ISR Family Fun & Sports Days
ISR Family Fun & Sports Day
Monday, 28 August 2023
Last Saturday, we once again hosted our sports and family event, the ISR Family Fun & Sports Day, in bright sunshine – the first one since 2019! Hundreds of guests, including families from all three branches in Neuss, Düsseldorf, and Meerbusch as well as faculty and staff, gathered to celebrate the first ISR Community Event of the academic year.
Our dedicated Student Leadership Council (SLC), Sports Department, and all staff members did an amazing job organizing a Saturday full of sports, games, and fun! Across ten sports stations, students showcased their athletic skills and diligently collected stamps in their FFSD passports for a chance to win exciting prizes in our raffle. Alongside these stations, there was an exciting stuntman track, a bouncy castle in our kindergarten area, and three different friendly matches where students, parents, and teachers gathered to compete in Basketball, Beach Volleyball, and Soccer – and everyone showed the amazing team spirit that ISR is all about!
Three food trucks were available for participants, offering delicious meals, along with a bake sale organized by our SLC students, which contributed a variety of sweets. In addition, our amazing Catering Team was on site to offer our families delicious drinks and snacks to enjoy.
Inside and outside the building, we had various stands representing our dedicated partners for sports such as the DHC, Fencing, and the PSV. Attendees could, moreover, enjoy face painting and the children were invited to play some music with our in-house music school, Musicbox Oxana. In addition, we were thrilled to welcome the Lions Club to ISR again, that sold delicious coffee for a good cause!
This year’s Family Fun & Sports Day was a great success, and we take pride in kicking off the new school year with such an exciting and enjoyable event for our ISR Family as well as for interested families, which our community welcomed to our campus.
We extend our gratitude to all student helpers, partners, teachers, and staff for making this day extraordinary! We’re already looking forward to our next ISR Family Fun & Sports Day and all the fun events that are coming up soon!
A big thank you to our talented photographer, Melanie Osterried.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lukas
Spotlight On Our Student Lukas
This week, we spotlight our eleventh-grader Lukas, who joined ISR in Kindergarten. Lukas is an engaged student with a great attitude and is always eager to learn. We highlighted Lukas three years ago and are pleased to report on his successful development at ISR. Recently, Lukas achieved outstanding results in his IGCSE exams, achieving the top grade with additional distinction in Chemistry, IT, Economics, English, Mathematics, and Physics. Lukas proved to everyone that it is “cool to be good” at ISR, and the entire ISR Community is truly impressed with his accomplishments. “Lukas is a top-performing student in Computer Science. He has shown exceptional skills and achievements in both academic and extracurricular activities. Lukas is always eager to learn new things and has impressed both teachers and peers with his creativity and innovation. He is quick to take on responsibility and leadership roles in various projects and clubs. Lukas is a role model for all students, and we are proud to have him in our community. Congratulations, Lukas! You deserve this recognition.”, his teacher Mr. Ellis adds.
In addition to his academic involvement, Lukas is also exceptionally involved in our student-led organization, the Student Leadership Council. He is the new Team Leader for the Department of Press and Media. “Despite his short tenure, he is already an integral part of the team. In addition to achieving top marks in his exams, he stands out amongst his peers for his excellent communication skills, his ability to lead and connect with others, as well as for his creative thinking. We look forward to seeing Lukas and his team shine this year through their work on ISR Radio and other media involvement!”, as Ms. McGee and Ms. Bowien (Student Leadership Advisors) add. His teacher Mr. McGee says “Lukas has never met a stranger. It’s not through a desire to be liked or appreciated as the talented student that he is, but rather he seems to make it a special mission to make sure he finds a personal connection to both his teachers and his classmates. He always makes an effort to say hi to everyone he interacts with throughout the day, and a polite check-in about well-being.” Lukas’ passions are Math, IT, and Engineering, and he plans to study in these areas after his graduation at ISR. Like his teacher, Ms. Mitchell, says “we are looking forward to seeing what his bright future brings to him”.
We are very proud to spotlight Lukas, 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
ISR First Grade Ceremony 2023
ISR First Grade Ceremony 2023
Wednesday, 23 August 2023
Yesterday, we celebrated a significant milestone in the lives of our first-grade girls and boys – their First Grade Ceremony and thus their first official school day at ISR!
A multitude of parents, family members, and friends of the children were present to witness this special ceremony. Our Head of Primary School, Ms. Bodner, kicked off the ceremony with a speech in which she warmly welcomed the children and all attendees. She emphasized particularly how at ISR, we aim to individually nurture our students and through our structured curriculum, ignite their enthusiasm for lifelong learning. Subsequently, Ms. Bodner handed over the floor to our School Director, Ms. Lyons. She not only warmly welcomed the students but also underscored the special significance of this day. She expressed her joy about the expansion of our ISR Family and wished all the children success on their continued school journey.
After the festive opening speeches, Ms. Bodner moderated the ceremony and invited our seventh-grader, Hannan, onto the stage. Hannan proudly performed our ISR school song for all participants and children. Following her performance, all first-graders took to the stage to receive their traditional school cones for their first day. In this special moment, grandparents, parents, and siblings observed with pride and applauded together for each class. Following this memorable ceremony under bright sunshine, families gathered for a reception to conclude the morning over a cup of coffee.
We extend our gratitude to all participants for the successful ceremony and wish our students the very best on their educational journey at ISR – in line with our motto: “It’s good to be cool!”
A big thank you to our talented photographer, Melanie Osterried.
ISR Cooking Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Cooking Camp 2023
Monday, 10 July 2023
Last Friday marked the exciting conclusion of an eventful week for nine children who shared a passion for cooking at our ISR Cooking Camp. The camp, organized and conducted by our in-house catering company and cooperative partner, Broich Catering, began with a get-to-know-you session and an introduction to basic rules of conduct in a commercial kitchen.
Throughout the week, the children eagerly prepared a variety of delicious meals using fresh ingredients, savoring their culinary creations afterward. Each day, the participants crafted homemade dishes such as Maultaschen, Gnocchi, Muesli, and more. Emphasizing the use of regional and fresh products, the camp aimed to teach the children how to cook healthy and tasty food.
The camp participants also had the opportunity to make an excursion and visit farmer Heinz’s farm in Meerbusch. There, they had a chance to feed chickens and beef cattle and gain insights into farm operations. Afterwards, all participants enjoyed a delicious picnic in his garden with their homemade lunch boxes, which they had prepared in advance.
The highlight of the week was the dinner on Friday, where the children invited their parents and prepared a three-course meal. Early in the morning, they diligently crafted menu cards and name tags, while also decorating the tables to create a welcoming atmosphere for their guests. The parents and camp leaders were thrilled with the final outcome. The participating children invested a lot of time and passion into the dinner preparations, culminating in a delicious meal that served as an excellent finale to the eventful week.
We express our gratitude to the Broich Team for another fantastic ISR Cooking Camp and look forward to next year’s camp.
With another outstanding IB diploma result, ISR Neuss/Düsseldorf underlines its position as one of the leading international private schools in Germany
With another outstanding IB diploma result, ISR Neuss/Düsseldorf underlines its position as one of the leading international private schools in Germany
ISR students achieve an average of 35* points in the International Baccalaureate / Results 5 points better than the global average / 7 percent of graduates achieve a comparable grade point average of 1.0 / 17 different nationalities / Numerous university offers from renowned institutions all over the world
A total of 42 students from ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss and Düsseldorf successfully completed their IB program this year, earning their International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma with an average of 35* points. These accomplished students, from 17 different nations, will now continue their academic journeys at renowned universities across the globe. With this result, ISR students once again achieve above-average IB final grades; the global average is 30 points in 2023.
“These outstanding final grades are proof of a special willingness to learn on the part of our young adults. The attitude of Generation Z to the issue of motivation is currently the subject of repeated criticism in society. However, the ISR graduates have given absolutely everything and impressed us with their outstanding performance,” says Emil Cete, Deputy Director of ISR: “Without this ambition and also the resilience during the Corona years, these results would not have been possible.
Further success factors were the individual support for the students and their excellent cooperation with teaching staff. “Not only our teachers, but also our administrative staff – especially the University and Career Counseling Team (UCC) – have contributed significantly to this success,” emphasizes Eileen Lyons, ISR School Director: “They have cared for, supported, and encouraged our students in every possible way during their school career at ISR. The students’ parents also make an important contribution to our school community.” According to Peter Soliman, Managing Director of ISR, the long list of supporters rounds off ISR’s recipe for success. “It takes a village to raise a child. This proverb determines our actions. With this once again excellent IBDP result, the concept has proven itself impressively,” Soliman emphasizes.
The average score reaffirms the status of ISR as one of the leading international schools offering the IBDP program in Germany. The average grade of the graduating class of 2023 is composed of outstanding results of individual graduates this year. Accordingly, 18 percent of the class achieved at least 40 out of a maximum of 45 points. This is normally only achieved by around 3 percent of IBDP graduates worldwide. In addition, 7 percent of the students in this year’s ISR graduating class achieved an exceptionally outstanding IB score of 42 or more points. One student who will now begin her studies at the prestigious University of Cambridge has successfully completed her IB with an outstanding score of 44 out of 45 possible points.
From the Rhineland to the world: More than a third of the graduates have attended ISR since kindergarten or primary school. “This is an exceptionally high percentage for an international school with such a long school career. The loyalty of the families makes us proud.” emphasizes Peter Soliman: “It also shows how strongly we are rooted in the region. In addition to our focus on academics, character building is essential for us as well as a foundation of values from which we do not deviate. That’s what our families value about ISR.“
On average, our graduates have already four university offers each from renowned universities around the world. According to their current plans, most graduates will study in the UK this time, just ahead of Germany and the Netherlands. The USA is also once again enjoying great popularity. Other study destinations include renowned universities in Spain, France, and China. Acceptances have been received from Cambridge University, Imperial College, King’s College London, University College London, the University of Manchester, Warwick University, and many other UK universities. In the U.S., acceptances include Boston University, the University of Michigan and the University of Southern California (USC). In the Netherlands, for example, there were offers from Erasmus University of Rotterdam, TU Eindhoven, TU Delft as well as from Amsterdam and Maastricht. Germany, the TU Munich and RWTH Aachen are on the study list, which is also a popular focus of interest among the graduates. 45 percent and more than 20 graduates will study STEM subjects, such as natural sciences, IT, or engineering (mechanical engineering). In the Asian region, the graduating class registers impressive study place offers, for example from the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as well as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology HKUST. “
The reputation of ISR’s graduates is outstanding so that each year the students have a considerable selection of university places to choose from,” reports Emil Cete: “In addition to excellent academic performance, what counts here is positive character development, which we specifically promote at ISR.” Another special characteristic of this graduating class is its proficiency in an extensive range of world languages: 53 percent completed an IB Bilingual Diploma with two languages studied at a native level. The IB Bilingual Diploma is recognized internationally and highly valued by universities as well as employers.
Essential in the upper school at ISR Neuss/Düsseldorf is the University and Career Counseling program, which is provided to students and also parents from the end of grade 8. The comprehensive counseling includes selecting universities that match the young people’s preferences, abilities, and career plans. Ulrike Wacker, Head of ISR’s University and Career Counseling, emphasizes, “It is important to us to get to know our students very well and to accompany them during their time at ISR. Our goal is to help our students realize their dreams so they can continue their academic careers at the university of their choice.”
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 weltweit. 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.
*rounded
Ehemaliger Bundesligaspieler und -trainer Karsten Baumann bildet an ISR Neuss in Kooperation mit dem Deutschen Fußballbund DFB Junior-Coaches aus
Ehemaliger Bundesligaspieler und -trainer Karsten Baumann bildet an ISR Neuss in Kooperation mit dem Deutschen Fußballbund DFB Junior-Coaches aus – bei einem Frauenanteil von etwa der Hälfte absolvierten auch zwei Spielerinnen des Zweitliga-Aufsteigers Borussia Mönchengladbach ihre Prüfung
Monday, 3 July 2023
Zertifizierte junge Trainerinnen und Trainer sollen Vorbild für andere Jugendliche sein / Förderung von Talenten als Ziel / In den vergangenen sechs Jahren insgesamt 80 Junior-Coaches ausgebildet
Im siebten Jahr wurden an der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss Schülerinnen und Schüler aus dem Rheinland im Rahmen des DFB Junior Coach Programm zu zertifizierten Fußball-Trainern und -Trainerinnen ausgebildet. Diesmal lernten elf Fußball-begeisterte Jugendliche unter der Leitung von Karsten Baumann – Leiter der Sportabteilung an der ISR und ehemaliger Bundesliga-Spieler und -trainer – das notwendige Know-how für ihren Start als lizenzierte Übungsleiter. Die Ausbildung ist Teil der DFB-Qualifizierungsoffensive und gilt seit 16 Jahren als typischer Einstieg in die Tätigkeit als Trainer. Eine feierliche Zeremonie an der ISR, bei der die Zertifikate überreicht wurden, bildete den Abschluss des 40-stündigen Lehrgangs.
Insgesamt 80 Jugendliche ab 15 Jahren haben seit 2017 den Junior-Coach-Lehrgang an der ISR absolviert. „Das Engagement der jungen Leute ist bemerkenswert und unterstreicht den Wunsch, die eigene Leidenschaft für den Fußballsport mit einer professionellen Trainerausbildung zu verbinden“, sagt Karsten Baumann. “Es war eine Freude, mit diesen engagierten und talentierten jungen Menschen zu arbeiten. Ich bin stolz auf die Leistungen der elf Teilnehmenden und sehe in ihnen viel Potenzial als zukünftig hervorragende Trainerinnen und Trainer“. Baumann forderte die jungen Leute auf, sich mit ihrer wertvollen Ausbildung nun in Vereinen oder in den Schulen zu engagieren und ihr Wissen und ihre Leidenschaft für den Fußball weiterzugeben: „Sie sind Vorbilder für ihre Altersgenossen und können einen positiven Einfluss auf die Entwicklung des Jugendfußballs haben.”
„Während in den Anfangsjahren an der ISR fast nur Jungen Interesse zeigten, hat der Anteil weiblicher Teilnehmerinnen in den vergangenen Jahren deutlich zugenommen“, freute sich Emil Cete, stellvertretender Schuldirektor an der ISR. Diesmal waren fünf Mädchen bei den elf Prüflingen dabei, also etwa die Hälfte: “Auch das ist ein Zeichen für die hohe Qualität derAusbildung, die wir in Kooperation mit dem DFB bieten, und bestätigt unser Engagement für die Förderung des Jugendfußballs”, so Cete.
Auch zwei talentierte Spielerinnen von Borussia Mönchengladbach gehörten zu den Traineranwärterinnen. „Die erfolgreiche Teilnahme der Mönchengladbacher Spielerinnen verdeutlicht die Qualität der Ausbildung an der ISR und die Anerkennung, die sie in der Fußballwelt genießt“, betont Ulrike Engels-Dvorak, die den Kreisvorstand Grevenbroich/Neuss des Fußballverband Niederrhein bei dem Termin repräsentierte.
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 weltweit. 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 Art Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Art Camp 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
This year, we once again held our annual ISR Summer Art Camp during the first week of our ISR Summer Break, led by Bettina Schulenberg, mother of an ISR Alumni and long-time partner of ISR. This year, a total of 13 students participated and showcased their artistic skills.
Ms. Schulenberg organized an engaging week, filled with a variety of creative tasks that allowed the children to explore new painting techniques and work with different art materials.
The week began with introductions and icebreakers, providing the students with an opportunity to get to know each other. The participants enthusiastically experimented with diverse painting techniques, using materials such as wood, canvas, and cardboard, all while working with acrylic paint. They also explored papermaché, discovered the art of collage, engaged in recycling projects, and much more.
A highlight of each day was the communal lunch, where all participants gathered to exchange ideas and took a creative break for brainstorming. The week proved to be enjoyable for everyone involved, resulting in the creation of unique and stunning artworks throughout the camp. To conclude the camp, the participants invited their families and friends to an exhibition on the last day, proudly showcasing their creations. This exhibition served as a delightful conclusion to a successful week, celebrating the students’ accomplishments. A very special surprise this year: all participants of the sports camps came to visit to admire the fantastic results of the art camp participants!
We wish to express our gratitude to Ms. Schulenberg for organizing another great ISR Summer Art Camp, and we eagerly look forward to the next camp in the upcoming year!
ISR Sports Camp 2023
Looking back: ISR Sports Camp 2023
Monday, 3 July 2023
The first week of the ISR Summer Holidays promises an exciting time for all participants of the ISR Summer Camps and the ISR Summer School!
Today, we kicked off the sunny week with the annual ISR Sports Camp, marking the beginning of a week filled with sports activities for over 100 enthusiastic children, ranging from kindergarten to grade 8. The engaging program offers a diverse range of sports activities, striking a perfect balance between fun and skill-building. Alongside the ISR Sports Camp, the ISR Summer Art Camp also began today, catering to students with a creative interest.
We are eagerly looking forward to an eventful and enriching week as part of our comprehensive summer program. The first photos already capture the excitement!
