Welcome to our website; welcome to the BISS-world.

Whether you are a parent in search of a small, warm & personalized learning environment  to enhance your child’s achievement, an educator in search of a new community in which to share your skills, an Alum who is searching for old classmates and nostalgia, or a current parent who wishes to keep updated on school news…we welcome you!

We like to say that BISS is “chic, boutique and unique". In order to understand why we are so, let’s begin with our location. We are located in the heart of one of the most dynamic, historical and culturally rich cities in the world. This prime location is favorable to families who prefer to live and work in the city and it cuts down the long, traffic- delayed travel time of children in school buses.

Within 20 minutes we can reach most of sites of the city which are included in our Field Education programme. We wish to “flatten" the walls of our school to the endless opportunities of the city, by going off campus for visits or by inviting people and artifacts into our school. This is because we believe that children learn best when they are engaged in real-world experiences and are inspired by people and places in their world. We believe that learning should not be limited to the classroom.

Our classroom sizes are quite small, with averages of 15 per class. This allows for teachers and assistants to give each student the attention they deserve and need to reach their maximum potential and achievement.

Not only are our class sizes small, but the school size is small, as well. There are numerous advantages for students and teachers in a small school. For example, each student is a known entity in our school; they are known by name not only by their teachers, auxiliary staff and assistants, but also by their Principal. Even the Head of School is able to get to know students and their parents on a first-name basis. Such personalized & familiar environments are also caring environments--and that is what we promote at BISS. Parents have repeatedly informed us about the changes they noticed in their children who may have arrived with low self esteem. Because of the personalized & safe environment here at BISS, the children developed self-confidence and even took on leadership roles.

In small schools, each child can try their skills in whatever arena they wish. If they are short in height and have never played basketball, they may join the team and actually participate in the games. If they have never performed on stage, we welcome them to join our drama & musical productions as we discover and develop new talents. At BISS we have discovered so many ‘diamonds in the rough'(or ‘pearls in oysters')simply because they are given an opportunity and encouraged to participate without a competitive selection process. The fact that they are not pitted against their classmates for these placements, and that they are given an equal chance, is another boost to their self esteem; they feel valued and valuable at BISS.

In addition, here at BISS we focus on the needs of children and families in transition. Our families have moved here from over 40 countries, each experiencing their own challenges as a result of their mobility. At BISS, we address the needs of our “Third Culture Kids"(or Global Nomads) with our special transition programmes for their entry, as well as for their exit. We offer workshops for our students and parents on “raising children internationally" and inform them of the family dynamics as a result of a lifestyle of international mobility.

And our staff are professionally prepared and prepped to work with students from over 40 nationalities. They too are a diverse team and bring with them high qualifications, many years experience, strong teaching skills and a loving attitude toward children. They have been trained in IB philosophy and pedagogy…and believe in it.

I have worked in a variety of schools in six countries. Each one has its distinct characteristics, but I can assure you, BISS is one of the most sensitive and caring schools I have seen.

I encourage you to peruse this website and learn more about our programmes, activities and community, and come and visit us. We know you will sense the BISS-feeling, as soon as you walk in the front door. We are “part of it and proud of it".

Sincerely,
Dr. Ettie Zilber
Head of School 

Dr Ettie Zilber has been serving as the BISS Head of School since August 1, 2009.
 

Listen to Dr Zilber's interview on Third Culture Kids on Radio 774 on Sept 28, 2010 through this link: http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMjEwMzk0Nzk2.html;