Location – Mühlentalstrasse 280, 8200 Schaffhausen, Switzerland
Website – http://www.issh.ch/
Contact – +41 52 624 17 07
Introduction
In the picturesque town of Schaffhausen, nestled in the enchanting northern region of Switzerland, an exceptional educational journey awaits students from across the globe. The International School of Schaffhausen (ISSH) stands as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and holistic student development. In this article, we will explore the school’s mission, dedicated leadership, new programs, holistic student support, commitment to experiential learning, financial assistance, unique features, adaptability to changing education trends, notable achievements, and future plans.
Mission and Vision
ISSH envisions a world where students become family, where learning transcends boundaries, and success is a lifelong journey. The school’s mission is to offer a nurturing environment that encourages lifelong learning, unwavering confidence, and open-mindedness. Nestled in a town celebrated for its tranquil beauty and rich heritage, ISSH provides students and their families with a safe haven where diversity is not just a buzzword; it is the beating heart of the community. ISSH aims to shape its students into the leaders of tomorrow, fostering a sense of belonging and instilling values that last a lifetime.
Prominent Personality
Ebru Güver is at the helm of ISSH, serving as the Head of School. Her journey at the school spans nearly two decades, during which she has held various roles, starting as a German teacher and eventually working her way up to Middle School Principal and Deputy Head before taking on her current role in August 2023. Ebru’s educational philosophy seamlessly aligns with the school’s values of embracing uniqueness, encouraging personal responsibility, and unlocking individual potential. With a background in political science and education, Ebru brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her leadership. Her commitment is clear: to lead the school towards continued success and excellence.
Cultivating a Skill-based Community
As an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, ISSH has a rich history with the IB programs. The globally recognized two-year IB diploma program is designed for international students, opening doors to universities worldwide while fostering multilingualism and exploring global ideas and issues. Beyond academic excellence, the IB Diploma program focuses on holistic growth, with the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) component encouraging students to engage in the arts, sports, and community service, helping them become well-rounded individuals. ISSH’s motto, “Take Responsibility,” “Be Unique,” and “Achieve Potential,” shines through its boarding program, where students from diverse backgrounds come together, fostering cooperation, empathy, and a strong sense of community.
Beyond the Traditional Curriculum
ISSH takes a comprehensive approach to student development, providing holistic support through language, mental health, academics, and career and university guidance. The school emphasizes English as the language of communication and instruction, preparing students for success in a global society. Additional language offerings include German and French, enriching students’ language repertoire. ISSH goes further by ensuring each teacher develops a close relationship with students, addressing their academic and mental health needs. The school’s careers and university services empower students to make informed choices about their future, and a vibrant school community is nurtured through clubs and events organized by the Student Council and Parents’ Association.
Motivating and Developing Student Interest
ISSH bridges the gap between the curriculum and real-life experiences through experiential learning. Students have the opportunity to explore history in Berlin or conquer the Swiss Alps, encouraging them to ask “why” and understand “how.” The school’s philosophy is clear: fostering lifelong learners is at the forefront of its approach, both inside and outside the classroom.
Financial Assistance
ISSH is committed to making quality education accessible to all students. The school offers needs-based financial assistance to families experiencing temporary financial difficulties, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to benefit from its educational offerings.
Unique Features
What sets ISSH apart is its commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. The school’s work experience program provides students with firsthand exposure to the world of work, enabling a deeper understanding of their career choices. Through collaborations with local and international companies, ISSH offers students insights into various professions and the challenges they entail, preparing graduates for success in the real world.
Adapting to Education Trends
In a rapidly evolving educational landscape shaped by the aftermath of COVID-19, ISSH recognizes that education extends beyond the curriculum to encompass the holistic well-being of each student. The school’s staff aims not only to impart knowledge but also to address the comprehensive needs of each student. By leveraging resources such as the forest classroom, dedicated mental health professionals, a mentoring program, and an integrated approach to the curriculum that links learning with real-world applications, ISSH engages students on a deeper and more compassionate level. This supportive approach has resulted in remarkable opportunities for students, especially in areas such as technology, art, and the humanities.
Notable Achievements
ISSH’s commitment to personalized education has led to remarkable achievements. Academically, the school’s IB results have consistently exceeded the global average over the past decade, with an average score of 36 and 34 in the past two years. Creatively, students’ award-winning art is displayed in children’s hospitals across Switzerland. In technology, a team of future female engineers known as “Team Ovarium” secured a national Amazon Web Services competition victory by designing an app for local charities.
Future Plans
The future of ISSH holds significant promise as the school enters a new academic year with plans to enhance both its academic offerings and its community. On the academic front, ISSH is diversifying its curriculum by introducing the Middle States Accreditation (MSA) diploma to its high school program. Simultaneously, the school’s community is growing, having exceeded 300 students by the end of the last school year, with continued growth expected this year. In addition, ISSH has recently constructed six new classrooms and science laboratories for its high school, providing more space for its pre-kindergarten programs.
ISSH is also making significant strides in sustainability and environmental responsibility. As part of its green initiatives, the school has installed solar panels on a new roof, advancing the use of renewable energy. These solar panels will not only power the entire campus, benefiting both buildings with sustainable energy but will also serve as a shining example of ISSH’s commitment to green practices.
In conclusion, the International School of Schaffhausen stands as an exemplar of educational excellence, cultural diversity, and holistic student development. With its commitment to embracing individuality, fostering personal responsibility, and unlocking potential, ISSH prepares its students for a lifelong journey of success and personal growth. Through adaptability, innovation, and unwavering dedication, ISSH continues to set high standards for international education, guiding its students to become the leaders of tomorrow.