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Bonn International School Head, heart, hand Bonn International School (BIS) is a unique school in many ways. It hosts a diverse student body and provides a high-quality and inspiring education within a caring community on a state-of-the-art campus. BIS prepares students for 21st century challenges that demand a variety of skills – creativity, critical thought, digital competence, rigour, and a passion for learning. TEXT: NANE STEINHOFF | PHOTOS: BIS
Founded in 1997, BIS supports each of its students in reaching his or her unique potential. Its focus is on the holistic development of the entire individual, or the development of the head, heart and hand, as the school’s dictum emphasises. BIS celebrates its cultural diversity while inspiring and empowering all students to become balanced, responsible, global citizens. Director Dr. Chris Müller says, “A nurturing environment where teachers really know and motivate each individual student makes us stand out. We are the most diverse international school in Germany with 770 students from 67 countries and nearly 40 languages represented.”At our school, we cultivate a positive, enjoy-
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able and challenging educational experience. Teachers integrate a variety of methodologies and assessments to address each type of learner. “We motivate our students to be compassionate, open and caring, to be responsible as individuals and as global citizens, to be risk-takers and to be inquisitive, whilst retaining their individual values and culture in the context of a larger global community,” Dr. Müller goes on to say. The fully integrated and authorised programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) form the curricular basis of this learning culture. The school implements the Primary Years Programme
for learners aged 3–10, the Middle Years Programme for students aged 11–16 and the Diploma Programme for those aged 17–19. Higher education institutes throughout the world recognise and value the IB curriculum and its graduates. This is particularly important for international families, who can join the school at any point in the year. When they depart, these families can transfer to another international school, without undue disadvantage to the academic progress of their children. BIS students join in community service activities and immerse themselves in a wide assortment of sports, language and arts programmes outside the classroom. In addition, they enjoy a secure, generous campus on the banks of the Rhine River outfitted with large outdoor recreation spaces and the latest in technology. www.bonn-is.de