Diploma Programme

From the department head

This inaugural newsletter gives a glimpse into the range of opportunities and activities at ISRLO. For many reasons 2022-23 has been a very challenging year, as we continue to return to ‘normality’ after the covid pandemic threw a heavy blanket over everything we did.

It is so good to see our students make the most of what is available to them. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing our DP and MYP students thrive and enjoy events such as the open podium, music showcases and international evening. The school show this year, Mobius, saw our international students display their talents in a wide range of fields as musicians, actors, members of the tech crew, stage design and in the production team.

The recent annual sports day was another fantastic day that makes me proud to work at this school – I love to see the good spirit in which everyone across the school participates.

And throughout the year there have been numerous events and opportunities that have added value to a young person’s life, be it pre-university courses, helping at the annual Brusjesdag, raising funds for Edukans and the Gesar foundation, participating in Maths and science Olympiads, attending MUN conferences or translating competitions, surfing at the beach and SUPping along the canals in the Dutch countryside or enjoying laser gaming in the sports hall on your last day of school.

For DP1 students the highlight would have to be the Czech trip and we are proud that we can continue to offer such a varied experience that takes in understanding the plight of homeless on the streets of Prague and the horrors of Terezin but also the beauty of the Czech landscape and the fun of winter sports.

All these activities enable our students to balance their academic studies with a broader learned experience and give them long lasting memories.

As I write, we are one day away from the release of the class of 2023 exam results. It is always a nervous and exciting time in the school. I hope, whatever the IB grades, our graduating students will remember the times they had at ISRLO and be able to look back on a rich and rewarding experience.

Jon Symmons,
Department head DP

One year at ISRLO…a new student’s perspective’ by Fiodar Prystauka (DP1)

It has almost been a year in ISRLO. I recall being amazed by the science lab. I remember using four types of transport to make my way to it. Family members were asking me if I am excited about learning entirely in English. Those days are memories now. I have simplified some aspects and got used to others, so they do not feel “special” anymore. Reflecting on my experience in Rijnlands Lyceum is a good way to round off the year. Did the school surpass my expectations, or did it fall behind?

First of all, one should realise that I did not expect ISRLO to be a “dream school”. If there are two criteria that a school has to comply with to become a “dream school”, I believe they are challenging entrance exams and in-school opportunities to enhance your skills in an academic field to the point where you can compete on an international level. Is ISRLO a “dream school”, in terms of these criteria? I have to admit that it is not, at least for now. Yet, by no means do I regret joining the school in September, and neither will you. Here is why.

When I visited the school for the first time, I felt how liberal the school is: some students were lying on couches and some were playing football in their free time. The same applies when studying. I would dare to say, there is university-level freedom yet school-level guidance. Few teachers bother checking homework, aside from several important assignments, and the atmosphere at the lessons is anything but strict and boring. However, it does not mean that it is a problem to ask the teachers for guidance and actively participate in the lesson. On the contrary, the teachers help readily and encourage your activeness.

Happily, my classmates are no different! If you try to ask me if I have any enemies at school, I will proudly say there are none. All the students are friendly and willing to help if they can. Bullying is something unheard of in ISRLO. Furthermore, we often work in groups, because we will either arrange it ourselves or be split by the teacher. This will help if you want to meet and interact with even more people.

Another advantage is that school helps to explore my potential career. This applies to both your future university and job opportunities. It is entirely possible to skip a day of school if you would like to visit a university or even a job fair! Sometimes teachers go as far as helping with organising and buying train tickets. It happened when I visited Forze Delft workshop. It is quite a surprise that ISRLO cares about your future. Well, this surprise is welcome!

Rijnlands Lyceum has room for improvement if it wants to become an academic paradise. However, what matters is that the school does provide everything needed for a solid and well-rounded education. Moreover, you will certainly enjoy your free time. If you wish to pursue serious academic ambitions, like trying to make your way to international competitions, the teachers will do everything in their power to help you, even if their power is limited. If your goal is to acquire sufficient knowledge in different fields and get a kick start in adulthood, ISRLO is one of the best picks for an international student in the Netherlands. In any case, I consider Rijnlands Lyceum a great option. I do not, for a second, regret joining the school.

Away from the classroom, DP1 students experience:

Pre – University Programmes

Pre – University Programme, TU Delft

In addition to regular school work, students on the recommendation from the Careers Counsellor are encouraged to study a Pre-University Programme, specially developed for ambitious students aged 16 and above.

Ignacy Szczepaniak in DP1b has this year completed the Pre-University Course at TUDelft (October to March). The course is science based of which Ignancy chose to study the Mathematical Modelling course giving him the opportunity to think critically and solve problems in a creative way. The programme is based on online lectures with practical assignments which must be carried out and then one day a week for 4 weeks on campus for lessons, research, presentations and working in teams for the final project.

Iganacy warns that there is quite a lot of work and recommends that you should make a plan to work and do not leave the final assessments to the last minute. He found this course to be interesting, challenging and worthwhile, especially with the practical experiments and has learnt how to apply the skills he has been taught at school.

Pre – University Programme, Den Haag

This is a one year course with attendance at Den Haag campus each Thursday from 13.00 – 17.00. The course consists of three consecutive blocks which is centered around human sciences,

• Groups Project
• Research Methods
• Identity

And one reflection block that runs throughout the entire curriculum.

Yannick Smits in DP1a has just completed this course. For someone who does not know what they want to study after ISRLO, Yannick confirms that this course introduces you to all different types of university courses, gives you an idea of what lectures are like, meeting new people and above all learning new skills such as presenting and academic writing. Also, it looks good on your CV!