Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
Number of students |
900 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
75 |
Most common nationality |
German, American, South Korean, Ukranian, Russian, Indian, Dutch, British, Chinese, Israeli |
Ratio of local students to international students |
70% international, 30% local |
Languages
Native English speaking teachers |
All BBIS teachers are certified, experienced, passionate professionals from all over the world. |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
In Primary School, we offer specialised EAL instruction and support for students who are developing their English language skills. If your child has beginner to high-intermediate English language proficiency, they will receive English instruction in a small group setting with an EAL teacher. These classes are designed to help students to develop their language and literacy skills, while building an understanding of the curriculum. As such, the EAL specialists work closely with the classroom teachers, developing differentiated instruction and support to help these students access the mainstream curriculum and accelerate their learning. In Secondary School, students requiring EAL instruction and support can join our English Language Acquisition programme, which is delivered by an EAL teacher. This programme focuses on developing English language skills, while covering similar content to the mainstream English classes. This means that students study similar literature, cover the same topics, and focus on most of the same global contexts as their peers in Language and Literature courses – while continuing to develop their speaking, listening, reading and writing skills. Students can also receive in-class support from EAL specialists in Humanities and Science, as well as in Study Hall. Study Hall is timetabled during the French, Spanish and Drama teaching periods, and allows students to receive targeted interventions, mentoring, support in academic subject areas and academic writing and study skills. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
German, Spanish, French, Mandarin BBIS proudly runs a Home Language programme during the school day (in Primary School) and after school (both Primary and Secondary School). During the programme, we not only focus on the child’s mother tongue, but also build a greater understanding and awareness of their cultural heritage. It’s all part of the IB mission to nurture multilingualism, intercultural understanding and global engagement. |
Classroom
Max. number of students per class |
22 |
Average number of students per class |
15 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
At BBIS, we are committed to teaching students how to use technology responsibly and creatively. We believe that technology is a powerful tool for solving problems and creating new possibilities, but it is also important to understand its potential risks and ethical considerations. With this in mind, we focus strongly on digital citizenship, and draw on the Common Sense Media curriculum to support students, staff and families. STEM IS A TOP PRIORITY
TECH IN THE CLASSROOM
TECH ACROSS THE CURRICULUM
DIGITAL PLATFORMS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS
|
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes |
Academics
External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma Programme |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, for students attending Secondary School. |
Approximate hours of homework given |
Https://www.bbis.de/news/ib-dp-results-2022 |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
The general pattern is that 85% attend university immediately after their Grade 12, while some take a “gap year” or join military service. |
Student support
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
The Learning Support team, consisting of Learning Support teachers and several assistants, provides instruction that is specifically designed to meet the needs of students with learning challenges within the mainstream classroom. |
Learning support offered |
Within our Learning Support programme, we design support with each child’s needs in mind. Our goal is to enable students to develop to their fullest potential – as such, instruction is specially designed to meet the student's particular needs. The Learning Support service is available to students who have been identified via a referral process as needing additional academic support in order to be successful in school. It’s also available for students whose abilities are far above average, and may benefit from curriculum enrichment. WHAT DO THESE PROGRAMMES LOOK LIKE?
-Address the unique needs of the student that results from a learning difference
Our goal is to deliver equitable, inclusive education to all. |
Student access to education psychologist |
Recognising that every individual is unique, our school counsellors play a key role in customising educational experiences to enhance capabilities, close achievement gaps among high and low performing groups, and support positive choices. Students, parents and teachers can access our school counselling programme. By providing prevention-based workshops and counselling support for students with specific social or emotional concerns, we aim to make our school a healthy and balanced learning environment. At BBIS, we believe:
We continually evaluate our counselling service to ensure it is data-driven and responds to the needs of our diverse community. BBIS school counsellors are trained at a postgraduate level in school counselling, counselling psychology or social work – and have years of invaluable experience helping children, adolescents and their families in multi-ethnic and multilingual learning environments. They all hold membership in professional organisations such as the International School Counsellor Association, the American School Counsellor Association, the British Psychological Society and the UK Association of Solution-Focused Practice. There are dedicated counsellors for the Primary School, Secondary School and Boarding School, as well as specialist Career and College Counselling. |
Admissions
Entry evaluation for students |
Yes |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
Students will be tested and screened depending on age and language proficiency. This may include testing in mathematics, German (for native German speakers attending a local school), and English (to assess the requirements for EAL support). |
Waiting list |
There may be a waiting list from some Grade levels. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
We consider applications throughout the school year based on space availability. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
School start time |
8:00am |
School finish time |
3:00pm |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Uniform required |
No |
Extracurricular activities
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Primary school: Chess Club
Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
|
Sports activities included |
Our athletics programme consists of competitive and recreational sports, offered over three seasons throughout the academic year. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes |
Facilities
Sports facilities at the school |
From track and field to tennis, badminton to basketball, our students can pursue their favourite sports at BBIS. Our sports facilities include: A full-size artificial-turf field – Our sports field features a six-lane running track, a sand court for beach volleyball, basketball courts, plus facilities for high and long jump, discus and shot put. With floodlights and bleachers that can hold 820 spectators, we proudly host larger tournaments with other schools, too. The BBIS Sports Hall – With three separate gymnasiums, audience seating and a fitness room, our multipurpose sports hall can be combined into one large space for basketball, volleyball, handball, indoor soccer and tennis. There’s a climbing wall, rings, climbing ropes, wall bars and other professional-quality sports equipment, too. Beyond sport and fitness, the hall can also be used as an auditorium, theatre and concert hall. Playgrounds – There are plenty of playgrounds and recreational areas around the campus, giving students healthy, active options during their breaks from the classroom. |
Boarding
Grades/ages available for boarding |
Grade 9 to Grade 12 |
Boarding facilities at the school |
Our diverse and supportive boarding community is a ‘home away from home’, where students have the freedom to learn new skills, study and socialise with peers and the boarding team. As well as fostering lifelong learning and independence, it’s a place where lasting friendships are formed. Boarding life is all about balance. At BBIS, while every day is different, our structured schedule includes plenty of free time for extra-curricular activities or further study. And, along the way, students have the support they need to feel safe and comfortable in striving to reach their potential. Ideally situated in the centre of campus, the BBIS Boarding house is a comfortable and nurturing environment which supports the personal and academic growth of our students. A friendly team of live-in mentors are here to help care for your child at all times. Our boarding students live in very comfortable two-person rooms, each with an ensuite bathroom. Bedrooms are allocated based on gender, grade and home language; and single rooms are occasionally available for Grade 12 students. A range of quality facilities are available to all boarding students, with a focus on promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Boarding facilities include: -A common room, which is a popular space for watching films and simply hanging out
Wi-Fi is available throughout the boarding house. On every level of the boarding house, students are often found in our community kitchens. These welcoming spaces are a place where students can prepare their own snacks and drinks outside of formal mealtimes. Each community kitchen also includes laundry facilities and student fridges. Boarding students enjoy their meals together in our central dining room, with daily breakfast and dinner provided, as well as brunch on weekends. The dining room has a family-like atmosphere, and is a wonderful space to sit together with friends and the mentor team to share a meal. During the week, boarding students have lunch in our school cafeteria along with day students. |
About the school
Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is a leading IB World Day and Boarding School (Grade 9-12), based in the capital region of Berlin, Germany.
NURTURING COMPASSIONATE GLOBAL CITIZENS
Our students hail from families who come from across the globe and share our values of humanity, tolerance and empathy. Together, we are building a caring, internationally minded community of students, teachers and alumni – people who truly have the potential to leave a positive mark on our world. DELIVERING INCLUSIVE EDUCATION
From ages 3-6, children join our early education community
CREATING A SAFE AND HAPPY SPACE FOR STUDENTS
Our classes are small – usually with fewer than 20 students – so that everyone receives individual attention and support. Beyond the classroom, collaboration and cooperation between staff, students, parents and the wider community is very important to us. Growing up is not easy, but we understand the challenges and changes that occur. We support our students with dedicated, caring professionals at every step of the way. This nurturing approach – coupled with 24/7 security and a strong child-protection policy – makes BBIS a safe and supportive environment for your child. |
Teaching approach of the school |
BBIS views education as more than the acquisition of knowledge. Equally important to learning and living in a complex world are the skills gained through the process of inquiry, discovery, application, and creativity. The school’s commitment to academic excellence is matched by a belief in educating the whole person. Therefore, the curriculum provides both academic stimulation and a wide variety of educational experiences beyond the classroom. |