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
February 25, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika
February 20, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin

Spotlight On Our Student Benjamin
This week, we spotlight our fifth-grader, Benjamin, who joined ISR in 2025.
Mr. Rowan, Head of Elementary School, shares: “Benjamin is a creative student with a wonderful sense of humor, who brings so much positive energy to our school. He makes incredible academic progress every day and his kindness towards others really shines through. Benjamin always seems to have an encouraging word or a smile to share.”
Benjamin loves exploring new ideas. His Grade 5 class teacher, Mr. Freise, writes: “Benjamin is a wonderful presence in the classroom and consistently contributes to our class discussions and activities. He brings genuine curiosity and enthusiasm to his learning, with a particular love for science. His eagerness to explore new ideas and ask thoughtful questions makes him a joy to teach. Beyond his academic interests, Benjamin has a wonderful sense of humor and brings plenty of warmth and personality to our classroom community. His positive spirit and ability to make others smile help create an enjoyable and welcoming environment for everyone. We are very proud to have Benjamin as part of our class!”
His enthusiasm also shines in English. His English teacher, Ms. Freise, adds: “Benjamin is an amazing student and a truly positive presence in the classroom. Over the past school year, he has made significant progress and come a long way both academically and personally. I genuinely enjoy having him in my class, and his kindness, effort, and positive spirit make him a valued member of our learning community.”
Benjamin is growing in confidence in Drama. His Drama teacher, Ms. Abooul Hosn, shares: “Now, Benjamin is such a joy to have in class! He has so many creative ideas and is becoming more confident and social every week.”
He also works hard in German. His German teacher, Ms. Orhan, remarks: “Benjamin is a kind and sweet student who always tries his best. It has been a pleasure getting to know him this year and seeing him grow in his own way. I am very proud of the effort he puts into his learning and the progress he makes each day.”
We are proud to spotlight Benjamin 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
February 25, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika
February 20, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Lilly

Spotlight On Our Student Lilly
This week, we are proud to spotlight our fourth-grader, Lilly, who joined ISR in 2023. She was nominated for the Spotlight by Ms. Ghica, who writes:
“I have known Lilly since she first started in Grade 1, and over the years I have had the privilege of watching her grow, develop, and become the wonderful young person she is today.
It has been such a pleasure to see Lilly progress through her years at school with confidence, curiosity, and a positive attitude. She has continued to grow both academically and personally, always supported by her teachers and surrounded by a caring school community.
For me personally, one of the most beautiful things to see was how happy Lilly is. She has built wonderful friendships, found a strong sense of belonging, and genuinely enjoys her time at ISR.
Lilly, I hope you know how proud we are of you. It has been a joy to watch you grow over the years, and you should be very proud of everything you have achieved. Keep believing in yourself, keep learning, keep growing, and most importantly, keep being you!”
Lilly’s third grade teacher, Ms. Vittin, shares:
“Lilly is a bright and enthusiastic student who constantly strives to do her very best. She always takes her time in order to produce quality work and is motivated to do her best. She is a funny and kind learner, who works well with others and genuinely enjoys school. She was a joy to have in class and I miss her dearly. Congratulations, Lilly! This nomination is well deserved.”
Finally, Lilly’s current Grade 4 teacher, Ms. Sayers, remarks:
“Lilly is a hardworking and enthusiastic member of our class. She is well-liked by her peers and willingly contributes to class discussions and activities. Lilly brings a positive attitude to lessons and approaches her learning with a cheerful and willing mindset. She is a pleasure to have in the classroom and consistently makes a positive contribution to the class environment. I look forward to what the rest of the year will bring!”
We are proud to spotlight Lilly 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
February 25, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika
February 20, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan
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!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Henry

Spotlight On Our Student Henry
This week, we are proud to spotlight our seventh-grader, Henry, who joined ISR in 2022. He was nominated for the Spotlight by the Academic Head of Grades 5–6, Ms. Schmidt, who writes:
“Henry is an incredible young man and a true inspiration to those around him. He consistently demonstrates what it means to be hardworking, dedicated, and determined. No matter what challenges come his way, Henry approaches them with perseverance and a positive attitude. He understands that success does not always come easily, but he never gives up and continues to work hard to reach his goals.
Henry is also a wonderfully well-mannered and respectful young man who sets a positive example for others. His kindness, thoughtfulness, and great attitude make him a pleasure to be around. As a friend and teammate, Henry is someone others can count on. He is supportive, and always willing to help those around him. He understands the importance of working together and makes a valuable contribution to every team he is part of.
One of Henry’s most admirable qualities is that he always tries his best. Whether he is learning something new, facing a difficult challenge, or working toward a goal, Henry gives his all. His dedication and perseverance remind us that growth comes from hard work, and a willingness to keep going even when things become difficult.
Henry truly embodies the idea that ‘it’s cool to be good.’ He shows that being kind, respectful, hardworking, and supportive of others are qualities to be proud of. His positive example inspires those around him and makes him an outstanding member of our community.”
Henry’s former German teacher, Ms. Sahin, shares:
“Henry was a pleasure to have in class. He brings creativity, commitment, and a kind attitude to the classroom. He approaches new challenges with confidence and contributes positively to the learning environment. It was a pleasure having Henry in class.”
Henry’s English teacher, Ms. McGowan, adds:
“Henry has made a fantastic impression during his first few weeks of Grade 7! I have been very impressed with his dedication in English lessons and his clear focus on making progress. He is a wonderful public speaker, sharing his ideas articulately and convincingly, and he has a great vocabulary which he puts to good use in his English work. Above all, Henry is a kind, thoughtful and helpful student who goes out of his way to support his peers. He really is a pleasure to teach and I’m excited to see all he will achieve this year.”
Finally, Henry’s Spanish teacher, Ms. Gadea Corrales, remarks:
“Henry is a very intelligent student. He enjoys being an active part of the learning process. He always shows a great attitude, and he always has something kind to say to his peers. He also adds a fun component to the Spanish classes. He is an embodiment of our school’s motto with his great attitude and his readiness to learn and help others.”
We are proud to spotlight Henry 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
February 25, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika
February 20, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan
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!
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Elisa

Spotlight On Our Student Elisa
This week, we are proud to spotlight our twelfth-grader, Elisa, who joined ISR in 2020. She was nominated for the Spotlight by her Homeroom and IB English teacher, Ms. McGowan, who writes:
“I count myself very lucky to be both Elisa’s Homeroom teacher and her IB English teacher. She is a mature, hardworking student who always takes genuine care and pride in her work and who, over the course of the IB, has really developed both academically and personally. Elisa is a kind, caring and considerate student who I can always rely on to be organized and helpful – including on the occasions when she helps keep me on track! Indeed, Elisa is a student who makes teaching feel particularly rewarding and I look forward to continuing to support her as she starts her all-important final year with us as ISR.”
Mr. O’Brien, Head of Science, shares:
“Elisa consistently demonstrates maturity and determination when facing challenging tasks. She takes responsibility for her learning, consistently using feedback to improve her work and demonstrating strong reflective skills in line with the IB Learner Profile.”
Elisa’s former EAL teacher, Ms. Freise, adds:
“When Elisa first joined, she was still developing her English skills. She quickly began acquiring the language, making remarkable progress both academically and socially. Elisa advanced through the EAL levels at an impressive pace and consistently succeeded in her classes. She also formed friendships quickly, which played an important role in supporting her language acquisition journey. It was a pleasure teaching her and watching her grow in confidence and ability.”
Finally, Ms. McGee, MUN Advisor, remarks:
“From the Model United Nations Advisors and Secretary-General’s perspective, Elisa has demonstrated strong growth, reliability, and commitment throughout her involvement in MUN. During her time in the Logistics Department last school year, she was consistently punctual, dependable, and dedicated to supporting the team. She is now continuing her development by supporting the Administration Team this school year, where she can build upon her experience and make a valuable contribution to the continued success of our MUN program. Thank you, Elisa!”
We are proud to spotlight Elisa 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
February 25, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Aika
February 20, 2026
Student Spotlights: Spotlight On Our Student Jan
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 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.
Celebrating Excellent IB Diploma Results 2026
Celebrating Excellent IB Diploma Results 2026
At ISR, we firmly believe that academic excellence opens the door for young people to a successful and fulfilling future. In keeping with our guiding principle, “It’s cool to be good,” we are deeply committed to fostering a culture in which a strong work ethic, strength of character, and ambitious goals go hand in hand.
This month, we are especially pleased to celebrate an outstanding milestone achieved by the Class of 2026. The International Baccalaureate results reflect the exceptional dedication of our students. At the same time, they are a testament to the tremendous commitment and professional expertise of our entire teaching faculty and staff.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a globally recognised and academically rigorous qualification that prepares students for successful studies at leading universities around the world.
The program comprises six subject groups as well as three core components: the Extended Essay, the Theory of Knowledge course, and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). Through this comprehensive curriculum and its distinctive core elements, students develop strong critical-thinking skills, academic research abilities, and a deep understanding of different cultures.
At ISR, our students consistently achieve above-average IB results. Their average scores are significantly higher than both the German and global averages. These outstanding academic achievements reflect our unwavering commitment to excellence and provide our graduates with an excellent foundation for admission to leading universities worldwide.
This year’s graduating class continues this tradition of success in impressive, achieving outstanding results:
- An average score of 36 IB points, approximately six points above the global average
- A 100% pass rate for the IB Diploma
- 83% of our ISR Graduates achieved results above the global average
- 24% achieved results equivalent to a German Abitur grade of 1.3 or better
- 51% will pursue studies in STEM-related fields, including natural sciences, computer science, engineering, and mathematics
- 59% earned the prestigious bilingual IB Diploma, demonstrating native-level proficiency in two languages
These remarkable achievements are now opening the doors to leading universities around the world for our graduates. To date, they have already received an impressive 146 offers of admission from renowned universities worldwide.
As our graduates begin a new chapter in their lives, we wish them continued success, courage, and confidence from the bottom of our hearts. We are immensely proud of everything they have achieved and look forward to seeing the positive contribution they will make to our society and beyond.
Congratulations, Class of 2026 — you have made the entire ISR Community incredibly proud!































































