IEGS students put in exceptional effort at the Rugby tournament, which payed off with a solid win by the girls team against John Bauer Gymnasiet and Westerlundska Gymnasiet. The boys team made great effort as well, but lost to Viktor Rydberg. Overall, great teamwork on the part of the students, as well as super parental and staff support.

IEGS student Nigel Sharp commented on the win.

“The girls’ victory was quite an achievement, especially since both John Bauer and Westerlundska have a sports profile. The girls played brilliantly. They were without doubt the best team in the tournament. They were by far the best at tackling and their defensive system was without fault, which is why no one scored against them.”

The tournament was held at the Rugby Arena, and was organized by Enköping Rugby Club and Westerlundska Gymnasiet.

The 72nd International session of the European Youth Parliament, Munich 2013

In April, Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet students, along with students from Kungsholmens Gymnasium, participated in the 72 international session of the European Youth Parliament in Munich, Germany. Students were divided up into committees, which then worked long hours to put forward resolutions to be debated and voted upon by the delegates of EYP from all over Europe. Those motions that were passed in this parliament will be presented to the European Commission. EYP was a challenging, fun, and educational experience for the students of IEGS.

One IEGS student, Pontus Korsgren, discusses EYP.

“It was one year ago that Hannes, Yasmin and I got involved in EYP for the first time. We went to the regional competitions and qualified to nationals fairly easily. However, in the Swedish national session we were not one of the two schools who were selected to represent Sweden in the International session of EYP. Leaving the nationals, the three of us were determined to make another attempt the following year with the ambition to reach the international session.

“So, in November 2012, the three of us once again participated in the regionals, which we passed even easier than the previous. We went on to participate in the Swedish nationals this time with the company of Leo and Veronica. After four days debating, holding speeches and meeting new people we got the news that we, together with the team from Kungsholmen gymnasium, were to represent Sweden in the International session of EYP 2013, taking place in Munich in April.

“For those who don’t know, EYP is an organization reaching beyond the borders of the nations of the EU. In Munich a total of 34 countries gathered to discuss current topics, debate, party and make friends. Personally, I don’t see EYP as a political youth platform, which is what most people who are unfamiliar with EYP believe. To me EYP is about taking advantage of your European Citizenship and meeting people you never thought you would get to meet. For example, one of the people I got to know the best was from Belarus, Europe’s last dictatorship. After attending the international session of EYP I no longer associate EYP with discussions, debates and clauses, but above all feelings such as inclusion, respect and being taken seriously.

“From being introduced to my committee, to holding a speech in the General Assembly for 300 fellow EYPers, including members of the European Commission, EYP has been nothing but a big demonstration of how young and brilliant people can come together regardless of culture, nationality or values. Being a European, EYP is something that as many people as possible should take advantage of. My EYP journey is far from over but what I will take with me from Munich, apart from hitting the club with true Irishmen, doing the Harlem shake with 300 EYPers in front of the Munich opra house and beating Hannes in a stereotypical Bavarian pub game, is the unity I have found with everyone else at EYP. It is a necessity for European youth to see more than one national perspective and work together towards a common, multi-cultural, welcoming Europe. This cannot be achieved through politics at top EU levels by dull bureaucrats, but through youth interaction. This is what the EYP is all about.”

Pontus Korsgren
EC2C
IEGS

Read more about the European Youth Parliament.

“Last Saturday, May 25th, IEGS had is 4th successful camping excursion. This year we had a record breaking 33 students attending! Mr. Maier (school counselor), Mr. Heffernan (History Teacher), and Mr. Jones (Head of House for Russell) went out a night ahead to stake claim to our infamous spot in Paradiset Naturet Reservet. And like its name says, it really was paradise with the sun shining and the great relaxing atmosphere that nature provides.

The trip began for the students on Saturday morning when they lugged their heavy packs and loads to Handen station where they met their guides (us teachers!). We then set out on the Sörmlandsleden trail which is a beautiful hiking trail leading south from Stockholm through 100´s of Kilometers of amazing natural landscape. It would be easy to lie and say the hike was easy and uneventful but it was not!! There were a few occassions where a few people got a bit “off track” and had to back track to get back on the road to paradise.

Students were happy after an 8.5K hike (10 for those lost people!) to drop their packs and take a swim in the lake. It was warm…..well thats what we tried to tell ourselves as we screamed with shock! After refreshing dips in the lake students enjoyed the simple pleasure of sitting around a warm camp fire exchanging stories, laughs, and just good company. People from different classes, different Houses, different groups, being together at one place is a wonderful thing to watch. Myself, Mr. Heffernan, and Mr. Jones couldnt wipe the smile off our faces as we watched IEGS students take their minds off the tests, assignments, and craziness of gymnaisum life for a while.

I would have to say that one of the highlights for me was playing a fun campfire game lead by one of the many fine students present. The laughter and joy spread throughout the dark forest and stayed with all of us I believe as we found our way back to civilization on Sunday.

There is now plans for next term to attempt two camping trips. One in the early part of September and one at the end of the year. We thought that since it is such a fantastic way for students to connect and get to know each other it would be great for first year students to have such an opportunity earlier in the year. More info to come on this idea at the start of Fall term!

After 4 successful trips it is safe to say that IEGS now has a nice tradition going which we plan on developing and extending in new and exciting ways.

Hope to see you next year out at the camp fire!

Mr. Maier

This is the third year that Oxford have visited IEGS and we are delighted to host an information evening for upper-secondary schools in the Stockholm region.

Caitriona told students and parents who had come along to listen about England’s oldest university and what it has to offers.

“We’re an innovative university that’s constantly adapting to the needs of students today,” she said.

Caitriona went on to explain that the university is increasingly known for it’s cutting edge research in the sciences as well as the humanities and social sciences. Students also got to hear just what it’s like to live in one of England’s prettiest cities with its beautiful lawns and wonderful architecture.

Oxford has a strong tradition of accepting international students and she encouraged students to apply – “as long as you’re really interested in one of the key courses”.

Caitriona explained that the selection process is primarily based on your academic performance and ability.

“That’s why it’s essential to demonstrate that you have gone the extra mile in your key subjects, perhaps reading above and beyond the set texts,” she said.

Although extracurricular activities like sports or music are worth mentioning on your personal statement when you apply, Caitriona stressed that it is demonstrating your academic merits and skills that counts most.

Candidates invited for interview are selected to visit Oxford and stay at college, undergoing a number of interviews over a 2-3 day period to assess their suitability.

The aim of the conference was for students from around the world to come together to discuss what an ideal school would be like.

It was great that we were invited to represent Sweden,” said Mr Wang, who accompanied the girls on the trip. “The Chinese organizers were very keen to hear about Swedish education and our students did a good job.”

Approximately sixty students participated in the four day event with the majority coming from China. Students from countries as far afield as Finland, Germany, Tunisia, Macau, Taiwan, Japan, Malaysia and the USA however also took part.

“It was a great experience,” said Emelie, who recently won a scholarship to study at university in China. “It gave me a taste of what to expect when I study here. I also learned about other educational systems from around the world.”

The students were divided into six working groups from the very first evening they arrived and expected to work hard.

“Within an hour and a half of arriving at the hotel the girls were working in their groups,” said Mr Wang. “It was super intense.”

“Our students were very good,” said Mr Wang. “I was very happy with the friendly and professional way they worked alongside the other students. They did a great job presenting Sweden.”

Mr Wang was also involved in the proceedings, giving a ‘typical’ Swedish maths lesson to a group of almost a hundred delegates whilst being filmed by local television.

“I was nervous the evening before when I knew it was going to be filmed but once I stood up and started teaching,” Mr Wang explained, “I forgot all about the cameras.”

Josefine & Emelie

“It felt like a really fitting way to the end of of three years at an international school,” said Emelie. “It was so interesting to meet so many international students in just one place. Everyone was so smart and had a lot of ideas to share. We had many interesting discussions both inside and outside the conference.”
Despite the jetlag after such an intense trip, everyone involved felt it was worth it.

“I’m very happy with how it all went,” said Mr Wang. “I hope this is the beginning of a great friendship between IEGS and Shenzen Middle School.”

If you’re not helping out at Open House, please join the Creative Writing class on Tuesday evening for the release of this year’s Creative Writing collective story cycle Chameleon Highway.

Place: Organic Green Café, Rhensgatan 24, T: Rådmansgatan. Map here.

Live music and readings at 5:30 and 7 pm.

Copies available at the party at great prices: 60:- (student) or 100:- (adult).

See you there!

Thanks: The team from Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet who provided maths help to younger students

A successful new project has seen older students given the chance to pass on their knowledge and expertise to those following in their footsteps.

A group of 19 students from Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet Södermalm has spent many hours in the classroom helping younger students at several of Internationella Engelska Skolan’s schools throughout Stockholm to hone their maths skills. The gymnasiet students gathered in the conference room at head office to enjoy a fika and be thanked for their efforts.

As well as receiving the thanks of the organisation’s CEO, Peter John Fyles, each student was given a certificate and cinema tickets.

Student turned mentor Henrik Bark shared his view of the project. He said: “It was awesome to teach people things, contribute your knowledge and see them grow.”

Axel Voss-Schrader added: “To be able to transform your own knowledge into something that the students could learn from is something new.  It is easy to know something, but it is another skill to be able to communicate that to someone else.”

Ana Latorre enjoyed the challenge of teaching.

She said: “Sometimes it is not just about the maths, it is about encouraging people who feel they will never understand a concept. You have to remember how it was when you were back in the sixth grade. I had to remember what helped me when I was learning it the first time and what gave me confidence.”

The Magic Number: (L-R) Henrik Bark, Ana Latorre, Axel Voss-Schader

He said: “Teaching can be a challenge, especially when you have a student who thinks they can’t learn and you have to use motivational encouragement. Creating a relationship between the student and the teacher is really important.”

The programme’s organiser, Suzanne Gavin, head of aesthetics and human performance at the gymnasiet, also addressed the students. She said: “This time last year we started discussing this, to think in a year there are still so many of you, it’s amazing. When I started this I expected four or five students, so well done, you should be exceptionally proud of yourselves.”

The project has been set up as part of an initiative at Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet Södermalm which ties into the pedagogical leadership course, providing practical experience to supplement the students in the classroom.

As a part of the programme, students from the gymnasiet have also helped out in other areas such as refereeing sporting events and providing help and support at the Stockholm AXA Triathlon.

Jonathan Howell, IES

Now however, the time has come for us to finally play!

The game is set for this Tuesday right after mentor time, and we’re playing on the field in Jakobsberg. It’s really easy to get there; you walk from school to Södra Station and take pendeln to either Bålsta, Kungsängen or Jakobsberg and get off att Jakobsbergs station! When you get to te station, go to the exit “Västra Jakobsberg/kvarnplan” and then go to the very end of the tunnel. The adress of the field is Mjölnarvägen 1, and directions are attatched! It’s only a 10 minute walk from the station, and it’s very easy to find it.

Be sure to come and watch us play!! It’s going to be a great game and it will only last about 45 minutes, and also the weather is supposed to be really nice!

So, Tuesday after mentor time! See you there!

Jenny Enos, SP2A

Mr Spires, originally from the UK, has been with the gymnasium for over 13 years and has worked alongside Dr Benedikz and the rest of the management team to establish Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet Södermalm as one of the leading schools in Stockholm.

Parents are asked to please note that Mr Spires is the senior point of contact for the school for the remainder of the year.

In August, Dr Rachel Heimeier will take up the position of Principal.