The British International School in İstanbul is a top private institution in Türkiye, known for its high-quality education. It offers a modified English National Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, and the IB Diploma Programme. It is the only school in İstanbul accredited by CIS, COBIS, and MSA simultaneously.
The Physical Education Department at The British International School (BIS) firmly believes that sport and exercise are fundamental parts of every child's education.
The physical benefits of playing sport in school are evident—after all, school is where children spend a significant amount of their time each week.
However, the advantages extend beyond just physical well-being. There are also psychological benefits. Exercise is known to release endorphins, creating a sense of success and happiness. Additionally, students gain a sense of achievement and the enjoyment of being part of something bigger, working together with their friends and peers. Some of the most important benefits of participating in sports include:
- Better quality of life
- Higher energy levels
- Less risk of illness and injury among many more
- Fun and team building
- Leadership
- Organization
- Teamwork
- Sportsmanship
- Being gracious in victory and defeat
- Communication
- Planning and problem-solving
Healthy Competition
For older children, competition is crucial. Playing sport at school is more enjoyable because children get to work with (and possibly win alongside) their friends and peers. It is a bonding experience that encourages teamwork toward a shared goal. Depending on the sport, it can also reinforce values such as:
- Teamwork
- Discipline
- Morale
- Self-confidence
- Responsibility
Competition is an inevitable part of life, and sports teach students to be gracious in both victory and defeat, as well as to accept that they cannot always win.
It is essential that children are introduced to the benefits of playing sports from a young age. It does not necessarily have to be competitive—research has shown that very young children do not always respond well to competition—as long as they are actively encouraged to engage in some form of sporting activity.
**Our Competitions / Going for Gold**
All BIS students, regardless of age, participate in three annual inter-house events:
- Athletics in the fall
- Cross Country in the winter
- Swimming in the summer
BIS students from Year 4 in primary to the oldest in the IB program have the opportunity to compete in the Istanbul Sports League (ISL), which involves six international schools. They represent the BIS community in sports such as:
- Volleyball
- Football
- Basketball
- Swimming
- Table tennis
- Badminton
- Cross country running
- Chess
BIS has also introduced a new league called the Turkish International Schools Sports League (TISSL), where primary and Key Stage 3 teams travel and host tournaments in:
- North Cyprus
- Ankara
The school is looking forward to expanding the league to include:
- Bucharest
- Izmir
All BIS teams train during the week from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM, with some primary teams even using their lunch breaks for additional practice.
Sport in schools is also crucial for developing future athletic champions. Many Olympic athletes began their journey in school sports, and without regular opportunities to practice and refine their skills, they would not have reached their current level. The Physical Education Department at BIS strives to expand the curriculum as much as possible so that every child not only develops a diverse skill set but also finds a sport they genuinely enjoy and hopefully pursue with greater intensity outside of school.
The school is governed by a Board of Governors led by Chairman Erdal Sezen. The Senior Leadership Team includes Richard Robinson as the Director of Secondary School.
Art at The British International School (BIS)
Art is a dynamic discipline that encourages students to explore and experiment with a variety of media, including:
Ceramics
Sculptures
Architectural design
Textiles
Painting
Drawing
Animation
Photography
Printmaking
Students of Art utilize their problem-solving skills to fulfill briefs and create inspiring work for specific contexts and audiences. Among the exciting projects that students undertake in their Art classes are:
Wing design fashion shows
Stop-motion animations
3D shop designs
Lantern designs
Armature development
Clay model making
Drama at The British International School (BIS)
While Drama involves some scripted, page-to-stage work, this is only a small part of the vibrant discipline. Drama encourages students to push their physicality and voices, take risks, and create innovative, cutting-edge performances, often with strong social themes.
Key aspects of Drama include:
Collaboration
Devising
Problem-solving
Through their performances, students construct meaning and elicit powerful responses from their audience. Along their journey, they explore:
Commedia Dell’arte
Theatre inspired by Artaud and surrealism
Physical theatre
Melodrama
Stage fighting
Immersive mystery experiences
These experiences help students develop real-life skills that build confidence and creativity.
Music at The British International School (BIS)
Students of Music engage with a wide range of genres, instruments, and musicians. They have the opportunity to experiment and create using instruments such as:
Guitars
Percussion
Pianos
Voice
Students often collaborate on projects, including:
Creating original scores to accompany film scenes
Composing leitmotifs to bring theatre characters to life
Crafting music to enhance visual art pieces
Producing pop songs using GarageBand
Additionally, students are challenged to develop their notation skills, enhancing their understanding of musical composition.
IB Film at The British International School (BIS)
Film is available exclusively at the IB level, offering students the opportunity to take on specialized roles in film production, including:
Cinematographer
Director
Editor
Sound designer
Writer
In addition to hands-on experience, students engage in theory and analysis, which underpin their practical development and creative growth.
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