Discovering China: ISR Students and Alumni on an Educational Journey
Discovering China: ISR Students and Alumni on an Educational Journey
During this year’s autumn break, a truly special trip took place in cooperation with the DCBK, the German-Chinese Society for Culture and Education in Düsseldorf.
A group of eight secondary school students and eight alumni from ISR embarked on an educational journey to China. The itinerary began in Shanghai before heading to Jiaxing, where the group visited a senior high school. In Jinhua, participants were warmly welcomed by the Jinhua University of Vocational Technology and had the opportunity to spend two exciting days on campus. During the first days, the program also included visits to two companies, one of which was the Leapmotor Factory.
The Leapmotor Factory is a state-of-the-art production facility of Zhejiang Leapmotor Technology Co., Ltd., a leading Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer founded in 2015 and headquartered in Hangzhou. The factory covers about 380,000 square meters and was completed in 2019, beginning full production in 2021. With multiple workshops and flexible production lines, it can produce up to 250,000 vehicles annually, showcasing China’s rapid technological advancement in electric mobility. This visit gave participants exclusive insight into cutting-edge electric vehicle manufacturing and innovation in China.
The journey continued to Yiwu and Hangzhou, featuring a stimulating exchange and a visit to the Tourism College. The institution prepares students for diverse careers in the tourism sector, offering specialized programs in hotel management, airline services, culinary arts, tour guiding, and more. The college is well-known for its modern facilities and strong focus on practical skills, ensuring students are well-equipped to meet industry demands.
The final destination was the Zhejiang University of Water Resources and Electric Power, which offered fascinating insights into its campus and diverse range of study programs.
Cultural enrichment was another highlight throughout the trip, with various workshops such as traditional paper art and cooking classes, athletic activities like Kung Fu, as well as cultural shows, theme parks, boat tours, and sightseeing forming just some of the elements of the comprehensive program.
To conclude this exciting trip with a spectacular highlight, participants marveled at breathtaking views of Shanghai from over 632 meters high — atop the Shanghai Tower, the third-tallest building in the world!
We warmly thank our partner, the German-Chinese Society for Culture and Education in Düsseldorf, which made this journey possible in cooperation with ISR for our students and alumni. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the students and alumni who were outstanding representatives of ISR, as well as to the parents for their trust and support. Everyone returned home with a deeper cultural understanding, countless positive impressions, and many shared memories as a group. This is an important testament to the fact that education at ISR goes beyond the classroom – and we are proud to be able to offer this opportunity to our students and alumni!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mara
Spotlight On Our Student Mara
This week, we are proud to feature our eleventh grader, Mara, as the ISR Student Spotlight. Mara began her journey with us back in our ISR Elementary School and is now diligently pursuing her IB Diploma, which she is set to complete in 2027.
Mara was nominated for the Spotlight by her IB Art Teacher, Ms. Henebry, who shares:
“Mara is an outstanding student. This term, she has immersed herself in architectural design, experimenting with coding, SketchUp, AI tools, interactive walk-throughs, detailed drawings, and even creating a 3D model. She is organized, reflective, and particularly drawn to the bold forms and structure of brutalist design.”
Her IB English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds:
“Mara sets very high standards for herself, and it is a pleasure to teach someone so focused on personal growth. Although I have only started teaching her this year, I am already impressed by her resilience and determination to overcome any challenges she encounters. I particularly appreciate her contributions in class; she never shies away from complex questions and always shows a willingness to try new things. This positive attitude makes her a truly great IB student.”
Ms. Freise, who taught Mara in Grade 5 English, fondly recalls:
“It was a joy having Mara in my class. Her humor, intelligence, and sharp wit stood out even then, and it’s inspiring to see how much she has matured and grown since those days.”
Mara’s IB Physics teacher, Mr. Kirk, also praises her strong work ethic:
“Mara approaches physics with focus and organization. She manages her workload thoughtfully, plans ahead, and meets challenges with confidence. Her independence and consistent diligence contribute to a supportive and academic classroom atmosphere.”
Ms. McGee, Mara’s Duke of Edinburgh Advisor, adds:
“I recently began working with Mara as her Duke of Edinburgh Advisor, and I have been thoroughly impressed by her dedication and organization. She has set an ambitious and inspiring range of goals to pursue through the program, reflecting both her determination and her curiosity to grow. Mara is an excellent candidate for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and I’m genuinely excited to continue supporting her journey and guiding her toward a successful final expedition at the end of the year.”
We are proud to spotlight Mara as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Diwali Celebration at ISR – A Morning Full of Light and Joy
Diwali Celebration at ISR – A Morning Full of Light and Joy
Our morning at ISR was brightened by our wonderful Indian Community, who shared the beautiful tradition of Diwali with us.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, is one of the most cherished celebrations in India. It symbolizes the triumph of light over darkness, knowledge over ignorance, and good over evil. Just as the light of Diwali dispels darkness, education enlightens young minds, opening doors to understanding, empathy, and opportunity. We were therefore delighted to welcome ISR Families from around the world to our Diwali Coffee Morning, where we celebrated together with our Indian Community.
Before the event, families lovingly decorated the ISR entrance hall and created a stunning Rangoli, a traditional Indian art form that symbolizes luck, prosperity, and hospitality through colorful floor patterns. These designs are also believed to bring protection, positive energy, and spiritual harmony.
Following welcome words from Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR, Peter Soliman, Proprietor of ISR, and Shubhi Jain, Indian Community Representative at ISR, families were invited to enjoy delicious Indian delicacies lovingly prepared by our parents for the international community. It was a truly wonderful morning, and we are deeply grateful to our amazing Indian Community for sharing this beautiful tradition with our international community of more than 60 nationalities!
We wish all our families, friends, and partners a very Happy Diwali!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Anton
Spotlight On Our Student Anton
This week, we are proud to spotlight Anton, a remarkable young learner whose curiosity and creativity continue to shine across disciplines. From his outstanding academic achievements to his innovative scientific explorations, Anton exemplifies ISR’s spirit of excellence.
Anton joined ISR in 2019 and was recently awarded a Commendation in the 2025 John Locke Institute Junior Global Essay Prize, placing him among the top 1–3% of more than 63,000 participants from over 100 countries. This incredible accomplishment has further deepened his passion for writing and critical thinking.
At ISR’s Open House Science Fair, Anton also impressed our community with his extraordinary project exploring whether EEG brain signals can be used to fly a drone in real time. Using a consumer-grade brainwave-detecting headset, he successfully demonstrated that focus alone could control a drone’s flight.
Ms. Mitchell, Academic Head for Grades 7 & 8, shared:
“Anton’s project is a brilliant example of curiosity, innovation, and applied science in action. Congratulations, Anton, on this outstanding achievement!”
Mr. Kirk, Secondary School Science Coordinator, added:
“Anton presented an amazing and novel project in the 2025 Science Fair. His use of a device to measure brain activity to help a drone fly combined multiple areas of science, mathematics, and computer science. His presentation was clear, engaging, and easy for friends, parents, and teachers to understand.”
Anton’s passion for learning also shines in the classroom. Ms. Baker Jackson, his English teacher, notes:
“Anton has boundless energy in class and is proactive about his learning. He advocates for himself by asking great clarification questions during lessons.”
His former Elementary School teacher, Ms. Duenas, fondly recalls:
“I taught Anton in 2nd grade. He was always excellent at mathematics and eager to learn. He constantly had a smile on his face—and to this day, he still smiles and says hi whenever we cross paths.”
Furthermore, Anton is an excellent musician. Adding to his various interests and talents, Anton participated last school year in the 62nd Jugend musiziert Regional Competition in Neuss through our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana. He achieved outstanding results in the cello category, earning first prize and qualifying for the state-level competition.
Anton’s achievements and curiosity exemplify the ISR Spirit and are a great testament to our motto of It’s cool to be good!
We are proud to spotlight Anton as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
ISR Open House 2025
ISR Open House 2025
Saturday, October 11th
Last Saturday, we once again celebrated our ISR Open House Event and were delighted to welcome numerous guests, valued ISR cooperation partners, families, and team members from our campuses in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch, as well as many interested visitors.
The day began with informative presentations for prospective families, providing a comprehensive insight into ISR and our educational approach. Our dedicated SLC students then offered guided school and kindergarten tours in various languages, giving guests the opportunity to explore our spacious campus. In addition, visitors were invited to take part in taster lessons across a range of subjects and grade levels, which, thanks to our committed teachers, provided a vivid impression of daily learning at ISR.
A special highlight of the day was the Language Exhibition, where our language teachers for Spanish, Japanese, French, and Chinese presented creative materials and engaging projects. Our Science Department also offered fascinating exhibitions throughout our hallways and classrooms, featuring diverse student projects and interactive demonstrations.
At the same time, our IT Department impressed both young and old with captivating virtual reality experiences that allowed participants to explore underwater worlds and outer space. Visitors also had the chance to meet our AI Robot Nao and other robots, which were a major highlight for many. To complement these experiences, our teachers showcased how artificial intelligence is already being integrated into ISR classrooms to further enrich student learning. Two of our external partners also presented their robotics activities, inspiring children through hands-on demonstrations.
Musically, the day was brightened by our enthusiastic Music Department. Our Grade 2–3 Choir delighted audiences with their performance and drew a large crowd. The event concluded with a lively concert by our ISR & Oxana Musicbox Band in the Cafeteria, alongside talented student musicians who shared their passion for music.
Sports activities added an energetic balance to the day. In our modern triple sports hall, the ISR Sports Team welcomed children to a variety of activity stations, where they enjoyed showcasing their athletic skills.
Our students once again demonstrated remarkable social commitment. SLC students crafted handmade charity bracelets together with children on site, raising funds to support women’s shelters in Düsseldorf. Two other students sold homemade origami and small birdhouses, donating the proceeds to animal protection initiatives. We are proud of their engagement, which – together with the support of partners such as the British Women’s Club, the American International Women’s Club, and the Lions Club Novaesia – highlights the strong community spirit at ISR.
To ensure everyone was well catered for, our wonderful ISR Parent Network organized an extensive cake buffet, while our school caterer, Broich, delighted guests with a variety of savory dishes and refreshing beverages. In addition, SLC students ran a popcorn and waffle stand, and visitors enjoyed delicious Italian coffee specialties from the Coffee Bar Bacio é Amore as well as ice cream served by Angelo Franciamore.
Overall, this year’s ISR Open House Event was an overwhelming success and one we will remember fondly.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our teachers and staff, our exceptional ISR Parent Network, and all families who helped make the day such an inspiring and memorable experience. The event once again reflected the positive spirit and strong sense of community that defines ISR.
We would also like to express our sincere appreciation to our valued partners who joined us on this special day: Musicbox Oxana, Broich Catering, Kunst am Platz, The British Women’s Club Düsseldorf, The American International Women’s Club Düsseldorf, The International English Library, Ausblick Immobilien, the Lions Club Neuss Novaesia, Claudia Peltzer Ballet, Robotics Club, Kaarster Mäudebande, KKS Schwimmschule, and our long-time sports partner in tennis, the Rochusclub.
A special thank-you goes to Faronda from our ISR Parent Network for her excellent organization of the parent buffet and to all families who contributed to this wonderful community experience. We also extend our gratitude to our Class Representatives – Rada, Carolin, Kimiko, and Torben – for their valuable support and continued dedication throughout the event presentations. In the spirit of our ISR Parent Network motto: Good schools are made of students – great schools are made of families!
We are truly delighted about the success of this year’s ISR Open House Event and look forward to many more enriching events at ISR in the year ahead.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Ayssan
Spotlight On Our Student Ayssan
This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth grader, Ayssan, who joined ISR in 2011. She became part of our community in kindergarten and is now in Grade 12, preparing to Graduate in June!
Ayssan was nominated for the Spotlight by her English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who shares:
“Ayssan is an outstanding English student, and it has been an absolute pleasure teaching her over the last two years. I am always impressed by her enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication to her studies, and I have loved seeing the progress this positive attitude has brought about. Ayssan’s excellence extends far beyond her academic achievements – she is consistently thoughtful and respectful in her interactions with staff and peers. Her ability to balance intellectual rigor with personal integrity truly sets her apart. She is a remarkable student with an amazingly bright future ahead of her!”
Her Grade 12 Homeroom teacher, Mr. O’Brien, adds:
“Ayssan personifies the ISR ethos in both her attitude and actions. She is an independent learner who takes responsibility for her own work and always strives to do her best.”
Ms. Ghica, Ayssan’s former Kindergarten and Grade 1 teacher, fondly recalls:
“I still remember Ayssan as a bright and cheerful student, always ready with a witty comment or an infectious laugh that could light up the entire room. Even back then, her bubbly personality made her a joy to teach, and it’s been incredible to watch her grow into the remarkable young woman she is today. While she has always been full of energy and fun, Ayssan has also shown deep commitment to her studies, approaching every challenge with focus and determination. Seeing her now as a Grade 12 student – still radiating positivity, yet mature, driven, and academically dedicated – fills me with pride. Ayssan truly has an amazing personality that inspires everyone around her!”
Ms. Racheva, Ayssan’s PE teacher, shared her perspective:
“Ayssan has been an exceptional member of our school community since her Kindergarten years. Having witnessed her growth and development, I can confidently say that she embodies the very best qualities of a dedicated, disciplined, and well-rounded student. Her curiosity, motivation, and commitment to excellence make her a standout learner in every classroom. She approaches challenges with positivity and always strives for the highest standards. As her Physical Education teacher, I have had the privilege of observing her remarkable enthusiasm in sports – she consistently demonstrates teamwork, sportsmanship, and determination, while treating others with respect. Throughout her years at ISR, Ayssan has shown integrity, kindness, and a genuine passion for learning and personal growth. I have no doubt she will continue to achieve great success in all her future endeavors”.
Her Elementary School Music teacher, Ms. Bucher, recalls:
“I first met Ayssan when she was just a little girl in kindergarten and had the pleasure of teaching her Music through Grade 4. Ayssan will always hold a special place in my heart. Even as a young child, she was confident and strong willed – qualities that have served her extremely well, as reflected in her academic accomplishments throughout her ISR career. I have always known her as intelligent, well-spoken, hardworking, and polite. She’s going places! I can hardly believe she is already in Grade 12!”
Ms. Megal, Ayssan’s Spanish teacher, adds:
“I have known Ayssan since Grade 6, when she first began learning Spanish with remarkable dedication. From those early days of curiosity and hard work, she has grown into a confident communicator who now writes her IB Extended Essay entirely in Spanish – quite an achievement!
Over the years, she has consistently shown herself to be a committed, responsible, and incredibly hardworking student. What truly sets her apart, though, is her wonderful sense of humour, which brightens every class, perfectly balanced with her strong sense of responsibility. Watching her journey has been both inspiring and delightful!”
The Head of the Spanish Department, Ms. Hautz, agrees:
“I have known Ayssan since Grade 6. She has always had an inquisitive, kind, and bright mind. It’s a privilege to have her in my IB course. Her presentations are well researched and often focus on humanitarian and ecological issues. Ayssan is a mature, responsible, caring, empathic, and lively young lady.”
Ms. Freise, who taught Ayssan in earlier years, remembers:
“I had Ayssan many years ago in cover classes and always remember her being kind and friendly. She is an amazing writer and an all-around great student! It was always a pleasure to have her in class!”
Ayssan’s IB Chemistry teacher, Dr. Ouaket, says:
“I have had the pleasure of teaching Ayssan this year and last year in Grade 11. I truly enjoy having her in class – she consistently demonstrates an excellent balance between hard work and a great sense of humor. In IB Chemistry, she shows outstanding dedication and curiosity, always striving to do her best while maintaining a positive and engaging attitude.”
Finally, Dr. McGee, who teaches History and English and serves as TOK Coordinator, reflects:
“Ayssan is one of the most creative thinkers I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Though I haven’t taught her since grade 9, her name always comes up in team meetings as a student who offers insights her teachers had not anticipated.
This creativity and nuance of thought were clearly on display during the recent TOK Exhibition. Her imaginative response to the question “What counts as knowledge?” was one of the highlights of the event and sparked many conversations among Grade 11 students. Next time you see her, ask her about Katzi. You might find her answer very enlightening!”
We are proud to spotlight Ayssan as one of ISR’s many outstanding students!
The ISR Student Spotlight Project aims to highlight one of our students from the ISR-Community every Friday, who embodies our guiding principle “We Enable Great Minds and Strong Characters” by consistently surpassing themselves. Whether through outstanding academic achievements, exceptional dedication, or remarkable character traits – we take pride in having already showcased hundreds of students – and there is more to look forward to every week!
Our Student Spotlights
Inspiring Debut: International Finance & Economics Forum at ISR
Inspiring Debut: International Finance & Economics Forum at ISR
Today, the first session of the International Finance & Economics Forum took place successfully at ISR and proved to be an inspiring event for everyone involved!
Organized by our committed Secondary School Student Lawrence, the session brought together students interested in global financial and economic developments.
The forum began with Lawrence’s introduction, in which he outlined the purpose and goals of his initiative. Following this, Professor Li delivered a fascinating lecture on macroeconomics, focusing particularly on the opening up and reform of the Chinese economy.
Mr. Li is a professor of Finance at the School of Economics and Management, Tsinghua University. An entrepreneurial academic, he founded the Institute for Industrial Innovation and Finance, an interdisciplinary platform dedicated to researching and promoting industrial innovation for sustainable development in China. Professor Li was awarded the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation in 2003 and has served on the Standard of Practice Council of the CFA Institute and the editorial board of the Financial Analysts Journal. He has held appointments as J.G. Riesman Research Professor at Northeastern University in Boston and as a visiting scholar at Federal Reserve Bank of Boston. In addition, he has provided consultancy services to the central bank, the Ministry of Science and Technology, the CSRC, China Construction Bank, and State Street Bank in Boston.
His insights offered valuable perspectives and sparked thoughtful discussion among the 24 selected participants.
The Q&A session that followed encouraged active engagement, with students exploring topics ranging from market dynamics to financial strategies. The event concluded with the formation of working groups, where students were assigned scenarios inspired by Professor Li’s lecture. Over the next two weeks, these groups will collaborate on strategic presentations, applying what they have learned and presenting their analyses to our economics faculty at ISR.
We are proud of Lawrence’s leadership and initiative in organizing such a meaningful event, which deepened our students’ understanding of international economics and further enriched our school’s culture of engagement with global topics that inspire our students. We look forward to seeing the creative ideas and energy Lawrence will bring to future events, and to witnessing the positive impact he continues to make at ISR!
A heartfelt thank you also goes to Professor Li, whose commitment and valuable insights left a lasting impression on all participants. We are deeply grateful for the time and expertise he contributed to the forum, helping make this experience truly memorable for everyone involved.
ISR Hosts Successful International University Fair with 30 Prestigious Institutions Represented
ISR Hosts Successful International University Fair with 30 Prestigious Institutions Represented
We were delighted to host another successful SRT International University Fair at our campus in Neuss, welcoming representatives from 30 prestigious universities. Among the institutions present were IE University, Hult International Business School, Swiss Education Group, Schiller International University, and Cologne Business School. These highly ranked universities provided our Secondary students with firsthand insights into international academic opportunities and diverse fields of study.
We are proud to offer our students such enriching events, empowering them to connect directly with leading university representatives and explore their pathways beyond ISR. Our University and Career Counseling (UCC) Team further supports this vision by regularly organizing group visits to universities. Most recently, our students traveled to Switzerland to experience campus life and academic programs in person. These initiatives, along with many others, aim to inspire, inform, and guide our students as they prepare for their future paths to success!
We sincerely thank all university representatives for traveling to ISR and sharing their expertise with our students. Special recognition also goes to our University and Career Counseling (UCC) Team – Ms. Wacker, Dr. Corbin, and Ms. Banna – for organizing another successful University Fair at ISR!
Learn more about our University and Career Counseling offerings at ISR here: https://www.isr-school.de/ucc/
