BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School

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 Promoting STEM education is a top priority at BBIS. Doing so empowers our students to make a positive impact on the world around them and contribute to the advancement of science and technology. To encourage this, our students can participate in a range of tech-related extra-curricular activities, like World Robot Olympiad, Coding Club, STEM Club and Minecraft. TECH IN THE CLASSROOM We bring technology into the classroom in many ways – from 3D printers and virtual reality headsets, to coding tools and the very latest in educational robotics. All classrooms are equipped with cutting-edge technologies such as smart boards and Apple TVs, providing unparalleled learning experiences for our students. TECH ACROSS THE CURRICULUM Technology is embraced across many areas of the curriculum. For example: Science laboratories are equipped with a wide range of modern data logging equipment, digital data analysis tools, microscopes and more traditional lab equipment. iPads are also provided for use with FLIR infra-red cameras, to conduct video analysis of various phenomena and access a wide range of school approved applications. Design and Technology classrooms include computer-aided design (CAD) software and workshops equipped with machinery and woodworking tools, electronics, 3D printer and laser cutter. We also offer robotics and programming lessons where students can learn programming languages such as HTML, CSS and Python. Music labs are equipped with iMacs and music production software, which allow students to compose, record, edit and mix their own music. Our podcast studio is equipped with professional-grade microphones and soundproofing materials. DIGITAL PLATFORMS AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS Google Suite used as a collaborative platform cross the school Managebac as a learning management system iSams used across the school as information management system 1:1 iPad programme in the Primary School SeeSaw used for progressive reporting in our Primary School BYOD (Bring Your Own Devices) programme in our Secondary School Kognity and CENTURY as digital learning resources

German, American, South Korean, Ukranian, Russian, Indian, Dutch, British, Chinese, Israeli

Primary school: Chess Club Pottery and Sculpting Dance First LEGO League Multi Sports Robotics Karate Minecraft Kids Yoga Lacrosse Instrumental Programme Secondary school: Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Pathways to Academic Success Creative Writing Club Model United Nations Varsity Debating Society United World Schools Club Role Playing Games Club E-Skills Gardening Drama Club Math Club Guitar Orchestra Music Soiree Gender and Sexuality Alliance Badminton Volleyball Football Basketball Instrumental Programme And many, many more.

Our athletics programme consists of competitive and recreational sports, offered over three seasons throughout the academic year.

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.

All BBIS teachers are certified, experienced, passionate professionals from all over the world.

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.

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.

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.

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? They will vary from child to child. We adapt the content, teaching methodology, or delivery of instruction in order to: -Address the unique needs of the student that results from a learning difference -Ensure the student can access the general curriculum in order to meet the educational standards that apply to all students Our goal is to deliver equitable, inclusive education to all.

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: - All students possess the power to manage quality, growth and satisfaction in their lives - Each student’s abilities, talents and interests should be recognised and nurtured - All students deserve to be treated with dignity and respect - All students, through lessons, groups and activities, can be guided to function successfully in a rapidly changing global society 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.