Discover Germany | Special Theme | Top International Schools 2018
Berlin Brandenburg International School
A gem in international schooling Hidden in the lush forests of Lake Machnow and located just a few kilometres south of Germany’s capital of Berlin, lies BBIS (Berlin-Brandenburg International School). This institution is a real gem for parents who are looking for a school focussing on internationality as well as on a holistic approach towards the academic and personal education of its students. TEXT: SILKE HENKELE | PHOTOS: BBIS
When an area next to Lake Machnow and the Hakeburg, a castle dating back to the 14th century, with grounds of almost 400,000 square metres went for sale in 2005, the board of BBIS realised the advantages of this beautiful location. While BBIS had already been one of the leading international schools in the Berlin region for many years, this new location offered a whole new range of possibilities: here, the school would be able to offer an inspir32 | Issue 58 | January 2018
ing academic surrounding and combine it with the space needed for a variety of encouraging non-academic activities. True international flair BBIS’ boarding house completes the school’s wide-ranging offers. About 70 students in grades nine to 12 (minimum age for admission is 14) live in the recently refurbished double rooms, each with their own bathroom. Mentors who are looking
after the boarders’ academic as well as pastoral wellbeing are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They are aware of these students’ particular situation away from home and their families and live in closeness to their protégés in apartments adjacent to the boarders’ quarters. A cosy dining room and a recreation area for the boarders only give the students the reassuring feeling of being at a ‘home away from home’. Currently 715 students from over 65 countries attend Berlin Brandenburg International School, giving the school a truly international flair. Next to a small percentage of locals from the capital’s area who are keen on an excellent international education, the students’ mothers and fathers