What Makes Us Special? Our Collaboration with The Juilliard School

When researching and applying to independent schools, it is essential to investigate programming and curriculum. At BISC, there’s a lot to be proud of, including the renowned international curriculum, innovative Design Technology and Information Communications Technology offerings and now, The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme.

What makes the program unique?

BISC is the only school in Illinois offering this innovative program (on two campuses, no less!). As part of the program, children follow embedded arts curriculum that begins with music.

The aims of the program are to:

• Inspire: Equip BISC students with the skills, curiosity and cultural literacy to engage with performing arts throughout their lives.
• Connect: Provide unparalleled opportunities for BISC students to work with experts in the performing arts both inside and outside of the classroom.
• Enhance: Provide the Nord Anglia family of schools with access to learning and teaching models developed by a world leader in performing arts education.
• Build: Develop a collaborative teaching community between Nord Anglia and The Juilliard School that strives for excellence in the delivery of performing arts education.

How is this program presented at BISC?

Students focus on a repertoire of 12 iconic works that open the doors to different cultures, genres and historical periods. Students engage with these works during their time at BISC through interactive activities in and out of the classroom. They use the keyboard to learn basic skills, such as reading music and understanding harmony. In addition, students have the chance to make connections with alumni from The Juilliard School during school appearances and performances. 

What are the benefits of the curriculum?

Through the music curriculum, every student can enjoy being an engaged listener, composer, interpreter and communicator. Students develop skills like critical thinking, resilience, risk-taking and discipline, which they can use in their learning in every subject. We have designed activities to allow students to explore the 12 core works in ways that nurture and express their imagination and creativity. Students also develop cultural literacy, broadening their understanding of cultural and social history around the world to give them a global perspective.

How can I see the curriculum in action?

Visit us! Touring our school is the best way to experience and observe learning taking place in the classrooms. Click here to read about our open houses, group tours and upcoming curriculum nights.

You can also check out our blog for posts about the curriculum in action. Click below to read recent posts.

• Our Juilliard Collaboration Showcase: It was an evening of creativity and collaboration! On October 12, we showcased how The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme is coming to life in the classroom.
• Our First Visit with a Juilliard Mentor: We recently welcomed Patrick Jankowski, Manager of Global K-12 Programs at The Juilliard School. Mr. Jankowski is part of the team we’ve been working with to implement The Juilliard-Nord Anglia Performing Arts Programme on our campus.
• Mastering the Keyboard: As part of our performing arts curriculum created in collaboration with The Juilliard School, students use the keyboard to understand the music concepts they learn about in class. Why the keyboard?
• Performing Beethoven to Showcase Knowledge of Music Structure: Believe it or not, most musicians follow the same patterns when they compose a piece of music. These patterns, called forms, have recently been the focus of learning for our Year 8 music students.

When should I apply to BISC to ensure my child gets to experience the program?

Now! We are currently accepting applications for the 2016-17 school year; please click here to download our application. For detailed, grade-specific information about the application process, please reference the admissions section of our website here.