BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 1 Welcome to BIS InSpIrIng and challengIng young mIndS Believe. Inspire. Succeed. BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 2 our Vision BIS strives to develop motivated, responsible life-long learners who make a difference to our world. 2 www.bis- BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 3 our mission and mandate Inspiring and challenging young minds... • Pursue excellence through a commitment to the • Stimulate inquiring minds and spark enthusiasm for continuum of the IB programmes and other accredi- discovery and exploration. ting educational organisations. • Focus on all aspects of student development: the academic, the intellectual, the creative, the social, ...assume responsibility... the physical, the ethical and the emotional. • Stimulate inquiry into local and global issues from multiple perspectives and develop the understand- ...as a caring and committed international ing that the opinions of others may also be right. community... • Build a strong sense of personal and social responsi- • Provide an open-minded and supportive atmo- bility that sets the foundation for a balanced lifestyle sphere through a climate of commitment, empathy and encourages service to others, our community and open communication. and our environment. • Facilitate the acquisition of languages and under- standing of culture by communicating in English and ...and pursue life-long learners. by providing instruction of German and other • Challenge our students to become life-long learners languages. by taking risks, reflecting on their experiences and • Promote international-mindedness throughout our preparing for their futures. curriculum by exploring our diversity of culture, • Encourage parent and family involvement in each language and experience while gaining insights from student’s learning to enhance the success of our the unique perspective of our German host culture. programmes. • Excel in standards of education with dedicated ...to achieve excellence,... teachers and a committed staff who seek multiple • Promote the acquisition of concepts, knowledge, opportunities for professional development. skills and attitudes required to think critically, pursue excellence and fulfil one’s personal potential. • Be a dynamic and progressive school with well- resourced and innovative programmes. -school.com 3 BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 4 Welcome to BIS Dear Parents, BIS has been committed to the widely recognised Inter- BIS has always placed the child’s individual development national Baccalaureate (IB) programme from the very at the centre of its educational focus, encouraging active, beginning and has been authorised as a World School by engaged participation. the International Baccalaureate Organization to teach Questioning is encouraged, and student-led inquiries the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Pro- prioritised, enabling students to follow their interests grammes. We added the IB Careers-related Programme while exploring and constructing their own meaning of (IBCP) in 2018, becoming one of only four schools in the world around them. Our actions are driven by our Germany to offer this qualification and one of only two credo: schools offering all four IB Programmes. Believe. Inspire. Succeed. We set ourselves high standards as faculty and staff and expect the same from our students. We also understand Just three words. Powerful words, which embody what that, while academic rigour is important, a child also we at BIS strive towards every day. From Early Childhood needs a broad and balanced education in a secure and (EC) to Grade 12, from admissions to college and career caring environment. Through co-curricular and commu- counselling, from back office administrative support nity service opportunities, we are always looking to to our Supervisory Board and of course parents and enrich the experience of our students, understanding students – all play a critical role in creating an environ- our responsibility to prepare them to be contributing ment for our students to believe in themselves, be citizens in tomorrow’s world. inspired to stretch further, and ultimately find personal and professional success. Not only do they mirror the acronym of the Bavarian Dr Chrissie Sorenson International School – BIS, but also stand alone for the Head of School/Vorstand attributes we feel are critical for current and future generations of global citi- zens, making the world a better place. What strikes me most about BIS, how- ever, is what a safe environment we provide for our students. In order to learn, we all must feel safe to make mistakes. One doesn’t learn anything by always making the right choices – mistakes are an important step in lear- ning. Indeed, James Joyce described mistakes as „the portals to discovery”. Isn’t that what we want for our students – the joy of discovery? 4 BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 5 history Foundation of Bavarian 1990 International School e.V. Official opening with 6 students 1991 from Pre-School to Grade 1 Official authorisation by the 1995 International Baccalaureate Organization First graduating class, 1997 with 17 students 1998 Move to Schloss Haimhausen 2003 Opening of new auditorium Opening of new Primary School 2007 building Opening of new school cafeteria 2011 and library Opening of second Primary School 2016 campus in Munich City Change of legal status to a 2018 registered not-for-profit corporation (gAG) 2021 30th anniversary of BIS 5 BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 6 Inspiring global citizens “Believe. Inspire. Succeed.” is the motto that underlies A focus on each child as an individual the pedagogically rich and holistic education provided for students from age three to 18. Intercultural compe- "We provide our students with the intellectual, inter- tence, collaborative and inspirational learning, respect, cultural, social, emotional and, most importantly, with social responsibility and tolerance characterize the spirit the critical perspectives they will need as adults in a of this accredited IB World School. global, technological world. Our students will be able to solve the challenges of the future and make the world 1,200 students from 56 nations attend the two campu- a better place", says Dr. Chrissie Sorenson, Head of ses of the Bavarian International School gAG (BIS), loca- School at BIS, Germany's third largest international ted in the village of Haimhausen and central Munich. school. "Each child’s individual development is placed 170 teachers provide BIS students with a first-class at the very center of the educational focus at BIS." teacher-student ratio of 7.5 to one, a ratio that allows International-mindedness and diversity is virtually the teachers to differentiate in the classroom and address DNA of this all-day school. English is the language of the individual needs and strengths of each child. instruction, while German language classes are offered Tangible proof of the success of this approach is seen beginning in grade one for all levels of proficiency. each year in BIS students’ IB Diploma scores; in 2019 the Starting in grade six, French, Spanish, Mandarin and the average score was 34.3 points, well above the world- optional "Mother-Tongue Programme" allow students wide average (29.7). The Bavarian International School to maintain and develop literacy in their native language. strives for state-of-the-art school standards, investing in Mother-tongue learning is currently offered in 17 educational technology, science laboratories, art and languages. design studios, sports halls, theater spaces, an audi- Pupils and parents alike regard the multitude of extra- torium and an extensive extra-curricular program. curricular activities on offer as an exceptional feature of BIS. These activities include approximately 40 sports 6 BIS_Broschüre-NEU_12/2019:Layout 1 04.12.19 12:47 Seite 7 courses per week on the Haimhausen Campus, as well serving as both an instrument for business promotion as CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), Model United and location marketing. Nations debate team, the Eco-Schools project, and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award, a mix of fit- Future through innovation ness, scouting and expeditions. In all of these activities, social engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration and Development, innovation and the future, all drive the exploring new horizons play a particularly important curriculum and teaching at the BIS campus in Haim- role, according to Dr. Sorenson. hausen, to the north of the Bavarian capital, and to this end, the management team of the Bavarian Interna- An IB World School tional School has set the goal of building a state-of-the art "Creativity & Innovation Center" (CIC). As the modern The Bavarian International School is an IB World School, heart of the Haimhausen campus, the CIC will be one of only two schools in Germany authorized by the designed to support the teaching and learning in the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer "STEAM" disciplines: "S" for Science, "T" for Technology, all four IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme "E" for Engineering, "A" for Arts and "M" for Mathema- (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma tics. Programme (DP) and the Career-related Programme BIS has launched a fundraising and sponsorship program (CP). The IB Diploma is recognized by the best universi- to realise this major project; as well as to recruit and ties in Germany and all around the world. promote excellent teaching staff; and to create a The portability of the IB curriculum is a key factor for scholarship programme to enable highly talented international families who relocate often. For globally students in need of financial assistance. The Creativity & mobile expat specialists and executives who relocate on Innovation Center will allow students to experiment average every three years, the smooth transition of learn, and create. "If there is one big headline to describe their children from school to school is an absolute prio- everything that we do at the Bavarian International rity.