Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about BIS:
What organisations have accredited BIS?
BIS is accredited as an IB World School by the International Baccalaureate Organisation, headquarted in Geneva, Switzerland. Programmes at BIS are regularly visited and evaulated by the IB every 5 years. In addition, BIS is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Council of International Schools. BIS is a long-standing member of the Association of German International Schools.
Are there specific times in the year to apply for admission?
Students are welcome to enter BIS at any time during the school providing space is available. To avoid disappointment, an early application is recommended.
From where do you hire your teachers?
The school prides itself on the training and dedication of its teaching staff . This professional group represents the diverse national and cultural backgrounds of 15 countries. Not only are teachers fully qualified in the subjects they teach but all teachers undergo regular evaluation and training. See the 'Employment' section of the school website to get details of the recruitment process and information about working at our school.
How do I apply for places at BIS for my children?
Please refer to the Admissions section on our website.
Can BIS accommodate students for whom English is a second language?
Yes; at BIS we offer support through our English as an Added language (EAL) programme to those students requiring it.
Do the students wear school uniforms?
The school does not have a uniform, with the exception of our sports and physical education programmes where specific clothing is required.
How do students get to school?
Students can arrive at school in a variety of ways. Many are brought to school by parents or in carpools or they ride their bikes. Others arrive on public transportation. Some children from the Cologne area have private arrangements with a local transportation company. There is no busing provided by the school.
Which curriculum do you offer?
We offer the curriculum of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) which is designed to serve an increasingly mobile international community.
How big are the classes?
Class sizes are limited to enable the school's objectives to be met. The maximum class size is 22. This number can be exceeded at the discretion of the Principal for short periods of time.
Will my child have difficulty in re-adjusting to our home education system?
Students at BIS work at attaining high academic levels in established academic programmes. BIS graduates are accepted into some of the best colleges and universities around the world with about 97% of them entering university immediately after graduating.
In some countries the teaching of mathematics is structured differently which can lead to a need for additional support to manage the transitions.
What foreign languages are offered?
The language of instruction is English. English as an Additional Language classes are required for students entering BIS with little or no English language ability. German is taught from Early Learning through Grade 12, with levels of differentiation (beginner, intermediate and advanced) offered starting in Grade 1. Spanish is part of the curriculum starting at Grade 6, while French (advanced level only) is available from Grades 7-10.
What time does school start and end?
Start and dismissal times differ across diffferent sections of the school. Primary students should be in their homerooms and secondary students in their first period by the following times.
EL 3/4: 8.40 - 12.00 (half-day) or 15.00 (full day)
EL 5 - Grade 5: 8.20 - 15.20
Grades 6 - 12: 8.15 - 15.30
