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Welcome to the International School of Berne

Mission Statement

The International School of Berne (ISBerne), established in 1961, is a creative learning community for students from all over the world.

Within the framework of the three International Baccalaureate programmes, guided by ISBerne teachers and staff, students have the opportunity to become open-minded, principled, know­l­edgeabl­e, confident l­ifel­ong l­earners and mul­til­ingual­ citizens of the world who respect themselves and others.

Our aims and objectives are:

• Educational Quality to offer high quality, academically sound education

to an international student body in a supportive and understanding environment.

• Student Creativity to promote a positive attitude towards creativity,

allowing students to engage actively in the learning process.

• School Community to promote the sense of community in the school. • Cultural Diversity to encourage cultural understanding, tolerance

and the enjoyment of diversity. • Students’ Self-Esteem to develop self-esteem and a sense of respect

for others.• Staff/Curriculum Development to address the need for ongoing staff and curriculum

development. • Facility/Financial Management to have committed, experienced and qual­ified staff

and well-equipped facilities operating on a sound financial­ basis.

Letter from the Director

Originally, ISBerne was founded to provide education in English for the diplomatic community in Berne. Over the years, ISBerne has grown as the international business community in our region, and in the neigh-bouring cantons of Neuchâtel, Fribourg and Solothurn, has developed. Our aim of providing a high-quality educational­ programme is reflected in our adoption of the rigorous and prestigious IB programmes for all three sections of the school.

A visit to our school will provide you with more in-depth information and a chance to meet our dedicated staff. An overview of the programmes we offer at our school is contained in this brochure, and more detailed information on the school and our programmes can be found by visiting our website.

We are here to help you make the right decision on your child’s educational future and are looking forward to welcoming you at ISBerne.

Kevin Page

“I like that all of us respect each other.”Ebba, Grade 4

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Internationally accredited• First accredited in 1984, reaccredited in 1994

and 2004 by the Council of International Schools and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges

• Regular accreditation visits, guaranteeing the high standard of programmes, teachers and facilities

Unique spirit • Truly international and multicultural mix of

students and teachers from more than 40 countries• Fostering appreciation of diverse cultures and

promoting open communication, tolerance, fairness and respect for all nationalities and cultures

• Providing a safe and nurturing environment in which a child can learn and grow

• Offering activities in which elementary and secondary students work closely together

Comprehensive programme from age 3–19ISBerne is an IB World School authorized to offer International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes for the ages 3–19. • IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) since 2007• IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) since 2007• IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) since 1995

The IB programmes, recognized and taught in more than 2500 schools worldwide, ensure a smooth and easy transfer to and from schools anywhere in the world for our students. The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally-minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

The shared features of all three programmes are:• the IB Learner Profil­e (a set of goal­s for students

of all ages to become inquiring, knowledge- able, thinking, communicating, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-taking, balanced and reflective).

• study across a broad and balanced range of knowledge domains.

• special emphasis on language acquisition and development.

• opportunities for engaging in trans-disciplinary learning.

• opportunities for individual and collaborative planning and research.

• a community service component requiring action and reflection.

Dedicated Staff• ISBerne teachers have advanced degrees

in education or in their subject areas, and have experience in international education.

• Effective performance is evident in the classroom.• Professional development programme includes

teachers’ regular attendance at IB and other conferences and workshops.

• A number of staff members serve as IB senior or assistant examiners and on CIS/NEASC Accredi-tation team visits to other schools.

Whole-school activities (included in programme)• Skiing/skating programme (compulsory for all

students)• Student productions/concerts• Outdoor education programme (organised and

staffed by professional outdoor education experts)• International Day• Visiting speakers (poets, storytellers, scientists)• Assemblies

The strengths of the International School of Berne are:

“ I like that our school is so multicultural with so many dif-ferent people. It is well organised and has friendly teachers, various fun after school activities and in winter we go skiing.”Vanessa, Grade 5

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The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), for students aged 3–11, focuses on the development of the whole child, addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs. The PYP is a trans-disciplinary curriculum which draws the individual disciplines together into a coherent whole, while preserving the essence of each subject. At ISBerne the PYP strives to help children develop an international perspective. Through the IB Learner Profil­e the school­ actively fosters a wide range of learning dispositions.

The PYP curriculum is organised around six themes (units of inquiry):• Who we are• Where we are in place and time• How we express ourselves• How the world works• How we organise ourselves• Sharing the planet

Primary Years Programme overview

Even our very young students conduct surveys, collect data, analyse results, plot graphs and look for patterns. Your child will:• develop a deep understanding of

important concepts.• conduct research into knowledge

w­hich has l­ocal­ and gl­obal­ significance.• acquire and practice a range of

essential skills.• be encouraged to develop positive

attitudes towards learning, the environment and other people.

• have the opportunity for involvement in responsible action and social service.

The IBO sees the PYP curriculum as an excellent preparation for the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). The PYP, like the MYP, places a focus on critical thinking, personal responsibility for learning, student inquiry and social service.

“I like everything, the playground, the classes, the people and especially my friends and the teachers.”Amit, Grade 2

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The Early Learning Centre

ELC 1 (3–4 years) and ELC 2 (4–5 years)

The Early Years Programme: • gives children the opportunity to grow

and develop in their use of language, physical skills, social abilities and positive attitudes in a safe, secure, nurturing and multicultural learning environment.

• builds on what children already know and can do and stimulates their natural curiosity and desire to explore and investigate.

• Through experiences solving play problems, self-expression is stimulated and independence, spontaneity and inquiry are developed.

The programme is enriched by regular visits to the gym, the garden and the library. The children also participate in the choir and Elementary assemblies. Drama, music and movement, painting and drawing encourage a child’s personal, social and creative growth.

Elementary School

Kindergarten – Grade 5 (5–11 years)

Our rich curricular programme provides students with a strong foundation in all the major areas of knowledge: mathematics, social studies, drama, language, music, visual arts, science, personal and social education, and physical education.

The students have their class teachers for the core subjects and specialist teachers for French or German, music, information and communication technology, art, physical education and library. There are also English as an Additional Language classes for students w­ho come to our school­ w­ith l­imited proficiency in English, and a provision for students with mild special education needs.

“I like the teachers because they help us learn and because they are very nice.”Maddie, Grade 1

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The Secondary School, for students aged 11–19, seeks to build an inquiring, knowledgeable and caring community of learners. Based around the ethos of the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) and the IB Learner Profile, the school actively fosters a wide range of learning dispositions. The programmes we offer – the IB Middle Years Programme (IB MYP) and IB Diploma Programme (IB DP) – are structured to encourage independent learning, and to prepare all of our students for lifelong learning. These pro-grammes succeed the IB Primary Years programme and thus complete an IB learning continuum that begins in the Early Learning Centre.

The Middle Years Programme – Grades 6–10The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP), for students aged 11–16, concentrates on five areas of interaction, which are: • Approaches to Learning• Community and Service• Human Ingenuity• Environments• Health and Social Education

ISBerne currently offers the following courses: English, French, German, mathematics, integrated science (biology, chemistry, and physics), history, geography, art, drama, music, information and design technology, physical education, community and service, library skills, and personal and social education (PSE).

All students finish their MYP studies in Grade 10 with a personal project (a major piece of independent study) and, upon successful completion of their studies, receive certification from the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO).

Secondary School

“No matter what religion or culture, the students come together as one.”Amelia, Grade 7

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme – Grades 11–12The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP), for students aged 16–19: • is a two-year course of study leading to the award

of the IB Diploma. It also allows students to fulfil the requirements of their national education system.

• The IB diploma is recognized internationally as a qualification for university entrance.

• In addition, students may also graduate with an ISBerne High School Diploma.

• ISBerne currently offers the following IB DP courses at both Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL): – English A1, A2&B– French A1, A2,&B – German A1, A2, &B– Ab Initio (beginner) French and German (SL only) – economics– geography– history – chemistry– physics– biology– mathematics– mathematical studies (SL only)– theatre– visual arts

Additionally, all students in Grades 11 and 12 complete • the IB Theory of Knowledge programme,• the IB Creativity, Action &Service (CAS)

programme,• an IB Extended Essay (a 4000-word research

paper), and• the school’s personal and social education

course (PSE).

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This programme complements, maintains and develops existing curricula aims and objectives. It gives students access to activities that cannot normally be offered within the framework of the curriculum and offers them challenging, new experiences to enrich their time at ISBerne.

ISBerne offers a broad range of activities to meet the differing needs of the students,

The Enrichment Programme & After School Activities

such as: music (pop choir, pop band, guitar ensemble, as well as individual instrumental lessons), drama, Model United Nations, student councils, economics club, cooking, languages, mentoring, arts and crafts, board games and much more. Sports include basketball and volleyball, soccer, swimming and skiing/snowboarding. Sports teams regularly participate in SGIS sports tournaments.

Where our alumni go:The IB Diploma programme provides access to renowned universities around the world. Each year there is a graduating class of approximately 20 students. Of these students, 90% will go on to a college or university (see partial list on page 16).

Our Alumni is a global network of happy and successful professional citizens of the world. Some of its members have maintained friendships for life and are still in contact with ISBerne:

Alumni

“A very special aspect of ISBerne was the diversity of the student population. I learned to be more accepting of other cultures and became more open to other ideas and opinions. I know I was very lucky to have such a unique opportunity. The friends I made at ISBerne will be in my heart forever. We were more than a school, we were a family.” Heather, Alumni

“Having been a part of the first class of children attending The English-Speaking School of Bern (now ISBerne) and seeing and understanding how far the school has grown and matured brings great pride. The school has superior standards, encourages independence while providing structured teamwork and the highest qualities in education. Bravo and keep up the great work!”Gary, Alumni

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GovernanceThe International School of Berne is a non-profit Swiss association. All parents or legal guardians of children attending the school are members of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA) with full voting rights at the PTA assemblies. The PTA elects the Board of Trustees, which is responsible for the overall strategic planning, appointing the Director, and setting the budget and employment conditions.

Parent Teacher Committee (PTC)ISBerne has a very active PTC, organizing a variety of mainly fundraising activities, including our major annual event, the Inter-national Day, where you can experience food and traditions of the whole world in one day. The PTC also arranges Quiz Nights and a hot lunch programme for the students. The benefits are reinvested in the development of the school and its programmes.

School Community

Community involvementThe school is actively involved in many projects and developments for the benefit of the students, the school, our local community and for others (e.g. Fun Run, bake sales for charity, trips to Africa). The tuition fees cover only the school’s annual operating costs. We therefore actively engage with our community – students, parents, staff, alumni and corporate partners – to support many of our planned strategic development initiatives.

“I love the close and friendly environment of the school, notably the friendships between grades.”Christopher, Grade 11

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In the recent CIS/NEASC accreditation the school was commended for:

• the clarity and succinctness of the mission statement.• the quality IB curriculum which supports the Mission,

and Aims and Objectives of the school.• the faculty for their dedication and effective perfor-

mance in the classroom, and for the high quality of their interactions and relationships with students.

• the international focus and the use of diversity.• the high level of mutual support found throughout

the school, including the Board, administration, faculty, students, and parents.

• the dedication of the Board and administration in moving the school forward.

• an expert faculty and staff.• a strong commitment to improvement.• fine leadership.• the friendliness and respect throughout the campus.

Commendations

Below is a partial list of universities and colleges to which students from ISBerne have been offered admission in recent years:

Switzerland: University of Basel; University of Bern; University of Fribourg; University of Geneva; University of Lausanne; University of Business and Finance, Zurich

Other European countries: American Uni-versity Paris; Bristol University; Cambridge Uni-versity; Delft University, Netherlands; Imperial College London; Kings College London; Rome University; SOAS London; St. Andrews Uni-versity; Tübingen University, Germany; Vesalius College, Belgium

North America: Boston University; Bowdoin University; University of British Columbia; Duke University; George Mason University; McGill University; Northeastern University; Queens University; University of Southern California; Stanford University; Toronto Uni-versity; York University

Other countries: Atenio de Manila University; Auckland University; ITESM Technical Uni-versity, Mexico; Seoul University, South Korea

Where our alumni go

Memberships

IBOInternational Baccalaureate Orga-

nization

NEASCNew England Association of Schools

and Colleges

ECISEuropean Council of

International School

CISCouncil of International Schools

AAIEAssociation for the Advancement of International Education

SGISSwiss Group of International Schools

CASECouncil for Advancement and Support of Education

ASCDAssociation for School and Curriculum Development

International School of Berne

Mattenstrasse 3

CH-3073 Gümligen

Telephone +41 (0)31 951 23 58

Fax +41 (0)31 951 17 10

office@isberne.ch

www.isberne.ch

• Berne, the capital in the heart of Switzerland,

which is centrally located in Europe, is a small, friendly

and safe city. It is a uniquely situated Swiss German

city, within easy reach of the famous mountains

of the Bernese Oberland and equally near to the

French-speaking part of Switzerland, with its lakes

and vineyards.

• ISBerne is easy accessible (10 minutes by train

or tram/15 minutes by car) from the city centre;

train station and Autobahn are close by.

• There is easy access to other European cities from

Berne. (Direct express trains and flights from

Belp Airport also link to all major European cities.)

International School of Berne

Mattenstrasse 3

CH-3073 Gümligen

Telephone +41 (0)31 951 23 58

Fax +41 (0)31 951 17 10

office@isberne.ch

www.isberne.ch

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