Bonn International School
| Bonn International School | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Location | |
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Martin-Luther-King-Str. 14 53175 Bonn Germany | |
| Information | |
| Type | Private |
| Established | 1997 |
| Dean | Micheal Bailey |
| Director | Dr. C. Mueller |
| Principal | Simon Davidson (Primary; Simon Vanderkelen (Secondary) |
| Staff | 150 |
| Faculty | 94 teachers and 14 teacher assistants |
| Grades | Ages 3-19 years |
| Enrollment | 770 |
| Campus type | Closed |
| Athletics conference | ISST, NECIS, Olympics |
| Affiliation | IBO, CIS and NEASC Accredited |
| Board of Trustees Chair | Eric Voss |
| Website | http://www.bonn-is.de |
Bonn International School is an international school located in Bonn, Germany. It was established on the old campus of Bonn American High School in 1997 through the merger of the former American Elementary and High Schools and the British High School. Built along the Rhine River, it follows the academic criteria of the International Baccalaureate. It has approximately 770 students (aged 3-19), 94 teachers from a staff of 150. The Waves building (completed in 2006) is the centre of the Primary School and has some facilities dedicated to Secondary Sciences and Design & Technology. It is modern, light-filled and shaped like the waves of the Rhine; it is painted primarily with the school colours of green and blue. The Agora building's design is based on Ancient Greek principles of simplicity and open spaces and has a central meeting space surrounded by classrooms.
The school is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS) and by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). The academic programmes of the International Baccalaureate Organization provide a continuum from Early Learning through to Grade 12. The school has fully authorised International Baccaulaureate PYP, MYP and IB Diploma programmes in place. The school has regular accreditation visits from thess organizations to ensure quality of programs.
Organization:
BIS is an independent, self-supporting, non-profit association, (e.V. eingetragener Verein) registered in Germany, governed by a Board of Trustees with ten members. Of these, seven are elected by parents, one is the parent elected chair of the parent volunteers, one is elected by staff, and one is the school director. BIS works closely with the city of Bonn to serve the English language needs of the international community.
Curriculum:
The curriculum throughout the School is based on the philosophy and practice of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB Diploma, Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Primary Years Programme (PYP) are fully authorised by the IBO making BIS one of the few schools worldwide with this status. In addition to optional external IB examinations, each student who completes the School’s requirements will receive a high school diploma. The school offers students the opportunity to sit PSAT and SAT examinations at regular intervals. Instruction in the German language is required of all students. A wide range of clubs, activities, community service, and outdoor experiences enhances the curriculum. An extensive sports and music program is offered school-wide. Career and university counseling assists Secondary students with planning for the future. The school has trained staff to support students with mild special learning needs. Bonn International School is a regular member of the European Council of International Schools (ECIS), and a full member of the Association of German International Schools (AGIS).
Enrollment:
As of September 2014, there are 770 students at BIS from 67 countries. Projections for the 2014-2015 school place enrollment at 780.
Facilities:
Situated on a green campus on the banks of the Rhine River, the school now has accommodation for ca. 800 students in two buildings. The school campus includes a Media Centre, three computer laboratories, a design and technology laboratory, seven science laboratories, art and music rooms, performance spaces, two competition-sized sports halls, age-appropriate playgrounds and external sports facilities. The school offers an on-site catering service in its cafeteria from 08:00 to 17:00.
Sports:
There are numerous sports activities held at Bonn International School as recreational or competitive sports (traveling throughout Europe for tournaments) over three seasons during the school year. While some offerings vary per year, the school always offers soccer/football, basketball, swimming, cross-country. Starting in August 2014, students, parents and staff may become members of the Bonn International School Sport Verein (Association) to participate in year-round sports in competition with local teams.
Creativity Action & Service (CAS) and Service and Action (S&A) Programs:
At Bonn International School, students are required to complete a number of hours of activities that embody creative, active and philanthropic aspects, as required by the International Baccalaureate. Students have, however, found philanthropic efforts increasingly hard to complete within school grounds due to the tightening of restrictions on fundraising events by the catering company Sodexo. Their ban on any sale of items that could serve as competition has left many students lacking the "Service" element to their CAS and S&A programs.