The Beginning Band program starts in the fifth grade. Any student can try out an instrument and get lessons on how to play together in a band or ensemble. Experienced musicians can join the Intermediate Band and then later Advanced Band or Honors Ensemble. The secondary music program encourages students to participate in solo ensemble festivals and also in the European International School Honor Band.
Many of our teachers at AISR have had musical training or have special talents in music, which enhances the music program and student enthusiasm. At the secondary level, students can enroll in a band class as an elective.
Sports Program
AISR participates in the Northwest European Council of International Schools (NECIS) sport and activity programs. Students can participate competitively against other schools in soccer, volleyball, basketball, swimming, softball, and track and field. Currently, there are no try-outs at AISR which simply means that all who would like to take part are encouraged to join a team.
AISR competes in sports with other NECIS schools on two levels during the middle school years: Under 12 years and Under 14 years. The other schools in our conference are: Antwerp International School, International School of Amsterdam, American School of the Hague, American International School of Luxembourg, International School of Dusseldorf, International School of Hamburg, International School of Stavanger, and Sigtuna International School in Sweden.
Students must maintain a satisfactory academic standard in all courses in order to participate in sports. At the end of each school year exceptional students are chosen as AISR's "Athlete of the Year". This honor is not necessarily given to the most talented students, but is rather given to those individuals who have helpd their teams, coaches, and themselves during the year. The school also selects and features an "Athlete of the Week" throughout each of the sport seasons.
Field Trips
AISR students expand and enrich their classroom studies through field trips. AISR's location within Europe provides the starting point for many educational trips that are planned by both the teachers and students. Classroom teachers integrate course materials and trip destinations to provide meaningful experiences for the students.
Typical trips destinations have included:
- Grade 6: Terschelling Island, in the North of the Netherlands on bicycles. Four days of field study on this beautiful island in the Wadden Sea.
- Grade 7: Outdoor Survival Adventure in the Ardennes Mountains, Belgium. Five days.
- Grade 8: This group will be on
board a traditional Dutch sailing ship. From the Harbor of Enkhuizen they
will be exploring the IJsselmeer and Waddenzee. They will study the physics of sailing, navigation (astronomy), Dutch maritime history and some marine biology. They will be on board for 5 days and will have to cook for themselves too. "Hollands Glorie" is the name of the charter company arranging the ships.
In addition to these extended class field trips, students have opportunities to visit local sites such as museums, the zoo, and special exhibitions unique to the Port of Rotterdam and the rest of Holland.
