All Hands Together to Create the Future Bilkent Educational Institutions Include
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All hands together to create the future Bilkent Educational Institutions Include: ● Bilkent University ● Bilkent University Music Preparatory School ● İhsan Doğramacı Foundation, Özel Bilkent Schools ● İhsan Doğramacı Foundation, Bilkent Erzurum Laboratory School ● İhsan Doğramacı Foundation, Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) The Bilkent family of educational institutions aims to create excellence in education and research. The name “Bilkent”‘ exemplifies the founder’s aim, since it is an acronym of “bilim kenti” in Turkish for “city of science and knowledge.” Bilkent University ranks 28th in Times Higher Education’s 100 Under 50 list of the world’s best young universities. The private, foundation schools run by Bilkent share values and expertise in educating young students from age 4 to 18. All hands together to create the future 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 Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) in Pre-kindergarten through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in Grade 12. 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 Cambridge standards in the transitional middle years, concluding with the mandatory international English programs of Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme. 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. Anne Akay, General Director Bilkent Laboratory & International School 1 All hands together to create the future History and Mission Achieving the Highest International Standards Bilkent Laboratory & International School (BLIS) offers students an educational program of the highest national and international 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 students to inquire independently, evaluate and acquire knowledge critically and respect diversity. As a result, we anticipate exceptionally high performance from our students at university and beyond. In March 1993, the Bilkent University Preparatory School was founded as Bilkent Universitesi Hazirlik Okulu and became known as BUPS. The first high school students graduated in June 1998. In June 2009, BUPS became Bilkent Laboratory School – Ankara. Instead of being part of the Faculty of Music at Bilkent University, the school became a lab school of Bilkent University Graduate School of Education. Together with Bilkent International School, BUPS/BIS became BLIS, the new Bilkent Laboratory & International School, with a single identity, filling the purpose and mission of the original school back in 1993. 2 All hands together to create the future Internationalism Respecting Diversity BLIS recognizes international mindedness as understanding and respecting diverse cultures, backgrounds and belief systems. We see the world with an empathetic, open-minded perspective, exploring different points of view, acknowledging individual cultures, bringing people together, and promoting unity. 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 diversity within our own school’s community and become aware of the diversity in the world around us. 3 All hands together to create the future Students Anticipating Exceptionally High Performance There are approximately 1100 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 40 countries around the world. The diversity of our student body creates a rich multicultural 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 friendship 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 All hands together to create the future 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. Throughout their years at BLIS, students have opportunities to volunteer, work on special projects and serve their community. Elementary school culminates in the PYP Exhibition where students work on a project that follows their passion and helps meet a global issue. The IB CAS program also supports a wide range of service activities to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Ankara Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center. The International Award for Young People (also known as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards) program is a voluntary and non-competitive opportunity for students who are interested in leadership service opportunities. It offers individual challenges and encourages students to undertake exciting, constructive and enjoyable activities. 5 All hands together to create the future 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 also focus on the importance of Turkish language and literature. The Pre-kindergarten & Kindergarten program is an intensive English program. Grades 1 through 4 are bilingual, leading into fifth grade which provides an increased emphasis on English. Grades 5 through 12 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) is provided for students who need it. Modern language instruction in Spanish, German, and French is provided for all students in grades 6 through 12. 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 All hands together to create the future Early Years PreKindergarten/Kindergarten Fostering Development and English Language The mission of Bilkent Laboratory & International School and the values and beliefs of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme framework underpin our Pre-Kindergarten & Kindergarten Programs. We offer full-day programs, housed in separate buildings, based on the philosophy that young children benefit from developing skills of personal independence. Our program is English immersion through language-rich activities. We promote a climate of respect, where teachers encourage students to develop self-confidence, positive relationships, independence and an enthusiastic approach to learning. Inquiry based teaching and learning, concentrating on building on prior experiences lay the foundation for the development of critical thinking skills and problem solving abilities for our youngest students. With our international-minded approach and balanced academic program, we support children in reaching their full potential by valuing their individuality. We strive to foster a love of learning as the early years are the beginning of the child’s life-long journey. 7 All hands together to create the future Elementary School Promoting Academic and Social Growth Grades 1 through 4 continues the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and demonstrates a learner-centered, inquiry-based, team-teaching approach. Each year, students engage in challenging units of inquiry that explore the transdisciplinary themes of Who We Are, Where We Are in Place and Time, How We Express Ourselves, How the World Works, How We Organize Ourselves, and Sharing the Planet. The programme focuses on developing strong academic English language skills. Each homeroom class has a full-time international teacher and a full-time national teacher. Our rigorous academic program includes study in languages, mathematics, units of inquiry (science, social studies) and the arts. Specialist teachers strengthen the curriculum with instruction in physical education, visual arts, music, drama, research & action, and information communication technology (ICT). At the end of fourth grade, students present a culminating exhibition demonstrating successful completion of their IB PYP years. 8 All hands together to create the future Middle School Guiding