K-12 English Language Arts Philosophy

At BFIS, we believe that a strong English Language Arts curriculum encourages a life-long love and appreciation of reading and writing.  We understand that literacy is the key to understanding and communicating with others and we are committed to developing, in our students, the skills of readers, writers, listeners, and speakers.  

• We believe that students learn English Language Arts best when:
• students are thinking critically and creatively 
• student-centered approaches to teaching and learning are employed
• literary and non-literary texts are studied to offer comprehensive historical, social, and multicultural contexts
• effective communication & collaboration skills are taught and practiced
• students are writing across a variety of text types
• students are reading and analyzing a variety of genres
• students are engaged in ongoing reflection of their progress towards learning targets, standards, and benchmarks

Through our English Language Arts program, students will:

• use writing and reading for inquiry, thinking, and processing ideas
• exhibit the confidence to identify as readers and writers
• demonstrate skills in speaking and reflective listening
• read, discuss, and analyze rich literary and non-literary texts
• embody the mindset and skills of critical consumers and producers of media
• comprehend and communicate across multiple text types to address task, purpose, perspective, and intended audience
• hone their research skills to gather and present information in a variety of oral and written format

*Our curriculum is based off of the Common Core Standards for English Language Arts.

K-12 Social Math Philosophy

At BFIS, we believe that we can use mathematics to describe the world around us.  It is our aim to develop joyful, confident, and curious mathematicians.  Our mathematics program strives to meet the needs of all learners by providing support and/or enrichment, depending on individual needs. Thus, we promote a curriculum that intends to meet the different needs of our students. This philosophy highlights the shared beliefs and values we hold for our PK-12 mathematics program.

• We believe that students learn mathematics best when they:
• find joy in their learning 
• are presented with relevant and realistic contexts or situations
• construct their learning through both individual and collaborative approaches
• take risks and make mistakes in an emotionally safe and nurturing environment
• find patterns and structure through inquiry and investigation 
• access the curriculum through differentiated instructional strategies tailored to students’ needs
• feel empowered to use mathematics to solve problems that are relevant to them

Through our mathematics program, students will:

• communicate mathematics, reason and justify their thinking
• create a process and plan for problem solving
• persevere in solving problems
• develop a conceptual understanding of mathematics
• think and reflect critically, creatively and logically
• attend to precision
• use appropriate tools strategically

*Our curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

K-12 Science Philosophy

At BFIS, we believe that students should learn science by doing science. Through this hands-on and practical approach to the teaching and learning of science, students are engaged in the inquiry process across the disciplines of Physical Science, Life Science, Earth and Space Science, and the applications of science through Engineering and Technology. All students will complete their studies of the sciences at BFIS through the IB program in grades eleven and twelve. This philosophy highlights the shared beliefs and values we hold for our K-12 science program.

• We believe that students learn science best when they:
• engage in the inquiry process as they conduct investigations 
• think critically
• acquire knowledge and skills through student-centered approaches
• apply their science knowledge to explain phenomena and/or to solve real-world problems

Through our science program, students will:

• ask questions as they develop a sense of wonder and curiosity about the way that science and scientists work
• define and solve meaningful, real-world problems
• develop and use models
• plan and carry out investigations
• analyze and interpret data
• use mathematics and computational thinking
• construct explanations
• formulate arguments based on evidence as they engage in ethical and evidence-based debates with peers
• obtain, evaluate and communicate information and complex understandings using scientific terminology 
• apply 21st century skills such as, critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, information literacy, media literacy, technology literacy

*Our curriculum is based off of the Next Generation Science Standards.

K-12 Social Studies Philosophy

At BFIS, we believe that a strong social studies curriculum is the key to developing skilled, empathetic, and knowledgeable citizens who are willing and able to take informed action in their community, nation, and world.  The shared beliefs and values we hold for our K-12 social studies program are:

• We believe that students learn social studies best when:
• learning is driven by inquiry in order for students to make meaning and find relevance in the content.
• units of study are based on vertically aligned curriculum standards that are rigorous and challenging for all students, with attention to developmental and age appropriateness. 
• hands-on and student-centered approaches to teaching and learning are employed.  This often includes project-based learning.
• connections are made within and across disciplines through the integration of other subject areas.
• the core values of the school community are reflected and reinforced through the social studies curriculum.

Through our social studies program, students will be able to:

• apply disciplinary tools and concepts in the humanities.
• act as curious learners who plan inquiries to investigate compelling  questions.
• think critically and use their knowledge to take informed action.
• demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives throughout history and modern times.
• show empathy and actively engage as global citizens.
• practice 21st century skills, such as critical thinking, collaboration, communication, and problem solving that will prepare them for the challenges of college and/or career and civic life.

*Our curriculum is based off of the C3 Framework for Social Studies Standards

In the World Languages Department at Benjamin Franklin International School we believe that language, communication and culture are at the heart of the human experience. There are two essential features in our program: applying best-practice regarding language acquisition and making multiculturalism explicit in our classrooms. As language acquisition specialists, teachers in the World Languages Department, use a thematic and communicative approach language pedagogy.

Courses:

• Spanish as a Foreign Language
• French as a Foreign Language
• Spanish/Catalan Studies (for non-local students)

Spanish Language and Catalan Language courses are mandatory for Spanish students in order to get the ESO Certificate (Educación Secundaria Obligatoria).

Middle School Spanish and Catalan courses at BFIS are designed to consolidate the reading, oral and writing skills by increasing vocabulary, reading comprehension and being exposed to different texts. The aim for these years is to familiarize students with the means to understand and create text, give opinions, practice grammar and spelling rules and develop their vocabulary. Students are also introduced to Spain’s linguistic reality and exposed to the three literary genres of poetry, narrative and drama through a selection of readings.

This course provides an introduction to coding and robotics for students with no programming background using Lego Robotics kits. Lego Robotics uses Legos as a fun tool to explore  robotics mechanical systems, electronics, and programming. Students will learn to construct, control, and program these robots through investigative and exploration activities. Research projects will expose the students to the engineering process. 

PK-10 Physical Education Philosophy

At BFIS, we believe that physical education is an integral part of the development of every student and is a critical component to having a complete educational experience.  It is our aim to develop physically literate individuals and we promote lifelong physical fitness and wellness.  Our physical education program is designed to be inclusive of all students.  This philosophy highlights the shared beliefs and values we hold for our PK-10 physical education program.

• We believe that students learn physical education best when they:
• find motivation, passion, and joy for maintaining a physically active lifestyle.
• have opportunities and choices as they are exposed to and try a variety of new activities, games and sports.
• set personal goals, receive feedback on their progress, and reflect on their achievements.
• understand the connection between what they learn in PE and how it applies to their lives.
• are supported to take risks in a safe environment.

Through our physical education program, students will:

• show competency in a variety of transferable skills including: motor skills, movement patterns, self-discipline, and critical thinking.
• apply knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.
• demonstrate knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.
• exhibit responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others while strengthening peer relationships as they demonstrate fair play, sportsmanship, and collaboration.
• recognize the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.
• create lifelong healthy habits. 

*Our curriculum is aligned to the SHAPE America's National Standards for Physical Education.

Our Middle School Physical Education program provides opportunities for students to try a variety of individual and team sports and activities in the following areas:

• Invasion Games
• Striking & Fielding Games
• Net & Wall Games
• Fitness
• Athletics
• Outdoor Adventure

• French
• Studio Art
• Drama
• Digital Art
• Design Technology
• Computer Science

Middle school Well-beign explores topics relevant to the student’s adolescent lives. It focuses on the development of self esteem from a variety of international backgrounds, and practices decision-making, refusal skills, and making informed attitudes & beliefs about relevant health risks. To promote healthy choices, unit content focuses on the following topics: Substance Abuse (alcohol, tobacco, & drugs), Human Growth & Development (puberty & sexuality), Nutrition (making choices & disordered eating), Conflict Management (bullying & communication skills).

At BFIS, we have a natural desire to contribute to society, teaching children how to balance their own needs with the needs of those around them. We believe this will help them maintain healthy, well-rounded, and compassionate lives. Participating in community service activities students develop teamwork, problem solving, and interpersonal skills while learning about diversity. Learn more about it in our Experiential Learning Section

BFIS transitioned to 1:1 devices to enhance the learning experience for students in the 2018-2019 school year. Chromebooks were provided by the school, which worked with the technology BFIS had at that time. With the transition to the new middle school building, we have made major improvements with our technologies, especially in the MS classrooms and beyond. In order to take advantage of these improvements as well as the evolving curriculum that teachers are providing, BFIS has made the decision to shift to Bring Your Own Device (B.Y.O.D.) for all middle school students.