Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Shahan

Spotlight On Our Student Shahan
This week, we spotlight our still second-grader Shahan, who joined ISR in Kindergarten. Shahan is a great role model in his classroom and stands out for his exceptional behavior and his kind character. He enjoys learning and always gives his best in class. In addition, he works independently and enriches the lessons with his involvement.
His grade 2 teacher, Ms. Duenas, adds “Shahan is one of the kindest students, who is very patient and understanding. I will miss him in grade 2, but I wish him the best in grade 3”. ”We already heard a lot of positives about him and are excited to meet him in grade 3. Shahan, enjoy your ISR Summer Break, and we will meet each other in grade 3 in August!”, adds his academic head for grades 3 & 4, Ms. Ghica.
We are very proud to spotlight Shahan one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
Every Friday, our Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our outstanding students who, in line with this year’s theme, is striving for “extraordinary achievements” on a daily basis. No matter if it is academic success, special commitment or outstanding character traits – we look forward to sharing each of these success stories.
Our Student Spotlights
February 28, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Arjun
February 21, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Joan
February 14, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Zach
ISR Summer School 2022
ISR Summer School 2022
Friday, 29 July 2022
Laughing children in the playground, interesting lessons in the classrooms, digital learning, visits from our partners, excursions into nature, playing on farms and children squealing with joy when a clown visited us have defined the last four weeks of our ISR Summer School. With hundreds of participants, the program was a great success. Today marks the end of our unique vacation offering that provided students from kindergarten to 8th grade with many unforgettable experiences.
We sincerely thank our dedicated ISR Summer School Team for an unforgettable ISR Summer School 2022 and are happy to share a few special moments with you:
We sincerely thank the talented Photographer Christina Lorenz.
ISR Alumni & Friends Friday
ISR Alumni & Friends Friday
Friday, 22 July 2022
We are delighted to introduce you to a new project of ours – our ISR Alumni & Friends Friday. Once a month, we will introduce you to an ISR parent or alumni and their professional field.
Today, we wish to introduce you to our ambitious alumna, Mareen, who is currently studying medicine in the Netherlands. In this video, she discusses her daily study and work routine, gives some professional advice, and provides insight into her future career plans.
Mareen mentions in this interview that it is important and helpful to have a mentor in the professional field in which you plan to work. Our ISR Alumni & Friends Network mentoring program offers you networking possibilities with parents, partners, staff, and alumni who are glad to support you in any way. We invite you to take advantage of this unique offer to learn from our member’s professional experiences. Please contact Mareen if you have any questions about a medical degree, the Netherlands, or other academic-related topics!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Emanuela

Spotlight On Our Student Emanuela
This week, we spotlight our seventh–grader, Emanuela, who joined ISR in 2020. Emanuela exhibits true ISR qualities by being helpful, kind and displaying her strength as she navigates her way in Middle School. She is exceptionally intelligent and participates regularly in classroom discussions. Despite these natural attributes, Emanuela has proven to be a true friend to her peers.
Our Student Counsellor says of her, “Emanuela is a student who, in the three years that I have known her, has shown significant personal growth in standing true to her morals and exhibits herself as a true friend to her peers. She is a student who shows pure empathy for others, and is an open-minded individual who is eager to learn more. Emanuela was also a recipient of the Middle School Anti-Discrimination Advocates Award by showing her courageousness in standing up against discrimination and bullying of all forms. Be proud of who you are Emanuela!” We are proud to have students such as Emanuela who embody the true meaning of our motto and allow themselves to develop “great minds and strong characters”.
We are very proud to spotlight Emanuela one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
Every Friday, our Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our outstanding students who, in line with this year’s theme, is striving for “extraordinary achievements” on a daily basis. No matter if it is academic success, special commitment or outstanding character traits – we look forward to sharing each of these success stories.
Our Student Spotlights
February 28, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Arjun
February 21, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Joan
February 14, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Zach
Exzellente IB-Abschlussergebnisse der Absolventinnen und Absolventen bestätigen den Status der ISR Neuss als eine der führenden internationalen Privatschulen in Deutschland
Exzellente IB-Abschlussergebnisse der Absolventinnen und Absolventen bestätigen den Status der ISR Neuss als eine der führenden internationalen Privatschulen in Deutschland
Montag, 11. Juli 2022
Beeindruckendes Ergebnis mit 37 Punkten im IB / Drei Schülerinnen und Schüler erreichen 44 von 45 möglichen Punkten / 14 unterschiedliche Nationalitäten / 18 Prozent der AbsolventInnen schließen mit Bestnoten ab – vergleichbar zu einer Abiturnote von 1,0 / Zahlreiche renommierte Universitätsangebote verteilt auf vier Kontinenten / Etwa jeder Dritte studiert MINT-Fächer
Die Absolventinnen und Absolventen der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss und Düsseldorf haben in diesem Jahr, trotz einer pandemiebedingt weiterhin herausfordernden Zeit in der Oberstufe, durchschnittlich 37 Punkte in ihrem International Baccalaureate (IB) erreicht. Das entspricht einer äquivalenten Abiturnote von 1,8. Die aus 14 Nationen stammenden Absolventinnen und Absolventen werden nun weltweit auf vier Kontinenten an renommierten Universitäten studieren.
„Diese sehr guten Abschlussnoten sind der Beweis eines besonderen Lernwillens, aber auch der stetigen Unterstützung und Förderung der Schülerinnen und Schüler. Trotz vieler Herausforderungen, wie dem pandemiebedingten Online-Unterricht, haben unsere Absolventinnen und Absolventen ihre zahlreichen Prüfungen mit Bravour bestanden“, freut sich Emil Cete, stellvertretender Schuldirektor, Oberstufenleiter und Verantwortlicher für die IB-Vorbereitung: „Neben den herausragenden Leistungen unserer Absolventinnen und Absolventen darf man hierbei nie vergessen, dass unsere Lehrkräfte, unser University and Career Councelling Team (UCC), Mitarbeiterinnen und Mitarbeiter sowie natürlich auch die Eltern einen wichtigen Beitrag zu diesem Erfolg geleistet haben“. Mit diesem Ergebnis bestätigt die ISR ihren Status als eine der führenden internationalen IB-Schulen Deutschlands. „Die gezielte Förderung wie auch der Anspruch, den Schülerinnen und Schülern ihren Weg zur Wunschhochschule zu ermöglichen, sind hierbei essenziell“, betont Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR. „It takes a village to raise a child. Dieses Sprichwort betonen wir an der ISR immer wieder. Umso stolzer macht es uns, dass die Bemühungen aller zu diesem hervorragenden Ergebnis beigetragen haben.“
Der Notenschnitt der diesjährigen Abschlussklasse wurde auch durch herausragende Ergebnisse einzelner Absolventinnen und Absolventen in diesem Jahr erreicht. So haben 31 Prozent des Jahrgangs mindestens 40 von maximal 45 Punkten erreicht. Dieser – mit einer Abiturdurchschnittsnote von 1,3 oder besser – vergleichbare Schulabschluss gelingt weltweit normalerweise nur rund drei Prozent der IB-Absolventinnen und Absolventen. Darüber hinaus konnten 17 Prozent der Schülerinnen und Schüler der diesjährigen ISR-Abschlussklasse mit einem herausragenden IB-Abschluss, welcher einer deutschen Abiturnote von 1,0 entspricht, ihre Prüfung absolvieren. Dieses hervorragende Ergebnis wurde im zweiten Jahr in Folge erzielt. Drei Schülerinnen und Schüler des Jahrgangs erreichten sogar 44 von 45 möglichen Punkten – eine so hohe Quote wie noch nie in der Historie der ISR.
„Dieser Jahrgang hat nicht nur eine bemerkenswerte Leistungsfähigkeit und Resilienz während der Pandemie bewiesen, sondern die Absolventinnen und Absolventen der ISR haben sich darüber hinaus besonders engagiert und entschlossen gezeigt, ihre ambitionierten Ziele zu erreichen. Die exzellenten Ergebnisse haben sich unsere Absolvierenden redlich verdient. Ich gratuliere allen von ganzem Herzen und möchte auch ihren Lehrkräften sowie ihren University and Career Counsellors meine Anerkennung aussprechen, die unsere Schülerinnen und Schüler während ihrer Schulzeit auf jede erdenkliche Weise betreut, unterstützt und gefördert haben“, betont Eileen Lyons, Schuldirektorin der ISR.
Im Durchschnitt liegen bereits heute jeweils drei Studienplatzangebote an renommierten Universitäten auf der ganzen Welt vor, wobei die Bewerbungsverfahren in Ländern wie Deutschland und Österreich beispielsweise noch laufen. Insgesamt vier Kontinente werden die Absolventinnen und Absolventen nach ihrem Abschluss für ihr Studium besuchen. „Auch hier wird die Internationalität der diesjährigen Abschlussklasse deutlich. Viele werden jetzt nach Australien, Japan, Hongkong, Kanada oder in die unterschiedlichsten europäischen Länder gehen. Sie alle eint der gemeinsame Weg und ihr internationales Verständnis. Viele von ihnen haben bereits seit dem Kindergarten die ISR besucht – eine außergewöhnlich lange Verweildauer für eine internationale Schule“, betont Peter Soliman.
Laut ihrer aktuellen Planungen werden die meisten Absolventinnen und Absolventen in Deutschland und den Niederlanden studieren. Aber auch Großbritannien und die USA erfreuen sich erneut großer Beliebtheit. Weitere Studienziele sind etwa renommierte Universitäten in der Schweiz, Frankreich, Hongkong und Kanada. Zusagen gab es unter anderem von der University of Michigan, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, University of Miami, der ETH Zürich, ESADE Business School in Spanien ,dem Imperial College London, Southampton, dem King’s College London sowie vielen weiteren UK-Universitäten, die zur renommierten UK Russell Group, bekannt für erstklassige Forschung und Lehre, gehören. In den Niederlanden gab es beispielsweise Angebote der Erasmus University of Rotterdam, der TU Eindhoven sowie aus Leiden und Utrecht. Im asiatischen Raum verzeichnet die Abschlussklasse beeindruckende Studienplatzangebote der Tokyo University, der University of Hongkong (HKU) wie auch der HKUST Business School in Hongkong.
Cete: „Die Reputation der Absolventinnen und Absolventen der ISR ist hervorragend, sodass die Schülerinnen und Schüler jedes Jahr eine beachtliche Auswahl an Studienplatzangeboten vorweisen können. Neben den akademischen Bestleistungen zählt hier auch die positive Charakterbildung, die wir an der ISR gezielt fördern.“ Eine weitere Besonderheit dieses Abschlussjahrgangs bestätigt dessen Internationalität: 67 Prozent absolvierten ein bilinguales IB-Diplom mit zwei Sprachen auf muttersprachlichem Niveau. Das IB Bilingual Diploma wird international hoch anerkannt und von Universitäten sowie auch ArbeitgeberInnen geschätzt. Damit erhöht sich der Anteil im Vergleich zum Vorjahr nochmals um 2 Prozent.
„Essenziell in der Oberstufe an der ISR ist das University and Career Counselling Angebot, welches wir Schülerinnen und Schülern ab dem Ende der 8. Klasse zur Verfügung stellen. Drei unserer VollzeitmitarbeiterInnen haben sich der umfassenden Beratung verschrieben, welche Hochschulen zu Vorlieben, Fähigkeiten und der Karriereplanung der jungen Menschen passen,“, ergänzt Peter Soliman. Der gesamte Bewerbungsprozess wird an der ISR eng begleitet und die Stärken sowie die Vorlieben der Jugendlichen früh und gezielt ausgearbeitet. Ulrike Wacker, Leiterin der Studien- und Berufsberatung der ISR, betont: „Uns ist es wichtig, die jungen Schülerinnen und Schüler sehr genau kennenzulernen und sie während ihrer Zeit an der ISR zu begleiten. Die schönste Belohnung dieses sehr vertrauten Beratungsprozesses ist es, wenn die Schülerinnen und Schüler ihre Träume verwirklichen und ihre akademische Laufbahn an der Hochschule ihrer Wahl fortführen können. Dafür arbeiten wir mit vollem Einsatz.“
Disclaimer
Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit Sitz in Neuss ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Über 1.000 Schülerinnen und Schüler aus der Region und aus aller Welt bereiten sich gemeinsam auf international anerkannte Schulabschlüsse vor. Akademische Exzellenz und Charakterbildung stehen im Zentrum der Ausbildung und qualifizieren für ein Studium an führenden Universitäten in Deutschland und weltweilt. Für jüngere Kinder bietet die ISR einen internationalen Kindergarten auf dem ISR-Campus in Neuss, in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel sowie eine deutschsprachige Dependance in Meerbusch-Büderich. Anfragen zu Kindergarten, Grundschule und weiterführender Schule werden ganzjährig entgegengenommen: admissions@isr-school.de.
ISR Coding Camp 2022
ISR Coding Camp 2022
Monday, 18 July 2022

Mr. Ellis, Head of Computer Science, led five students in our first successful ISR Coding Camp. In the beginning of the week, the participants learned how to write and execute Python programs on the micro:bit. They used simple coding patterns before using General-Purpose Input Output (GPIO) pins to connect it to external hardware components, such as LEDs and speakers.
During the next two days, the students focused on environment-themed projects, such as creating a Bird Conservation Website and using App Inventor to create a Food Production Quiz that could be downloaded and used on a mobile device. Upon completion of these projects, each participant received a certificate for their successful work. The last two days focused on creating 3D objects and animations using Blender software and designing a ‘CODER’ key ring using Blocks CAD. Each key ring was 3D printed and handed to the students at the end of the ISR Coding Camp 2022 as e memory for all participating students.
We thank Mr. Ellis for this exciting week, and we look forward to another ISR Coding Camp next year.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Koharu

Spotlight On Our Student Koharu
This week, we spotlight our fifth-grader Koharu, who joined ISR in 2021. Koharu is a kind, respectful, and articulate student who is always considerate of others. She is motivated, hardworking, and gives her best in class. Koharu is creative and talented in the arts, which can be seen through her drawings. In her free time, she enjoys reading books.
Her academic coordinator, Ms. Brand, adds „Koharu has made a great start in Middle School! She is a wonderful student who has made excellent progress this year, especially in English and Maths. Koharu received third prize in the Kangaru Maths competition and was recently promoted in English. She should be very proud of her efforts. We wish Koharu a wonderful summer break and look forward to a great start to Grade 6!“
We are very proud to spotlight Koharu one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
Every Friday, our Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our outstanding students who, in line with this year’s theme, is striving for “extraordinary achievements” on a daily basis. No matter if it is academic success, special commitment or outstanding character traits – we look forward to sharing each of these success stories.
Our Student Spotlights
February 28, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Arjun
February 21, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Joan
February 14, 2025
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Zach
ISR Robotics Camp 2022
ISR Robotics Camp 2022
Monday, 11 July 2022
Last week, our second successful ISR Robotics Camp took place during the summer break.
Our head of IT department at ISR, Mr. Aloof, successfully implemented the camp with the participating students and showed them the world of Virtual Reality (VR), programming and many other interesting topics of IT. The students had the opportunity to travel to different countries and worlds with the help of VR-Goggles and discover many exciting things.
In addition, the students were allowed to use our 3D printer and create so-called “ISR Coins” on the computer and then print them out. The participants found this extremely exciting! The coins and other printouts, such as a toy cat, were allowed to be taken home by the children as a Robotics Camp souvenir.
Furthermore, the knowledge of the students in the field of programming robots was expanded and they learned different programming languages to operate the robots.
In summary, the ISR Robotics Camp was a great success! The participating students could enjoy a varied program as well as dive into the world of modern technologies!
We are already looking forward to the ISR Robotics Camp in 2023!
Graduates‘ Excellent IB Diploma Program results confirm ISR Neuss' status as one of the leading international private schools in Germany
Graduates‘ Excellent IB Diploma Program results confirm ISR Neuss’ status as one of the leading international private schools in Germany
Monday,11 July 2022
Impressive results with 37 points in the IB / Three students earning 44 out of a possible 45 points / 14 different nationalities represented/ 18 percent of graduates earning top grades – comparable to an Abitur grade of 1.0 / Numerous prestigious university offers spread over four continents / About one in three graduates pursuing STEM programs at University
The Graduates of ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss and Düsseldorf achieved an average of 37 points in their International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) this year, despite facing a challenging period in the upper school due to the ongoing pandemic. This corresponds to an equivalent A-level grade of 1.8. The graduates, who represent 14 different nations, will now study at renowned universities spanning four continents around the world.
“These very good final grades are proof not only of a special desire to learn, but also of the constant support and encouragement given to the students. Despite many challenges, such as online classes due to the pandemic, our graduates passed their various exams with flying colors,” Emil Cete, Deputy School Director, Head of Upper School and responsible for IB preparation, is pleased to say: “In addition to the outstanding achievements of our graduates, one must never forget here that our teachers, our University and Career
Counseling Team (UCC), staff members and, of course, parents have made an important contribution to this success.” With these results, ISR confirms its status as one of the leading international IB schools in Germany. “Targeted support, as well as the aspiration to enable students to find their way to the university of their choice, is essential here,” emphasizes Peter Soliman, School Proprietor. “It takes a village to raise a child. We at ISR emphasize this proverb time and again. It makes us all the more proud that everyone’s efforts have contributed to these outstanding results.”
The grade point average of 37 points for this year’s graduating class is composed of outstanding results from all of our individual graduates this year. For example, 31 percent of the class scored at least 40 out of a possible 45 points. This is comparable to an average grade of 1.3 or better in the Abitur, and is normally only achieved by around three percent of IB graduates worldwide. In addition, 17 percent of the students in this year’s ISR graduating class were able to pass their exams with an outstanding IB grade, which is equivalent to a German Abitur grade of 1.0. This outstanding result was achieved for the second year in a row. Three students in the class even achieved 44 out of a possible 45 points – the highest rate ever in ISR’s history.
“Not only has this cohort demonstrated remarkable performance and resilience during the pandemic, but ISR graduates have also shown exceptional dedication and determination to achieve their ambitious goals. Our graduates richly deserve their excellent results. I wholeheartedly congratulate all of them and would also like to express my appreciation to their teachers and their University and Career Counselors, who have mentored, supported, and encouraged our students in every possible way during their time at school,” emphasizes Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR.
On average, each of our graduates already have three offers of placement at prestigious universities around the world, with application processes still underway in countries such as Germany and Austria. Graduates will move onto a total of four continents for their studies after graduation. “Again, the international nature of this year’s graduating class is evident. Many will now travel to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, or a wide variety of European countries. They are all united by their common path and their international understanding. Many of them have attended ISR since kindergarten – an exceptionally long length of stay for an international school,” emphasizes Peter Soliman.
According to their current plans, most graduates will study in Germany and the Netherlands. However, Great Britain and the USA are also once again enjoying great popularity. Other study destinations include renowned universities in Switzerland, France, Hong Kong, and Canada.
Acceptances were received from the University of Michigan, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, University of Miami, ETH Zurich, ESADE Business School in Spain, Imperial College London, Southampton, King’s College London, and many other UK universities belonging to the renowned UK Russell Group, known for first-class research and teaching. In the Netherlands, for example, there were offers from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, TU Eindhoven, and Leiden and Utrecht. In Asia, the graduating class recorded impressive offers of places from Tokyo University, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as well as HKUST Business School in Hong Kong.
According to Mr. Cete, “The reputation of ISR’s graduates is outstanding so that each year the students can boast a remarkable selection of university place offers. In addition to top academic performance, what counts here is positive character development, which we specifically promote at ISR.” Another special feature of this graduating class confirms its internationality: 67 percent completed an IB Bilingual Diploma with two languages at the native level. The IB Bilingual Diploma is highly recognized internationally and valued by universities as well as employers. This represents a further 2 percent increase from the previous year.
“Essential in the Upper School at ISR is the University and Career Counseling program we provide to students from the end of 8th grade. Three of our full-time staff members are dedicated to providing comprehensive counseling on which colleges fit young people’s preferences, abilities, and career plans,” adds Peter Soliman. The entire application process is closely monitored at ISR, and young people’s strengths and preferences are worked out early and specifically. Ulrike Wacker, Head of Student and Career Counseling at ISR, emphasizes: “It is important for us to get to know the young students very well and to accompany them during their time at ISR. The most wonderful reward of this very intimate counseling process is when students are able to realize their dreams and continue their academic careers at the university of their choice. That’s what we work for with full commitment.”
Disclaimer
ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH, based in Neuss, is a privately run international all-day school. More than 1,000 students from the region and around the world prepare together for internationally recognized school- leaving qualifications. Academic excellence and character building are at the heart of the education, qualifying students for study at leading universities in Germany and around the world. For younger children, ISR offers an international kindergarten on the ISR campus in Neuss, in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, and a German-language branch in Meerbusch-Büderich. Inquiries about kindergarten, primary school and secondary school are accepted year-round: admissions@isr-school.de.