About Berlin British School
Berlin British School e.V. (BBS) is an independent international English speaking school for children aged 3 to 18. Its academic programme combines the best parts of the English National Curriculum with content that reflects the school’s international setting and its location in the capital of Germany. At Secondary level it prepares students for the internationally renowned International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams, and the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. Both qualifications are recognised and respected in Germany as well as the vast majority of other countries in the world. As a programme of learning, the IB diploma is also a university entrance qualification accepted by the very best institutions of higher education worldwide.
The school’s language of instruction is English, with German tuition provided for native and non native speakers. BBS provides individual attention in small classes. The school also believes in an holistic approach to education, so that appropriate emphasis is also placed on extracurricular activities to help develop personal and team skills, self-esteem, and respect for others.
Consisting of almost 100% English native speakers, BBS’s teaching body is highly motivated, and well qualified to deliver the curriculum. An IB World School and certified by the Cambridge International Examsboard, the school is an accredited member of COBIS (Council Of British International Schools) and ECIS (European Council Of International Schools).
Berlin British School is centrally located in Berlin – Charlottenburg and consists of three sites (Early Years, Primary School und Secondary School), that are located close to each other and contribute to a family atmosphere. In keeping with British tradition, there is a strong emphasis placed on pastoral care, on the assumption that no one can fufil their academic potential unless they are happy at school. All students at BBS wear school uniform.
Early Years
Early Years is home to our youngest students, aged 3 to 6, and houses Nursery, Reception and Year 1 classes. Set in the heart of the Grunewald, Berlin’s city forest, our location is an ideal place to combine what is learnt in the classroom with actual experience of the world around us. With English as the formal language of instruction, the students are taught in a structured way and encouraged to learn through investigation, experimentation and play. From Reception class onwards they have the opportunity to learn German. Throughout the school year students take part in many extracurricular events, from school clubs to Laternenfest, and the summer music and drama production. At Early Years, we aim to give our students the opportunity to demonstrate their talents and fulfil their potential, both inside and outside the classroom.
Primary School
Primary School is a five minute walk from Berlin’s historic Olympic stadium in the leafy suburbs of Charlottenburg, and admits students from Years 2 to 6 (aged 6 to 11). Our single storey building houses ten light, airy classrooms, all equipped with Smartboards, and a number of specialist teaching areas including a library, music room, gym, and a computer suite with state of the art Apple Macs. Next to it is a large, well equipped playground. Building on the foundation skills gained in Early Years, we teach the British National Curriculum, with appropriate modifications, and commit ourselves to ensuring that school life is enjoyable for all students so that they develop their self-confidence and the necessary motivation to fulfil their academic potential. While academic achievement is our priority, our learning programme goes well beyond regular formal lessons. School trips (including residential), clubs, festivals, concerts, shows, productions, fairs and sports events provide the students with many wider learning experiences that encourage the development of creativity and teamwork.
Secondary School
Secondary School is situated on the northern edge of the Grunewald, in tranquil surroundings. Transport connections are excellent, with a school-run service that provides buses to residential areas and a connecting service that links with the city’s efficient public transport system. Students in Years 7 to 9 are again taught courses based upon the National Curriculum. Years 10 and 11 follow the IGCSE courses, which are widely respected across the world and lead to public exams at the end of Year 11. After successful completion of IGCSE, our students enter the demanding International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma programme in Years 12 and 13. Our results are outstanding. The pass rate for IGCSE and IB is almost 100%, which reflects the high academic standards of the School.
The BBS community
About 60 teachers care for 400 students from more than 40 countries. The Student Council ensures that students’ opinions are heard across a range of issues relevant to their education and well-being. The ‘Friends of BBS’, a longstanding parent teacher association, provides close communication between school, teachers and parents. It also assists new families to familiarise themselves with the school, and organises social events.
The BBS governing body consists of members of the BBS Verein, parent representatives, the Head and a member of staff, all of whom advise Senior Management on the running of the school.
Berlin British School
Dickensweg 17 – 19
14055 Berlin
Germany
Tel: +49 (0) 30 35 10 9-191
Email: info@berlinbritishschool.de
Website: www.berlinbritishschool.de
