ISR Robotics Camp 2025 – A Week of Innovation, Team Spirit, and Future Technologies
ISR Robotics Camp 2025 – A Week of Innovation, Team Spirit, and Future Technologies
The ISR Robotics Camp 2025 brought together 11 ambitious participants for a week of high-tech exploration and hands-on learning at ISR. Under the guidance of our Head of IT, Mohammed Aloof, Artificial Intelligence Expert and ISR Alumnus Hugo, who is currently studying Artificial Intelligence in Italy, and Camp Assistant Adrian, all participants were immersed in a future-facing curriculum designed to spark curiosity and technical mastery.
The program included several hands-on workshops and learning modules. In Artificial Intelligence, campers learned the principles of AI, how it influences modern technology, and its potential impact on society. A highlight of the camp was our humanoid Robot Nao, which played an integral part in the AI learning experience. Nao demonstrated how robots can interact with their environment and process information using AI, giving students an engaging, hands-on look at robotics in action.
The students furthermore experienced 3D printing by turning digital models into physical objects layer by layer. In Virtual Reality sessions, they explored immersive worlds and learned about applications in education, gaming, and professional training. In Excel Drawing using Pixels, participants created digital art by treating Excel cells as individual pixels, which encouraged logical thinking and creativity!
We are fortunate that all of these cutting-edge technologies — from AI and VR to 3D printing and robotics — are part of the regular school equipment and curriculum at ISR, meaning our students can explore them throughout their academic journey at ISR!
Guided by our three passionate camp leaders, the ISR Robotics Camp 2025 was a fun and educational experience for all students involved! The participants not only built practical skills but also developed a deeper understanding of technology’s foundational elements and future trends.
We thank all participants for their curiosity and look forward to another ISR Robotics Camp soon!
ISR Cooking Camp 2025
ISR Cooking Camp 2025
During the second week of our ISR Summer Break, our annual ISR Cooking Camp took place at our ISR Campus in Neuss, organized by our partner and school caterer, Broich Catering. This year again, the camp offered a wide range of hands-on culinary experiences and exciting discoveries related to food and nutrition.
Throughout the week, the children enthusiastically prepared a variety of delicious dishes – including traditional Flammkuchen, Swedish Köttbullar, as well as fresh sushi and summer rolls. The children also baked their own bread, roasted granola, and even made butter from cream. In doing so, they learned valuable cooking skills as well as developed a greater appreciation for homemade food.
In addition to the practical culinary tasks, nutrition education played an important role in this year’s camp. On Tuesday, the focus was on the topic “All About Milk”, exploring where milk comes from, what alternatives exist, and what products can be made from it.
A special highlight was Thursday’s excursion to the Frenkenhof farm in Meerbusch. There, the children learned about different grain varieties, visited a wheat field, and ground wheat grains into flour, which they then turned into homemade bread rolls. They also had the opportunity to feed and gently pet the farm’s chickens – a truly memorable experience!
To conclude the week, a Family Dinner took place on Friday. The children prepared a delicious three-course meal, created personalized menu cards and name tags, and beautifully decorated the dining tables. The parents were delighted and impressed by the creativity, effort, and culinary talent their children had shown throughout the week.
We wish to thank the entire Broich Catering Team for the professional organization and heartfelt dedication that made this year’s ISR Cooking Camp another great success. We are already looking forward to next year!
A Year of Excellence: Celebrating Excellent IB Results and Global University Offers at ISR
A Year of Excellence: Celebrating Excellent IB Results and Global University Offers at ISR
With great joy and pride, we look back on an exceptionally successful year at ISR!
Academic excellence – along with the successful and fulfilling future it enables – lies at the very core of our mission as a leading college preparatory school.
We are especially thrilled that this year’s graduating class – the largest in ISR’s history – completed the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program with an outstanding average score of 35 points and a remarkable 100% pass rate!
- Particularly impressive is that 70% of our graduates exceeded the current worldwide IB average of 30.6 points
- In addition, half of the class earned the rigorous bilingual IB Diploma – achieving native-level proficiency in two languages
- Thanks to these exceptional accomplishments, our graduates have received offers from some of the world’s most prestigious universities, highlighting the academic excellence and international recognition of ISR. Among the notable institutions are the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), King’s College London, University College London (UCL), and The University of Edinburgh in the United Kingdom; New York University (NYU) in the United States; Erasmus University Rotterdam and Maastricht University in the Netherlands; as well as Waseda University in Japan
We congratulate all graduates, our faculty and staff, families, and supporters on this outstanding success!
A vivid testament to our motto at ISR: It’s cool to be good!
Looking Back: ISR Art Camp 2025
Looking Back: ISR Art Camp 2025
Once again, during the first week of our ISR Summer Break, our ISR Art Camp took place – this year under radiant sunshine! The camp was led with dedication and passion by Ms. Schulenberg, a former ISR Parent and long-standing partner of ISR.
A total of 14 students participated in this year’s camp, enjoying an exciting week full of opportunities for creative expression. The week began with an introduction round and an icebreaker game, helping all the children get to know each other and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
Throughout the week, participants had the chance to experiment with a variety of materials: wood, canvases, cardboard, and acrylic paint, as well as different collage techniques and sculpting figures. The children learned numerous painting techniques and were encouraged to bring their own ideas to life.
Fun and the joy of artistic creation were always at the forefront. The young artists were able to showcase and further develop their talents, supported by Ms. Schulenberg’s inspiring guidance.
A special highlight was the traditional art exhibition at the end of the week. Parents, families, friends, teachers, and staff were invited to admire the children’s artworks and mingle over snacks and self-made smoothies. Participants from the ISR Sports Camp also visited the exhibition, adding to the cheerful and lively atmosphere!
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms. Schulenberg for organizing and running another successful ISR Art Camp. We are already looking forward to next year’s camp and can not wait to see the new creative ideas our students will bring!
Looking Back: ISR Sports Camp 2025
Looking Back: ISR Sports Camp 2025
This year, our ISR Summer Break started with another successful ISR Sports Camp on our ISR Campus in Neuss with more than 100 participating children.
Our ISR Sports Camp offered a wide variety of activities organized in age-appropriate groups. The children played soccer and badminton, along with many different various ball and parachute games. They were also able to showcase their tennis skills on the courts opposite the campus, which have been part of our ISR Campus since last year. Additionally, the children took part in gymnastics, Capoeira, athletics, dance, and relaxing “Mindful Time” sessions including yoga. On the warmest days, our participants had the opportunity to splash around in swimming pools, enjoying lots of fun, and refreshing breaks.
Exciting excursions enriched the camp experience: the children visited an outdoor swimming pool to cool off, explored BEROs Children’s World, and went to the Alpenpark in Neuss.
We wish to extend our heartfelt thanks to our entire ISR Sports Team, ISR Supervisors, and supporting teachers who made the camp week an unforgettable experience for the children!
Outstanding Achievement of two ISR Students at the “Jugend musiziert” National Competition in Wuppertal
Outstanding Achievement of two ISR Students at the “Jugend musiziert” National Competition in Wuppertal
Tuesday, 17. June 2025
Two of our ISR students, who are also students of our esteemed partner, Musicbox Oxana, have achieved remarkable success at this year’s national “Jugend musiziert” competition in Wuppertal.
Peter, who plays the piano (student of Oxana Koppers), and his duo partner Yukichio, who plays the saxophone (student of Yuriy Broshel), were awarded an outstanding 1st Prize with 24 points in the highly competitive category “Piano and a Woodwind Instrument,” Age Group III. With over 30 duos from across Germany performing at the highest level, this achievement is truly exceptional!
We are incredibly proud of Peter and Yukichio’s dedication and hard work. Their success is a testament not only to their talent, but also to their consistent, focused practice and the unwavering support from their families.
Congratulations to Peter and Yukichio on this fantastic accomplishment! The entire Musicbox Oxana team and ISR Community celebrate your outstanding achievement. We look forward to seeing your musical journeys continue and to seeing how you inspire others with your passion and dedication.
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025: A Distinguished Milestone
ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025: A Distinguished Milestone
Friday, June 13th, 2025
On the previous Friday, the ISR International School on the Rhine community convened under the most favorable weather conditions for the distinguished ISR Graduation Ceremony of 2025. It is with considerable pride that we celebrated the accomplishments of a total of seventy-two graduates – a record number that signifies another milestone in the history of ISR.
Several hundred distinguished guests – comprising family members, friends, benefactors, as well as esteemed representatives from the spheres of politics, commerce, and academia – gathered within the historic Zeughaus of the city of Neuss. The historical setting provided an exceptional and dignified environment for the occasion, thereby accentuating the significance of this memorable day.
Prominent among the honored guests were Mrs. Platen, Deputy Mayor for Schools, Education, and Culture of the City of Neuss; Mayor Reiner Breuer; Mr. Fuchs, Board Chairman, accompanied by his wife Mrs. Siepe; Mr. Nickel, a valued member of our Board; and Mr. Abe, Principal of JISD.
The ceremony was formally inaugurated by Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR; Mr. Peter Soliman, Proprietor of the institution; and Mr. Emil Cete, Head of Secondary School. In their respective addresses, they commended the outstanding achievements of the graduates and extended their gratitude to all individuals who have contributed to the success of the school – some for more than two decades. The speakers underscored the distinctive values upheld by ISR and emphasized the paramount importance of an exemplary education in shaping the future of our students.
Following the opening remarks, Mayor Reiner Breuer addressed the assembled guests. In his speech, he highlighted the pivotal role of ISR as a preeminent educational institution within the city of Neuss and lauded the dedication of the school community.
The proceedings were further elevated by a musical performance from Rubi and Jade, whose artistry captivated the audience and provided a distinguished tribute to the graduating class.
Subsequently, the Parent Speaker, Mr. Radtke – father of four ISR graduates – delivered a heartfelt address. He reflected upon years past and eloquently conveyed the profound connection between parents and the school.
The formal speeches concluded with remarks from Valedictorian Victoria and Salutatorian Nico, who addressed both the guests and their fellow graduates. Their words resonated with the sentiment that the most cherished memories will be those of the enduring bonds forged during their time at ISR -friendships spanning the globe and shared experiences that will be treasured for a lifetime.
Following the ceremonial conferral of the ISR High School Diplomas, graduates, their families, and guests assembled for a convivial reception. In an atmosphere of harmony and celebration, this notable occasion was commemorated, and the achievements of the students were duly honored.
We wish to extend our sincere gratitude to the dedicated ISR Parent Network mothers – Mrs. Osterried, Mrs. Radtke, and Mrs. D’Urso – whose unwavering commitment has significantly enriched the educational experience of the twelfth-grade students. We also express our appreciation to all families who have supported their children’s academic journeys with steadfast dedication. Our special appreciation furthermore extends to all teachers and staff members, who consistently place the students at the heart of their work and, through their tireless commitment, play a vital role in shaping the vibrant school life and the ongoing success of ISR.
We remain confident that all graduates will embark upon their future endeavors with courage, inquisitiveness, and a sense of responsibility, thereby embodying the school’s guiding principle: “great minds & strong characters.”
The ISR Graduation Ceremony 2025 will be remembered by all participants as an extraordinary and unforgettable event. Above all, it has served as a powerful testament to the close bonds of friendship between the school, parents, and students, as well as the shared commitment to always strive for the very best for every child. These distinctive qualities are unique to ISR and define the exceptional sense of community that thrives within our school!
Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: 42 ISR Students Succeed in the Kangaroo Competition
Celebrating Excellence in Mathematics: 42 ISR Students Succeed in the Kangaroo Competition
Thursday, June 12th, 2025
Our Mathematics Department at ISR had something to celebrate this week during a recent award ceremony, which honored the outstanding achievements of our students in the Mathematics Kangaroo Competition.
The Mathematics Kangaroo (Känguru der Mathematik) is an internationally recognized competition that encourages students from around the world to develop their problem-solving skills and mathematical thinking. It is designed for various age groups and challenges participants with creative and engaging problems that go beyond standard curriculum exercises. The competition promotes a love of mathematics and inspires students to pursue excellence in this critical field.
This year’s results have surpassed all expectations. In 2024, we proudly celebrated 21 students who achieved top-three positions in their respective categories. This year, that number has doubled to an incredible 42 winners! Eleven students secured 1st place, fifteen earned 2nd place, and sixteen achieved 3rd place. This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the hard work, perseverance, and passion of our students – and teachers! Their expert guidance, encouragement, and commitment to fostering a stimulating learning environment at ISR have played a crucial role in preparing our students for this prestigious competition.
Congratulations once again to all our winners, and a sincere thank you to everyone who made this achievement possible.
It is further proof of our motto: “It’s cool to be good!”
US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah berichtet in Neuss beim Career Talk der Internationalen Schule ISR von ihren Diplomaten-Stationen,gibt den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und motiviert sie, nie aufzuhören, Lernende zu sein
US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah berichtet in Neuss beim Career Talk der Internationalen Schule ISR von ihren Diplomaten-Stationen,gibt den Jugendlichen Tipps für beruflichen Erfolg und motiviert sie, nie aufzuhören, Lernende zu sein
Im Rahmen der Career-Talk-Serie der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss hat US-Generalkonsulin Preeti V. Shah den Schülerinnen und Schülern der Jahrgangsstufe 11 über ihren Karriereweg und den beruflichen Alltag einer Diplomatin berichtet. Im Mittelpunkt standen dabei die besonderen Vorteile der spannenden Tätigkeit und auch die Besonderheiten. Zu diesen gehören die häufigen Umzüge. Bevor sie im August 2024 nach Düsseldorf kam, arbeitete Preeti V. Shah in den vergangenen rund 20 Jahren in Nicaragua, der Türkei, Afghanistan, Mexiko und Indonesien. „Das sind Herausforderungen, die aber den Job so reizvoll machen. Sie ermöglichen berufliche, kulturelle und persönliche Erfahrungen in den unterschiedlichsten Regionen der Welt, die man fast nur in einer solchen Position erleben kann“, so Shah.
Während der Veranstaltung an der ISR bekundeten viele Jugendliche Interesse am Diplomaten-Job, auch motiviert durch die erfolgreiche Teilnahme an den Model-United-Nations-Konferenzen (MUNs). Bei diesen Planspielen schlüpfen die Schülerinnen und Schüler erfolgreich in die Rolle von Delegierten bei den Vereinten Nationen. Sie vertreten dabei überzeugend die Interessen ihres zugewiesenen Landes, führen engagierte Debatten und treffen gemeinsam fundierte Entscheidungen zu aktuellen globalen Themen im Rahmen von MUN-Konferenzen innerhalb und außerhalb der ISR.
Preeti V. Shah gab den Jugendlichen zudem wertvolle Tipps, worauf sie bei ihren eigenen Entscheidungen im Hinblick auf die berufliche Zukunft besonders achten sollten – und was den Diplomatenberuf so reizvoll macht. Sie betonte, dass die Work-Life-Balance für viele junge Menschen heutzutage eine große Rolle spiele. Gleichzeitig hob sie hervor, dass ein abwechslungsreicher Beruf, der Freude bereitet und persönliche Erfüllung bietet, oft noch wichtiger sei. Entscheidend sei außerdem, stets offen für Neues zu bleiben, sich kontinuierlich weiterzubilden und das lebenslange Lernen als Chance zu begreifen. Nur so könne man sich sowohl fachlich als auch persönlich weiterentwickeln und den Herausforderungen einer globalisierten Welt erfolgreich begegnen – ganz unabhängig von der Berufswahl.
Für Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR, ist das Verhältnis zu den USA weiterhin von wichtiger Bedeutung: Rund 30.000 US-Bürgerinnen und Bürger leben in NRW, 1.700 US-amerikanische Unternehmen mit 200.000 Beschäftigten haben ihren Sitz im Bundesland, zu einem ganz erheblichen Teil im Rheinland. Die USA sind zudem viertgrößter NRW-Handelspartner, mit einem Volumen von 30,6 Milliarden Euro. Importen im Wert von 15,8 Milliarden Euro aus den USA stehen Exporte von 14,8 Milliarden Euro gegenüber. Das Land ist somit der wichtigste Absatzmarkt für NRW-Produkte außerhalb der EU. Auch für die ISR spielt die Beziehung zu den USA eine elementare Rolle – nicht nur durch Dutzende Familien und Mitarbeitende, die im Rheinland arbeiten und ihre Kinder an der ISR unterrichten lassen. US-amerikanische Universitäten zählen zudem nach wie vor zu den beliebtesten Zielen der ISR-Absolventinnen und -Absolventen: „Viele entscheiden sich nach dem erfolgreich absolvierten International Baccalaureate an der ISR für ein Studium in den Vereinigten Staaten, und regelmäßig erhalten sie Zusagen von renommierten US-Hochschulen wie der Princeton University, der University of Southern California oder der Boston University. Daher ist die gute Beziehung zum US-Konsulat in Düsseldorf für uns ein wichtiges Fundament für die Zukunft.“
Disclaimer
Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit Sitz in Neuss ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Über 1.200 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.
Japanese Consul General of Düsseldorf visits ISR – May, 21st 2025
Japanese Consul General of Düsseldorf visits ISR
Wednesday, May 21st, 2025
Today, we had the great honor of welcoming the Japanese Consul General in Düsseldorf, Mr. Tsunoda to our ISR Campus in Neuss.
Our ISR Kindergarten children warmly welcomed our guests with a handmade sign in Japanese. Following this, our talented Grade 3 choir delighted everyone by performing a traditional Japanese folk song in honor of our distinguished visitors. Afterwards, Consul General Tsunoda enjoyed a guided tour of our campus, led by two of our Japanese students, Kento and Kana from Grade 10, who proudly showcased our vibrant school community and modern campus facilities.
With over 100 Japanese families at our Neuss and Düsseldorf campuses, the visit from the Japanese Consulate holds great significance for ISR. During the kindergarten and school tour, our guests met Japanese families who are actively involved in our school community, for example, by volunteering in our library. In addition, the Consul had the opportunity to meet our Japanese Language Teachers as well as our Japanese Admissions Officer, all of whom emphasized the important role ISR plays for the Japanese Community in Düsseldorf and the surrounding area.
Today’s visit was preceded by a visit from the Japanese Consulate just two weeks ago, during which representatives from the Consulate attended our ISR International Spring Festival. As the festival is dedicated to celebrating different cultures and traditions, the Japanese Consulate delighted our guests with origami crafting activities and calligraphy demonstrations.
We sincerely thank Consul General Tsunoda for his visit and for taking the time to meet our ISR Community. Their presence highlights the strong and valued partnership between the Japanese Consulate General in Düsseldorf and ISR – a relationship we are truly proud of!
We look forward to many more opportunities for collaboration in the future!
