As an international school we have an international teaching body. The language of instruction is English throughout the school and in the majority of cases the teacher has an English language background education. For example, their university degree will have been in English.

Yes, we offer English as an Additional Language support sessions in the timetable to all Primary and Secondary students (up to Grade 10). Additional support is also available in the Diploma Programme under special circumstances.

We offer French, Spanish and Dutch in the Secondary School.
The Primary School offers Dutch.

Our goal is have a maximum of 25 students per class in order to ensure quality IB education. However, we rarely reach this limit.

Approximately 22 in the International Stream.

Yes, the teaching assistants are to ensure that all lessons are covered during teacher absences. In the Primary Years Programme, the teaching assistants have a broader role, which includes individual student guidance.

In the Secondary School, every student and staff member has their own Macbook. In the Primary School, students have access to iPads.
Additionally, each classroom is fully equipped with the most up to date equipment and staff are encouraged and supported to explore and use various means of technology.

Yes, the school has had a very successful year during the COVID-19 lockdown periods. We were and still are able to offer hybrid and full online lessons within only a few days of the quarantine starting.

Not under the guidance of the school although all religions and religious practices are catered for if required.

All students work towards the IB Diploma Programme exam.

Over the past five years, the average pass rate has been around 98 to 100%, with students scoring an average close to 32 points on their diploma.

Yes, although we have many periods during the year which are designated as 'homework free'. This policy allows students to enjoy, for example, their vacation without the worry of deadlines when they return. The Primary school is homework free, although the higher grade level students may be asked to prepare some assignments at home.

The amount of homework assigned to students will increase as the student progresses through the school. Teachers are required, through the virtual classroom platform, to clearly indicate to their students the time expected to be spent on any given assignment.

Close to 100%

The school has an Inclusion Coordinator, who is responsible for managing the special need of students. We have access to professional staff, including a psychologist and behaviour specialist. In the classroom, there is limited support for students with special needs, although recommendations by professionals are followed. Training for certain conditions, such as dyslexia, is the responsibility of parents. The school has a strong support network focussed around the well-being of students. During the application process, parents are required to indicate any known special needs, giving us the opportunity to assess, alongside the parents, the best course of action.

Additional support is available in Mathematics (ASM) and English (EAL) up to Grade 10.
As mentioned, the school has access to professional staff, including a psychologist and behaviour specialist. The Mentor Programme at the school is comprehensive and led by a professional team.

The IB programmes allow for students to demonstrate their skills and the variety of their strengths almost without barriers. We encourage this and allow students to explore their potential through diverse education and collaborative efforts. We do not have a gifted student programme per se.

Yes, please see above for more information.

Very rarely and mostly for the Diploma Programme. In most cases, students will be assessed in Mathematics upon their arrival at the school; this is not a criteria for entry to the school but rather to place a student in the correct level.

In certain cases, students may be asked to complete a English and/or Mathematics test.

We do not work with a waiting list as students that do not gain a place in the first year are removed from the application process and are asked to re-apply the following year if necessary. We work with a priority list, which allows for students arriving from abroad to have preference over a student switching school locally.

Not applicable, we welcome students throughout the year where places are available.

Yes.

08:30 for both Primary and Secondary School.

15.30 for the Middle Years Programme. Occasionally, Diploma Programme students will finish at 17.00.
In the Primary School, students finish at 14.30 or 15.00. On Wednesday, the Primary School finishes at 12.35.

No.

We have a schoolbus, which is used for excursions but does not collect students in the morning or take them home in the afternoon.

There is a canteen which serves a limited selection of healthy and quality food.
Primary students are requested to bring their own healthy lunch and snacks.

Upon request

No.

We have many bodies, including but not limited to a Student Council, Sustainability Committee, Spirit Committee, Rainbow Alliance, Book Club, Makerspace Club, School Newspaper, Film Club and an extensive Buddy Programme. The school actively encourages and support student-driven activities.

We have Physical and health Education and Performing Arts classes. Additionally, in Grades 7 & 8, students follow an activities programme on Thursday afternoon.

Yes. The school organises Sports Days in the summer and some inter-school activities.

The school has 2 indoor gymnasiums and 1 outdoor multi-purpose court.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​The International School Hilversum “Alberdingk Thijm” is a long standing, highly experienced IB World School, offering three programmes and catering for all ages from 4 to 19 years. We are one of only a handful of select schools in Northern Europe to offer the continuum of all three programmes and so are able to bring the full IB experience to our students.

We are one learning community of students, all learning and growing together, located in one site, with a clear mission and with a respected, international education programme. 
Within our learning community we have over 50 different nationalities and a wide diversity of teaching staff, all studying together and learning from each other.

The ISHilversum is conveniently located between Amsterdam and Utrecht and easy to access by public transports.

Staff and students are committed to an effusive and diverse learning environment which produces:
- thoughtful students, with ambition, who are critical and creative thinkers;
- life-long learners;
- responsible world citizens.