Dear Parents and Guardians,
Welcome to the BBIS Berlin Brandenburg International School Extra-Curricular Activities programme. The new school year promises to be a busy ECA and Panthers Athletic programme.
Welcome to the new school year and what promises to be a busy ECA and Panthers Athletic programme. A vital part of student life and learning at BBIS, our ECA programme provides students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop their strengths and pursue their passions. Open to all students, the programme is founded on the notion of breadth of opportunity, encouraging self-discovery and empowering students to take appropriate risks while exploring their capabilities. Our diverse programme allows students to enjoy success beyond the classroom as they build leadership and social skills and an understanding of group dynamics. Most importantly, through experience they learn how to approach both success and failure, developing an understanding of the value of commitment and responsibility. ECA’s invigorate life at BBIS by bringing students together for creative, athletic, leadership and other endeavours and as such they are a vital part of student learning.
Initially, ECA’s are available for our Grade 1 to Grade 12 students. Recognising that our Early Education students will have a lot of adjusting to do whilst acclimatising to new routines, they will have the opportunity to join the ECA programme in Season 3. The ECA programme includes activities led by teachers as well as others led by external coaches. The activities on offer vary depending on age, and all activities are aimed at supporting students in broadening their interests, building their social skills and developing their resilience and perseverance. The three seasons allows students to try a number of new activities throughout the school year. A broad range of opportunities are offered in each season, meaning that students are challenged to make decisions and to prioritise their interests, time and energy. Teachers and parents work with students to make sure they are not over-extended and maintain a healthy balance. Students are encouraged to discuss their preferences in the ECA programme with their parents and to complete the Schoolsbuddy request sign-up form together.
Through the ECA Programme students are able to try a number of new activities in each of the three activity seasons, which is important during this crucial period of self-exploration and personal growth. While many activities are offered as a single season sign-up, some ask students to commit to participation for at least two seasons because of the project-based nature of the activity (The Duke of Edinburgh International Award for example). Many of these longer activities challenge students to build leadership, social skills and an understanding of group dynamics as well as enhancing task proficiency, as they work together towards a common goal.
I hope this gives you a flavour of what is on offer at BBIS. It is sure to be a challenging and fun filled year and I’m sure as I do, you look forward to seeing our students on stage, on the sports field and further afield developing their experiences and skills.
Best wishes,
Steve White
Athletic Director/Activities Coordinator
activities.athletics@bbis.de