IS Ruhr in Essen is a private International English-language day school with an affiliated preschool for 3 to 6-year-olds. It is a fully state-accredited school and one of more than 5,700 worldwide-authorised International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Our primary school (ages 3 to 11) students follow the Primary Years Programme (PYP), which is an internationally recognised curriculum framework which places the student at the centre of the learning experience. Inquiry-based learning and transdisciplinary learning is at the heart of the PYP curriculum model. This prepares students for the academic demands of secondary school. The learning content of Grades 6 to 8 follows an inquiry-based learning approach where students are encouraged to develop 21st century learning skills. Grades 9 and 10 follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a programme developed by Cambridge University. Grades 11 and 12 follow for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Certain subject combinations and grade averages guarantee the nationwide recognition of both degrees, the Mittlere Reife (after grade 10) or Internationales Abitur (after grade 12). The International Baccalaureate Diploma entitles students to study at universities worldwide.

At International School Ruhr, we are proud to be part of a global community of over 5,700 schools dedicated to delivering the International Baccalaureate® (IB) programmes. The IB philosophy is not just about academic excellence but also about fostering holistic development in our students. This philosophy resonates with our educational approach emphasizing nurturing each student’s potential. The core of the IB learner profile aligns perfectly with our ethos, focusing on developing students who are inquirers, knowledgeable, caring, communicators, and principled. We strive to cultivate open-mindedness, caring attitudes, risk-taking, and reflective thinking in our students. At International School Ruhr, we don’t just teach subjects; we are committed to shaping global citizens who respect themselves, others, and the world they live in. We encourage our students to become internationally minded and to take action that creates a more peaceful world. Our dedication to the IB programmes signifies our commitment to empowering students to thrive in a complex and rapidly evolving world.

Throughout all stages of the IB journey students are empowered to develop essential approaches to learning skills in the key areas of critical thinking, research, communication, self-management, and social skills. We firmly believe that mastering the art of learning is crucial for a student’s success, both within the classroom and in their future endeavors. Our curriculum is thoughtfully designed to integrate these skills in an age-appropriate manner, ensuring that students receive explicit instruction and implicit opportunities to enhance their abilities.