Frequently Asked Questions about BBIS

What kind of school is BBIS? Berlin Brandenburg International School is a coeducational English language day school serving the internationally-minded community of Germany's capital region. Students are admitted irrespective of nationality, race, creed, and many physical or learning disabilities. The school is a limited liability non-profit entity.

Classes are small, usually less than 18 students, which enables the teachers to know each student well and address their individual needs. BBIS's commitment to academic excellence is matched ba a belief in educating the whole person. Specific support is provided for students with special needs and to those for whom English is not the first language.

As a learning community the school attaches great value to interaction and cooperation between staff, students, parents, administration, and the wider community.

Which curriculum does BBIS follow - the British or the American? Neither. BBIS offers an international education programme. An International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, BBIS is fully authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (www.ibo.org) to teach all three IB programmes covering the 3 to 19 age range. The curriculum of the IBO, a non-profit educational foundation based in Switzerland, was developed over 30 years ago and designed to serve an increasingly mobile international community. It is based upon national systems of education, including the French Baccalaureate, English "GCSE" and "A" levels, the German Abitur, and the American Advanced Placement System.

The school is fully accredited by the Council of International Schools and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools.

How big is BBIS? BBIS has about 670 students, from Early Childhood (age 3-5) to grade 12.

Where is BBIS? Our campus is located in Kleinmachnow, just to the southwest of Berlin and within short driving distance to Potsdam, in a wooded setting near the Teltowkanal and the Machnower See. The site, called the Seeberg, is very quiet, far away from traffic and congestion, and includes six large buildings. With the move to this site in 2001, our school has found the ideal place for growth and is currently developing a complete campus including full sports facilities.

How is BBIS different from other international schools in Berlin? We are the only full international Baccalaureate World School following all three IB programmes in the Berlin area.

Who attends BBIS? We have students from about 40 countries. Many of them come from diplomatic familie; others come from families posted overseas by international companies. We also have students from local communities. Most live in the western areas of Berlin, and about one quarter live in Potsdam and other Brandenburg communities.

Does BBIS offer an extracurricular programme? Yes, of course. The school offers an extensive extracurricular programme for students of all ages which includes for example:

Sporting
Elementary School: Biking Fun, Ultimate Frisbee, Fitness Club, Sailing, Cross Country, Juggling, Rowing, Horseback Riding
Middle and High School: Sailing, Soccer, Basketball, Badminton, Athlethics, Cross Country, Yoga, Rowing, Horseback Riding

Non-Sporting
Elementary School: Art, German Games, Chess Club, Instrumental Ensemble, Book Club, Geography Quiz, Student Council
Middle and High School: Art, Book Club, Model United Nations, Drama Club, Maths Club, Open Art Studio, Student Council, School Band, Human Rights Club, Photography Club

Does BBIS have a cafeteria? Yes, offering a hot lunch programme and a variety of sandwiches and salads.

Updated 4 May 2010