BIFS Brochure 2015-16

BIFS is authorized to offer the courses and examinations of

BIFS is a member of

BIFS is accredited through

EARCOSEast Asia Regional Council of Schools

ABRSMAssociated Boards of the Royal Schools of Music

Korea Council of Overseas Schools

We Believe· Students are to be at the center of all that we do.

· Education is the shared responsibility of our entire community.

· In being an independent non-denominational internationalfamily school.

· In being unified and respectful in our diversity.

· In providing the very best inquiry based, relevant, andexperiential education for each student.

· Students are to give back through community service.

Vision Our students will develop and pursue their passions, besuccessful and contribute to a positive global future.

MissionWe are a diverse, supportive and dynamic international schoolthat inspires and challenges students to explore, discover andthrive in the global community to which we belong.

OURGUIDINGSTATEMENTS

4,5HEAD OF SCHOOLMESSAGE

Welcome to BIFS!

Welcome to an incredibly warm and inviting community of inquiring learners and theBusan International Foreign School family, a place where ALL students have theopportunity to explore, discover, thrive and become the global citizens of tomorrow!We are a school that is "united in our diversity, and thriving in our individuality."

Thank you for your interest in our school. It is my hope that by exploring and learningabout our quality academic programs and the comprehensive activities we offer, youwill come to know our vibrant and innovative school.

BIFS, formerly known as International School of Busan, was established in 1983, andhas a long and distinguished history of serving the international expatriate communityin and around the Busan area. In the summer of 2010, BIFS moved to our currentstate-of-the-art, purpose-built facility, built by the Busan Metropolitan City, whichsupports our comprehensive approach to international education. We pride ourselvesin personalized inquiry-based education experiences for all learners in a nurturingand inclusive environment. Our goal is to provide our students with a high qualityeducation that will equip and enable them to acquire the attributes of the IB learnerprofile and to gain entrance to and succeed at the finest international universitiesaround the world. To this end, we strive to provide a nurturing and rich educationalclimate that is committed to developing our students academically, socially,emotionally and ethically. BIFS is the leader and the school of choice for qualityinternational education in south east Korea!

As a testament to its quality and commitment to a truly international education for allstudents, BIFS has received authorization from the International BaccalaureateOrganization to provide three IB programs: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), theMiddle Years Programme (MYP) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Additionally,BIFS is accredited by the Western Association for Schools and Colleges (WASC) andCouncil of International Schools (CIS).

Our families describe BIFS as a “warm and welcoming community” and a “familyschool.” I invite you to come and discover for yourself the rich and exciting educationalopportunities we provide for all learners as you seek to explore, discover, thrive andbelong to an international community that is committed to making a difference - theBIFS difference!

Kevin BakerHead of School

Established in 1983 by a group of international families and companies, BIFS

has grown to support the continued development of foreign investment in

the Busan area. It was the first school in Korea to begin authorization towards

the IBPYP, the first school to use the International School Assessment tests

from the Australian Council for Educational Research, the first to introduce

a design technology program, the first to offer the qualifications from the

Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music and was the first to achieve

dual accreditation from two independent organizations: the Council of

International Schools and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

BIFS is located on the edge of Busan,South Korea’s second largest city,which is also Korea’s most populartourist destination with wonderfulbeaches and hills only minutes awayfrom the school.

INTRODUCTION

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Each division has its own expectations but the closecooperation between them means that children are ableto progress easily through each program as they growand mature.

With classes no larger than 20 and with a teacher-student ratio of approximately 1:7, there is a genuineinterest in the progress and welfare of each individualstudent.

Families come from all over the world and BIFS is proudof its international mix of students. We believe that it isimportant to be united in our diversity, which promotesa sense of belonging within our school community.

Our teaching staff also reflects our internationaldiversity, having been recruited from all over the worldincluding the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Spain, NewZealand, Chile, the Philippines, Venezuela, Bulgaria,France, Japan, Singapore, South Africa and Korea. This,along with the international curriculum, creates a greatlearning environment.

BIFS is a not-for-profit school that is served by avolunteer Board of Governors, elected every two yearsfrom the parents and members of the local community. This ensures that all decisions are made for the benefitof students.

We offer classes for children from the age of two yearsold, when they can enter our Playgroup, to Grade 12,the gateway to university entrance.

The school is organized into 3 divisions:

The Elementary SchoolThe Middle School The High School

CAMPUS

BIFS was built by the Busan Metropolitan City to expand the educationalopportunities for expatriate families in the region. BIFS is committed tocontinued development to meet the needs of the students.

The BIFS campus covers 30,000 square meters and includes:

Classrooms for all ages | 4 fully equipped science labs3 computer rooms | 3 art rooms | 3 librariesMusic rooms and music practice rooms | Design Technology roomsAssembly rooms | Cafeteria | Large gymnasium | Tennis courtSoccer field | Running track | Playgrounds for all ages

BIFS has a purpose-built facilitythat provides inspiring spaces forstudent learning.

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BIFS is proud to have one of Busan’s top chefs to lead the catering team.Having previously been the Head Chef at one of the city’s 5-star hotels andhaving been the personal chef for Presidents George Bush and VladimirPutin when they visited, there is no doubting his experience.

With a menu that includes a range of hot meals, a salad bar, fruit andsandwich options, there is a great selection for students of all ages.

CATERING

The quality and selection of thecatering at BIFS is world-class.

BIFS draws students from all over the south east of Korea. As a result,our buses travel long distances each day to carry our students to andfrom the campus. In the afternoon, with the wide range of activities inthe after school programs, we operate bus routes at two different timesin order to provide the best possible service.

TRANSPORTATION

BIFS provides safe and personalizedtransportation solutions.

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Our Philosophy: Approaches to TeachingTo empower our staff in exemplary teaching- Student-centered- Inquiry-based- Focus on conceptual understanding- Inclusion of both local and global contexts- Promotes teamwork and collaboration- Explores differentiation- Assessment informs teaching and planning- Use of technology- Developes independent and lifelong learners

CURRICULUM

International BaccalaureatePrimary Years Programme (IB PYP)

Offered for children aged 3 to 11,from Preschool to Grade 5

12,13Our Philosophy: Approaches to LearningTo develope life-long and transferable skills

- Thinking Skills- Research Skills- Communication Skills- Self-management Skills- Social Skills

Transdisciplinary ProgramTo provide an engaging, relevant, challenging andsignificant learning experience, focusing on issues thatcross subject areas.

- Science- Social Studies- Mathematics- Languages- The Arts: Visual and Performing- Physical, Social and Personal Education

Our Support Services To assist all students in maximizing their potential

- English as an Additional Language- Learning Support- Co-curricular Activities- Instrumental Lessons- Counselling

International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme(IB MYP)

Offered for students from Grades6-10

The IB Middle Years Programmeencourages students toembrace and understandthe connections betweensubjects studied atschool and the realworld. It provides theopportunity forstudents to becomecritical and reflectivethinkers, innovativeproblemsolvers and confidentlearners.

Through the MYP, BIFS:Encourages international mindedness whilerecognizing the importance of maintaining eachstudent's foundation language and sense oftheir own culture.- Encourages a positive attitude to learningby challenging students to solve problems,show creativity and resourcefulness andparticipate actively in communities withwhich they identify.- Reflects real life by providing a frameworkthat allows students to see connections to

subjects studied. - Supports the development of communication

skills to encourage inquiry, understanding andlanguage acquisition.

- Emphasizes through the learner profile, the development ofthe whole student.

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Key ConceptsThe MYP consists of eight subject groups, each guided by three tofour key concepts. These broad, organizing, powerful ideas haverelevance beyond just the subject group. They are a powerful toolof inquiry, used to create “big ideas” that are recognizable in, andapplicable to, real-life “global contexts”.

Global ConceptsTeaching and learning in the MYP involves understanding conceptsin context. All effective learning takes place when the studentidentifies with the learning or sees its relevance.

Approaches to Learning (ATL)ATL skills represent general and subject-specific learning skills thatthe student will develope and apply during the program and beyond.

Approaches to Teaching (ATT)MYP teachers deliver the curriculum through inquiry, concepts,differentiation, contexts and collaboration.

International BaccalaureateDiploma Programme (DP)

The gold standard qualificationfor universities around theworld.

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The IB DP is academically challenging and is widely recognized asthe best preparation for university success as it:- Provides a balance of subject breadth and depth- Encourages international mindedness- Developes a positive attitude to learning- Developes styles of learning required for future studies- Has rigorous external assessment- Emphasises the development of the whole student

IB Diploma students study six subjects, three at Higher Level andthree at Standard Level. In addition, there are three corerequirements of:- A 4,000 word extended essay with independent research- Theory of Knowledge – a course designed to encourage studentsto reflect on the nature of knowledge- Creativity, Action, Service – a requirement to actively learn fromthe experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom.

As an alternative, students can tailor their own program byselecting individual DP courses at levels to suit their own needs.

SPORTS

BIFS provides a wide range ofcompetitive opportunities forall students. Go Bears!

18,19BIFS offers a large gymnasium, tennis court, full sizesoccer field, a 100m running track, long and triplejump sand pit and two outdoor basketball courts.

These facilities, along with dedicated coaches, allowstudents to enjoy a wide range of sports for all agesand for all abilities.

Students can also represent their school or their‘house’ through an ever-growing array of inter-schooland intra-school competitive and friendly matches.

We are members of two activity conferences, theSouthern Korea Activities Conference (SKAC) and theKorea International Schools Activities Conference(KISAC).

We have three sporting seasons :

FallElementary & Middle School Soccer / Middle andHigh School Cross Country / High School Volleyball

WinterMiddle School Volleyball / High School Basketball

SpringElementary and Middle School Basketball / HighSchool Soccer

There are also opportunities to participate inTennis, Badminton, Table Tennis and Track &Field, along with specialty athletics organized tripsthat may include Skiing, Sailing and even ScubaDiving.

BIFS prides itself on being able to offer a wide range of learning opportunitiesfor our students. A major part of this are the arts and technology programs.

The visual arts utilize the skills of specialist teachers from the beginning ofElementary School. With dedicated art rooms, the students are able toexperience different techniques using a wide range of materials and forms,from oils and water colors through to ceramics and photography.

Drama is offered through the various productions that take place each year.Whether it is a small play by Elementary School or a Shakespearean adaptation,students have the opportunity to express themselves in a number of ways.

THE ARTS AND TECHNOLOGY

Innovation, creativity, expressionand design are all hallmarks ofthe BIFS experience.

BIFS offers an innovative and challenging Design Technology program.Starting in the Middle School, students engage in practical activities thatcover electronics, robotics, technical drawing, structures and forces whileworking in wood, acrylics, metal and design foam. Students use a variety ofCAD / CAM programs and can produce work of high quality using the lasercutters and other machinery.

The ICT department provides a structured, developmental program ofcomputer usage and programming skills. Beginning at Grade 1, studentshave the support of specialist teachers who plan in close collaboration withtheir subject teachers to make the most of the learning opportunities thatnew technologies provide.

The school has three computer labs and research centers in Middle Schooland High School, along with laptops and iPads that are available throughoutthe school, connected to a campus-wide wifi network. In the Middle andHigh School, we operate a 1:1 laptop program.

The majority of classrooms have the advantage of Smartboards that allowteachers to facilitate a learning environment that is both stimulating andinteractive.

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Music plays an important role in the enrichment of students’ lives. Ourmusic facilities include teaching suites, separate practice rooms andtwo performance halls. Students at BIFS enjoy a well-rounded andcreative music curriculum that is complemented by an array of afterschool ensembles.

Our students have the opportunity to be actively involved in Orchestra,upper elementary class choirs, MHS Choir, String Ensembles andBeginning Band.

The Music Department organizes a number of performances throughoutthe year at school, in the local community and overseas. Students whoare keen on strengthening their music education are able to sit for theAssociated Board of the Royal Schools of Music's (ABRSM) practicaland theory music exams on our campus twice a year.

MUSIC

BIFS is deeply committed toproviding rich opportunities inmusic.

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For every age, BIFS offers a broad selection of activities beyond our curriculum.Activities offered may include such options as :

National Honor Society | Model UN | Lego Robotics | Sailing | Taekwondo |Student Council | Softball | Ceramics | Gymnastics | Ballet | Chess | Art Designs: collage, models, sculpture | Guitar | Kumdo | Netball | Knitting |Print Making | Junior Chefs | Hanja Calligraphy | Handicrafts | Ultimate Frisbee| Debate

CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

BIFS provides a variety ofexperiences beyond theclassroom for our students toexplore.

24,25We actively participate in the Korean Speech Competition, the local and nationalEnglish Spelling Bee, Model UN, and the annual Busan English DebateChampionship. We have also developed a sailing program with the Busan SailingCenter.

In addition, students have the opportunity to learn a wide range of musicalinstruments. These lessons take place during the day and after school.

Piano | Violin | Voice | Cello | Music Theory | Saxophone | Clarinet | OboeFlute | Guitar (electric and acoustic) | Trumpet | French Horn | TromboneDrums | Singing | Hip-Hop | Junior/Senior Strings | Senior OrchestraDrama | Dance | Junior/Senior Choir

BIFS is strongly committed to community service and encourages Elementarythrough High School students to actively participate in a wide varity of projectsand fund raising activities within our own community. Many of these projects aretied to concepts students are learning in their classes. We believe our studentsgain a great deal from giving their time to helping others and becoming activemembers of their community.

In our Middle School MYP program, we incorporate community and serviceinto the classroom. The goal is to allow students to make connections betweenthe curriculum and the world around them. When these connections are made,and a level of service is completed, students will head into High Schoolunderstanding the role they can play in their community.

In High School we follow the Community, Action, and Service (CAS) program setby the IB. Service is a component to the CAS program that allows students toget involved with activities that interest them, but also pushes them to stepoutside their comfort zones. BIFS has service requirements for all graduates.

SERVICE

BIFS students seek to make adifference by giving back to theglobal community to which theybelong.

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Student ownership over this service program is crucial, asthe service learning cycle begins and ends with the students.Our student-led clubs are responsible for creating serviceopportunities. The school offers both local and internationalservice opportunities for the students. Recent internationaltrips include Borneo, Nepal, Laos and Cambodia.

Some of our local projects include: raising money for BusanAbandoned Pet Sanctuary, running the Kids Corner at theannual Busan International Women’s Association (BIWA)Christmas Bazaar, serving lunch at the Haeundae SoupKitchen and collecting socks for the Happy Feet andSomething Sweet event at the soup kitchen. Our studentsalso tutor and help at orphanages. In addition, both theHarvest Festival (collection of food for the Isaac HouseChildren's Home) and the Angel Tree (collection of holidaypresents for children in orphanages) are communityservice projects in which the whole school participates.

The BIFS Parent Teacher Association (PTA) comprises BIFS parentsand staff who support and promote our school community. AllParents, Guardians and Teachers of BIFS students are members ofthe PTA.

The PTA's support is essential to the school, giving parents and staffan opportunity to show their dedication to making BIFS a unique andenergetic, family-oriented school which values and celebratesdiversity.

Parent/staff involvement in the PTA includes monthly parent coffees,volunteering during fundraisers, serving as committee leaders,participating and planning in school events such as Ice CreamSocials, Fall Family Festival, International Day, Teachers'Appreciation Week and more.

COMMUNITY

BIFS is a community schoolthat celebrates and is united inour diversity.

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With the range of programs andthe level of support provided, BIFSstudents are ready to continuetheir education at colleges anduniversities around the world. Theschool offers three separate pathstowards graduation.

BIFS High School Diploma, IBCourses, IB Diploma

Since its establishment, BIFS has been recognized worldwide as a well-respectedcollege preparatory school. Over 90% of our graduates matriculate directly touniversity, while the remaining graduates complete national servicecommitments, pursue their dream careers or plan a meaningful gap year.

Upon completion of the BIFS graduation requirements, BIFS graduates receivea BIFS High School Diploma and for those students that choose to pursue the fullInternational Baccalaureate program, the prestigious IB Diploma. BIFS iscommitted to providing quality personal support for each and every student asthey explore their post-secondary options. Our higher education support servicesinclude individual and group counseling to provide students with opportunitiesfor self-discovery, work experience research, and academic and vocationaldecision-making.

Our staff are dedicated to helping students choose and gain admission to colleges,universities and other institutions of further education, or with gap year planningthat is based on the “right fit” or “best match” for each student’s individualinterests and aspirations. Other higher education support activities include guestspeakers, university representative visits to our campus, preparation workshops,newsletter articles, parent coffees and higher education testing services.

GRADUATION

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BIFS graduates are accepted to reputable colleges and universities worldwide. Someexamples include:

Asia:Waseda UniversityAustralia / New Zealand: Challenger Institute of Technology, Curtin College, Notre DameUniversityEurope: Aarhus University, BI Norwegian School of Management, Delft University of Technology,Ipag Business School, Les Roches International School of Hotel Management, Lillebaelt Academyof Professional Higher Education, Tilburg University, Universita Bocconi, University of Bordeaux,University of Paris- Sorbonne, University of SzegedNorth America: Berklee College of Music, Boston University, California State PolytechnicUniversity, Colorado State University, Cornell University, Florida Atlantic University, IllinoisInstitute of Technology, Lawrence University, Long Beach State, Memorial University ofNewfoundland, Mount Allison University, Northeastern University, Parsons The New Schoolof Design, Pennsylvania State University - Erie, Pennsylvania State University - UniversityPark, Portland State University, Pratt Institute, Purdue University, Queen’s University, RutgersUniversity-New Brunswick, Savannah College of Art & Design, School of the Art Institute ofChicago, Texas A&M University, University of California - San Diego, University of Cincinnati,University of Illinois - Urbana-Champaign, University of Massachusetts, University ofMinnesota - Pomona, University of Oregon, University of Wisconsin - LacrosseUnited Kingdom: Brunel University, Glasgow Caledonian University, University of Bath,University of Essex, University of Exeter, University of Glasgow, University of London,University of York

50 Gijang-daero, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun,

Busan, 46081, Korea

Ph : +82 51 742 3332

Fax : +82 51 742 3375

Email : [email protected]

Web : www.bifskorea.org