From foreign language classes to programs with Juilliard and out-of-state trips, the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park is thinking outside the textbook with their curriculum.
Education is evolving—and we’re not just talking about the “new math” that likely stumped your household a few years back. School curriculums are expanding past typical subjects, and incorporating a cross-curricular learning approach that fuels children with skills and values to help them thrive in a rapidly changing world.
At the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park (BISC-LP), a private international school for students ages 15 months to 11 years old, students are cultivating this fresh approach. With its immersive experiences in languages, the arts, sciences, and civic responsibility, BISC-LP is helping shape students into well-rounded individuals.
Keep reading to discover seven of BISC-LP’s cross-curricular learning programs that are preparing kids for a bright future!
1. Early Introduction to Modern Foreign Languages
To help children thrive in an increasingly interconnected world, BISC-LP immerses students into modern foreign languages throughout their entire academic career at the school. Beginning as young as 15 months old in BISC-LP’s pre-nursery program, and continuing through primary school at age 11, students are taught English, French, and Spanish.
2. Specialty Lessons from Global Institutions
In collaboration with The Juilliard School, UNICEF, and MIT, BISC-LP helps students discover their passions with special lessons in music, dance, drama, STEAM, and environmental awareness. In the past, children have been able to sharpen their performing arts skills with visiting artists from Juilliard, tackle hands-on activities with global peers and MIT professors, and work on sustainability projects, from building raised planters to creating rooftop gardens.
3. Innovative STEAM Exploration
Through challenging, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, the arts, and math) courses, children are empowered to be ambitious, confident, and inspired. Students also have access to BISC-LP’s STEAM corridor that touts state-of-the-art materials, like green screens for filmmaking and robotics equipment.
4. Experiential Trips & Camps
Field trips are taken to a whole new level at BISC-LP. Children of all ages can either participate in local urban adventures to cultural and historical destinations, hone their wilderness skills at a sleep-away camp in Michigan, or hit the ski slopes in Wisconsin. Middle-school students have the unique opportunity to join an international sporting event, known as Global Games, with peers from across the Americas who are within the Nord Anglia Education network. Think of it like a junior high-only Olympics!
5. Inspirational & Motivating Clubs
BISC-LP is all about igniting students’ passions—especially within an age-appropriate environment that infuses a balanced level of competition and encouragement. Students can sign up for a variety of clubs, like taekwondo, chess, musical, rock band, mathletes, dance team, basketball, soccer, and cricket. Trust us when we say, there’s even more for your child to choose from.
6. Access to a Global Hub
Known as Global Campus, this exclusive online learning platform allows children to connect with peers of the same age from BISC-LP’s family of schools all around the world. Students receive access to one-of-a-kind learning activities and resources from global experts to further develop their problem-solving and creative thinking skills.
7. Civic Responsibility Outside of the Classroom
At BISC-LP, children are guided to be well-rounded individuals both inside and outside the school. As a result, the school community takes part in local charity events and holds various collection drives throughout the year to donate to organizations, such as the Cradles to Crayons, Boys and Girls Club of Chicago, and Lurie’s Children’s Hospital, to name a few. Children also work with UNICEF on worldwide relief efforts and raise money to fund educational opportunities for children in need.
Book a tour or attend the British International School of Chicago, Lincoln Park’s upcoming Open House, happening November 5 & January 6 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
