Blisbilkent Laboratory & International School
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Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Bilkent Laboratory & BLIS International School Bilkent Laboratory & International School 8 İhsan Doğramacı Boulevard TR-06800 Bilkent, Ankara, Turkey Phone: +90-312-290-5361 Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Fax: +90-312-266-4963 E-mail: [email protected] blis.bilkent.edu.tr Bilkent Educational Institutions include: • Bilkent University • Bilkent University Music Preparatory School • İhsan Doğramacı Foundation, Bilkent Ankara Schools • İhsan DoğramacıFoundation, Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School • İhsan Doğramacı Erbil Foundation, İhsan Doğramacı Bilkent Erbil College • İhsan Doğramacı Foundation, Bilkent Laboratory & International School, Ankara (BLIS) Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) is located on 6,000 m2 of secure, landscaped grounds on the east campus of Bilkent University. BLIS staff and students come from over 20 countries around the world, strengthening the cultural diversity and expanding global perspectives within the school. The rigorous educational program distinguishes itself by requiring all students to succeed in the International IB World Scho ol, Ac cre di ted by the Co un cil of In ter na tio nal Scho ols and the New Eng land As so ci ati on of Scho ols and Col le ges, Baccalaureate Primary Years Program, the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, and Re cog ni zed by the Tur kish Mi nistry of Edu ca ti on, Eu ro pe an Co un cil of In ter na tio nal Scho ols. Na tio nal As so ci ati on of In de pen dent Scho ols, Na tio nal As so ci ati on of La bo ra tory Scho ols. the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Welcome Welcome to Bilkent Laboratory & International School Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) is a proud member of the Bilkent family. Located on the rolling hills of Bilkent University high above the city of Ankara, BLIS provides a rigorous academic program from the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Program in Kindergarten through the 12th grade IB Diploma. A school for international students and Turkish nationals, BLIS provides a unique blend of national and international education, preparing leaders of the future. Our English immersion early childhood program progresses to the bilingual elementary grades, through the transitional middle years, concluding with the mandatory international English programs of the Cambridge IGCSE and the IB Diploma Program. The rich traditions of Bilkent altruism and humanitarianism are evident as our students build libraries, houses and friendships. We are proud of them as they become exemplary citizens in the community, nation and the world. We welcome you to the Bilkent family. Chris Green, Director General Bilkent Laboratory & International School 1 Bilkent Laboratory & International School History and Mission Achieving the Highest International Standards Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) offers students an educational program of the highest national and international academic standards. The educational activities of our school foster the development of ethical values and behavior leading to exemplary citizenship in the community, nation and world. The curriculum promotes academic, aesthetic, physical and social growth encouraging the students to inquire independently, evaluate and acquire knowledge critically and respect diversity. As a result, we anticipate exceptionally high performance from our students in the university and beyond. In 1984, Bilkent University was founded by Prof. İhsan Doğramacı as the first private university in Turkey. With the aim of expanding excellence in education, BLIS opened in 1993 (originally founded as Bilkent University Preparatory School). In 1997, Bilkent International School was added as a division to welcome international students. In 2009, the establishment of Bilkent Laboratory School was approved by an act of Parliament, creating a unique category of "laboratory schools" to offer educational excellence within Turkey. Bilkent Laboratory & International School has a formal working relationship with the Bilkent University Graduate School of Education, creating a center of excellence in elementary and secondary education and research. 2 Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Internationalism Respecting Diversity At BLIS, we develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding, respect and action. We promote international-mindedness among the members of our school community. International-mindedness is embodied in our implementation of the IB Learner Profile, which challenges students to be communicators in multiple languages, principled in their promotion of international justice, risk-takers in the spirit of exploring new cultures, knowledgeable about world issues, thinkers about complex problems, caring and committed to service, inquirers about the world, open-minded toward other perspectives, balanced in their approach to life, and reflective about their own personal development. We not only value international-mindedness in theory, but also actively foster it by providing students with rich opportunities to learn about world issues and to become involved in activities that encourage responsible global citizenship. We value the diversity within our own school's community; we also become aware of the diversity in the world around us. 3 Bilkent Laboratory & International School Students Anticipating Exceptionally High Performance There are approximately 800 students enrolled in Bilkent Laboratory & International School. While the majority of our students are Turkish, many have lived abroad and have dual citizenship. Our international students come from over 15 countries around the world. The diversity of our student body creates a rich multi-cultural environment for learning. The internationalism at BLIS is celebrated throughout the year. Our curriculum supports international-mindedness; all students study multiple languages and develop global perspectives. Our students make lasting friendships with classmates from all over the world. Our students are selected and characterized by a desire to learn and to meet the challenges of a demanding academic program. Most of the students graduate from BLIS with a bilingual IB Diploma and a solid foundation for success at leading universities throughout the world. 4 Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Service Fostering the Development of Ethical Values Community service is an important focus at BLIS. Students are supported in developing the values, characteristics and culture embodied in the IB Learner Profile. In the early childhood program and elementary years, understanding the needs of others and the value of service is woven throughout the curriculum. Students have opportunities to be of service to their classmates as classroom volunteers. Elementary school students have their own Student Council which provides a variety of services. Faculty members work with elementary students on special projects to serve groups beyond the school. The Student Councils take an active role in planning social activities and supporting school service projects. The IB Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) program supports a wide range of service activities to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and the Ankara Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center. The International Award for Young People (also known as the Duke of Edinburgh's Award) program is a voluntary and non-competitive opportunity for students who are interested in leadership and service opportunities. It offers individual challenges and encourages students to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities. 5 Bilkent Laboratory & International School Language Encouraging Independent Inquiry Bilkent Laboratory & International School is an academically rigorous school in which students prepare for internationally recognized exams in English. BLIS aims to provide all students with a strong foundation in English language and literacy. We recognize the importance of Turkish language and literature. The early childhood program is an intensive English program. Fourth grade classes increase emphasis on English. Grades five through twelve are taught in English with the exception of Turkish language and literature and Turkish social studies. Language support (such as English as an Additional Language - EAL) is provided for students who need it. Modern language instruction is provided for all students in grades six through twelve. Students may choose to study an additional modern language at the IB Diploma level, if their schedules permit. Most of our students graduate with strong abilities in multiple modern languages. 6 Exemplary Citizens in the Community, Nation and World Fine Arts Promoting Aesthetic Growth The fine arts hold a prominent position in BLIS life. Visual arts, music, dance and drama are integral parts of each student's program from the earliest years, through middle school and into high school where students select which fine art they want to pursue further. Developing from our relationship with the Bilkent University Faculty of Music and Performing Arts, BLIS produces several concerts each year. These concerts highlight the skills that students develop in school, and provide them with opportunities to showcase the talents that they develop independently outside of school. Drama helps