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  • Berlin Cosmopolitan School - BCS is an international, non-profit school with a focus on music, sciences and sports. We offer Kindergarten and Preschool as well as Primary (state authorized Grundschule Nr. 01P22) and Secondary School (state authorized Gymnasium Nr. 01P30). As a Candidate International Baccalaureate World School we follow the curriculum of the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the IB Diploma Programme.
  • About BCS - Today over 500 students study in our School.
    • Mission Statement - The mission of Berlin Cosmopolitan School is to help students become enlightened and responsible citizens of the world who will be able to confidently shape their own lives. We focus on academic achievement, multilingualism and the development of social and intercultural skills.
    • Concept - The concept of BCS consists of eight significant pillars: Individual Enhancement
, Family-like Surroundings, Low-stress Learning, Effective Learning, Methodological Competence, Interdisciplinary Thinking, Many Learning Styles, Communication Skills
    • Curricula & Diploma - As a state authorized international Primary and Secondary School teaching at BCS follows the Berlin State Curricula and combines this with the most modern curricula of the International Baccalaureate Organisation – the Primary Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. BCS is currently a Candidate IBO World School and will receive full authorization in 2011. Our class of 2015 will be the first graduates in BCS history.
    • Facts - Opening Kindergarten & Preschool: 2004 Opening Primary School (Grundschule Nr. 01P22): 2007 Opening Secondary School (Gymnasium Nr. 01P30): 2009 CEO: Yvonne Wende & Mario Pätzold Principal: Yvonne Wende Common language spoken: English Students per class: 15-20 Classes per grade level: max. 2 Type of school: all-day, non-profit private international school
    • History - History of BCS.
    • Communication - At BCS a major key to success is transparent and open communication between parents, children and school. Our concept of transparent communication also becomes evident when walking through our spacious hallways with glass installations on every classroom.
    • Building - The beautiful old brick building in which BCS resides today, was errected by Carl Koeppen in 1912. In 2008 two generous Berlin entrepreneurs bought this wonderful, listed building for Berlin Cosmopolitan School.
    • Official Clothing - BCS aims to create an environment that is comfortable for students, conducive to learning and respectful of all ages and cultures represented in our school. Therefore wearing official BCS school clothing is mandatory on campus at all times.
    • Leadership - BCS Heads
    • Management - BCS Management: CEOs and Head of Admissions and Communication
  • Early Years Rückerstrasse - BCS Kindergarten &Preschool is a place where all teachers, children and parents – work together and thereby create a unique atmosphere and learning culture. We encourage the curiosity and eagerness of children to learn and view things from an overall perspective. We consider it very important to create a loving environment in which individual talents, interests and cultural backgrounds of all children are taken into consideration and are encouraged.
    • PYP - The Primary Years Programme provides an international pedagogical framework for children from the age of 3-12 years. Our aim at BCS is to help children to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes, which make them life-long independent and enthusiastic learners. The curriculum is based on the “Berliner Bildungsprogramm” and the British “Early Years Foundation Stage”.
    • Day Time - Care is available from 7.30 am until 6 pm. However, the main educational part of the day is from 9 am until 3 pm. The 3-6 year old children have periods when they are free to choose between five focused rooms. The under-threes also have access to focused areas. We allow children a large amount of self-determined time, as we know that they learn best when making choices and following their own ideas. The focused rooms are adapted to enable the children to inquire into their PYP Unit during exploration time. Children also take part in creative dance, music and sport lessons, and the Preschool children have short, focused mathematics and literacy lessons twice a week.
    • Group Structure - 130 children divided into 7 groups attend our Kindergarten & Preschool. Each group consisits of 15 – 20 children. There are two to three teachers in each group. At least one teacher per group is a native German speaker and one a native English speaker. Each Kindergarten and Preschool group contains children who are born in the same year.
    • Afternoon Programme - Children can choose to take part in “afternoon activities” which take place after 3 pm. If they are not taking part in an afternoon activity on a particular day, they will have the option of playing outside or in our indoor play and movement area, which is fully equipped to support physical development.
  • Admissions Policy - BCS welcomes students of families of all races, religions, professional and financial backgrounds as this mix of diversities makes life at our school so special.
    • Procedure & Requirements - Families interested in sending their children to BCS, should complete and send in the application form along with the progress reports/report cards of the previous two years as well as any other information that may be relevant to your child.
    • Tuition & Fees - At BCS school tuition may be based on family gross income. Sibling discounts and scholarships for financially needy families will be granted.
  • Community - BCS enjoys a close knit community, where families, students and school along with its associated partners work together on special projects and plan fun events.
    • Parent Representatives - The main focus is a constructive and close collaboration with Heads of School and Management.
    • Student Council - At the beginning of each school year, two student representatives per class are elected for student council by their peers. Its main purpose is to help student life at BCS be the best it can be.
    • Memberships - The International Baccalaureate® (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, motivated by its mission, focused on the student. BCS is a candidate IB School planning authorization by 2011. The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband is one of six national associations of voluntary welfare in Germany. It is an umbrella organization of over 10,000 independent organizations, institutions and groups in social and health sectors. The Paritätische Wohlfahrtsverband believes that every human being deserves the same respect and should have equal opportunities. The idea of equality for all gave the organization its name.
    • Partners - Central Hoops Berlin Cosmopolitan, BrainPop, Dolphin Secure, KIK Viktoria Mitte, Rotation
    • Donations - At BCS, we teach our students to take care of one another, raise funds for those who have less, and come up with innovative ways to solve difficult situations.  Donating by parents demonstrates to our students how our community can help itself.  The money raised is used for expenses that BCS can not cover by tuition alone. Your donations help our school provide the extras that make BCS the unique and special institution it already is.  Our donors are welcome to be part of our official communication as well be represented on our website. As a non-profit school, BCS may issue tax-deductible receipts for donations made to our school. If you should have any questions or would simply like to support BCS through a donation, please contact BCS Management.

Kindergarten & Preschool

  • PYP - The Primary Years Programme provides an international pedagogical framework for children from the age of 3-12 years. Our aim at BCS is to help children to develop skills, knowledge and attitudes, which make them life-long independent and enthusiastic learners. The curriculum is based on the “Berliner Bildungsprogramm” and the British “Early Years Foundation Stage”.
  • Day Time - Care is available from 7.30 am until 6 pm. However, the main educational part of the day is from 9 am until 3 pm. The 3-6 year old children have periods when they are free to choose between five focused rooms. The under-threes also have access to focused areas. We allow children a large amount of self-determined time, as we know that they learn best when making choices and following their own ideas. The focused rooms are adapted to enable the children to inquire into their PYP Unit during exploration time. Children also take part in creative dance, music and sport lessons, and the Preschool children have short, focused mathematics and literacy lessons twice a week.
  • Group Structure - 130 children divided into 7 groups attend our Kindergarten & Preschool. Each group consisits of 15 – 20 children. There are two to three teachers in each group. At least one teacher per group is a native German speaker and one a native English speaker. Each Kindergarten and Preschool group contains children who are born in the same year.
  • Afternoon Programme - Children can choose to take part in “afternoon activities” which take place after 3 pm. If they are not taking part in an afternoon activity on a particular day, they will have the option of playing outside or in our indoor play and movement area, which is fully equipped to support physical development.

Primary School

  • PYP - The Primary Years Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) forms the basis for the BCS curriculum. The PYP curriculum is based on the following: International Awareness, Inquiry-based Learning, Integrated Thinking.
  • Languages - At Berlin Cosmopolitan School all teachers are language instructors. All students are language learners, regardless of what language they are speaking at home or country they come from. At BCS we make a commitment to our students and parents to provide a learning community that promotes and supports language development in a multilingual environment that fosters confident, creative and responsible learners through inquiry based instruction.
  • Literacy - Literacy in Primary School is taught within the units of inquiry. This means that reading and writing as well as spelling and vocabulary are always connected to the themes students work on within units. First grade students at BCS learn to first how to read and write in English. At the end of grade 1 German reading and writing follows. Students are actively encouraged to explore different styles of handwriting and to develop their own style.
  • Maths - The math curriculum at BCS is based on the principles that mathematics: is relevant to students personally; is applicable in a variety of contexts and situations; is an alternative means of communicating information and promotes the development of logical, sequential thinking. The aim of the curriculum is to strive for enjoyment and excellence in mathematical applications and to provide students with the skills to communicate their mathematical thinking confidently and effectively. Students are given the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to apply mathematics in the world and learn to recognise links between mathematics and other subject areas.
  • Music - Music plays a very special role at BCS. It is a vital element of the school curriculum and also of our diverse Extracurricular Programme. First and foremost, we believe that music is both aesthetic and academic. The aesthetic side appeals to the self-expression, artistic, and simple need for fun of students of all ages, and the academic side makes use of concentration, logics, theory, math, history, literature and languages, and social interaction.
  • Sciences - All sciences are taught within the units of inquiry. The reference for the choice of units of inquiry is the Berliner Rahmenplan. Apart from the content children are learning in sciences, students learn in a scientific way by asking questions, finding answers and solutions and reflecting on their learning.
  • Sports - Sports is a major focus at BCS, because we believe that physical education enriches students’ lives, encourages team work, enhances coordination, skills and endurance and promotes the positive attributes of the Learners’ Profile. Our diverse Extracurricular Programme currently offers 15 different sports clubs with partner sports’ associations in the afternoon. In order to enable BCS students to play sports on a more competitive level, the school’s own sports association Central Hoops Berlin Cosmopolitan has been established. BCS students regularily take part in soccer, judo and swimming competitions in Berlin.
  • Extracurricular Programme
  • Vacation Programme - BCS is closed only for 26 days of the year. During most school holidays, we offer an exciting and diverse holiday programme for students of grades 1 – 6. The programme not only varies with the seasons, but also offers age-appropriate and cultural diversity. Students are welcome to choose between different offers and pursue not only their interests but also have the chance to discover entirely new ones. Our Vacation Programme takes place between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm. Besides the daily lunches, children are provided with fruits and drinks. Except for the daily food package costs, the Programme is free for all students with a afternoon care voucher.
  • Teachers - Our professional team of Primary School teachers come from all over the world with different educational, paedagogical and cultural backgrounds to be a teacher at BCS.

Secondary School

  • Diplomas - After having achieved the Mittlere Schulabschluss, BCS students choose between two programmes – the IB Diploma and the German Abitur - both leading to matriculation standard.
    • MSA - Students at BCS officially graduate from grade 10 with Mittlerer Schulabschluss (MSA) – the German middle school degree. The degree not only tests knowledge, but foremost the students’ skills that have been acquired over the years.
    • IB Diploma - The IB Diploma Programme prepares our students for an interconnected, globalized world, that requires critical-thinking skills and a sense of international-mindedness. It is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education that prepares students for success at university and life beyond. Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners and acknowledged by universities around the globe.
    • Abitur - The two-years of upper Secondary School consist of a qualification phase and the final exams at the end of grade 12. The general performance, which is achieved in the qualification phase (grades 11 and 12) as well as the grade earned in the Abitur examination form the final Secondary School grade.
  • Languages - At Berlin Cosmopolitan School all teachers are language instructors. All students are language learners, regardless of what language they are speaking at home or country they come from. At BCS we make a commitment to our students and parents to provide a learning community that promotes and supports language development in a multilingual environment that fosters confident, creative and responsible learners through inquiry based instruction.
  • Maths - The math curriculum at BCS is based on the principles that mathematics is relevant to students personally; is applicable in a variety of contexts and situations; is an alternative means of communicating information and promotes the development of logical, sequential thinking. The aim of the curriculum is to strive for enjoyment and excellence in mathematical applications and to provide students with the skills to communicate their mathematical thinking confidently and effectively. Students are given the opportunity to develop knowledge and skills required to apply mathematics in the world and learn to recognise links between mathematics and other subject areas.
  • Music - Music plays a very special role at BCS. It is a vital element of the school curriculum and also of our diverse Extracurricular Programme. First and foremost, we believe that music is both aesthetic and academic. The aesthetic side appeals to the self-expression, artistic, and simple need for fun of students of all ages, and the academic side makes use of concentration, logics, theory, math, history, literature and languages, and social interaction.
  • Sciences - The curriculum in the sciences invites students to engage in disciplined observation and thoughtful analysis, the basis upon which clear scientific understandings are built. More importantly it provides opportunities for students to indulge their natural curiosity and experience the exhilaration, frustration and ultimate realisation of scientific and technological discovery. Students are required to understand and adopt scientific ways of questioning, thinking and problem solving.
  • Sports - Sports is a major focus at BCS, because we believe that physical education enriches students’ lives, encourages team work, enhances coordination, skills and endurance and promotes the positive attributes of the IB Learners’ Profile. “Mens sana in corpore sano”“A healthy mind in a healthy body” by Juvenal (Roman poet)
  • Study Hall - Four times a week students of Secondary School may visit our Study Hall; under the supervision of their teachers: to complete tasks that were not finished in class, do independent study, complete reading assignments prepare for tests and work on projects.
  • Extracurricular Programme
  • Student Exchange - At BCS we believe that interculturral exchange is an important factor for the development of an open-minded and reflective student. Therefore our Secondary School has developed a diverse international exchange programme.
  • Teachers - Our professional team of Secondary School teachers come from all over the world with different educational, paedagogical and cultural backgrounds to be a teacher at BCS.

Extracurricular Programme

  • Instrument Building - In this creative music workshop, participants make their own individual instruments and learn how to use them in an open and fun way.
  • Rockband - BCS Rockbands are a great chance for students already studying music to work together in a real band setting.
  • Choir - In Junior and Advanced Choir, students learn the basics of good, proper singing through a variety of fun yet effective devices.
  • Digital Music & DJ - Digital media is an important area worth exploring. Whether it is dealing in visual or audio media, it is currently an exciting time for education in this area.
  • Drama - In Drama, students are introduced to beginner’s acting techniques, including speaking–voice production, facial expressivity, pantomime, movement, and improvisation.
  • Recorders - In this club, students build upon the knowledge they gained during the regular music instruction in first grade. New notes/fingerings will be added, as well as an emphasis on improved breath control and tone-production accuracy.
  • Orchestra - In Orchestra, students who play a string instrument are introduced to ensemble playing. They learn how to listen to each other and play as a group, while implementing their own part correctly.
  • Math Wiz - This club involves math investigations, math games and challenges, as well as internet math activities.
  • IT - A compendium of several mini-courses amongst which students choose a minimum amount. This will ensure being provided with basic tools that will help make daily academic life easier.
  • Robotics - Understanding and programming robotics and technics.
  • Digital Visual Arts - The Digital Visual Art club introduces students to creating and manipulating their own unique images using the great variety of tools available through image editing computer software.
  • Experiments - The Experiment Club meets once a week to conduct a variety of experiments and projects.
  • Animation Movie - The animation class covers a range of techniques from the basics of animated movement: making a thaumatrope and flick book to animating using sand, drawings, plasticine, photographs, real objects and 3D puppets.
  • Wunschgarten - The Wunschgarten not only is it a wonderful place for play, but it also gives students an opportunity to learn about and study nature. This garden and playground is important to our community and school.
  • Spanish - In Spanish club, we provide students with the opportunity to learn to speak the language and to increase their knowledge and awareness of the Spanish-speaking world while having lots of fun.
  • French - Through games, pictures, drawings, role plays, songs and more, our French teacher keeps student's attention in a fun and relaxing atmosphere during the entire session.
  • Chinese - The Chinese club aims to develop children’s awareness and appreciation of the elements of Chinese. Students learn Chinese by various communicative trainings and cultural activities.
  • Ballet - Principles of classical ballet with special attention for music education, improvisation and other style influences.
  • Basketball - The students are introduced to the skills and strategies of the game and are organized into teams to compete on an intramural basis.
  • Badminton - Students will learn the basic foundation of badminton techniques and footwork from a badminton professional coach. The program introduces the basic racquet skills, movement, and coordination required for badminton.
  • Track - Running is one of the most brilliant ways for students to stay active, healthy and have fun at the same time.
  • Gymnastic & Track & Field
  • Freesports - Here we offer different gymnastic apparatus and stations (e.g. high bar, balance beam, parallel bars and climbing ropes), relays, and many exciting games in order to teach and improve the childrens’ skills, strengths, coordination, fair play, teamwork, and stamina.
  • Jazz Dance - Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines.
  • Judo - Judo is best known for its spectacular throws, but also involves a considerable part of wrestling. There is an inbuilt etiquette with a need to respect each other, good manners and behavior. The BCS offers the Judo Club in cooperation with KIK e.V.
  • Latin Dance - Students discover a variety of partner dances, including Merengue, Bachata, Salsa, Cha Cha Cha and Latin freestyle with South American music. They learn to both lead and follow.
  • Soccer - In cooperation with the Berlin soccer club “SV Rot-Weiß Viktoria Mitte 08 e.V.” BCS offers this soccer club.
  • Table Tennis - Table tennis club brings students of all skill levels together through regularly scheduled playing sessions and tournaments. This sport trains eye-hand-coordination, skills and speed of reaction.
  • Taekwondo - The training uses a combination of techniques, exercises and games to enhance motor skills, coordination and concentration while laying the groundwork for developing excellent martial art skills.
  • Volleyball - In cooperation with SSV Rotation Berlin e.V., BCS offers a volleyball club for all interested students in secondary school. Volleyball is a fun and exciting team sport. The students progress through fundamental volleyball skills including: passing, settings, serving, spiking, and rotation patterns.
  • Yoga - Through the practice of physical posture, proper breathing techniques, and relaxation, students are guided to search for the balance and harmony of mind, body, and spirit. This class helps students to detach from their hectic routines, and offers alternatives for dealing with daily stress.
  • Adventure Playground - The adventure playground is a great place for our energetic students after a long day of school.
  • Arts - Beyond the basics of introducing children to successfully handling paint with a brush, mixing colors, creating lines and shapes and composing pictures, this club offers students the opportunity to explore their own creativity through a variety of techniques and themes. Students will learn to draw, illustrate and paint based on classical techniques.
  • Lego City - Lego City is offered as part of Freeplay. All students who are registered for Freeplay can chose different activities like crafts, games, reading, going to a park or joining Lego City.
  • Fashion - In Fashion club, students learn to sew and create bags, shirts and accessoires of any material, sequins, buttons, plush and various materials.
  • Chess - Chess club builds a basic understanding of the game of chess. Children develop their awareness of how the pieces move, work together and set checkmate by playing a variety of games designed to be fun and informative. More advanced players learn to analyze game situations, create and follow plans and set checkmate.
  • Intercultural Encounter - Students learn about many incredible cultural revelations such as the long-neck women from Northern Thailand, the crazy Ganguru youth fashion trend from Japan, the religion of the Jains recognized by their turbans and uncut hair, human rights and many different interesting things that the world offers us.
  • Cooking - Our cooks use mostly regional ingredients to prepare simple but tasty meals.
  • Woodworking - Students learn basic skills of woodworking and how to work with tools safely and effectively.
  • Teen Club - Students listen to music, go to concerts, talk about things they are interested in or need to know.
  • Wellness & Beauty - In this club, older students learn how to work with style, beauty and wellness and to develop a healthy self image.The students learn, that styling can be a part of expression, but is certainly not as important as a healthy mind and a content and balanced personality.