Developing Minds
Developing Character
Developing Community Issue 03. Choices & Risks
Choices and Risks in Action
At ISA, students are encouraged to challenge themselves not only in the classroom, but also on a sports field, on a stage or through leadership and service in the community. Whether that means competing in an international competition, or trying something completely new for the first time, students are supported to step outside of their comfort zones with curiosity, courage, and creativity.
This edition of Beliefs in Action highlights the many ways our learners are embracing the belief that meaningful growth comes from making bold choices and taking thoughtful risks.
Inside, you’ll find stories that celebrate our students’ leadership and initiative, from Preschoolers who published their very own cookbook, to the budding engineers behind our accomplished ‘Beargineers’ team. You'll read about students who challenged themselves through reading and math competitions, athletics, and more. We’ve also included voices from our alumni, whose stories continue to inspire our community.
Whether on the field, in a classroom, or through creative collaboration, our students are proving every day that the journey of risk-taking and exploration is as rewarding as the outcome. We hope you enjoy this glimpse of Choices and Risks in action at ISA.
Pre-School Frogs Cookbook –A Delicious Community Project!
Our Pre-School Frogs class is delighted to share the Frogs Cookbook, a special project that has been months in the making!
Throughout January, the students explored plant-based versions of some of the traditional dishes from their home countries, combining culinary creativity with meaningful learning. The children then illustrated the recipes and wrote the titles, developing their creativity and fine motor skills along the way.
This hands-on project was made even more special with support from parent volunteers, who joined the children in the kitchen to share their expertise and help bring the recipes to life. And so the Frogs Cookbook was born!
This learning experience reflects the curiosity, cultural exploration and hands-on discovery at the heart of our Early Years Programme. It also shows how, even in our youngest years, our students are empowered to make choices, take creative risks and discover the joy that comes from trying something
Scan to explore the cookbook!
IRIS Book Bowl Award Success for Grade 5
Twenty-one enthusiastic Grade 5 students recently represented ISA in the highly-anticipated IRIS Award Book Bowl. Over the course of two fast-paced hours, students tackled an impressive 148 questions covering 12 different book titles, a true test of their reading comprehension and memory.
The energy in the room was electric as our team showcased incredible teamwork, focus, and a deep love of reading. Despite fierce competition, our team secured a strong 8th-place finish out of 17 teams. Their ability to collaborate under pressure and think quickly was remarkable to watch.
The Book Bowl highlighted not only our students’ passion for reading but also their growing confidence and ability to work together under pressure. By choosing to take part in this optional challenge, our Grade 5 students stepped outside of their comfort zones and put their reading skills to the test in a competitive environment. A huge congratulations to all the participants!
Athletics in Action: Some Highlights from the Winter Sports Season
ISA’s swim team recently wrapped up their season with an outstanding performance at the final NECIS tournament. Our athletes returned with personal bests, medals, and even new NECIS records, but perhaps most importantly, they came back with lasting memories and a strong sense of team spirit.
To celebrate the end of the winter sports season, the Bear Council hosted a fun and festive gathering on Monday. Athletes from across all teams came together to enjoy quizzes, slideshows, and well-deserved snacks: an opportunity to relax, reflect on their season, and connect with their teammates.
The end-of-season energy continued with the much-anticipated annual Teachers vs. Students Basketball Game, organised by the Student Council and Bear Council. Cheers rang out from the crowd as both teams brought their best to the court. Both sides gave it their all, but the game ended in a joyful tie—an outcome that captured the spirit of community and shared celebration!
At halftime, our graduating student-athletes were honoured for their dedication to ISA Athletics. Whether they’ve competed for one season or since Grade 5, these seniors have consistently demonstrated what it means to be committed, resilient, and team-focused as well as balancing their academic progress with their love of sport. Each senior was presented with a token of appreciation to mark their legacy and contributions. To quote the Bears Council: “Once a Bear, always a Bear!”
Through every competition, training session, and team event, our student-athletes exemplify what it means to take bold risks: stepping up to challenges, learning from setbacks, and discovering what they’re capable of, both on and off the sports field. Their choices to commit, lead, and grow as athletes and individuals reflect the heart of our mission.
Building Success Through Robotics & Teamwork: The Beargineers In Action
This year, ISA’s engineering club, ‘the Beargineers’ has taken on a series of ambitious challenges and emerged with impressive results. Competing in the Netherlands FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), the team placed in the top 3 at regionals, securing their place at the FTC Benelux Championship. They went on to rank in the top 25 in the International Benelux FTC, standing out among teams from across the region.
But their journey hasn’t just been about competitions. The Beargineers designed, built, and programmed a fully functioning robot, demonstrating not only their growing technical skills, but a deep commitment to collaboration and creative problem-solving. Their work has even sparked interest from outside organisations, leading to sponsorship requests and invitations to exhibit to other schools.
Their success is a shining example of ISA’s belief in Choices and Risks. By stepping outside of their comfort zones and making bold decisions, the Beargineers have grown as engineers and teammates, showcasing just how powerful student-led innovation can be. We’re incredibly proud of their accomplishments this year and can’t wait to see where their curiosity and courage take them next.
qualified for the elite AIME (American Invitational Mathematics Examination)—a major milestone on the path toward the International Mathematical Olympiad.
University of Waterloo Math Contests
Students in Grades 9, 10, and 11 took part in the Pascal, Cayley, and Fermat contests respectively, joining over 20,000 students worldwide. These contests are a fun opportunity for participants to explore the potential of mathematics, as they are designed to be accessible for students who have previous math contest experience and those who don’t, helping learners build confidence and inspiring them to get excited about math. Several ISA students achieved distinction, with one nearly perfect score among our Grade 10s—a strong showing from our ISA mathematicians.
• Grade 9: 15 students, 4 distinctions
• Grade 10: 4 students, 3 distinctions, 1 nearly perfect
• Grade 11: 7 students, 4 distinctions
AIS NECIS Math Competition in Antwerp
Two students each from Grades 6 to 9, as well as four Grade 5 students, represented ISA at the NECIS Math Competition at AIS in Antwerp. Across all grade levels, students tackled five thrilling rounds of challenges ranging from Mental Math to Open-Ended Problems. Our Grade 5 team earned a 2nd place finish, while the remaining teams placed in the top 50%.
MathCounts School and Chapter Competitions
Thirty Middle School students participated in ISA’s MathCounts program this year, with eleven advancing to represent international schools in the chapter round. This competition series has four levels of competition: school, chapter, state, and national. Each level consists of three rounds: Sprint, Target, and Team.
MOEMS (Math Olympiad for Middle School)
More than twenty-eight Middle School students participated in the global MOEMS contest series. Thirteen of them placed in the top 50%, earning official recognition for their problem-solving achievements in a competition that sees over 120,000 global participants each year.
World Insights Competition - World Data Lab
ISA High School students took part in the World Insights Competition, an international data analysis challenge hosted by the World Data Lab. This unique opportunity invited students to explore real-world data using innovative visualisation tools, encouraging them to uncover meaningful patterns and develop a deeper understanding of statistics and global trends.
One group placed 1st overall, competing against schools from around the world. As a result, the two students were awarded a virtual internship with the World Data Lab this summer—a remarkable achievement!
Our aspiring mathematicians truly made the most of this year’s competition season. Math teacher Kat Frey, who organises and supervises all of ISA’s math competition efforts, reflected:
“It’s incredibly rewarding to guide students as they prepare for and participate in national and international math competitions. These competitions give students the chance to challenge themselves, build confidence, collaborate as a team, and have their talent and hard work shine in ways that aren’t always found in the typical school spotlight.”
Whether representing ISA on an international stage or tackling new problems closer to home, they approached each event with courage, creativity, and determination. In doing so, they not only sharpened their skills but also discovered what’s possible when they step outside of their comfort zones and embrace the challenge.
60 Years, 60 Voices
This school year marks our 60th anniversary as an institution dedicated to educating for international understanding. In celebration of this milestone, we are sharing stories from our diverse community of students, parents, staff, and alumni. These stories represent the rich legacy of respect, collaboration, and shared experiences that have shaped ISA into the vibrant community it is today.
“ISA shaped me in ways I never expected, both academically and personally.”
Yllan Diehl, a Class of 2023 graduate of the ISA Class of 2023, is now studying Hospitality Business at EHL Lausanne. His senior year remains a standout period in his ISA journey. He recalls, “I have fond memories of ToK with Matt Lynch and Film class with Jennifer Motre—both classes left a lasting impact on me.” But what really made his time at ISA unforgettable were the little moments outside the classroom. “The fun chaos of senior week with its themed outfits, the excitement of our senior trip, and the emotional milestone of graduation. These are the moments I’ll always treasure.”
Looking back, Yllan urges current students to fully embrace their high school experience. “Cherish every moment—it’s more special than you realize. Once you graduate, you’ll truly understand how unique this time was. The little things—sharing lunch, goofing around in math class, biking to school together in the mornings—make it unforgettable. So embrace it all—laugh, learn, and make the most of the journey.”
Reflecting on his time at ISA, Yllan shares how much it impacted him both academically and personally. Coming from the German education system and adapting to English-language learning was challenging, but it turned out to be one of the best decisions he made. “ISA helped me develop invaluable social skills,” he says. “I’m especially grateful to my teachers for their guidance and for helping me grow as a person and a professional.”
For those entering his field of Hospitality Business, Yllan offers this advice: “Don’t rush. You have your whole life ahead of you. If you’re unsure about your path, taking a gap year or two to explore your interests can be incredibly valuable. Taking the time to find the right path will always be worth it.”
“I genuinely think activities outside of study are just as, if not more important than your academic side. Try things you have not done before. Do something you are interested in. The experience will 100% help you in ways you don’t expect in the future.”
Atsuya Jojima, a graduate of the ISA Class of 2023, is now studying Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University in the UK. Reflecting on his time at ISA, Atsuya fondly remembers his final year as captain of the Bears Football team, especially winning the plate in the NECIS Tournament. He also cherishes the everyday moments, like spending lunchtime with his friends in George Jr. However, graduation remains one of the most unforgettable moments of his ISA journey.
Looking back on his time at ISA, Atsuya offers valuable advice for current students. “It might sound cliché, but I’d advise you to really enjoy your time. You’re only in Middle or High School once, so be present and make the most of it. You’ll realize how much you miss these years once they’re behind you. Not every day is going to be a bright day, but enjoy the journey.”
He also emphasizes the importance of relationships, particularly friends and family. “You don’t realize how precious these relationships are until you don’t see them every day in school or at home. My friends from ISA are some of the most important people in my life.”
Atsuya encourages students to take advantage of the numerous opportunities available outside of academics. “There are so many ways to get involved in clubs, teams, jobs, and committees. I genuinely think activities outside of study are just as, if not more, important than your academic side. Try new things, explore your interests—these experiences will help you in ways you don’t expect in the future.”
Reflecting on the impact ISA had on him, Atsuya shares how the school prepared him well for university. “I felt well-prepared academically after completing the IB, and I made friends that I consider very close and important to me. I also realized how lucky I am to have such a supportive family and great people around me.”
Atsuya is pursuing his passion for sports through his studies in Sport and Exercise Science, with aspirations to become a performance analyst at a top football club. His love for sports and football, combined with his desire to work with top-level athletes, drives his ambition. He encourages others to explore the field: “If you love sports or fitness, I highly recommend it because it’s so much fun. You can dive into diverse disciplines like physiology, nutrition, exercise metabolism, performance analysis, and more.”