Academic Programme
Our secondary students not only achieve excellent academic results, but are also immersed in school life and see BBS as their second home.
Our small class sizes create an unmatched climate for learning and allow students to share their perspectives and ideas. We see each student as a growing individual, and believe it is part of our responsibility to foster in them self-reflection and awareness so that they consider themselves vital members of society.
BBS students take the bilingual Abitur in Grade 12 or 13. The Abitur is the highest qualification that can be achieved in the German school system, allowing for opportunities to study at both German and international universities.
The final examinations of the Abitur consist of three written and one oral examination as well as a presentation on a specialised topic. The examinations are always conducted in the language in which the respective subject is taught. Further information (in German) on the bilingual Abitur on the website of the Senatsverwaltung.
Why the choice of Abitur after grade 12 or 13? This question is frequently asked by those unfamiliar with the German schooling system. The answer is that secondary students are afforded an extra year before they enter the last stage of their education to prepare for the Abitur exams.
Grade 11 is a time of adventure and/or reflection. Some students use the extra year to go abroad. Others review and deepen their knowledge before entering the next phase of their studies. Others skip the year and jump right into the challenging Abitur years.
Curriculum Overview at a Glance
- All language classes are taught by native speakers, incl. French and Spanish
- Sciences are generally taught in English
- Humanities are generally taught in German
- Bilingual Abitur after year 12 or year 13
- Electives from Grade 9 onwards are: Theatre, Psychology or IT
Example Timetables
Personal Development Curriculum
We understand that the world our youth live in is as challenging as it is exciting. Our Personal Development curriculum has been created to help students meet the challenges of today, and of the future. We focus on knowledge, empathy, confidence and the ability to take action.
Project work on the topics of sex and relationships, anti-racism, nonviolent communication, drug education, online safety and anti-bullying education are put into practice.
We are rooted in our commitment to inclusion, representation, anti-racism, and sex positivity, through dialogue and respectful communication.
Social Worker / Student Counselor
We believe that school is not just a place where students should grow cognitively stronger, but emotionally stronger too. It is therefore fundamental to us that they are afforded the support needed to bolster their emotional health - especially during the challenging adolescent years of life. That is why a social worker is employed at our secondary school. They are at hand for students if and when they are needed.
Coupling comprehensive, interdisciplinary education that champions creative thinking, respectfulness and togetherness, with extra social support, our students thrive throughout the sometimes turbulent years of adolescence.
Our social worker provides teens a safe space to share in confidence, ask for advice, receive support and tools to manage their emotional health.
Sessions can happen spontaneously or by appointment, but always on a voluntary basis. From time-to-time students may get encouraged by staff or parents who believe they could benefit, but it is never mandatory.
Our social worker plays an advisory and intermediary role with our staff. She also supports the Personal Development teaching staff, particularly in the areas of sex education.