Useful internet links:
For Information about what degree programmes correspond to later careers, please see the UK Graduate Career Website
For US Colleges and SAT tests: www.collegeboard.com
For UK Universities: www.ucas.com
For Canadian Universities: www.aucc.ca
For German Universities: www.daad.de
For other European countries: www.yahoo.com/education
Please click here for a more comprehensive list of websites to aid you in your college research
University Advisor
The role of the University Advisor at Bonn International School is to help students prepare for the next exciting stage of their lives. Going to university is much more than just filling out application forms and getting good grades in school; it involves a major life change for our students. Here at BIS we ensure students have the necessary academic preparation for higher education, as well as offering sessions focusing on 'life at college' - what is it really like to live away from home?
The University Advisor assists the students in researching their higher education options, helps them with the application process, discuss future career options and directly liaises with college admissions officers worldwide.
While BIS students study in all 4 corners of the world, most choose to study in the USA, UK, Canada and Europe. In order to meet the differing entrance requirements, BIS offers the International Baccalaureate, the BIS High School Diploma and is also a test center for the Collegeboard SAT tests. Arrangements can be made for those who need to take TOEFL or ACT tests.
Visits by university and college admissions officers from around the world take place directly at BIS. Diploma Programme students and parents are notified in advance of these visits. In addition, BIS students visit Frankfurt (US colleges), Cologne (UK universities), Studiebeurs in Utrecht (Dutch universities) and EinstiegAbi in Cologne (German Universities). The University Advisor also takes students to visit universities in the UK.
BIS has built links with universites that enable students to experience life at university during the summer vacation at the end of Grade 11. The University Advisor publishes a list of recommended summer programmes for students in the MYP or DP years every year. For further information, please contact Michael Bailey, the University Advisor at Bonn International School.
In addition, BIS offers careers testing and advising to help students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 choose their IB and university courses.
As part of students' preparation for life after school, Grade 11 students spend one week working in international and local businesses. Students prepare themselves for the world of work by writing their own curriculum vitaes, having interviews and learning about the organisation for which they are going to work. Students reflect upon this work experience after it has taken place and use these reflections to impact further decision-making.
Other preparation courses in which students may participate in the International Student Leadership Institute, a one-week residential course held in Oberwesel, Germany for students in Grades 9-11. There is also an opportunity to participate in a student leadership conference in Washington and New York.
Counselor
Growing up in today's world means that children and teenagers can face many challenges. Access to a school counselor can assist them in their development and in meeting these challenges. BIS values the insight which a counselor can offer by helping children and teenagers deal with concerns over friendships, peer pressure, changes, academic performance and other areas of great significance.
The counselor has a dual role of pastoral care and curriculum support at BIS. She supports children's social, behavioural and emotional development. Teachers or parents may refer students to the counselor to address needs. Students can also self-refer themselves. The counselor also offers strategies and facilitates teacher delivery of the Physical, Social and Emotional curriculum in the Primary Years Programme and the Personal, Social and Health Education Programme in the Secondary School. The counselor may also collaborate with the Learning Support Department where there may be an overlap in needs.
In addition, our counselor offers a series of informal morning workshops for parents. At these workshops, topics of general interest are discussed in an open and trusting environment. The topics have included teenagers and alcohol, drugs, children and physical self-image, puberty and developmental changes and transitions.
The counselor can be contacted at amanda.price(at)bonn-is.de with questions and concerns.
Educational Psychologist / Learning Support Coordinator
An Educational Psychologist has joined BIS this school year to lead the Learning Support team, working in both the Primary and Secondary Schools. This team provides support to students who encounter difficulties with certain areas of learning. Support includes specialised assessments, consultation, monitoring and scheduled learning support classes. The Educational Psychologist coordinates data relevant to specific student learning needs and develops educational plans to maximise their participation in mainstream classes.