Berlin International SchoolCampus Dahlem in the Heart of the Capital City

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PRIMARY SCHOOL

SECONDARY SCHOOL

CAMPUS DAHLEM© Google Earth

Phone +49 (0) 30. 820 07 77-80Fax +49 (0) 30. 820 07 77-89admissions@berlin-international-school.de

ADMISSIONBERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER

(age 3- 5 years)

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 livedabroad and hold dual nationality. Many of the embassies in Berlin use the Berlin International Schoolas the school of choice for their students. The Berlin International School staff hail from more thana dozen countries on five continents and hold university degrees. Internationally experienced and qua-lified educators join German staff members. The school has a generous professional developmentbudget and expects its faculty to be life-long learners and keep abreast of the latest educationaldevelopments.

STUDENTS & STAFF

Kita International (part of Kantis -Kinder-Klub e.V.) specialises in earlychildhood education. Kita International shares both, the campus and theeducational programme , with B.I.S..Homepage: www.kita-international.de

1998 Recognition Berlin Department of Education2000 IB World School (IB Diploma Programme)2002 International General Certificate of Secondary Education, Cambridge University Exam Centre2003 Authorisation (IB) Primary Years Programme2009 Accreditation New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC/United States)

Accreditation Council of International Schools (CIS)

ACCREDITATION

PRIMARY SCHOOLGrade 1-5

(age 6-11 years)

KITA INTERNATIONAL

The school is a member of the European Council of International Schools, the Association for Super-vision & Curriculum Development and the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).

In 1998 the Private Kant-Schule e.V. opened Berlin International School to add an international schoolto their range of well established private schools in Berlin. B.I.S. and the associated Kita Internationaltogether 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 andlocal children in a supportive climate of mutual respect and enthusiasm for learning. English is thelanguage of instruction from early childhood throughout Grade 12.

BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOLGrade 6 - 8

(age 12-14 years)

IGCSEGrade 9-10

(age 15 -16 years)

IB DIPLOMAPROGRAMMEGrade 11-12

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 interna-tionally acknowledged curriculum, the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The PYP promotes aninquiry-based approach to teaching and learning which gives students the opportunity to take anactive role in their learning.

Our programme builds upon the diversity of student experiences and backgrounds. Our aim is tonurture globally-minded citizens who are:communicators • thinkers • inquirers • risk-takers • knowledgeable • balanced • principled •

caring • open-minded •reflective

PRIMARY YEARS PROGRAMME (PYP)

The curriculum framework consists of five essential elements: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudesand action. The programme design is transdisciplinary and the elements of the programme are

mat

hem

atic

s

art

social

studies

languagepersonalsocial & physicaleducation

science & technology

Sharing the planet Who we are

Where weare in

place & time

How we express ourselves

How the world works

How we organiseourselves

CONCEPTS

ATTITUDES

ACTION SKILLS

In the Middle School we realise that adolescence is a time of rapid intellectual, as well as personalchange. Students strengthen their independent learning skills and begin to pursue some personallearning interests at the same time as having to deal with the physical and emotional challengesassociated with moving closer to being an adult.

Our balanced international curriculum with a strong academic foundation promotes interculturalawareness and supports and nurtures the physical, social and emotional development of adolescentchildren. It allows students to start to develop some of their individual interests and begin to takeresponsibility for choices in their learning. In our classrooms, we believe that regular homeworkhelps build lifelong learning skills and that regular feedback from teachers helps students becomeincreasingly independent as learners.

Through our Personal and Social Education programme (Grades 6-10) we aim to provide a nurturingenvironment and guide our students in the exploration of a range of issues related to their healthand personal development, and to encourage them to look beyond themselves.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADES 6 - 7 - 8

developed in all classes and all subject areas. Different subject areas are integrated throughtransdisciplinary 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 learningareas.

The core curriculum is taught by the class teacher, while art, music, library and physical educationare taught by specialist teachers. German is taught in all grades at different levels (first languageas well as foreign language levels). Information Communication Technology is integrated into allaspects of the curriculum.

In the Primary School, our students learn in a cooperative, caring environment which promotes thedevelopment of each child’s individual potential. Our dedicated teachers ensure that students areencouraged and learn throughout these crucial years.

IGCSE GRADES 9 & 10

WE, AT BERLIN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, DON’T JUST PREPARE STUDENTS FOR UNIVERSITY.WE GUIDE THEM TOWARDS INTELLECTUAL AND CULTURAL CONFIDENCE TO SUCCEED IN AGLOBALLY CONNECTED WORLD.

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is an internationally recognisedqualification for school students, typically in the 14 -16 age groups. The IGCSE prepares studentsfor further academic work including progression to the IB Diploma Programme. It is recognised byacademic 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 thenext stage in their education.Assessment for Cambridge IGCSE takes place at the end of the two-year course and includes writtenand 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 isrecognised 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 fouryears of Senior School (Grades 9 -12), fulfilling the minimum requirement of 22 credits. In con-junction with SATs/ACTs, this diploma qualifies students for entry to North American and Japaneseuniversities.

IB DIPLOMA GRADES 11 & 12

GROUP 5

GROUP 6

GROUP 3

GROUP 1

GROUP 2

GROUP 4

LANGUAGE A1

INDIVIDUALS & SOCIETIES

MATHEMATICS

THE ARTS

EXPERIMENTAL SCIENCE

SECOND LANGUAGE

English Literature (SL &HL) English Language/Literature (SL &HL)

German Literature (SL &HL)German Language/Literature (SL &HL)

Tutored Mother Tongue (SL)

English B (HL)French B (SL &HL)

German B • Spanish BGerman ab initio

Biology (SL &HL)Chemistry (SL &HL)Physics (SL &HL)

Environmental Systems & Societies (SL)

Visual Arts (SL &HL)Additional Choice Groups 1 to 4 (SL &HL)

History (SL &HL)Geography (SL &HL)Economics (SL &HL)

Business & Management (SL &HL)

Mathematical Studies (SL)Mathematics (SL &HL)

2. Extended Essay: students are introduced to and guided in university-level research throughthe 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 toexplore 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 de-velop their creativity, well-being and commitment to serve the communities in which they live andbeyond.

ToK

C.A.S

EXTENDED ESSAY

The Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically focused curriculum for students aged 16 -18 (grades11 & 12) preparing to enter university. For international students the IB Diploma is usually the onlyguarantee for admission to European and Commonwealth universities. For American universities,successful participation in IB courses can promote university acceptance, while successful com-pletion of IB exams can lead to university course credit and/or advanced university placement. InGermany the IB Diploma is recognised as equivalent to the Abitur. The IB Coordinator will advisethe students in their subject choices. B.I.S. has offered students the opportunity to earn IB cre-dentials since 2000. The school’s record of achievement is directly related to the excellent qualityof our teachers and programme. With the support and expertise of the faculty, students operate inan academic learning community environment, which stimulates them to explore and excel. Per-sonal abilities and future goals usually determine a candidate’s curriculum, but the IB DiplomaProgramme 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 staffavailability.The Diploma Programme has four components:1. Study of six subjects: students study three courses at Higher Level (HL) and three others atStandard Level (SL). Students sit externally assessed examinations at the end of the two-year pro-gramme.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICESThe Student Support Services consist of several components. The School Counselling Service isdesigned to help students, parents and teachers develop positive learning experiences. By providingproactive in-class workshops for all B.I.S. students and counselling support for students with specificsocial or emotional concerns, the School Counsellors aim to make B.I.S. a healthy learning environ-ment. We recognise that some students require special programmes of services and the StudentSupport Services Team strives to meet the needs of these students. The EAL (English as an additionallanguage) programme assists students whose first language is not English. The overall aim of theEAL programme is to offer additional help in building language skills to develop confidence in Englishas rapidly as possible. Our Student Support Services Department also includes learning specialists,an in-house speech and language therapist and an ergo-therapist.

UNIVERSITY COUNSELLINGThe 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 program-mes and activities to help students to identify their abilities, interests, and aptitudes that relate tocareer development and further education.

WORK EXPERERIENCE PROGRAMMEIn the final weeks of Grade 10, following the IGCSE examinations, we offer our students the op-portunity of taking part in a work experience programme.

LIBRARYThe libraries play an important role in our educational programme by helping to teach the skills re-quired by the students to become information literate in the 21st century. Children will also learnlibrary and information skills and how they can use the library to enhance their classroom learningexperience.

SPORT DEPARTMENTPhysical Education lessons are scheduled for all students from Grades 1-10, including psychomotoricclasses for Grade 1 and swimming classes for students in Grade 3.Berlin International School is a full member of GISST (German International Schools Sport Tourna-ment) and students represent our school in a variety of sporting events all over Germany. We be-lieve in offering competitive team and athletic opportunities to as many students as possible,striving for broad participation and competitive excellence, whilst encouraging the highest levelsof sportsmanship and fair play.

MUSIC & ART DEPARTMENTSMusic 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 wholevariety of sound and movement. They have the opportunity to play the recorder and through ourAfter 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 toplay regularly in school and at local venues in the Berlin area. We offer students playing instrumentsthe opportunity to play in an international orchestra with three other international schools in Berlinand Brandenburg.

STUDENTSUPPORT

AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITY PROGRAMME & PRIMARY AFTER CAREAftercare Service (Primary School) is available for those families who, through work or professionalcommitments, are unable to pick up their children at the school finishing times. Children who needto 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 performingArts, sports teams, Student Council and Model United Nations. More than 50% of all students areinvolved in a huge variety of course offerings. Students are encouraged to make the most of the leadership and participation opportunities providedby the Student Council. The school is constantly seeking other positive avenues for student involve-ment, including student assemblies, clubs, artistic performance, international public speaking, localand global service projects. Activities are offered at additional cost by qualified teachers and changeevery 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 canprosper, 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. com-munity to participate in, benefit from and contribute to the exceptional advantages given by a com-munity consisting of various nationalities and ethnic backgrounds. The PTA would like to: Provide a structured forum for communication between administration, facultyand parents – Help integrate new families into B.I.S. – Support special programmes which streng-then 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 annualSilent Auction or the Sponsored Run raise funds in order to support the school’s sporting and cul-tural activities. Monies have been raised to purchase technological equipment for our science labor-atories, a professional stage was donated to the school, musical instruments were purchased, etc.

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 whichcan be downloaded from the B.I.S. homepage: www.berlin-international-school.de

DOES MY CHILD HAVE TO TAKE AN ENTRANCE EXAM? In primary school we usually invite potential students for three trial days. Admission is then decidedon 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 willenter. 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 internationaland multicultural environments. The certificates/diplomas which are offered by B.I.S. (IGCSE, HighSchool & 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 assecond 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 asupportive environment that enables students, whose first language is not English, to acquire thesocial 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 integratingEnglish language development with content instruction and by involving the students actively inmeaningful 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 thevariety of languages and cultures within our school. We encourage parents to continue to develop

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, Ja-panese 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 optionof bringing a packed lunch from home or taking part in the hot lunch programme provided by theschool (included in the school fee).

SCHOOL TUITION FEESSee attached paper.

SCHOOL DAYS08:00 School opensPrimary School08:15 School starts 12:00 Lunch 15:10 School ends After School ActivitiesFridays 13:45 School ends After School ActivitiesSecondary School08:45 School starts 12:30 Lunch 15:45 School ends After School ActivitiesFridays 14:15 School ends After School Activities

USEFULL WEBSITES & EMAIL ADRESSESBerlin International School: www.berlin-international-school.deDownloads of Curriculum Guides, Parent Student Handbooks, Application Forms, etc.B.I.S. After School Activity Programme: asa@berlin-international-school.deKita International: www.kita-international.de.

Bus - Service: info@fahrdienst-ostkreuz.deInternational Baccalaureate Organisation: www.ibo.orgInternational General Certificate of Secondary Education: www.cie.org.ukCouncil of International Schools: www.cois.org

FULLY ACCREDITED BY THE COUNCIL OF INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS (C.I.S.) • THE NEW ENGLAND ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS & COLLEGES (NEASC)

Lentzeallee 8/10 & Lentzeallee 12/14 • 14195 Berlin-Dahlem • Fon +49(0)30/82007790 • Telefax +49(0)30/82007799Internet: www.berlin-international-school.de • E-Mail: office@berlin-international-school.de

Officially recognised by the Berlin Department of Education • Member of ECIS, I.B., NEASC, AGIS & VDPStaatlich anerkannte Ersatzschule • Schulträger: Gemeinnütziger Schulverein ‘Private Kant-Schule e.V.’

© 2011 PRIVATE KANT-SCHULE e.V. • PHOTO: SÖREN MÜLLER, PATSY STOEHR, JIRKA & LUCIE JANSCH, SABRINA GEWECKE

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