An excellent ambience in the lap of mother nature where world class education is given to the young, impressive minds is nothing short of a dream come true for many parents and students. And for the educators it is more than sheer pleasure of creating tomorrow’s citizens with a holistic approach.
The school in focus, BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School is one such place where students are empowered to reach their unique potential and thrive on a global stage. As a leading IB World Day and Boarding School, BBIS proudly offers all four IB programmes to students from over 60 countries, as well as a huge range of extra-curricular activities. Inclusive, diverse and expansive, we help each student to discover and develop their passions in a warm and welcoming environment.
While English is the language of instruction, BBIS is a truly international school. The students hail from families who come from across the globe and all share the school’s values of humanity, tolerance and empathy. Together, they build a caring, international-minded community of students, teachers and alumni — people who truly have the potential to leave a positive mark on our world.
The overarching goal at BBIS is to help students become happy, well-rounded humans.
A glorious 30-year-old history
From humble beginnings to a leading school in Germany, BBIS has come a long way since 1990 when the school was conceptualised. It was on October 2 that year when the school’s application for a state registration was accepted. The first eight students were admitted on September 16, 1991 in the school then named the International School of Berlin-Potsdam, in a rented villa in Potsdam. Seven years later the number went to 100 which prompted the school to move to a new location. It also underwent a name change – Berlin-Potsdam International School. With growing strength, it had to move again closer to Berlin. With the admission of 300 international students the school was renamed BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School. The boarding school was included in the school campus.
Mission Statement
BBIS is a leading international school, inspiring students in pursuit of lifelong learning and excellence. We celebrate diversity in a caring, international-minded community. As an inclusive school we empower learners to fulfill their unique potential. We guide our students to become responsible, compassionate, global citizens.
Values
Pioneering
Most of BBIS students will see the 22nd century – a journey which we have to equip them for. BBIS takes risks to replace the good with the better – ensuring that the students are challenged, pushed and supported to the edge of the next generation of learning!
Reflective
We are fortunate to be surrounded by space and nature, we channel this luxury as a mindset – it allows us to grow. Our experience helps us to set the right pace for individual activities and simply give time for development.
Excellent
We pride ourselves on our commitment to excel both in and out of the classroom. Ensuring each student has the chance to fulfill their potential, irrespective of their talents or interests, we build confidence that fosters connections and community.
Caring
Growing up is not easy, but we understand the challenges and changes that occur. We support our three-year-olds to 19-year-olds with dedicated, caring professionals at every step of the way, 24/7 security and a strong child-protection policy makes BBIS safe in all respects.
BBIS – the perfect choice
BBIS is a leading IB World Day and Boarding School based in the capital region of Berlin. BBIS offers all four IB programmes to students from over 60 countries along with a huge range of extra-curricular activities. A warm and welcoming parent community, supportive Parent-TeacherAssociation bringing home and school closer together are other things that set the institute apart from others. Ratio of one teacher to seven students, highly-motivated international team of professionals, strong emphasis on overall development add to the uniqueness of BBIS.
The lush green and quiet 360,000 sq m campus is located in Kleinmachnow, in a green wooded area on the southwest border of Berlin. The spacious buildings and classrooms provide the ideal atmosphere for an engaging school day. Classes are small, usually with fewer than 20 students, allowing the school to know each student well and address their individual needs. BBIS is within driving distance of Berlin city centre, and Potsdam, and is well connected by school buses and public transportation.
Between March and June 2020 teaching and learning took place off campus due to the Coronavirus restrictions. The school also created a site which supported students and parents with essential information and helpful resources throughout these months.
(Please see the following news item further details: https://www.bbis.de/bbis-online-learning-journey2020)
People behind the development of BBIS
BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School GmbH is a state certified day and boarding school and is a registered non-profit organization. The five-member Supervisory Board is elected according to by-laws.
Business, community and education leaders join parents and two managing directors to ensure BBIS maintains its commitment to its values.
Nicholas Hazell, School Director and CEO, is responsible for leading and ensuring high quality of the educational programmes. Burkhard Dolata is the Business Director and CFO responsible for administrative and financial management.
Nick joined BBIS in August 2019 following leadership positions in Bangladesh and most recently in Jamaica. He gained his BSc at Liverpool University, his PGCE at Bristol University, and he holds an MA in Education (International Schools) from Oxford Brookes. Nick has been working within the field of education since 1992, and with International Baccalaureate Programmes since 2000.
Burkhard started work as CFO in January 2004. He holds a degree in General Business Administration and a German Business Diploma (Diplomkaufmann). Previously, he worked as Executive Software Specialist and Finance Director for international computer and technology companies. Until 2003, he was an Executive Board Member of a Residential Building Corporation in Berlin.
Courses and infrastructure
Students spend their days developing invaluable, life-long skills like critical thinking, languages and intercultural competencies across early education, primary and secondary areas:
- From ages 3-6, children join the early education community, which takes inspiration from Reggio Emilia
- From ages 6-11, students join Grades 1 to 5 to pursue the IB Primary Years Programme
- From ages 11-19, students join the secondary school to pursue the I B Middle Years, IB Diploma and IB Careers Programme
In all of these programmes, students are encouraged to take risks and explore new opportunities, fostering a pioneering spirit that will help them succeed in future.
Holistic approach
Throughout the year, the school provides students with balanced and varied programmes. BBIS staff members and external instructors offer their time and commitment to supporting students outside the classroom – whether it be coaching sports teams, producing musicals, leading field trips to Berlin or supporting student leadership initiatives in or outside school. This enables BBIS to constantly expand and adapt to growing needs of our student body.
It is the school’s goal to stimulate and encourage all students to participate in after school activities and extracurricular productions, to develop new friendships, share and develop passions and integrate into the international community while participating in cultural exchange. BBIS is a member of the German International Schools Sports Tournament.
BBIS holds an annual IB DP Art Show, and is the founder and host of BIMP — the Berlin International Music Project.
BBIS believes that teaching students how to deal with change, how to develop resilience and how to build healthy relationships is as important as teaching Math, Art or Science.
Awards, Accreditations and Collaborations
BBIS received the IB Diploma Programme authorization in MM | 2020 MM | 2020 04 March 1995, the IB Primary Years Programme authorization in February 2001, the IB Middle Years Programme authorization in June 2005, and the IB Career-related Programme authorization in 2012. It was the first school in the world to be authorized for all four IB Programmes.
BBIS has been accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA) since 2005. BBIS is also a member of Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS) and the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).
Future plans
BBIS is opening a completely refurbished new school building for the Secondary School students this year-end. The school will then renovate the old Secondary School Building to accommodate growing student numbers. The school’s long-term goal is to welcome 1000 students.
