International Primary & Secondary School in Berlin

International School Villa Amalienhof, Berlin:
Conveniently situated in the Spandau area to the west of Berlin, International School Villa Amalienhof (ISVA) is a day school which follows the National Curriculum of England and Wales and the Berliner Rahmenlehrplan. We offer exclusive, quality education to local and international children at primary school, secondary school and sixth form level. In addition we have a bilingual Early Years Centre for children aged 2-5 which follows the Early Years Foundation Stage and the Berliner Bildungsplan.

Education Programs:

Early Years:
The bilingual Early Years Department at the International School Villa Amalienhof Berlin consists of Nursery, for 2-4 year olds (Nursery for 2-3 year olds and Intermediate for 3-4 year olds) and Reception, for 4-5 ½ year olds. Lessons are taught in English and German. Our secure and protected grounds are the ideal place for children to discover the world around them. Our campus and modern facilities provide an ideal learning environment for your child. In Early Years our teaching method and the activities we offer are based on the Early Learning Goals (Stepping Stones).

Primary School:
The Primary School at International School Villa Amalienhof follows the English National Curriculum and since August 2012, in the bilingual classes (English/German), also the “Berliner Rahmenlehrplan”. These curricula are recognised worldwide. They are adapted to meet the needs of an international community. The focus of our Primary education lies on literacy and numeracy.

From Year 3, children are introduced to a wider ranging curriculum, including history, geography, science and French (Years 5 and 6). Pupils develop more independence and are prepared for Secondary School.

Where the school’s working languages are not the native language of our pupils, we offer language support lessons appropriate to the ability of the child until they can read, write and speak at a native English speaker level. Children can join the Primary School throughout the academic year subject to availability.

Secondary School:
ISVA has applied to the relevant Senatsverwaltung of Berlin for approval to establish an “Ersatzschule” beginning with Year 1 (Primary) and Year 7 (Secondary) from 1.8.2012 and, in due course, in the Sixth Form. In subsequent years, the next year groups will be added to the programme whereas no new “Ergänzungschule” classes will be formed. The English qualifications currently offered will be continue to be available.

The curriculum in the Secondary School Key Stage 3 and 4 builds on the skills and experience gained at Primary level.  The transition to Secondary School is a great challenge, giving students much more independence and responsibility for personal organisation. Students in Key Stage 3 are taught tutor groups. Lessons in Key Stage 4 are divided into compulsory and optional subjects. Students are taught according to their options and meet as tutor groups for compulsory subjects. This is a step-by-step preparation for the Sixth Form.

Sixth Form:
Students entering the 6th form are taking first steps toward going to college or university. Students are given more independence and control over their learning, as well as more responsibility. This can be both demanding and challenging. Members of staff are available to guide all students toward examination success.

Education is seen as a three-way process. Success stems from close co-operation and communication between home, school and student.