ISR University Fair 2026
ISR University Fair 2026
Where will your path lead after ISR?
We were delighted to host another successful SRT International University Fair at our ISR Campus in Neuss, giving our Grade 10 to 12 students the opportunity to explore their options beyond school and connect directly with representatives from universities and educational institutions around the world. Among the institutions represented were IE University, Nottingham Trent University, Swiss Education Group M.E, Esade Business & Law School, ESCP | Berlin Campus, Constructor University, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management, and the University of Strathclyde Golf Society, alongside many others. From business and engineering to art, design, and hospitality, the fair introduced our students to a wide range of academic pathways.
Through conversations with university representatives, our students explored degree programs, admission requirements, and student life. Asking questions and discovering new possibilities helped them gain a clearer understanding of their options and the next steps towards their future studies.
At ISR, we are proud to provide opportunities that help our students make informed decisions about their futures. Alongside international university fairs, our dedicated University and Career Counseling (UCC) Team supports students through personalized guidance and university visits, helping them identify pathways that match their interests, strengths, and ambitions.
We sincerely thank all participating representatives for visiting ISR and sharing their insights with our students. A special thank you goes to our UCC Team — Ms. Wacker, Dr. Corbin, and Dr. Bayülgen — for organizing this valuable event and for their continued dedication to guiding our students as they prepare for life beyond ISR!
Learn more about our University and Career Counseling offerings here: https://www.isr-school.de/ucc/
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
Spotlight On Our Student Mitsuki
This week, we celebrate Grade 7 student Mitsuki, whose curiosity, kindness and determination shine across his subjects. He joined ISR in 2025.
His positive energy stands out in Japanese. Ms. Hirano shares: “Mitsuki is a polite, thoughtful, and hardworking student. He brings positive energy and enthusiasm to every lesson. His steady progress reflects his commitment to learning. His cheerful attitude and willingness to do his best make him a valued member of the classroom.”
His confidence is growing, too. Our English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds: “Mitsuki brings genuine enthusiasm and endless curiosity to every English lesson. He is an impressively reflective learner who is growing in confidence when taking on academic challenges. He never leaves a lesson without saying ‘thank you’, showing what a thoughtful and respectful student he is.”
That thoughtfulness also shines in Mathematics. Ms. Chroni notes: “Although I have known Mitsuki for less than two months, he has already made a very positive impression. He is polite, respectful, and genuinely engaged. He always takes the time to thank us after each lesson, giving teachers an extra boost to keep doing their best.”
His former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, recalls his willingness to learn: “Mitsuki is polite, funny, inquisitive, and a joy to teach. In my EAL class last year, he took feedback seriously, applied it to his learning, and showed steady growth. His enthusiasm, kindness, and positive outlook made him a wonderful member of the class.”
His creativity is equally evident. His Art teacher, Ms. Schultz, shares: “One of Mitsuki’s impressive artworks was a piece inspired by Osaka Castle. Its detail and careful observation reflected strong thinking skills and wonderful artistic talent. His hard work is always evident.”
Mr. Edwards, Mitsuki’s Grade 6 Homeroom Teacher last year, praises his team spirit: “Mitsuki is a wonderful learner who is always curious and eager to expand his knowledge. He approaches new challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. He is an absolute team player, showing kindness, respect, and support to his classmates.”
We are proud to spotlight Mitsuki 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 to Open Additional Campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel: Landmark Altes Comenius Building to Become a School Again as Early as August 2027
ISR International School on the Rhine Neuss / Düsseldorf / Meerbusch
ISR to Open Additional Campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel: Landmark Altes Comenius Building to Become a School Again as Early as August 2027
Wednesday, 23 September 2026
Swift restoration work enables an early opening for all grades offered in Düsseldorf, Grades 1–6 / As an extension of the existing school, the new campus shares the same curriculum, enrollment contract, and tuition structure as the Neuss campus / All-day care from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and a 1:6 staff-to-student ratio / After Grade 6, students are guaranteed a place at the Neuss campus on their path to the IB Diploma / Enrollment opens in October 2026 / ISR Open House on October 10, 2026
ISR International School on the Rhine will open an additional campus in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel for the 2027–28 school year. Restoration of the landmark-protected Altes Comenius at Comeniusstraße 1 began earlier this year and is progressing so swiftly that classes for Grades 1–6 can begin there in August 2027. One of the state capital’s most storied school buildings will thus return to its original purpose. Enrollment opens in October 2026.
The new campus is an extension of the existing school rather than a newly founded one. Its curriculum, educational approach, enrollment contract, tuition structure, and quality standards are therefore identical to those of the Neuss campus and the ISR Kindergartens in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel and Meerbusch-Büderich. The ISR Kindergarten Düsseldorf-Niederkassel is just a few hundred meters away, making the transition to Grade 1 especially smooth for the children who are already learning there, as well as for their families.
After Grade 6, students move on to the Neuss campus with a guaranteed place and without having to reapply, continuing their educational journey through the Cambridge IGCSE to the IB Diploma Programme. ISR deliberately keeps its secondary school and IB Diploma years together on a single campus, ensuring a range of high school courses that is both broad and specialized. On average, students spend eight years at ISR.
Above all, the new campus offers Düsseldorf families dependable support. All-day care is guaranteed from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.—at no additional cost—and an established substitute teacher system ensures that classes continue even when teachers are absent. A school nurse and a Wellbeing Counselor dedicated to supporting the whole child will be on site. As in Neuss, ISR offers a school bus service, and the campus is easily accessible from many parts of Düsseldorf via the nearby Belsenplatz and Barbarossaplatz public transit stops. Safety standards are the same as on the Neuss campus: a security officer will be on site to accompany students during arrival and dismissal, monitor access to the grounds, and ensure a safe environment for families.
Instruction follows the Cambridge International Primary and Lower Secondary Curriculum, which, as part of the Cambridge Pathway, structures students’ learning from Grade 1 through the IGCSE and on to the IB Diploma. Mathematics, English, German, science, social studies, and computer science form the core of the academic program, while art, music, physical education, and social-emotional learning are part of every school week. German is required for all students—either as a first language or as a foreign language, based on the North Rhine-Westphalia state curriculum. Beginning in Grade 6, students add a third language: French, Spanish, Japanese, or Chinese.
A Historic Building with Modern Facilities
“With this step, we are restoring the Altes Comenius to its original purpose: a school building will once again be a school. What excites us about this building is how it will bring together more than a century of educational tradition and state-of-the-art facilities,” says Peter Soliman, Managing Partner of ISR. “It will be an ideal combination.” In addition to thoughtfully equipped classrooms, the new campus will feature a spacious auditorium, a gymnasium, a modern library, and newly designed playgrounds and outdoor learning spaces.
The new campus will be led by three experienced members of the ISR leadership team: Eileen Lyons (Academic Leadership), Colm Rowan (Head of Elementary School Düsseldorf), and Annika Poestges (Head of Administration & Marketing). ISR is also committed to continuity in the classroom: teachers who have taught at the Neuss campus for years will move to Oberkassel, joined by new colleagues who have been onboarding in Neuss since the start of this school year. As a result, families in Oberkassel will be welcomed by a well-established team from day one. As at every ISR location, the Oberkassel campus will maintain a ratio of one staff member for every six students.
The strength of ISR’s academic program is reflected in the results of its most recent graduating class. In 2026, ISR graduates in the IB Diploma Programme—which leads to the full IB Diploma, recognized in Germany as equivalent to the Abitur—achieved an average score of 36 points, around 20 percent above the global average of 30 points, with a pass rate of 100 percent. Nearly a quarter of graduates (24 percent) scored 40 or more out of a maximum of 45 points. All graduates leave ISR with two diplomas: the IB Diploma—earned as a bilingual diploma by 59 percent of the Class of 2026—and the High School Diploma. In the Cambridge IGCSE examinations, taken at the end of Grade 10, the pass
rate was likewise 100 percent, with 66 percent of all exams awarded the top grades of A* or A. In the DELF French-language examinations, every candidate passed, and the highest score was 96.5 out of 100 points.
A Wide Range of Opportunities for Neighborhood Families
“For us, opening this new school comes with a genuine responsibility toward Oberkassel and the entire district,” Peter Soliman emphasizes. “A school is an essential part of its neighborhood, so we want to open ISR to the local community—for example, with a Christmas celebration in the courtyard or themed evenings, to which we warmly invite our neighbors. In the future, families who are not part of the ISR community will also be able to benefit from our wide range of offerings, such as the expertise of our University and Career Counseling team or our Wellbeing Team.”
With the Oberkassel campus, ISR is responding to years of growing demand from international and Düsseldorf-based families on the left bank of the Rhine. Enrollment opens in October 2026, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the school year. Current ISR families from the three ISR Kindergartens and the Neuss campus will receive priority admission for the inaugural 2027–28 school year.
Interested families are invited to learn more about the new campus and meet the team at the ISR Open House on October 10, 2026, at the Neuss campus. Tours of the new ISR Elementary School Düsseldorf will be offered beginning in February 2027. Admissions inquiries may be directed to Isabel Reimann (Admissions) at +49 (0) 2131 40388-11 or admissions@isr-school.de.
About ISR
ISR International School on the Rhine, based in Neuss, is a private international school offering a full-day program. More than 1,200 students from the region and around the world learn together as they work toward internationally recognized diplomas. Alongside academic excellence, character education and social responsibility are at the heart of the school’s mission, and students are prepared for university study at leading institutions in Germany and abroad. For younger children, ISR operates international kindergartens on the Neuss campus and in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, as well as a German-language kindergarten in Meerbusch-Büderich. In August 2027, ISR will open an additional campus for Grades 1–6 in the landmark-protected Altes Comenius building in Düsseldorf-Oberkassel.
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Chris
Spotlight On Our Student Chris
This week, we are proud to spotlight our eleventh-grader, Chris, who joined ISR in 2022. He was nominated for the Spotlight by his English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who writes:
“Although I have only been teaching Chris since the start of the academic year, he has already made a fantastic impression. In IB English he consistently demonstrates a positive attitude, a willingness to learn new things, and he is growing in confidence when it comes to sharing his insightful ideas. A real highlight is the quality of Chris’ written work which is fluent, convincing and engaging to read. I’m also lucky enough to teach Chris TOK where he displays an excellent ability to see complex topics and challenging issues from a range of nuanced perspectives. Above all, Chris is a kind, respectful student who is a pleasure to have in class. And when it comes to the IB Learner Profile, Chris does not just see the attributes as ideas; he puts them into practice each and every day. Well done, Chris!”
His impressive development at ISR is also highlighted by Mr. McGowan, Head of Secondary English:
“I had the very great pleasure of teaching Chris in grades 9 and 10 and watching him move from our English as an Additional Language pathway to our native level pathway; seeing him adapt to English A at IB this year is a genuine pleasure and fully deserved. Chris’ dedication to self-improvement, responding to feedback and overall effort are markers of his character, and this has been true of Chris for the entire time I have been fortunate enough to teach him and know him. When you add to that just how friendly, caring, polite and funny Chris is, you really have an ideal ISR student who fully embodies the notion that it is cool to be good.”
Chris also demonstrates great creativity and commitment. Ms. Chroni shares:
“Chris was one of my Grade 8 Mathematics students—polite, respectful and exceptionally strong academically. He is also a very talented artist, something I got to see more of during our recent SLC retreat. What stood out to me most was how much he cared about doing his best for his group. His artwork for the Academic Achievement and Conduct group poster was exceptional, and he was so determined to finish it that he was willing to stay behind and work on it alone, even if it meant giving up some of his Chemistry study time. He really gives his all, and that says a lot about the kind of person he is.”
Finally, Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, adds:
“Chris is an actively engaged student who likes to establish a firm understanding of the fundamental principles governing physics. He poses probing and intelligent questions, highlighting his ability to connect different areas of the course in a meaningful manner. His calm nature and patient approach to problem solving contribute wonderfully to the IB physics lessons.”
We are proud to spotlight Chris 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
Lesen Sie jetzt in der RP App weiter: Neue Privatschule in Düsseldorf will früher als geplant starten
Lesen Sie jetzt in der RP App weiter: Neue Privatschule in Düsseldorf will früher als geplant starten
Mittwoch, 23. September 2026
ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026
ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026
Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome many families to our ISR Campus in Neuss for this year’s ISR Family Fun & Sports Day – an exciting day filled with sports, activities, community spirit, and plenty of fun for participants of all ages!
Throughout the day, the children had the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of sporting activities, including Football Penalty Kick, Dodgeball, Beach Volleyball, Basketball, Sprinting, Jump Rope, Egg & Spoon Race, and Rope Pulling. The different stations brought plenty of energy to our campus and gave our young participants the chance to challenge themselves, stay active, and enjoy some friendly competition.
We were also very pleased to welcome many of our dedicated partners, who enriched the program with a variety of activities for the children. These included Musicbox Oxana, Krokodil Schwimmschule, NTC Stadtwald, Life in Germany, Capoeira (SEA), Tennis (SEA), and Ballet (SEA) by Claudia Peltzer. We sincerely appreciate their continued support and the enthusiasm they brought to the day.
Our Student Leadership Council (SLC) played an important role throughout the event. Our students supported the organization, helped at various stations, such as face painting, and contributed enormously to creating such a welcoming and enjoyable atmosphere. We are very proud of their commitment and wonderful team spirit! A special highlight of the day was our tombola, where children had the opportunity to win a selection of wonderful prizes.
Of course, a day full of activities also called for some refreshments. Our trusted partner Broich Catering provided delicious food and beverages, while our Coffee Bike from Bacio e Amore and Ice Cream Truck Angelo offered additional treats for our guests throughout the afternoon.
Alongside the activities, our families had the opportunity to experience our international community, meet members of our dedicated faculty and staff, and discover our extensive kindergarten and school campus.
The ISR Family Fun & Sports Day 2026 was a wonderful way to come together as a community and enjoy an active and memorable day on our campus.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to all participating families, our cooperation partners, teachers, SLC students, and staff members who contributed to making this event such a success. Your commitment, support, and enthusiasm made the day truly special!
We were delighted to welcome so many families to ISR and look forward to many more wonderful ISR Community Events throughout the academic year!
A New Chapter Begins: ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026
A New Chapter Begins: ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026
On August 28th, we celebrated a very special milestone — our ISR First Grade Ceremony 2026!
The ISR Sports Hall was filled with over 350 guests, all there to celebrate our new Grade 1 students as they began their first year in ISR Elementary School. The event opened with a warm welcome from Mr. Colm Rowan, Head of ISR Elementary School, who spoke about the values that make ISR such a special place — kindness, hard work, and looking out for one another — and how each child’s everyday choices help shape our community for the better.
Ms. Eileen Lyons, ISR School Director, followed with words on how meaningful this day is for the children and their families.
A musical highlight of the ceremony was a lovely performance of our school song, “Ode to ISR,” presented by 5th grader Maya. Ms. Joanna Metcalfe, Head of Grades 1 & 2, then introduced the Grade 1 teachers, who will guide and support our newest students throughout this exciting first school year.
The moment everyone had been waiting for arrived with the presentation of the traditional “Schultüten,” handed to the children by their Grade 1 teachers. This symbolic gesture marked the true start of their school journey and brought plenty of excitement and happy smiles.
After the ceremony, families gathered for a Welcome Get-Together, where parents and staff connected over refreshments and celebrated this joyful new beginning together.
We are proud to welcome our new first graders into the ISR Family and cannot wait for the year ahead!
Celebrating Excellence: Outstanding IB, IGCSE and DELF Results
Celebrating Excellence: Outstanding IB, IGCSE and DELF Results
We are especially pleased to start the new academic year with news of the significant academic successes our students achieved over the past weeks, and we would like to take a moment to celebrate their hard work with you!
Exceptional IB Results – Well Above The International Average
In July, we received this year’s excellent IB results – a further testimony to our motto: It’s cool to be good!
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is widely regarded as the gold standard of pre-university education. Recognized and respected by universities in over 100 countries, it challenges students not only to master a broad range of academic subjects, but also to develop critical thinking, research skills, intercultural understanding, and genuine independence – precisely the qualities the world’s leading universities are looking for.
At ISR, we have an excellent track record of achieving results well above the global average, year after year.
This year’s graduating class continued that proud tradition:
- 36 out of 45 points on average – far above the worldwide average of 30.8 points
- 100% pass rate
- 24% of students achieved 40+ points – placing them among the top IB students worldwide
- 59% earned a bilingual IB Diploma, with two languages at native level
- 3+ university offers per student on average – with admissions in countries such as Germany, Ireland, and Austria still pending
Our graduates have already received offers from some of the most prestigious universities worldwide, including the University of Amsterdam, Delft University of Technology, Eindhoven University of Technology, the University of Groningen, Zuyd University of Applied Sciences, EHL Hospitality Business School, ETH Zurich, the Stockholm School of Economics, IE University Madrid, Imperial College London, King’s College London, the University of St Andrews, the University of Edinburgh, Kingston University, the University of Birmingham, the University of California, San Diego, the University of Toronto, the University of Melbourne, and The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology – just to name a few.
We could not be prouder of the Class of 2026 and wish them every success on their exciting journeys ahead!
Fantastic IGCSE Results
The good news did not stop there: recently in August, we received fantastic IGCSE results!
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education), awarded by Cambridge, is one of the world’s most recognized qualifications for students at the end of Grade 10. It provides rigorous, internationally benchmarked preparation for the IB Diploma Programme and is valued by schools and universities around the globe – giving our students a proven academic foundation and a competitive edge on their path to the Diploma years.
Our students’ achievements this year speak for themselves. With 45 candidates completing 205 examination entries, our students achieved:
- 66% of all grades at A*–A
- 94% at A–B
- 100% at A–C – every single entry at grade C or above!
- In total, our students earned an impressive 66 A* and 70 A grades
As the chart below shows, this success is not a one-off but part of a steady upward trend. In our IGCSE courses in German, English, Mathematics and the Sciences, the share of A*–A grades has grown year on year – from 50% in 2024 to 58% in 2025 and now 66% in 2026 – while A*–B grades rose from 75% to an impressive 94%.
In both 2024 and 2025, our students’ results were also well above the global averages (40% and 43% A*–A respectively), and we look forward to seeing this year’s international comparison when the global 2026 results are published in November!
Equally encouraging are this year’s Cambridge Checkpoint results, where our younger students significantly outperformed international averages in every subject:
Excellent DELF Results
Furthermore, we received the results of this year’s DELF examinations. The DELF (Diplôme d’Études en Langue Française) is an official French language diploma awarded by the French Ministry of Education and recognized worldwide. Valid for life, it certifies a student’s French proficiency according to the internationally standardized CEFR levels and is a valuable asset for university applications, international study programs, and future careers – a true door-opener wherever French language skills are required.
We are thrilled to share that every single ISR student who took the examination successfully passed their respective language level – a 100% success rate across all levels from A1 to B1!
Beyond simply passing, our students excelled:
- With a pass mark of 50 out of 100 points, our students achieved an outstanding average score of 85 points, with more than a third of students scoring above 90 points – and top results reaching an impressive 96.5 out of 100 points
- 11 of the 26 candidates — more than 4 in 10 — achieved a perfect score in at least one exam section (listening, reading, writing or speaking), earning 15 flawless 25/25 section scores in total
Congratulations to our young francophones and their dedicated teachers!
A Community Achievement
These outstanding results are no coincidence.
They are the product of the hard work and dedication of our students, the passion and expertise of our teachers, and – just as importantly – the continuous support of our families!
We look forward to another successful academic year ahead – one in which we will continue to prove, every day, that it’s cool to be good!
ISR Student Summer Stories
This summer, we are introducing the ISR Student Summer Stories series, highlighting how our students use their summer holidays to gain valuable experience, take on new challenges, and make a meaningful difference beyond the classroom!
1. Leonard
Our first story features Grade 12 student Leonard, who dedicated his time and energy to improving sanitation facilities at a school in Cameroon as part of his CAS project.
Inspired by his uncle, who initiated a similar sanitation project in Africa many years ago, Leonard became aware of the impact that inadequate facilities can have on a child’s education. At many schools, a lack of safe and hygienic toilets can prevent students from attending lessons regularly, with girls being particularly affected.
Determined to make a difference, Leonard began raising funds for the construction of a new sanitation block with running water. The plans include separate toilets for girls and boys, facilities for teachers, accessible toilets, and a sustainable wastewater system. Bringing such an ambitious project to life required courage, persistence, and a great deal of personal responsibility!
Leonard approached potential donors, organized fundraising activities and presented the project at school events. Asking others for financial support was not always easy, but he continued to speak about the importance of the project and encouraged people to become part of it. His commitment even attracted the attention of the local newspaper Rheinische Post/NGZ, which took a keen interest in his efforts and interviewed him about the initiative.
Leonard’s story shows that meaningful change often begins with one person who is willing to take the first step. His dedication has helped turn an idea into a project that can have a lasting impact on an entire school community for years to come.
We are incredibly proud of Leonard and everything he has achieved! His example reminds us how important it is to take responsibility, become actively involved, and use our own opportunities to support others. It also shows that no meaningful project is achieved alone: This journey was made possible through the trust, encouragement, and generous donations of the ISR Community, including partners, families, friends, and everyone who believed in and supported the project.
We are proud to share Leonard’s inspiring journey as the first chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories!
2. Carl
Our ISR Student Summer Stories series continues, celebrating the meaningful experiences our students pursue beyond the classroom during their summer holidays. Whether through internships, social projects, or personal initiatives, these stories highlight how curiosity and the courage to explore new opportunities can lead to valuable learning and personal growth.
For our second ISR Student Summer Story, we are delighted to introduce Carl, one of our future Grade 12 students, who spent an inspiring week at the German Bundestag completing an internship with Member of Parliament Carl-Philipp Sassenrath.
As the internship took place during a full parliamentary week, Carl was able to experience the work of the German Parliament first-hand. He accompanied Mr. Sassenrath and his team throughout their daily activities, gained insight into their responsibilities, and witnessed several parliamentary debates and votes.
“It was a fantastic opportunity to gain first-hand insight into the work of the German Parliament. I was able to experience the team’s day-to-day responsibilities and shadow Mr. Sassenrath during a full parliamentary week with many important votes. The internship gave me valuable new perspectives on politics, public service, and the legislative process,” Carl says.
A particularly memorable part of the week was Carl’s personal interview with Mr. Sassenrath. Their conversation revealed an exciting connection: both developed an early interest in politics through Model United Nations (MUN) conferences. Mr. Sassenrath explained that his political journey later continued through local CDU politics and his involvement in sports, particularly through projects that brought schools and sports clubs closer together. At the heart of his work is a simple but powerful motivation: the desire to make a meaningful contribution to society!
When Carl asked what had surprised him most about working at the Bundestag, Mr. Sassenrath highlighted the dynamic pace of parliamentary life, with its many meetings, appointments, and personal exchanges. He was especially impressed by the strong sense of collaboration and constructive dialogue that shapes political work behind the scenes – an encouraging side of the Bundestag that is not always visible to the public.
His advice to his younger self also offered Carl an important takeaway:
“Follow your passions and trust your instincts. When you truly care about what you are doing, you are far more likely to do it well!”
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr. Sassenrath and his team for giving Carl this exceptional opportunity to experience political life at the Bundestag first-hand! We are excited to see where Carl’s curiosity and passion will take him next – and who knows, perhaps one day Carl will be the one offering a similar opportunity to a future ISR student!
3. Nicholas
For the third chapter of our ISR Student Summer Stories, we are delighted to share the experience of Nicholas, one of our Grade 11 students, who spent part of his summer at the Bocconi Summer School in Milan.
Nicholas chose Bocconi because of its strong international reputation and its academic focus on subjects closely connected to his interests in international law, politics, and global affairs. At the same time, the program offered him an opportunity to look beyond the classroom and discover whether he could imagine studying and living in Milan in the future!
During the Summer School, Nicholas participated in two academic labs: “The European Union and Its Economic Policies in Post-Globalisation” and “International Politics”. Both courses concluded with a final presentation, giving him the opportunity not only to deepen his subject knowledge but also to develop his research, critical-thinking, and presentation skills.
“The lectures and presentations reshaped how I view international relations,” Nicholas explains. Through discussions with lecturers and fellow students, he gained new perspectives on political cooperation, economic policy, and the complex relationships between countries and international institutions.
Nicholas also took part in extracurricular activities, including a cooking class, which gave him the chance to experience Italian culture in a more personal and enjoyable way. Alongside the demanding academic program, he formed new friendships, explored Milan, and experienced everyday life in one of Europe’s most vibrant university cities.
“Between the top-tier academics, the friendships I formed, and the city of Milan itself, it became a place where I could see myself living in the future,” Nicholas says.
We are very proud of Nicholas for stepping outside his familiar environment, embracing new academic challenges and approaching this experience with such curiosity and openness! His time at Bocconi is a wonderful example of how initiative and a willingness to explore new opportunities can support both personal and academic growth.
4. Helen
Our fourth story features Helen, who travelled from Germany to Shanghai to participate in the Peer Potential Mock Trial (PPMT), one of China’s longest-running English-language mock trial competitions for high school students. Over four intensive days, more than 100 students across 22 teams took part in courtroom simulations evaluated by law students and graduates from universities including Yale, Harvard, and New York University.
Helen was the only participant traveling from Germany. She joined a newly formed team of five students who had never met before and, after the first round of training, was selected as team captain.
She also took on two demanding roles: Prosecution Closing Attorney, delivering the prosecution’s final argument, and Defendant, facing cross-examination. Seeing the same case from different perspectives required critical thinking, clear communication, adaptability, and composure under pressure.
Together with her teammates, Helen achieved an impressive result. The team ranked among the strongest performers in the preliminary rounds and narrowly missed out on the final three. Helen’s individual performance was also recognised with the Outstanding Witness Award!
Yet what stayed with her most was not the award, but the people she met and the atmosphere of mutual respect, humility, and support. Helen reflected: “Before this competition, I thought being ‘good’ mostly meant being talented or performing well. But I met so many people who were not only capable, but also kind, humble, and willing to help others. I realized that excellence isn’t something you achieve alone – it grows when you’re surrounded by people who inspire you to become better. Winning the Outstanding Witness Award made me proud, but meeting those people was the most valuable part of this experience. For the first time, I truly understood what ISR means when it says, ‘It’s cool to be good.’”
Helen’s story reminds us that meaningful experiences are shaped by the people we meet, the perspectives we gain, and the courage to challenge ourselves.
We are proud of Helen for representing herself and our ISR Community with confidence, curiosity, and openness. Her journey reflects what “It’s cool to be good” means in practice: striving for excellence while remaining humble, supportive, and willing to learn from others.
5. Maria & Amelie
Our fifth ISR Summer Story features Grade 11 student Maria and Grade 9 student Amelie, who spent 14 days traveling through China and covered more than 4,500 kilometers by train. Inspired by their brother Leonard, who visited China with ISR last year, they were excited to experience the country for themselves.
Their journey began in Beijing, which for them represented the present-day face of China. They visited the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Ming Tombs, and the Temple of Heaven. The Great Wall was a particular highlight, and they also enjoyed discovering the local cuisine and trying the famous Peking duck!
Next came Xi’an, a city that gave them a fascinating glimpse into China’s past. They explored the old town, the Small Wild Goose Pagoda, and the world-famous Terracotta Army. Seeing the thousands of extraordinary figures in person was one of the most impressive and memorable moments of their entire journey.
In Shanghai, Maria and Amelie experienced yet another side of China: modern, vibrant, and full of impressive skyscrapers. They visited the Shanghai Tower, the Bund, Nanjing Road, Yu Garden, and the Jade Buddha Temple, and especially enjoyed the fascinating contrast between modern architecture and traditional culture.
Their journey then continued to Guilin and Yangshuo, where the rivers and spectacular karst mountains reminded them of the landscapes from Avatar. A boat trip, a suspension bridge, and the remarkable “Liu Sanjie” show on the Li River made this part of their adventure particularly special.
Their final stop was Hong Kong, where they explored Victoria Harbour, the Avenue of Stars, Wong Tai Sin Temple, and Victoria Peak — and even met a friend from school!
After two exciting weeks filled with new impressions, cultures, landscapes, and unforgettable memories, Maria and Amelie returned to Frankfurt with one clear wish: to visit China again.
We are delighted to share their journey with our ISR Community and hope their story inspires others to stay curious, explore the world with open minds, and embrace every opportunity to learn beyond the classroom.
6. Anton
Our sixth ISR Summer Story features Grade 8 student Anton, who spent nearly two weeks completing an intensive neuroscience research internship at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf.
From the very beginning, Anton was much more than an observer. Dr. Nora Bittner and her colleagues introduced him to different areas of neuroscience and involved him in real scientific work. Dr. Bittner is a Scientific Coordinator at Forschungszentrum Jülich’s Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), where her work is connected to the structural and functional organisation of the human brain.
A major focus of Anton’s internship was the connection between neuroscience, medicine, mathematics, and computer science. Working with data from the 1000BRAINS study, he wrote his own Python programs to analyse relationships between age, brain structure, cognitive performance, and brain networks. He also explored MRI and fMRI, white matter lesions, functional connectivity, and machine learning.
One particularly exciting task involved examining real MRI scans and comparing his observations with results produced by an automated algorithm. Using Python and Jupyter Notebook, Anton also worked with classification and regression models and data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, gaining insight into how computational methods can support modern brain research.
His internship also took him beyond the computer. Anton learned about brain-tissue preparation and microscopy, experienced cognitive testing, and visited an MRI scanner at the university hospital. These experiences showed him how laboratory work, imaging technologies, and data analysis come together in neuroscience.
Anton documented each day in a detailed internship diary, reflecting on what he had learned. His existing programming skills and knowledge of neuroscience were also positively recognised by the researchers – wonderful encouragement for a young student with such a strong interest in the field.
We are very proud of Anton for approaching this exceptional opportunity with curiosity, focus, and enthusiasm, and for taking his learning far beyond the classroom!
7. Felicia
We are excited to share the story of our Grade 7 student Felicia as the seventh chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories series!
During the summer holidays, Felicia embarked on an unforgettable journey through Alaska with her family, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, vast stretches of ocean and incredible wildlife. Among the many remarkable moments, one experience stood out in particular: seeing whales in the wild for the very first time.
One evening, while the family was enjoying dinner on board, Felicia suddenly noticed a splash in the distance. Moments later, an excited announcement from the ship’s captain confirmed what everyone had hoped for: whales!
Guests quickly gathered by the windows as humpback whales appeared in the water outside. Felicia watched in fascination as the enormous animals moved gracefully through the ocean, their fins and flippers briefly emerging above the surface before disappearing again beneath the water.
And the encounters did not stop there. Throughout the journey, Felicia was fortunate enough to see several whale species, including humpback whales and fin whales. An especially memorable moment came when orcas appeared. With their distinctive black backs and towering dorsal fins breaking the surface, they seemed both powerful and remarkably calm.
For Felicia, seeing these extraordinary animals in their natural habitat created a fascinating mixture of excitement, awe, and wonder. The experience gave her an entirely new appreciation for wildlife and for the beauty of Alaska’s spectacular waters.
Experiences like Felicia’s show how travel can open our eyes to the extraordinary world beyond our everyday surroundings and turn a family holiday into lasting memories.
We are delighted that Felicia has shared this special experience with our ISR Community.
Thank you, Felicia, for taking us along on your unforgettable adventure in the seventh chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories!
8. Gian
We are excited to share the story of our Grade 11 student Gian as the eighth chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories series!
For Gian, this summer was shaped by a remarkable variety of experiences – from travelling and discovering new cultures to gaining valuable professional insights and learning to rely on himself.
His summer began with three weeks in South Africa and Mauritius with his family, fulfilling a long-time dream of going on a real safari. Experiencing cultures so different from life in Germany gave him new perspectives and made for an unforgettable start to the holidays.
Back home, Gian spent a week coaching tennis, cycling 25 kilometres to and from the courts each day. The routine became a valuable lesson in discipline and consistency.
He then worked alongside his father in the family business, gaining practical insight into how a company operates day to day. This was followed by a week-long internship at a brand strategy and design agency in Aachen, where he joined client briefings and sales calls and contributed to live marketing campaigns.
His main project was building a landing page from scratch, from the first visual mock-up to the finished website. What seemed simple at first turned out to involve far more strategy, planning and testing than expected, giving Gian a new understanding of how branding and design can influence a sale.
Gian closed out his summer with a short solo trip through Switzerland and France, visiting friends and hiking around Chamonix. Travelling alone encouraged him to make his own decisions and rely on himself.
Reflecting on his summer, Gian shared:
“My internship showed me how much strategy sits behind something as simple as a webpage. Combined with what I learned from my father and my solo trip, I realized the special part of the summer wasn’t any single experience but the variety between them. If there’s one thing that carried through all of it, it’s that good leadership means listening first. Heading into the IB, that’s the preparation I didn’t know I needed.”
Thank you, Gian, for sharing your inspiring summer journey with our ISR Community!
9. Sam and Nero
We are delighted to share the story of our Grade 5 student Sam and Grade 4 student Neo as the ninth chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories series!
During the summer holidays, the two brothers experienced a very special adventure in Bali with their family: an unforgettable early-morning journey to Mount Batur, one of the island’s active volcanoes.
Their day began at 2:30 AM, when they were picked up from their villa in Jimbaran. After a two-and-a-half-hour drive, Sam and Neo arrived at the foot of Mount Batur, where they swapped their regular car for an off-road Jeep. Together with their friendly guide, they made their way up the rocky volcanic slopes in the darkness.
After around 30 minutes of a wild and bumpy ride, they reached the viewpoint just in time for sunrise. Slowly, the sky changed from dark blue to purple, pink, and bright orange. As the sun appeared above the mountains, clouds and mist drifted through the valleys below. For Sam and Neo, watching the landscape come to life was one of the most memorable moments of the entire trip.
The brothers also collected volcanic rocks as souvenirs and learned more about Mount Batur’s past eruptions. Their guide showed them the dark path once taken by lava, giving them a fascinating impression of the immense power hidden beneath the peaceful landscape.
After exploring the volcano, the family visited the Mount Batur hot springs, where the naturally warm water offered the perfect chance to relax after the cold morning and adventurous Jeep ride.
Their journey continued with delicious Balinese food and a visit to a Kopi Luwak farm. There, Sam and Neo learned how the famous coffee is produced and even had the opportunity to meet and gently touch a real luwak.
From watching the sunrise above the clouds to travelling across volcanic terrain and discovering local traditions, Sam and Neo’s day was filled with adventure, learning, and unforgettable family memories.
Thank you, Sam and Neo, for taking us along on your incredible Balinese adventure as the ninth chapter of this year’s ISR Student Summer Stories!
ISR Sports Camp 2026
ISR Sports Camp 2026
An active, exciting, and unforgettable week marked the beginning of this year’s ISR Summer Break as more than 100 children came together for the ISR Sports Camp 2026 on our ISR Campus in Neuss. Filled with sports, games, and memorable excursions, the camp offered the perfect mix of movement, fun, and new experiences.
Throughout the week, participants enjoyed a diverse sports program organized in age-appropriate groups. From soccer, tennis, and a variety of ball games to gymnastics, Capoeira, dance games, and interactive parachute activities – there was something to enjoy for everyone! Every day brought new opportunities to stay active, build confidence, and make new friendships and strengthen existing ones. To complement the energetic program, the children also took part in relaxing “Mindful Time” sessions, including yoga, giving them the opportunity to recharge. One of the week’s highlights was the tennis training on our new seven tennis courts, located opposite our ISR Campus at the NTC Stadtwald. There, the children were introduced to new tennis skills through fun and engaging training sessions.
The camp was further enriched by several exciting excursions across Neuss. At Alpenpark Neuss, the children spent an action-packed day enjoying a variety of different activities. They also explored BERO’s Children’s World, a popular outdoor adventure playground featuring climbing structures, slides, trampolines, and interactive play areas. Another favorite destination was Superfly Air Sports Neuss, where the children experienced the excitement of one of Germany’s largest trampoline parks, complete with exciting jumping zones and fun physical challenges.
A heartfelt thank you goes to our dedicated ISR Sports Team, ISR Supervisors, and supporting teachers. Their passion and enthusiasm for a diverse sports program once again made this year’s camp an outstanding success. We also wish to extend our special thanks to Ms. Racheva, our ISR Sports Camp Leader, for designing such an enriching and engaging program for this year’s ISR Sports Camp. We look forward to welcoming both returning and new participants to next year’s ISR Sports Camp, and we are pleased to launch our second part of the ISR Summer Program today – the ISR Summer School and the ISR Cooking Camp.
