Quick summary of key school information
All the details about this school in their own words
Nationalities
| Number of students |
405 |
| Number of nationalities represented in the school |
64 |
| Most common nationality |
Dutch |
| Ratio of local students to international students |
We are an international school, catering to internationally mobile families. We must adhere to the Dutch International Schools (DIS) admission criteria, which differ for Grades 6-10 and Grades 11-12: https://www.dutchinternationalschools.nl/about-dis/admissions/ |
Languages
| Native English speaking teachers |
Reflecting our school values, our teaching staff are international, including English native speakers, fluent English speakers, and language teachers fluent in their taught languages. |
| Language support for students not fluent in English |
English as an Additional Language |
| Additional language classes offered by the school |
Dutch, French, German, Spanish, Chinese |
Classroom
| Max. number of students per class |
24 |
| Average number of students per class |
18 |
| Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
| Use of technology in the classroom |
We have Chromebooks, iPads and computers available, teach on Prowise boards, and try to implement technology when needed. Our students in the Foundation Years get ICT lessons. |
| Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
During the lockdowns that have been in place in the Netherlands, we have not closed one day. We have been able to move every lesson online and work following the timetable. All teachers are available online for our students. |
Academics
| External examinations or assessments available |
IGCSE, IB Diploma Programme, IB Career-related Programme |
| Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes |
| Approximate hours of homework given |
Depends on the grade they are in. |
| Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
99% |
Student support
| Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
Yes |
| The school supports gifted, able and talented students |
We have a special programme in place. |
| Student access to education psychologist |
Yes |
Admissions
| Entry evaluation for students |
Sometimes |
| Brief description of entry evaluation required |
This is an online assessment to assess the levels of the student on different subjects. This is only done when we are missing other documents. |
| Waiting list |
Depending on when the application comes through, there can be a waiting list for particular grade levels. |
| Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
Preferably by the 1st of June. |
| Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes |
School day
| School start time |
08:20 am |
| School finish time |
04:35 pm |
| Supervised care before/after school |
No. |
| School bus service available |
No, but we are conveniently located only 1.5km away from Rotterdam Central Station. |
| School provided lunches |
No, but there is a canteen where students have a good selection of snacks, small lunches and drinks. |
| Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes. |
| Uniform required |
No. There's only a PE uniform kit for the Physical Education classes. |
Extracurricular activities
| Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Green team, flute, student council, debating club, public speaking, photography, Model United Nations, social media club, youth theatre, basketball, football, tennis, dodgeball, badminton, running, basketball, football, boxing, gymnastics.
|
| Sports activities included |
PE. |
| Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, football and basketball. This is on a low entry level. |
Facilities
| Facilities at the school |
Library, science labs, drama room, music room. |
| Sports facilities at the school |
We have access to a big gym, a track, and a basketball court. |
About the school
| Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Rotterdam International Secondary School's mission is for every student to enjoy their youth. RISS will do this by providing innovative approaches to learning, encouraging achievement, fostering international mindedness with local and global engagement, modelling ethical behaviour and acting respectfully and with honesty. |