All class teachers have a native standard of English.

Our 'English as an Additional Language' classes are highly effective at helping students to improve their English and to fully take part in all areas of school life.

We have a full German Department, which offers German for native speakers and for those learning it as a second language. The German department also offers optional subjects in German (maths and social studies) to help older students, who are moving onto the German system of education, and to ensure the transition is smooth.

French and Spanish are also offered to our oldest classes.

22

18

In addition to a class teacher, every class has a teaching and learning assistant.

Each class has access to a digital whiteboard, laptops and iPads. We use technology in computing lessons, and also in other areas and subjects where it helps teaching and learning. Our aim is to use technology purposefully, and to be mindful of the benefits and the risks.

It is our preference to always have in-person classrooms. We have, however, the capacity to move to a fully remote system when necessary. During the COVID-19 pandemic, for instance, we adapted to a remote classroom system, using our own cloud for sharing and collaborating, and Zoom for in-person lessons. We were proud of the system we developed, and received good feedback from parents, particularly those who had experience of other schools in the region.

There is no practice of religion at IBIS. Provided there is no impact on school life, we do not discriminate at all on the basis of religious belief.

Our school largely follows the English National Curriculum. Children are prepared for, and commonly receive entry into schools of their choice, locally and internationally.

Our Special Educational Needs Coordinator works alongside students who have special learning needs.

We have a fulltime Wellbeing Lead, and have been awarded international awards for our approach to mental health and wellbeing. This was highlighted during our most recent whole-school inspection:

'The school has a very effective approach to wellbeing, which combines a strong family atmosphere of caring and fun, with its values and the rigorous structure of the Mental Health in Schools Award... The school provides a safe and supportive environment for all young people and we believe that this relationship-based approach to mental health and wellbeing should be shared with others and Beacon School Status is awarded.'

There are no entry exams. All students are screened before entry. We ask for reports from previous schools, where possible and a trial day is normally arranged as part of the process.

Availability across the school varies from year to year. When a class reaches the maximum number of students (22), we are unable to offer a place in that class. As a result, we recommend beginning the admissions process as soon as possible.

There is no deadline. As an international school, we are mindful of the needs of our families who often have to arrive and leave at short notice.

Provided there is space in the year group, students can join during the school year.

8:40

15:20 (15:00 for our youngest classes, with the option of a half-day for Kindergarten)

Supervised care is available before (from 08:00) and after (until 17:00 Monday - Thursday and until 16:30 on Friday) the school day.

Yes

Yes

IBIS offers many clubs and activities.

Some of our extra-curricular activities have been created to support core subject work, but more often than not they focus on interests not necessarily covered in the curriculum. We’d like to spark an interest, and foster confidence and skills that carry beyond our school, and – as much as possible, have fun while we do it.

Extra-curricular activities and clubs take place either at lunchtime or after school and are run by a mix of staff and external partners. Those at lunchtime are cost-free, while those after school carry a fee which varies depending to the activity. These activities vary every year.

Physical Education is an important and regular part of our curriculum at all ages. Most classes have two hours per week, but movement and activity is often embedded in other areas of school-life.

Our facilities include:

A Science Laboratory
A Library
A German Library
A large shaded playground (and a separate, enclosed playground for our Kindergarten)
A large multi-purpose hall (with stage and sound/lighting equipment)
Quiet spaces are available during break periods

A multi-purpose, all weather pitch is located at school. There is a small multi-purpose hall at school, suitable for younger students, while our older students have access to a full sized sports hall - a few minutes from the school (always accompanied and via a car-free route), which is available for all sports lessons.

This is a warm and inspirational school where children learn to be happy, resilient and confident about the world and their place in it.

We are a non-profit school for children aged 3 – 12 and have served the international and local communities of Bonn since 1963. Small class sizes, bilingualism and excellent teaching are supported here by a family-like atmosphere, where children feel safe to be themselves and to reach their potential.