There is a uniqueness within ICS that attests to our welcoming environment. Ours is an empowered community of humble and resilient people, collectively committed to learning. WELCOMING. HUMBLE. RESILIENT. COMMITTED.
OUR MISSION
At ICS we are committed to providing a supportive and enabling learning environment in which all members of the community are challenged to achieve their individual potential, encouraged to pursue their passions, and expected to fulfil their responsibilities.
OUR VISION
Empowering learners to change their world.
MESSAGE FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL
The 2023-2024 academic year, my second in the story of our school, provided the platform upon which we stood to design and to develop our strategic direction – to write the next chapter of our journey.
It was a year that enabled us to reflect on our NEASC Accreditation and IB Evaluation Report of 20222023, and use this rich data to drive our design, to determine the course we would sail. The outcome of this work, Our Kind of Education, is a five year commitment to the self, the community and the world, that is underpinned by resourcing that is both sustainable and suitable for a school of our calibre.
This Annual Report highlights the unique identity of our community, and over the last year, provides insight into the developments made both fiscally and strategically as we continue to invest in the growth of every student and in defining their success.
This document pays homage to the work done by the School Executive in planning and preparing for the journey ahead, and in refusing to compromise on the quality of the education we provide for you, our families.
We are unrelenting in our pursuit of a quality education that defines what it means to be a person of good character, reaching one’s individual potential, pursuing one’s passion, and most importantly of all fulfilling the responsibility we all have to give back to the communities we join.
I extend my sincere thanks to the Board of Trustees for the service they give, for their support in driving the strategic direction of our school and for the work they supported the School Executive with; to produce the stability we need to succeed today, so we can drive the future of our kind of education tomorrow.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD
It has been a privilege to complete my first full year as Chair of the Board of Trustees here at ICS.
In the preceding AGM we spoke of our commitment to our community and to advancing our collective belief that our school could step into its future with sound fiscal oversight, strong strategic direction, and a leadership team who would steer both with conviction – we have accomplished this.
The completion of our five-year Strategic Statement – Our Kind of Education, provides for our community, and those considering joining it, a clear articulation of where we are travelling. This important document is consolidated by the information provided in this report – information that speaks to our belief in character education and career pathways that empower our learners to change their world.
In terms of strong fiscal oversight the foundation financials have been returned to generate surpluses providing a strong basis for the continued investment. Finally, it is with much joy, showing our commitment to the future of ICS, we have started the journey on our long awaited capital projects to further enhance the educational experience and outcomes.
I thank all members of our community, in particular the Parents’ Association, and my fellow Board of Trustees, for their unwavering commitment to our school, for their collaboration and their consistency in ensuring we move forward collectively.
ACCREDITATION & MEMBERSHIP
ICS is an IB World School and is the only school in Zurich fully authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) to offer three programmes of the IB – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).
ICS is fully accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), and strives to continually improve and adapt to the changing landscape of education.
We are a service centred school, and the only Round Square school in Zurich. We believe that our children learn best when they are able to be themselves in their school and are safe and valued for who they are.
ICS is an active member of the Educational Collaborative for International Schools (ECIS), the Swiss Group of International Schools (SGIS), the European League for Middle Level Education (ELMLE), and the Sports Council of International Schools (SCIS).
We are proud of the diversity of our environment, of the representation of 57 nationalities with over 70 spoken languages - ours is a vibrant and vigorous community.
LEARNING BEYOND THE CLASSROOM
2023 marked the commencement of our Student Life Programme. We began our engagement in, and development of, the co-curricula and extra-curricula offerings of our School. We began participating in international tournaments and shared outdoor experiences, fostering engagement and growth.
ICS offered a wide range of opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills, pursue their passions, and engage in meaningful experiences. Through the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award programme, students challenged themselves with personal goals, while Service as Leadership provided avenues to make a difference in the community. Those interested in global issues participated in Model United Nations (MUN), while the Arts Club, led by Grade 11 students, offered creative outlet.
We also hosted TEDx events to inspire innovation, and our Theatre Productions — including musicals and plays — allowed students to shine on stage. Additionally, involvement in Round Square and various field trips further enriched our students’ educational journey.
IB DIPLOMA
The Class of 2024 set high expectations for themselves by striving to meet their potential during the two year IB Diploma Programme. Ours is a school that is inclusive and open-entry, which supports all students to undertake the full IB Diploma. Unlike other schools that channel students into either the IB Diploma or a national curriculum, here at ICS we believe that all students can achieve success in the IB Diploma. Their collective results significantly exceeded the worldwide average and our results continue to represent the high calibre learning which reflects the dedication of our highly qualified teachers, as well as the hard work of our students. We remain firmly committed to our belief that all students can achieve individual success in the IB Diploma Programme.
The Foundation for the Inter-Community School Zurich is a private non-profit foundation organised under Art. 80 ff. of the Swiss Civil Code. It serves families of all nationalities living temporarily in Switzerland by providing an education that enables students eventually to return to their own country, integrate into other international schools or start their studies at a university either locally or around the globe.
The school is governed by an elected Board of Trustees that serves in a voluntary capacity. Financial surpluses, if any, can be used only for school improvement and development. The Head of School and the Finance team manage the school’s accounts under the guidance of the Financial Policies. In fulfilment of the Board of Trustees’ fiduciary duties, it provides oversight through the Finance Committee. All key financial decisions, including establishment of the annual budget and schedule of fees, arise from the recommendations of the Finance Committee to the Board. The Board also sets the school’s campus enhancement policies and ensures that an independent annual audit is conduct-ed. The school’s financials are presented and explained at the Annual General Meeting of Parents in December.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The financial charts in thisAnnual Report represent a summary of the school’s financial status as of 31 July 2024 in accordance with the audit conducted by Ernst & Young AG, which was presented to the Board for approval, and subsequently approved, on 4 November 2024.
The School has at its core the quality of its teaching and the power of its learning. All daily operations, activities and investments are funded from tuition fees with the sole purpose to provide a profound learning experience for our students. We continue to prioritise small class sizes and optimal resourcing of learning, particularly as it relates to the International Baccalaureate.
Although the global economic environment has been challenging, in its ongoing effort to improve the quality of “Our Kind of Education” and further aligning the school expenditures with its core activities, the school has managed to successfully turn around previous deficits into a surplus in the current reporting period. The school continues to maintain a strong financial position and a healthy balance sheet.
FINANCES
REVENUES
EXPENDITURES & RESOURCES
While enrolment remained robust and in line with the budget, the School had to increase its tuition fees in response to general cost increase. This increment provided the plat-form for the School to continue to enhance the learning outcomes of our students both on campus and outdoors.
Our Kind of Education requires attraction and retention of the best talents which turns into the biggest investment of the School. With approximately 250 staff members, the staff costs account for 76% of total operating expenditure.
In 2023-2024, 7% of our expenses went to educational materials and student activities. We are always working to improve our students’ opportunities to extend their learning inside and outside the classroom. Therefore, we have launched our new Student Life team, focusing on athletics, music, theatre, visual arts, technology, wellness, speech and debate, field trips and experiential learning. Like we have done over 60 years, we maintained our commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all by renewing our learning spaces and equipment, which were updated regularly and with a focus on cost and sustainability. Approximately 7% of our annual expenses are allocated to the maintenance and improvement of our buildings and outdoor areas.
BALANCE SHEET AS OF 31 JULY
OUR FINANCIAL POSITION
While the School continues to have a robust financial position and still remains debt free as at 31 July 2024, the realization of the Campus Build Project relies on external financing. The School has been able to partner with Zürcher Kantonalbank to finance the first phase of the build project.
We continue to remain cognisant of external factors that can, and most likely will, impact upon our planning. Through careful strategic development, disciplined and considered project management, we will not falter in our endeavour to ensure the School steps confidently into the next academic year, and the future; safe in the knowledge that the efforts of the Board of Trustees and the School Executive will strengthen our position further.
