New Turkish Language Pathway from Grade 9 to the IB Diploma

We are pleased to expand our language programme with a new academic pathway for our Turkish-speaking students. From the 2026-27 academic year, ISR offers Turkish as a taught academic mother-tongue course from Grade 9 onwards for native Turkish-speaking students.

This gives students the opportunity to maintain and further develop their first language at an academic level and, later, continue with Turkish A: Language and Literature in the IB Diploma Programme, available at both Standard Level and Higher Level. Placement is based on each student’s language proficiency, academic background and teacher recommendation.

Turkish now joins ISR’s already broad language programme. English is our language of instruction, while German is taught to every student from Kindergarten onwards. From Grade 6, students add a third language, with French and Spanish available as additional languages and Japanese and Chinese offered to native speakers. Within the IB Diploma Programme, students can now study Language A in English, German, Japanese, Chinese and Turkish. For our native Turkish-speaking students, this creates a clear pathway from Grade 9 through to the IB Diploma — strengthening their mother tongue academically while continuing to develop the other languages that are such an important part of an ISR education.

We believe that a strong foundation in a student’s first language, combined with confidence in additional languages, provides valuable preparation for university, international study and life beyond school.

We are proud to further expand our language programme and to offer our Turkish-speaking students a clear academic pathway that values their linguistic identity and supports their future success.

by Annika Poestges

Chinese B at ISR: A New IB Diploma Pathway from the Academic Year 2027–2028

We are pleased to share another exciting development in our IB language program. Beginning in the 2027–28 academic year, students entering the IB Diploma Program at ISR will have the opportunity to study Chinese B at both Standard Level and Higher Level.

Chinese is already offered at ISR from Grade 6 as a third language for native Chinese-speaking students. The new Chinese B option will give these students greater flexibility as they progress into the IB Diploma Program, allowing them to continue developing their Chinese at a level suited to their individual language profile.

Placement in Chinese A or Chinese B will be based on each student’s language proficiency and educational background, as well as the joint recommendation of the Chinese teacher and IB Coordinator.

The addition of Chinese B further strengthens ISR’s broad IB language program. Students can study Language A in English, German, Japanese, Chinese, or Turkish. Language B is offered in English, German, French, and Spanish, with Chinese being added in the 2027–28 academic year.

By expanding the available Chinese pathways, ISR can better support students in developing their academic language skills while recognizing the diverse linguistic backgrounds and proficiency levels within our international community.

We are proud to offer this additional pathway and provide students with even greater flexibility as they develop their language skills throughout their academic journey at ISR.

by Annika Poestges

Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Alessandra

Spotlight On Our Student Alessandra

This week, we spotlight our Grade 7 student Alessandra, who joined ISR in 2025. Her kindness, enthusiasm, and positive attitude make her a truly valued member of our school community.

Her English teacher, Ms. Moloney, shares: “Alessandra is a wonderfully bright, enthusiastic and dedicated student. Her enthusiasm is truly infectious, and she is a perfect example of how a positive attitude can be so inspiring to those around her.”
Her confidence also shines on stage. Ms. Baker Jackson, her drama teacher, notes: “She actively engages in all lessons, both answering questions and challenging herself to create characters and play roles. Furthermore, she is not afraid to try something new.”

German teacher Ms. Welz adds: “She has already impressed me with her dedication and strong work ethic. Alessandra is always respectful, kind, and ready to help others. She is a real pleasure to teach!”
Her former teachers remember her just as fondly. Ms. Freise recalls: “Alessandra learned English very quickly and approached learning with enthusiasm. She particularly enjoyed hands-on projects, which allowed her creativity and curiosity to shine.” German Coordinator Ms. Scholz shares: “She is hardworking, creative, and a great team player. I particularly remember the wonderful video she made with her group for our film project.”

Her former class teacher, Mr. Edwards, highlights her character: “She consistently puts others first and is always willing to lend a helping hand. Alessandra gives her best both inside and outside the classroom, including on the sports field, where she demonstrates the same determination.”

Academic Head of Grades 5–6, Ms. Schmidt, adds: “Alessandra is a kind, thoughtful and trustworthy friend. She has a wonderful ability to make others feel included and valued, and this is something truly special. She is a fantastic example of what it means to be an ISR student!”

Through her warmth, curiosity, and willingness to support others, Alessandra shows how a positive attitude can brighten the lives of those around her.

We are proud to spotlight Alessandra 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!