Internationale Ausstellung an der ISR International School Neuss beeindruckt mit 40 renommierten Künstlerinnen und Künstlern aus China bei Vernissage mit Live-Performances

Die zeitgenössischen Kunstwerke reichen von chinesischer Kalligraphie und Malerei über Skulpturen und Keramik aus dem Land der Mitte bis hin zu Zisha-Teekannen / Ursula Platen lobt als Neusser Dezernentin für Schule, Bildung und Kultur als Basis für eine globale Zusammenarbeit / Der Chinesische Generalkonsul Chunguo Du betont die völkerverbindende Wirkung von Kunst / Besonderes Angebot für Kunstinteressierte in der Region sowie ein Stück kultureller Heimat für die mehr als 100 chinesischen Familien an der ISR

40 renommierte chinesische Künstlerinnen und Künstler präsentieren an der ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss eine vielfältige Auswahl an Kunststilen aus dem Reich der Mitte. Die Ausstellung zeitgenössischer Kunst wurde am Mittwoch mit einer umfangreichen Vernissage eröffnet. Gezeigt wurden Werke, die von traditioneller chinesischer Kalligraphie und Malerei über Skulpturen und Keramik bis hin zu Zisha-Teekannen aus der Region Yixing reichen. Zu den bekanntesten Teilnehmenden der ISR-Ausstellung gehören Ning Qinzhen, einer der international bekanntesten Keramikkünstler Chinas und der preisgekrönte Öl-Maler Wei Guoyin.

Rund 20, und damit die Hälfte dieser Künstlerinnen und Künstler, waren extra aus China für die Vernissage angereist. Im Rahmen der Veranstaltung schufen einige Künstlerinnen und Künstler in einer Live-Performance ganz neue Werke. Zudem überreichten sieben der Kunstschaffenden der ISR feierlich ihre Kunstwerke als Geschenk, um an dieses besondere Ereignis zu erinnern.

Die in Neuss vertretenen Künstlerinnen und Künstler präsentierten ihre Werke bereits auf der ganzen Welt. In Europa beispielsweise gab es bisher etwa die Ausstellungen in Florenz, Mailand, Amsterdam, Bratislava, Kiew oder Brüssel. „Dass sich in diese Auflistung namhafter Kunst-Städte auch der Ausstellungsort Neuss einreihen kann und wir Interessierten aus der Region einen ganz besonderen Genuss ermöglichen, freut uns sehr. Denn in Deutschland war diese Ausstellung ausschließlich in Neuss zu sehen“, betont Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR: „Möglich wurde das durch unsere intensive Kooperation mit dem chinesischen Generalkonsulat sowie der Deutsch-Chinesischen Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kultur NRW e.V. sowie durch den großen Anteil von über 100 chinesischen Familien an der ISR und ihren Standorten Neuss, Düsseldorf und Meerbusch.“

Für das Chinesische Generalkonsulat in Düsseldorf ist eine solche Ausstellung extrem wichtig für das gegenseitige Verständnis: „Mit diesen Kunstwerken wird der Betrachter oder die Betrachterin noch mehr verstehen, was eine andere Kultur bewegt und was für die Menschen wichtig ist“, betont Generalkonsul Chunguo Du: „Gerade die Vielfalt und Unterschiedlichkeit der Kunstwerke ermöglicht bei dieser Ausstellung einen umfassenden Einblick.“

Ursula Platen, Dezernentin für Schule, Bildung und Kultur der Stadt Neuss, sieht vielfältige Vorteile im interkulturellen Dialog: „Solche Veranstaltungen wie hier an der ISR sind eine wichtige Basis, wenn man eine globale, offene, und friedliche Gemeinschaft schaffen möchte.“ Durch aktuelle politische Diskussionen dürfe man dieses große Ziel nicht aus dem Auge verlieren. „Vor allem, wenn man sich zu den großen Herausforderungen wie dem Klimawandel und Menschenrechten über Landesgrenzen hinweg verständigen will, sind solche Veranstaltungen wie hier in Neuss besonders wichtig“, so Platen.

Yuan Ching Hu, Vorsitzender der gemeinnützigen Deutsch-Chinesischen Gesellschaft für Bildung und Kultur NRW e.V., betont: „Wir unterstützen diese Ausstellung, weil wir über Kultur und Bildung die Deutsch-Chinesische Zusammenarbeit auf allen Ebenen verbessern und vertiefen möchten. Wir wollen auch losgelöst von wirtschaftlichen Beziehungen vernetzen, fördern und den Austausch voranbringen“. Rund 60.000 Chinesinnen und Chinesen, schätzt Hu, leben derzeit in NRW; die größte Community in Düsseldorf/Neuss und dem Ruhrgebiet: „Es sind mittlerweile viele deutsche Bürgerinnen und Bürger mit chinesischen Wurzeln, zweiter, dritter oder gar vierter Generation hier in der Region, denen die Traditionen ihrer Vorfahren nicht verloren gehen sollen“, erläutert Hu: „Da kann eine solche Ausstellung einen wichtigen Beitrag leisten“.

Für Peter Soliman, Geschäftsführender Gesellschafter der ISR, ist die Ausstellung deshalb nicht nur ein tolles Angebot für alle Kunst-Interessierten aus der Region, sondern auch ein Stück kultureller Heimat für die mehr als 100 chinesischen Familien an der Schule. „Wir haben seit vielen Jahren eine große chinesische Community an der ISR, auf die wir sehr stolz sind. So können wir mit solchen Ausstellungen und unserer vielfältigen Schulgemeinschaft einen erheblichen Beitrag zum gegenseitigen Verständnis leisten, weit über den Schulalltag hinaus. Denn alle der über 1.200 Familien aus den Standorten in Neuss, Düsseldorf, und Meerbusch sind herzlich zu der Vernissage eingeladen worden und erleben die Kunst heute und auch in den kommenden Tagen hautnah.“

Neben der großen chinesischen Community sind noch 59 weitere Nationen unter den ISR-Familien vertreten.

Disclaimer

Die ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH mit den drei Standorten in Neuss, Düsseldorf und Meerbusch ist eine privat geführte internationale Ganztagsschule. Mehr als 1.000 Schülerinnen und Schüler aus der Region und aus aktuell 60 Ländern 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 weltweilt. 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.

Graduates‘ Excellent IB Diploma Program results confirm ISR Neuss’ status as one of the leading international private schools in Germany

Monday,11 July 2022

Impressive results with 37 points in the IB / Three students earning 44 out of a possible 45 points / 14 different nationalities represented/ 18 percent of graduates earning top grades – comparable to an Abitur grade of 1.0 / Numerous prestigious university offers spread over four continents / About one in three graduates pursuing STEM programs at University

The Graduates of ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss and Düsseldorf achieved an average of 37 points in their International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB) this year, despite facing a challenging period in the upper school due to the ongoing pandemic. This corresponds to an equivalent A-level grade of 1.8. The graduates, who represent 14 different nations, will now study at renowned universities spanning four continents around the world.

“These very good final grades are proof not only of a special desire to learn, but also of the constant support and encouragement given to the students. Despite many challenges, such as online classes due to the pandemic, our graduates passed their various exams with flying colors,” Emil Cete, Deputy School Director, Head of Upper School and responsible for IB preparation, is pleased to say: “In addition to the outstanding achievements of our graduates, one must never forget here that our teachers, our University and Career

Counseling Team (UCC), staff members and, of course, parents have made an important contribution to this success.” With these results, ISR confirms its status as one of the leading international IB schools in Germany. “Targeted support, as well as the aspiration to enable students to find their way to the university of their choice, is essential here,” emphasizes Peter Soliman, School Proprietor. “It takes a village to raise a child. We at ISR emphasize this proverb time and again. It makes us all the more proud that everyone’s efforts have contributed to these outstanding results.”

The grade point average of 37 points for this year’s graduating class is composed of outstanding results from all of our individual graduates this year. For example, 31 percent of the class scored at least 40 out of a possible 45 points. This is comparable to an average grade of 1.3 or better in the Abitur, and is normally only achieved by around three percent of IB graduates worldwide. In addition, 17 percent of the students in this year’s ISR graduating class were able to pass their exams with an outstanding IB grade, which is equivalent to a German Abitur grade of 1.0. This outstanding result was achieved for the second year in a row. Three students in the class even achieved 44 out of a possible 45 points – the highest rate ever in ISR’s history.

“Not only has this cohort demonstrated remarkable performance and resilience during the pandemic, but ISR graduates have also shown exceptional dedication and determination to achieve their ambitious goals. Our graduates richly deserve their excellent results. I wholeheartedly congratulate all of them and would also like to express my appreciation to their teachers and their University and Career Counselors, who have mentored, supported, and encouraged our students in every possible way during their time at school,” emphasizes Eileen Lyons, School Director at ISR.

On average, each of our graduates already have three offers of placement at prestigious universities around the world, with application processes still underway in countries such as Germany and Austria. Graduates will move onto a total of four continents for their studies after graduation. “Again, the international nature of this year’s graduating class is evident. Many will now travel to Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Canada, or a wide variety of European countries. They are all united by their common path and their international understanding. Many of them have attended ISR since kindergarten – an exceptionally long length of stay for an international school,” emphasizes Peter Soliman.

According to their current plans, most graduates will study in Germany and the Netherlands. However, Great Britain and the USA are also once again enjoying great popularity. Other study destinations include renowned universities in Switzerland, France, Hong Kong, and Canada.

Acceptances were received from the University of Michigan, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, University of Miami, ETH Zurich, ESADE Business School in Spain, Imperial College London, Southampton, King’s College London, and many other UK universities belonging to the renowned UK Russell Group, known for first-class research and teaching. In the Netherlands, for example, there were offers from the Erasmus University of Rotterdam, TU Eindhoven, and Leiden and Utrecht. In Asia, the graduating class recorded impressive offers of places from Tokyo University, the University of Hong Kong (HKU) as well as HKUST Business School in Hong Kong.

According to Mr. Cete, “The reputation of ISR’s graduates is outstanding so that each year the students can boast a remarkable selection of university place offers. In addition to top academic performance, what counts here is positive character development, which we specifically promote at ISR.” Another special feature of this graduating class confirms its internationality: 67 percent completed an IB Bilingual Diploma with two languages at the native level. The IB Bilingual Diploma is highly recognized internationally and valued by universities as well as employers. This represents a further 2 percent increase from the previous year.

“Essential in the Upper School at ISR is the University and Career Counseling program we provide to students from the end of 8th grade. Three of our full-time staff members are dedicated to providing comprehensive counseling on which colleges fit young people’s preferences, abilities, and career plans,” adds Peter Soliman. The entire application process is closely monitored at ISR, and young people’s strengths and preferences are worked out early and specifically. Ulrike Wacker, Head of Student and Career Counseling at ISR, emphasizes: “It is important for us to get to know the young students very well and to accompany them during their time at ISR. The most wonderful reward of this very intimate counseling process is when students are able to realize their dreams and continue their academic careers at the university of their choice. That’s what we work for with full commitment.”

Disclaimer

ISR International School on the Rhine GmbH, based in Neuss, is a privately run international all-day school. More than 1,000 students from the region and around the world prepare together for internationally recognized school- leaving qualifications. Academic excellence and character building are at the heart of the education, qualifying students for study at leading universities in Germany and around the world. For younger children, ISR offers an international kindergarten on the ISR campus in Neuss, in Düsseldorf-Niederkassel, and a German-language branch in Meerbusch-Büderich. Inquiries about kindergarten, primary school and secondary school are accepted year-round: admissions@isr-school.de.

56 graduates of ISR Neuss clearly exceed the worldwide average of the International Baccalaureate (IB) in the Corona school year 2020

Friday, 17 July 2020

ISR students averaged 36 points in their final report cards, 6 points above the global average / More ISR graduates than ever before / Ten percent of the degrees belong to the international top 3 % best list / Numerous study places offered by renowned universities abroad

Despite the adversities faced during this school year, Grade 12 IB graduates of ISR International School on the Rhine in Neuss have improved their grade point average this year, from 35 to 36 points. In fact, the 56 Grade 12 students who graduated this year scored 6 points above the global International Baccalaureate average of 30 points. “These excellent results of the students cannot be emphasized highly enough. After all, the pandemic with its continuing uncertainties and the special examination conditions was already a particular challenge and burden,” comments Emil Cete, Head of Upper School and IB Coordinator.

He continued, “The fact that the students mastered the situation so well was mainly due to what we at ISR call strong character: their own will to learn, their commitment and being robust. The comprehensive support from the teachers and the entire staff also contributed to this. It is also important for us that with this result we have confirmed our status as the leading international private school in NRW.”

In addition to the excellent results, having 56 students in the graduating class is also remarkable: in the two previous years the graduating class had less than 40 students.  “The increase in the number of students at ISR to a total of 1,000 is now making itself felt in larger graduating classes,” explains Peter Soliman, Managing Partner of ISR, “this is another sign of the school’s sustained popularity and quality.”

No matter which scale the results are compared with, they are excellent: when converted to the equivalent in the German Abitur system 40% of ISR graduates achieved a grade in the 1.0 to 1.9 range, and 10% achieved 40 IB points or more.  To contextualize this, in 2019 roughly 2% of IB graduates worldwide achieved 40 IB points or more! “These great results can only be achieved with a consistent effort during the entire year. A few outstanding students are not enough,” Mr. Soliman states, “to prepare the entire class for the exams in the best possible way, we, therefore, provide individual support through intensive lessons  tailored to ability and need.”

“Thanks to the results, graduates this year have been offered places at the best universities worldwide,” emphasizes Eileen Lyons, the Director of ISR.  In the USA these include full scholarships from Princeton University as well as offers from the University of Southern California, the University of Notre Dame and the University of Miami. In Great Britain, ISR students have offers from the University of Cambridge, Imperial College, London School of Economics, University College London and King’s College London. In addition to this there are offers from Canada (University of Toronto) as well as from universities in Japan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Italy, Spain, France, and Switzerland. Ms. Lyons continues, “The fact that so many binding commitments have been made by international universities despite the corona uncertainty is a great sign of confidence in our work. Applications from our students are very convincing and universities have been extremely satisfied with ISR graduates in recent years.” It must be noted that even though about 75% of ISR students are likely to go to university in another country, ISR always recommends to all graduates a combination of subjects that will allow them to study in Germany.

“Advice on which university best suits the preferences, skills and career planning of young people is a key service offered by ISR,” adds Mr. Soliman, “that’s why our University and Career Counsellors, Ulrike Wacker, and Dr. Susan Wiltshire, start talking to students about their career plans at an early stage” As the counsellors explain, “our university orientation will continue in the coming months, even though graduation certificates have long since been distributed: due to the corona pandemic there is more to organize before the start of studies than in previous years.” This aside, ISR students, both past and present, can always seek advice regarding career steps, and the ever-growing alumni network is an increasingly vital tool for growing support systems.

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