ISB Stories Untold Autumn Edition 2023/24

Stories

Untold International School Basel Magazine

Extracurricular Extravaganza

The Art of Yearbook Crafting

From Drawing to 3D Printing

ISBX Club Expo Unveiled

Yearbook Workshop & Planning Event

Grade 6 Design Exploration Unit

November 2023 | Autumn Edition

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Design

CONTEN 6

Welcome Back BBQ A day of fun, food and community bonding

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The Schulkonzert Sharing the stage with world-class musicians

16 18 Bobo’s Big Move

From Gymnastics to Ninja Warrior

Stories inspired by nature and created for students on the move

Ms. Hunt’s Parkour adventure

12 14 The Art of Yearbook Crafting

From Drawing to 3D Printing

Yearbook executive committee attended Yearbook Workshop & Planning Event

Grade 6’s Design Exploration Unit

22 24 Basel’s Museums Inspire Young Artists

Behind the Scenes

Grade 10 and 11 Visual Arts students visited the Kunstmuseum and Schaulager to explore the world of arts

Looking at the making of the cast, props and story of Addams Family’ Musical

Design |

NTS

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Photo | Senior School ISB Expo

26 28 29 30 Extracurricular Extravaganza

The Tao of Calligraphy

Yú gōng yí shān

Case Study in Real Life

The air was buzzing with the unveiling of the ISBX Club Expo

A world where words become mountains, revealing the profound art of expression

The story of the old foolish man who moved the mountain

Grade 12 Geography students witness gentrification and sustainability in action

32 36 38 G10 Colour Competition

Community, Sustainability and Action

From Graduate to Tech Guru

Part 1: A spectacular Friday homeroom event

ISB’s sustainability initiatives and community engagement

Discover how Toby Royal’s time at ISB shaped his career and the valuable lessons he learned along the way.

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Design

Editor’s Column Joanne Rodriguez Senior School Head of Arts & Design Team

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Jasmijn Hendriks, Caroline Nielsen & Justine ThebaultWeiser, Grade 12

As the leaves change colours and the air becomes crisp, we find ourselves embracing the charm of autumn. It is a season of new beginnings and fresh opportunities, and here at the International School Basel, we are excited to welcome you to the new school year! Our School Director, Bradely Roberts, is ready to jump on board and get things rolling with enthusiasm!

This edition is packed with surprises, and one of the most delightful read is the feature on our alumni. You’ll even spot a familiar face! He’s got some remarkable stories and wisdom to share, making this issue a treasure of inspiration.

In these colourful pages, you’ll find stories of student achievements, lively discussions about learning and personal growth, and trips and adventures worth discovering. This school magazine truly captures the heart and soul of our school community.

So, dive in, and let the Autumn Edition be your guide through the year with the Stories Untold!

Introduction

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From our School Director Bradley Roberts Thank you to all the contributors to this first edition of our Stories Untold Masazine for the 2023/24 academic year. We are looking forward to another exciting year for ISB, especially as we start working towards ISB’s Vision 2030 - our strategic plan for the next three to seven years. Vision 2030 has four central pillars: i) Student Wellbeing; ii) Future-Focused Learning; iii) Whole-Child Development; and iv) Sustainability.

Many of the articles included in our Autumn Magazine will already show strong connections with Vision 2030, as well as our drive to better engage with the local community in Basel. Our students are truly blessed to have so many wonderful opportunities both within and beyond the classroom.

But this great opportunity also comes with great responsibility. Rather than just focusing on the self, we need to be working for the betterment of others and society as a whole. We are living in complicated and difficult times, where conflicts are impacting so many around the world. As a school, we strive to develop students who positively impact others.

I trust that you will enjoy reading about the exciting events and happenings at ISB. Thank you to those who continue to make this possible by putting in so much extra time and effort to make all of these exciting things happen.

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Community

A DAY OF FUN, FOOD AND COMMUNITY BONDING Welcome Back BBQ Story & Photos

| Joanne Rodriguez, Head of Arts & Design

Community |

The annual Welcome Back Barbecue event, put together by our amazing Community Association (CA) Parent Committee, kickstarted the school year under a picture-perfect blue sky. This day has grown into a tradition, uniting students, parents, and staff.

Mother Nature must have got the memo, as the weather was absolutely spot on. Families and friends gathered on the school grounds, chowing down on scrumptious food, and participating in a variety of activities.

What made the day extra special was the incredible teamwork within our community. Parents, students, teachers, and staff joined forces, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all.

And here’s the cherry on top: the Sustainability Committee and Environmental Society organised the “Eco Sort” for rubbish. It was all about keeping it green and clean, showing off our commitment to the environment.

We’re excited to start the school year with a spirit of togetherness and a dash of eco consciousness.

Thanks to all for making this day unforgettable!

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Arts

SHARING THE STAGE WITH WORLD-CLASS MUSICIANS The Schulkonzert

Arts |

Story

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| Sian Morgan, Grade 12

Photos | William Norris, Director of Performing Arts

“It was a moment filled with blends of excitement, awe, and sheer wonder.” - Laetitia Brosi In a remarkable fusion of music and language, ISB recently played a pivotal role in the Schulkonzert, an event that brought together students aged 12 and over from various Swiss schools. At the heart of the Schulkonzert was the renowned Sinfonieorchester Basel, performing the mesmerizing “Lemminkäinen Suite” by Jean Sibelius.

However, what made this event truly special was the involvement of five ISB students as the concert moderators: Emma Locher, Ritik Singhal, Laetitia Brosi, Lavanya Mahendrakumar, and myself, Sian Morgan.

During this concert, we were given the task of writing the script for the concert that explained the story behind the music piece and identified certain motifs that the audience should look out for. In my role as the interviewer, I had the opportunity to interact with Mirga Gražinytė-Tyla, the worldclass conductor who has achieved so much as a young female in a male-dominated profession. Meeting her was an honor, especially given her enthusiasm for the piece and the chance to share it. We also had the pleasure of being on stage when the orchestra played, giving us a unique vantage point of the conductor’s cues and the interactions between the musicians.

So, how did we, students from ISB, get to the point of sharing the stage with world-class musicians?

Mr. Norris was approached by the education director of the Sinfonieorchester Basel with the idea of ISB being part of this event. He immediately seized the opportunity, viewing it as a perfect platform to showcase the musical talents within

10 | Design

ISB and strengthen the partnership with the prestigious

event, something that kept us motivated and

orchestra—a valuable asset for future student

engaged.

opportunities.

When asked to reflect on this experience, Ritik With the school’s involvement confirmed, Mr. Norris sent

eloquently summed it up, noting that “the

emails out to numerous students whom he believed

reward of sharing the world of classical music

would rise to the challenge. It didn’t take too long for

with an audience unfamiliar with it made all the

replies to come in. As five students involved in the music

struggles worth it.”

department in some shape or form, we all agreed that it was a unique and rare opportunity that would give us

This sentiment was shared by Lavanya, who

the chance to truly embrace our passion for music.

described the Schulkonzert as “empowering” and “gratifying,” as it not only offered her

Yet the road to the Schulkonzert was far from simple.

special insight into music analysis but also

Lavanya, Ritik, and I believed that having to write a script

bolstered her confidence in speaking German.

in German from scratch and then having to speak in front of students in a foreign language was definitely

Laetitia also said that she enjoyed being able

a daunting task. In the midst of the busy beginning

to “appreciate the magnitude of the symphonic

of the school year, we met weekly to explore Sibelius’

experience” due to the behind-the-scenes view

piece. Crafting an hour-long concert script seemed

that we got as moderators.

almost unthinkable as students who had never done this before. However, we were all willing to take on this

In the end, taking part in the Schulkonzert

challenge because ultimately the nerves and moments

proved to be memorable not only for us

of uncertainty were dwarfed by the sheer exhilaration

students but also for Mr. Norris, who had

and satisfaction of taking part in this once-in-a-lifetime

Design |

an interesting ‘bird’s-eye view’ perspective on this process. From our initial silence and apprehension in our first meeting, he witnessed our growth and blossoming confidence as we became more comfortable in our roles.

The improvements from the initial rough runthrough to the final dress rehearsal just hours before the concert alone were nothing short of impressive and “really hit home.”

Ultimately, all our hard work had paid off and it crescendoed into a moment where we took our bow on stage. In a single word, Mr. Norris described the journey as “inspiring,” a sentiment that resonated deeply with all involved. The Schulkonzert wasn’t just a musical event; it was a testament to the transformational power of music, hard work, and the courage to step beyond one’s comfort zone. Through the universal language of music, we found inspiration to reach new heights.

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Yearbook

THE ART OF YEARBOOK CRAFTING Jostens Europe Yearbook Workshop & Planning Event Story

| Jasmijn Hendriks, Grade 12

Photos | Joanne Rodriguez, Head of Arts & Design

Yearbook |

On September 22nd and 23rd, along with

meticulous attention to color and fonts.

Ms. Rodriguez, the executive leadership team of

Despite the abundance of choices, with

Yearbook and I had the opportunity to attend the

over 300 colors and 14 pages of diverse

Jostens Europe Yearbook Workshop & Planning

fonts available, we eagerly embraced

event. Our journey began with a meeting at the

the challenge and successfully made

train station in Basel at 7 am to catch a train to

our selections.

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the Zurich International School, which hosted the workshop this year.

The final step was creating the ladder, a document that outlines the content for each

The workshop was led by three experts from the

page. This step required time and attention

US, who imparted valuable knowledge, including

to ensure an even distribution of content

an understanding of the software used to create

across all pages and to prevent overlooking

the Yearbook, called Jostens Yearbook Avenue.

important sections, such as

Additionally, we had the chance to review award-

the portrait pages.

winning book samples and master the skills required to create an exceptional cover, develop

With that, after exhausting the executive

an engaging theme, and ensure everyone’s

leadership team of Yearbook, the two-day

multiple features throughout the book. Not only

workshop came to a close.

that, but this workshop facilitated collaboration with different schools, such as ZIS, ISP, and many others. We exchanged ideas, examined their previous yearbooks, and sought feedback.

Creating both the cover and the rest of the Yearbook was an exciting process that demanded

Despite the considerable effort, time, and energy invested, we had an incredible time bonding as a team, strengthening our relationships, and expressing our creativity.

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Design

DESIGN FOR EXPLORATION Grade 6’s Exploration Unit Story & Photos | Despina Joannidis, MS Design Teacher

Grade 6 students’ enthusiasm and creativity have been ignited as they dive into the world of design, incorporating 2D and 3D representation, digital fabrication, and storytelling into their learning journey, laying a solid foundation for their transition to Grade 7.

Design |

This year, Grade 6 started the year by embarking on a new unit: Design for Exploration- exploring skills in both 2D and 3D representation of products where they combined drawing opportunities, digital fabrication, and storytelling.

After first completing design thinking challenges such as making eating utensils from foil, discussing 50 uses for a brick etc, they were ready to go into into Designing.

From their first lesson there was excitement and an eagerness that created a real energy in the classroom!

The idea of designing and 3D printing their own Avatar, creating their own superhero/heroine character and using this as a main character for their Scratch story was eagerly taken on board by the students.

The skills they are developing this year will be invaluable as they transition to Grade 7 next year, yet still so much to learn this year (including their teacher who is also learning from her students!)

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16 | Educator Spotlight

BOBO’S BIG MOVE Stories Inspired by Nature and Created for Students on the Move Story & Photos | Dr Rebecca Bower, JS Counsellor

and Kelly Bader, MS English Teacher

Join us in celebrating and supporting the creativity of our Middle School and Junior School teachers as they weave their Galapagos adventure into a children’s book. In this story, we’ll explore the making of “Bobo’s Big Move” fostering an environment that encourages and celebrates the creativity of our teachers within our school community.

We exited the plane into the heat of the Galapagos Islands. “Look at this statue of an iguana!”

The statue began to move! We couldn’t believe it – we’d walked no more than 20 metres and were already making eye contact with an animal from Jurassic times.

We had taken binoculars in the hope of capturing a glimpse of the spectacular creatures of the Galapagos, but none were needed. During a special day on these magnificent islands, we were gifted with the experience of an up-close-andpersonal insight into the life of blue-footed boobies.

We were humbled to witness the nest, the egg, the sounds and the soul of the blue-footed booby, who danced like no one’s watching.

Educator Spotlight |

Lying cocooned in colourful hammocks, sipping coconut water, we hatched an idea.

As we talked and sipped, sipped and talked, a story was forming. It was at this moment that Bobo, our Blue-Footed Booby friend, was born!

In this book, Bobo receives life-altering news that flips his world upside down – it’s time for his family to relocate. With a little help from the colourful characters he meets along the way, will Bobo embrace the magic of change?

We hope that “Bobo’s Big Move” supports children on the move, wherever they are and wherever they’re going.

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18 | Educator Spotlight

FROM GYMNASTICS TO NINJA WARRIOR Ms. Hunt’s Parkour Adventure Story

| Caroline Nielsen, Grade 12

Ms. Melanie Hunt, our esteemed English teacher and Head of Senior School English, has embraced parkour for many years, leading to exciting opportunities and an incredible journey.

Ms. Hunt’s parkour journey began during her time at the University of Michigan, where she was a gymnast. While there, she observed friends and fellow students practicing parkour on concrete. Initially, she was uninterested, deeming it risky and preferring the safety of gymnastics mats. The male-dominated environment further deterred her from exploring this unfamiliar sport.

After college, Ms. Hunt relocated to Washington, DC to teach.

Missing her athletic pursuits, she sought a new passion. An invitation from a college friend to a parkour session in an abandoned fire station, equipped with mats, marked a turning point. This controlled environment allowed her to build confidence and ease into parkour.

Ms. Hunt quickly discovered her love for parkour, leveraging her gymnastics skills. Unlike gymnastics, parkour had no set rules, routines, or judges. It encouraged creativity and personal skill challenges. She also found a like-minded community, focused on playfulness. As her comfort and confidence grew, she ventured into parkour sessions throughout the city, gaining a fresh perspective on DC.

Recognizing a significant gender gap in parkour, with 90% of participants being male, Ms. Hunt decided to take action. She established regular parkour meetups for women and non-binary individuals in DC, encouraging her female friends to participate. These sessions continue to this day, helping balance the gender ratio and drawing more women into paid classes.

Design |

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20 | Educator Spotlight Ninja Warrior was emerging as a popular phenomenon at this time. Ms. Hunt received an invitation to an online competition, which opened the doors to a parkour competition in Miami and further annual opportunities. The appeal of Ninja Warrior lay in the participation of adults with regular jobs, as well as the sport’s polished nature, in contrast to the more rugged and rebellious side of parkour she had encountered before. She even had a chance at conquering the famous warped wall in Miami, which, if successful, would have made her the third woman ever to achieve it. Ninja Warrior introduced her to television training, b-roll filming, and interviews. It was a departure from her usual parkour routine, transforming her into a show performer selected based on compelling narratives. This transition led to stunt gigs, appearances on the Today Show, and even a memorable flip down the runway at New York Fashion Week.

Ms. Hunt’s journey also included participation in a professional parkour team. During a shoot in Sarajevo, she faced a significant challenge. While attempting a dangerous jump after a long flight and suffering from jet lag, she injured herself, breaking her foot.

Educator Spotlight |

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This experience taught her the importance of setting boundaries and assessing risks, which she now applies to both her parkour endeavors and daily life.

Her motto became, “Evaluate the risk before you take it, but still take those risks and learn how to fall.”

This fearless approach to parkour and the ability to assess risks and outcomes gave Ms. Hunt the confidence to become an international teacher.

Her evaluation of risks allowed her to navigate the challenges that arose in her path. Teaching brings her daily joy and enables her to have a positive impact on the community in various ways.

Today, Ms. Hunt has shifted her focus to another passion: empowering women in sports. She aims to create a balanced community where women can comfortably start their parkour journeys and eventually transition to regular classes. She teaches a Ninja Warrior class exclusively for women in Basel, emphasizing technique over strength and emphasizing the importance of training together, not just alongside one another. With time, obstacles like the warped wall become less daunting, and technique takes precedence.

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BASEL’S MUSEUMS INSPIRE YOUNG ARTISTS Grade 10 and 11 Visual Arts Students Museum Visit

In the heart of Basel, Grade 10 and 11 Visual Arts students ventured in artistic journeys, exploring the vibrant world of creativity and self-expression. With equal measures of curiosity and excitement, they explored the city’s artistic treasures.

The Grade 10 students, guided by their unit “Me, Myself and I,” embarked on a journey of self-discovery at the Kunstmuseum. Stepping into this treasure of artistic expression, they encountered a wealth of historical and contemporary artworks. As they strolled through the corridors, they discovered portraits that mirrored their own identity - a metamorphosis of self through the lens of art.

Story & Photos

| Joanne Rodriguez, Head of Arts & Design

Arts | 23

It was an eye-opening experience, sparking their artistic passion and helping students understand the power of art in discovering one’s self.

The Grade 11 students experienced a different adventure, a comparative study research expedition. Their day began at Kunstmuseum allowing them to explore the interplay between sculptures and the architectural spaces, awakening their critical thinking and appreciation of art in context.

The adventure didn’t end there. In the afternoon, the students ventured to the Schaulager museum to explore the “Out of the Box” collection. Here, they were met with a mindbending experience as they encountered art that defied boundaries, transforming everyday objects into thoughtprovoking sculptures.

As they left Schaulager, the Grade 11 students had a newfound appreciation for the limitless potential of art. Their horizons had expanded, and they realized that creativity has no bounds.

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BEHIND THE SCENES The Addams Family’ Musical Story & Photos

| Sophia Ayling, Grade 12

Arts | 25

This year’s Senior School musical, “The Addams Family,” centers around the main plotline of Wednesday Addams, who falls in love with Lucas Beineke, a ‘normal’ and respectable young man, but grapples with the challenge of gaining her family’s acceptance of him.

The production is full of distinctive songs and lively (or deadly) dances, promising to bring chuckles to the audience as they meet the quirky characters.

As a newcomer to the musical, I play the role of Marie Antoinette, one of the ancestors. Although I don’t have any speaking lines, I thoroughly enjoy learning the songs and choreography alongside my fellow cast members during our Tuesday and Thursday rehearsals. I’m eagerly anticipating the final weeks of rehearsal, as it’s the time when we’ll run through everything we’ve learned and add those finishing touches for a polished performance. The culminating performance is scheduled for the evenings of December 6, 7, and 8, with a matinee on the afternoon of the 6th. Please join us to cheer on your friends who are also involved in the musical!

26 | ISBX Highlights

EXTRACURRICULAR EXTRAVAGANZA ISBX Club Expo Unveiled Story & Photos

| Joanne Rodriguez, Head of Arts & Design

ISBX Highlights |

The Aula of our Senior School was buzzing

The ISBX Club Expo served as a reminder that

with excitement and anticipation as students

school life is not just about academics but

gathered for the annual ISBX Club Expo.

also about forming meaningful connections,

With 65 diverse clubs on offer, it was a

pursuing one’s interests, and becoming a well-

day filled with opportunities for students to

rounded individual. Students found their sense of

explore their interests and passions beyond

belonging in clubs that matched their passions,

the classroom.

and many formed lasting friendships.

For the students, the ISBX Club Expo

It was, without a doubt, a great day for our students, and the school as a whole. The ISBX Club Expo serves as a testament to the vibrant and dynamic extracurricular life that thrives within our school community.

was more than just an event; it was an opportunity to explore their interests and discover new passions. As they roamed through the crowded Aula, they were greeted with friendly faces and enthusiastic club members who were eager to share their club’s mission and activities.

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28 | ISBX Highlights

THE TAO OF CALLIGRAPHY Brushwork in Calligraphy Story

| Stéphane Thaize, Modern Languages Teacher

Photos | Joanne Rodriguez, Head of Arts & Design

When writing as a calligrapher, you have to choose how you express your understanding of the words you are writing in the moment: Steady strong mountain to express how great the obstacles in life are, or on the contrary a swift light mountain to express how everything can be easier than we think by being perseverent. What you see in the words will correspond to the way the characters are made, adding a layer of meaning to them.

ISBX Highlights | 29

愚公移山 YÚ GŌNG YÍ SHĀN The story of the old foolish man who moved the mountain

In the story, the Foolish Old Man, or Yugong, and his family lived in mountains that blocked their way in and out. To facilitate movement for themselves and the future generation, Yugong, approaching his 90s, was determined to remove the mountains, shovel by shovel.

His act was mocked by the Wise Old Man, or Zhisou. “You are so foolish. With your remaining years and the little strength you still have, you could not cut a tree in the mountain. How can you possibly move all the soil and rocks,” questioned Zhisou.

Yugong replied, “It’s true that I will die, but I have my sons, and they will have sons. Then their sons will have sons, and those sons will also have sons. I will have endless sons and grandsons, but these mountains will not grow. Why can’t they be leveled?”

In the end, the Heaven was touched by Yugong’s perseverance and sent two titans from the sky who helped move the mountains away.

30 | Design

CASE STUDY IN REAL LIFE London Geography Trip Story

| Jasmijn Hendriks, Grade 12

Photos | Geography Group

Starting on September 30th, 19 students from Grade 12 HL and SL Geography, along with Ms. Butterworth and Mr. Collin, embarked on a trip to London, an emerging megacity, to witness a case study they had encountered in their textbooks come to life. These 19 students included both HL and SL students, all of whom were studying the optional topic of Urban Environments from the syllabus. This topic focuses “how cities are structured and how they evolve, with a specific focus on gentrification and real-life geography case studies,” as noted by Alexandra, a Grade 12 student. One of these case studies revolved around London and Stratford, specifically the gentrification and repurposing of the Olympic Stadiums, making it the perfect opportunity to observe this case study in person. The main objective of this trip was to explore how London is repurposing the Olympic park and the impact of this transformation on the contemporary world, as well as to observe the responses of communities to gentrification.

Geography |

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They initiated their trip with a visit to Tottenham Court Road. Their primary focus here was to learn how London is striving to become a more sustainable city by “supporting established businesses, encouraging people to shop at second-hand stores, and promoting environmentally conscious construction practices,” as explained by Alexandra. Furthermore, they also gained insights into the pros and cons of renovating old industrial areas into green spaces, including wooded areas. London communities have been dedicated to embracing a greener approach, fostering small community gardens, promoting a closer connection with nature, and allowing plants, flowers, and grass to grow in courtyards without meticulous landscaping.

They visited Stratford, the site of the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Three-quarters of the 9 billion pound Olympic budget were allocated to the regeneration and repurposing efforts following the 2012 Olympic Games. This ensured the availability of job opportunities post-Olympics and prevented the abandonment of the stadiums. As a result, the Grade 12 students learned about the transformation of the old Olympic village into Westfield Stratford City, a popular hangout spot. They also discovered how the athlete housing was repurposed into office buildings, the aquatic center had its side “wings” with spectator seating removed, and the stadiums, like the basketball and football stadiums, were transformed into the Hive Stadium and the London Stadium, as Alexandra highlighted.

This trip was undeniably a success, marked by numerous unforgettable memories and newfound friendships.

32 | Grade 10 Homeroom

G10 COLOUR COMPETITION Part 1: A Spectacular Friday Homeroom Event Story

| Jennifer Ball, Head of Grade 10

Photos | Fien Hendriks, Grade 11 and Boyd Jerman, Design Teacher

On a Friday morning like no other, the Grade 10 students came together for an extraordinary event—the G10 Colour Competition - Part 1. This action-packed extravaganza unfolded during one extended homeroom session, uniting each colours’ English and German homeroom groups in the spirit of camaraderie, teamwork, and fun.

Grade 10 Homeroom | 33

The competition featured a diverse range

outstanding performance and teamwork.

of challenges that tested both physical and mental agility. From the precision of the 3-point competition to the exhilarating ping pong “top dog” matches, our Grade 10 students showcased their skills and sportsmanship, all within the confines of a single extended homeroom period.

In a delightful twist, the fruit carving challenge added a touch of creativity and taste to the competition. Our talented students transformed apples, oranges, bananas, peppers, kiwis, and even a pumpkin into edible works of art, leaving us all in awe of their ingenuity.

After an unforgettable Friday morning filled with competition and collaboration and a close set of results, we’re thrilled to announce that the winners of the G10 Colour Competition - Part 1 were the Red/Rot team! Congratulations to them for their

This event served as a powerful reminder that, beyond the classroom, our school community is a place where friendships flourish, bonds strengthen, and fun is had by all.

Stay tuned for Part 2 of the competition coming in Semester 2, where the Grade 10 students will continue to come together and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Riddles & Puzzles: Cecilia de Caetano Leal In Riddles and Puzzles, we had multiple exciting rounds of different kinds of questions that required teamwork and brain power. There were time limits for the different problems, and we had to write our answers down on an A3 piece

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of paper. Although we didn’t get all the questions,

were in the competition. Overall I think the

we got to connect and interact with others from our

experience was definitely a breath of fresh

homeroom to form the 10 Grün/Green Dream Team!

air from the usual activities we do, and was a nice way to get some collaboration

Maths: Luca Seres

between homerooms.

I was in the maths colour competition and personally I thought it was pretty fun. While I’m usually not

Minute to Win It: Anoushka Jha

the biggest fan of competition style maths (quick

The Minute to Win It was a great bonding

problems), doing it in a team made the experience

exercise that was fun and connected

more enjoyable because of all of the different

people together. Working in teams and

perspectives on maths working together to solve

having a variety of games made the session

problems creatively and quickly. Working with someone

exciting as there was always something

passionate about a subject you’re also passionate

new to try, so you were never bored! You

about is almost always a fun experience, and I think

also got to know people that you don’t

that could be applied to almost any other games there

normally talk to, so this acted as both a fun and team-building exercise. And of course, friendly competition just adds to the fun!

Design | 35

36 | Sustainability

COMMUNITY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND ACTION ISB’s Sustainability Initiatives and Community Engagement Story

| Nicole Gough, Head of Sustainability

Photos | Emily Adam, Sara Bento Gomes, Nicole Gough, Katie Walker

Solar Panels Unless you spend time on the roof, you may not have noticed that ISB had a bit of a glow-up over the summer! Both the Aesch and Reinach campuses have been fitted with solar panels.

Watch this space - it could be a great opportunity for data collection and research!

Clean Up Day The neighborhoods around our ISB campuses were dotted with neon yellow vests a few weeks ago as the ISB community came together, joining Swiss CleanUP day. Faculty, parents, and students helped make the areas around our school a little cleaner and greener. Want to learn more about CleanUP Day? Check out their website here!

Sustainability |

Birsputzete ISB also joined the Reinach gemeinde on Saturday, September 16 to help clean up trash along the Birs.

This particular Birs cleaning was linked to Swiss CleanUP day, but there may be more in the future.

If you’re interested in getting involved, e-mail nicole. gough@isbasel.ch.

Eco-Schools Green Flag Award Are you aware that in 2021, ISB has proudly earned the Green Flag award ? Click on the link here to watch more about this remarkable accomplishment.

This year, we’re excited to announce that we’re renewing our commitment to sustainability and excellence. Our focus now is “Energy” - keep an eye on your inbox as you may receive some surveys! Want to learn more about Eco-Schools? Have a look at their website here!

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38 | Alumni

FROM GRADUATE TO TECH GURU Toby Royal’s Remarkable Journey Story

| Caroline Nielsen, Grade 11

Toby Royal, an alumnus of the International School Basel (ISB), graduated in 2021 and returned to his alma mater to work for the IT department. In this exclusive interview, we explore Toby’s experiences, insights, and achievements since his graduation, shedding light on his remarkable journey.

Reflecting on his time at ISB, Toby emphasizes the important role that friendships and close bonds played in shaping his academic journey. He credits his friends for pushing him forward and providing valuable advice and support. These relationships, he explains, have been instrumental in his personal and professional development.

Toby highlights the significance of group projects in enhancing his teamwork skills during his education at ISB. Furthermore, his experience with Design Technology and a supportive teacher helped him grasp the “user-experience” aspect of technology, enabling him to become proficient in software development. He continues to apply these skills in his current role at ISB. When asked about a specific skill or knowledge gained at ISB that has been valuable in his career, Toby acknowledges the Tech Crew as a major contributor to his technical expertise. Working with both students and staff in this extracurricular activity honed his technology

Alumni | 39

skills and taught him to navigate challenges and

provide guidance. His current boss also guided him

collaborate effectively.

in various aspects of his career.

Toby’s advice for current ISB students preparing

Staying connected to the ISB community has

to enter the workforce or pursue higher

been an essential part of Toby’s post-graduation

education is grounded in his own journey. He

journey. As a full-time employee at ISB, he has

recommends reaching out to companies or

nurtured and expanded his connections with

individuals for internships if they are passionate

former teachers and peers. He has also maintained

about a particular field. Toby emphasizes that

relationships with teachers and students who have

hands-on experience, project management, and

left ISB, finding these connections invaluable for his

communication skills are often more valuable

personal growth.

than traditional classroom learning.

Toby underscores that ISB’s education has

His involvement in extracurricular activities, such as the Tech Crew and StuCo, expanded Toby’s horizons and allowed him to step out of his comfort zone. Even in roles like the “tech guy” for StuCo, he realized the importance of having a voice and making a meaningful impact.

equipped him with the ability to explain complex ideas and concepts to a diverse audience, a crucial skill in his field. This skill was improved during his time at ISB when he had to present projects and academic assignments.

When asked about a specific achievement he is proud of, Toby highlights his role in developing software for ISB, particularly the tool “BetterPanda.”

This software streamlines the management of

Toby’s journey was not without its challenges.

Chromebooks lent to students and visitors. Toby’s

He openly shares his initial dislike for traditional

work has evolved from a small budget and limited

schooling and the struggle to maintain good

time to a sophisticated and widely used product,

grades. However, a turning point in the last

showcasing his growth as a developer.

six months of Grade 12 saw him seeking support from peers and teachers, resulting in a

Toby Royal’s journey from ISB graduate to a vital

remarkable transformation. Toby’s determination

member of the ISB IT department is a testament

to pass and exceed his expectations motivated

to the power of perseverance, mentorship, and

him to overcome academic hurdles.

hands-on experience. His story serves as an inspiring example for current and future ISB

Mentorship and guidance from ISB staff played

students, emphasizing that success can be

a significant role in Toby’s academic and career

achieved through determination, collaboration, and

success. He received valuable life advice from his

continuous learning.

mentors and found that teachers were always willing to help him understand concepts and

40 | Design

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