Digital school 4.0: Distance learning is not homeschooling.
The Bavarian International School (BIS) combines digital expertise with inspiring learning and an international flair. Photo: Sebastian Stiphout
As if ignited by a burning glass, the coronavirus pandemic has exposed the challenges facing schools in times of crisis and the increasing spread of technology. The School 4.0 needs a digital DNA – today not in the future. That's because distance learning is not homeschooling, and parents cannot be replacement teachers on top of their other roles ...
One school that has been investing in educational technology and in training for its teachers since 2002 (!) is the Bavarian International School (BIS) in Munich-Schwabing and Haimhausen (15 km north of Munich). The school recognizes that innovative educators, up-to-date technology, IT expertise and tailored learning concepts are the key factors for successful distance and hybrid teaching. During the first lockdown in March 2020, BIS was already able to smoothly switch to being a virtual school overnight – while maintaining the same high academic quality.
In addition to teachers with digital expertise, IT experts and a team of liaison teachers, mentors and psychologists, Bavarian International School offers a one-to-one program using digital devices: Every child in grades 4-6 is given their own iPad and every student in grades 7-12 receives their own MacBook. “On a conceptual basis, it’s crucial to design customized programs for each grade level, to create a good balance of online and offline, to enable social face-to-face communication, to set sensible break periods and to encourage movement. Structure and rhythm provide students with support and direction,” says BIS School Director Dr. Chrissie Sorenson.
Personalized education for global citizens
BIS is a nonprofit, private, all-day school for children ages three to 18 with an Early Childhood Center ("Kindergarten 2.0") and preschool; elementary school (grades 1-5); and a high school (grades 6-12). It has 1,150 students from 61 countries who attend two campuses in Schwabing and Haimhausen.
Personalized, inspiring learning, digital DNA, an excellent general framework and, of course, the international environment characterize the Bavarian International School. In addition to English as the school language, German, French, Spanish and Mandarin are taught. BIS places special emphasis on integrated, psychological counseling programs, learning and language support (also for English) and extensive extracurricular activities (approx. 80 offerings per week).
Ticket to the world’s best universities
Founded 30 years ago, BIS follows the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) program. With the IB Diploma, young people can study at the best universities in Germany and around the world. In 2020, BIS’s IBDP grade point average of 36 was once again well above the global standard (31).
Get to know the “school of the future” at first hand – on a personal or virtual school tour. Telephone us or email
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Contact:
BIS Haimhausen Campus:
Schloss Haimhausen,
Hauptstr. 1,
85778 Haimhausen,
Kindergarten & Primary School: +49 (0)8133 - 917 121
Secondary School: +49 (0)8133 - 917 203
www.bis-school.com
BIS City Campus:
Leopoldstr. 208,
80804 München,
Kindergarten & Primary School: +49 (0)89 - 896 55 522
www.bis-school.com
