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Turkey, Ankara
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BLIS uses Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in Grades 9–10 and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) in Grades 11–12. Elementary School offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), and Middle School follows the Cambridge objectives with the Turkish Ministry of Education curricula within the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework. Grades 5–8 are English‑medium and align Cambridge objectives with the Turkish curriculum within the MYP framework. The Diploma Programme core includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) and the extended essay, with students meeting Turkish MOE graduation requirements alongside the IB DP.
BLIS offers an extensive range of co‑curricular activities including an annual arts festival. Art Club, Debating Club, Chess, Robotics, Photography and other creative groups are part of the program. The school has a performance wing with a theatre, band practice rooms, a choir room, a studio and a black box theatre, and two libraries with four art studios to support visual and performing arts.
Elementary uses bilingual instruction with English and Turkish as the primary languages in Pre‑kindergarten to Grade 4; Middle and High School use English as the medium of instruction. German, Spanish and French are offered as second languages from Grade 6 onward. The school follows Cambridge objectives alongside Turkish MOE curricula within the IB PYP, MYP, IGCSE and IB DP programs.
Co‑curricular activities include Model United Nations (MUNESCO) and Junior MUNESCO, as well as the Duke of Edinburgh's International Award (Bronze, Silver & Gold levels). Athletically, BLIS provides facilities such as two multi‑purpose sports halls, two artificial turf pitches and an outdoor basketball court. Clubs include Art Club, Debating Club, Chess, Robotics, Cross‑country, Tech Design and Photography to foster creativity and teamwork.
Community service is integral to BLIS, with students volunteering on local, national and international projects. The Diploma Programme core requires CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) and includes the extended essay, reinforcing service as part of academic life. Alumni participate in school events and fundraising to support libraries and service projects.
Model United Nations (MUNESCO) and the Duke of Edinburgh's International Youth Award provide leadership development opportunities. These programs foster student leadership through collaboration, planning and public speaking in the BLIS co‑curricular environment. The high school's IB involvement emphasizes service and community engagement as part of its program offerings.
Counseling Services support students' academic success while promoting emotional, social and personal well‑being. The school day runs from 8:00am to 4:00pm on regular days, with on‑site meals provided and nutrition planned by Bilkent University dieticians. Parent communication is maintained through multiple platforms and twice‑yearly parent–teacher conferences, ensuring families are well informed about progress and events. BLIS facilities include a performing arts wing, libraries and extensive sporting facilities to support physical and mental well‑being.
Located on Bilkent University's East Campus in Ankara, Bilkent Laboratory and International School (BLIS) provides PK–12 education organized around Cambridge objectives and Turkish Ministry of Education curricula. The school offers the IB Primary Years Programme for elementary, with PK–K English immersion and Grades 1–4 bilingual instruction; Grades 5–8 English-medium instruction within the MYP; Grades 9–10 English-medium IGCSE preparation; Grades 11–12 English-medium IB Diploma Programme with TOK, CAS and the Extended Essay. BLIS requires Turkish MOE graduation requirements alongside IB DP to earn the High School diploma. Founded in 1993, BLIS sits on a 6,000 square meter campus on Bilkent University East Campus, 14 kilometers from central Ankara. Facilities include a performance wing with a hall, studios, two libraries, science labs, computer labs, and dining halls; students access Bilkent University Library. The school emphasizes service, volunteering, and a broad co-curricular program. Diversity of languages and global perspectives enrich learning for students.
