by providing a language rich environment, by integrating English language development with content instruction and by involving the students actively in meaningful learning tasks. HOW CAN I ENSURE THAT MY CHILD'S MOTHER TONGUE IS MAINTAINED? In B.I.S. we have a positive attitude towards linguistic and cultural diversity, and we celebrate the variety of languages and cultures within our school. We encourage parents to continue to develop

11 their children's mother tongue(s) through, for example, talking to them about experiences at school, discussing what they are learning. In our activities programme we already offer, Chinese writing, French, Dutch, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese and hope to offer more languages in the near future. IS LUNCH PROVIDED? B.I.S. considers a healthy lunch to be an important part of the school day. Students have the option of bringing a packed lunch from home or taking part in the hot lunch programme provided by the school (included in the school fee). SCHOOL TUITION FEES See attached paper. SCHOOL DAYS 08:00 School opens Primary School 08:15 School starts 12:00 Lunch 15:10 School ends After School Activities Fridays 13:45 School ends After School Activities Secondary School 08:45 School starts 12:30 Lunch 15:45 School ends After School Activities Fridays 14:15 School ends After School Activities USEFULL WEBSITES & ADRESSES Berlin International School: Downloads of Curriculum Guides, Parent Student Handbooks, Application Forms, etc. B.I.S. After School Activity Programme: asa@berlin-international-school.de Kita International: Bus - Service: info@fahrdienst-ostkreuz.de International Baccalaureate Organisation: International General Certificate of Secondary Education: Council of International Schools:

12 THE WORLD IN A CLASSROOM FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (C.I.S.) THE NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS & COLLEGES (NEASC) Lentzeallee 8/10 & Lentzeallee 12/ Berlin-Dahlem Fon +49(0)30/ Telefax +49(0)30/ Internet: office@berlin-international-school.de Officially recognised by the Berlin Department of Education Member of ECIS, I.B., NEASC, AGIS & VDP Staatlich anerkannte Ersatzschule Schulträger: Gemeinnütziger Schulverein Private Kant-Schule e.v PRIVATE KANT-SCHULE e.v. PHOTO: SÖREN MÜLLER, PATSY STOEHR, JIRKA & LUCIE JANSCH, SABRINA GEWECKE