Annual
Report 2017-2018
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The VIS community is committed to creating awareness
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of t
ess
Eco School
in Austria.
of the need for a sustainable environment and to leave a green print on our planet.
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Table of contents
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Board's Report
7
Director's Report
11
Treasurer's Report
15
Primary School
19
Secondary School
23
University Placements
27
Eco-School
31
President Van der Bellen Visit
37
ISA Results 2017
42
IB Diploma 2017
43
Sports
47
Performing Arts
51
Creativity, Action and Service
57
International Family
61
Diversity
65
Empowerment
67
Campus Facts
71
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Caroline Nicholas Board Chair
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Board’s Report World-class schools are defined by the way in
involved for their vision, efforts and achievements.
which their students and staff exemplify their
In celebrating this award, we are equally pleased
beliefs and values. Our VIS community supports
to be contributing to the work of the United
our students, and empowers them to be successful
Nations and international community towards
and responsible, not just in the School but for
the sustainable development goals.
the long term. Students, supported by inspiring teachers and colleagues, have “walked the talk” in
The main responsibilities of the Board include
working to improve the sustainability of our
ensuring
environment and to leave a green footprint.
sustainability. We will shortly be starting the
the
School’s
own
longer - term
process of developing a strategic plan for VIS, in Our
students
designed
implemeted
which we will welcome all stakeholders from the
programmes to reduce and recycle water and
community as active participants. We will review
other waste, to improve the School outdoor
our past achievements and areas that we need
environment,
support
to focus on to build on them. Good financial
biodiversity in VIS and its environs. The students
planning is of course a key part of the process.
and teachers demonstrated their projects to
The objective of that planning is to ensure that
the Foundation for Environmental Education.
we can empower the academic and activities
Shortly after, the FEE awarded VIS the status of
programmes, provide the best facilities for our
Eco-School, Austria’s 1st (and to date only)
students and, perhaps most important of all,
Eco-School. The citation is well worth repeating:
continue to attract and retain the most talented
“It is evident that VIS is truly dedicated to
and supportive teaching and other staff to guide
sustainability and the Eco-Schools programme
our students and to encourage them to achieve
itself (and…) undoubtedly deserves the Green
their potential in today’s challenging world.
and
to
and
study
and
Flag Award. They have invested the time, effort, and dedication needed to run the
We are proud of our commitment to diversity,
Eco-Schools programme successfully.”
which is both enriching and a force for cohesion in our vibrant community. This community is what
As a result, VIS has joined a community of over 15m
has enabled us to become a leader in education
students in 59 countries,working for environmental
generally and in eco-education in particular.
protection and sustainability. I cannot emphasise
I look forward to continuing our work in the
enough how proud the Board and I are of everyone
coming year.
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Samir Mikhail
David Jepsen
Jane Rigler
Elected by the VISA
Appointed by CTBTO
Elected by the VISA
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Tarek Sarwat
Board Vice Chair Appointed by the IAEA
Caroline Nicholas Board Chair Appointed by UNOV
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Peter Murphy
Béatrice Rossi-y-Costa
Director
Appointed by UNIDO
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Richard Golden
Board Treasurer Elected by the VISA
Lucrezia Terzi-Boehm Board Secretary Elected by the VISA
Benjamin Kuscher Business Manager
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Peter Murphy Director
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Director's Report With a close association with the United Nations,
The first was an introduction of a more sen-
the focus of the 2020 Millennium Development
sible management of our waste streams.
Goals forms a very natural prompt for our work as
This brings with young people understanding the
a school.
nature of materials, how they are manufactured
These goals raise our collective consciousness
and how they can be usefully disposed of. Systems
of how our community can take direct action
for waste separation were introduced – an easy
towards the promotion of a more sustainable
first step to be followed by the more difficult task of
future. Given that our focus is education, we have
changing established habits. Once we know more
been concerned to develop an experience for
about materials and the environmental impact of
students that will empower them with a voice,
producing them, then we can make more informed
a sense of passion and connection to making a
choices about whether we want them or not.
real difference. Not surprisingly, it has been our
Our second strand of activity addresses the
younger students who were leading the charge
challenges of a digitally connected world, with a
for us to address their concerns about the future
more traditional print media environment. New
that they will inherit.
technologies streamlined work flows, so we are
Thanks
to
the
inspiring
leadership
of
a
reducing volumes of paper. The savings in paper
member of our school community, we have for
in our first year amounted to 2,4T. The reduction
many years been developing Eco awareness
of paper affects all of the associated systems
education for our youngest students in what
that had become dependent on paper and
was a ‘makeshift’ former greehouse. Students
consequently the waste that this generates.
learn through direct hands-on experience about
The third focus has been on developing a
the beautiful details of the natural world. This
strategy to gradually transform our building
sparking of curiosity launched our journey
to make it more sustainably smart by saving
to become an Eco-School – as a powerfully
electricity, turning lights off, switching to
student-led initiative. You can imagine the sense
renewable energy and using LED technology.
of pride reaching a point where the seeds of an
The journey is far from over, I have touched on a
idea become an externally recognised reality. In
few examples of our work here. As you read this
addition, we now have a purpose built ‘Eco-Centre’
report, I am confident that you will see many rich
that the Austrian President Dr. Van der Bellen
examples of how the initial focus has inspired the
officially opened in November! So what did the
community to take action and start to make a
students compel us to commit to in the early stages?
difference.
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Treasurer’s Report In June 2016, VISA concluded the arduous
gym roof. This will lead into a negative annual
negotiations with the Republic of Austria for the
cash-flow of approximately €2,9m.
educational amount and a leasehold securing use of the facilities until 2044. Unfortunately, these
The annual audit of accounts was completed
led to a step reduction in the educational amount
by BDO Austria GmbH and is available for all
to € 2m and the School being made financially and
VISA members. The following significant capital
legally responsible for renovation of the VIS school
improvements could already be carried out in
premises. The latter requires the School to bear
2016-2017:
the cost of making them compliant with current standards, plus ongoing site maintenance.
100% legal compliance with building codes
Thus, the financial year 2016-2017 was determined
- New fireproof windows in the Mall.
by the technical analysis of the VIS school building,
- Compliant storage rooms all over the School.
and resultant adjustments to the budget for the
- Compliant server racks all over the School.
coming years. This analysis resulted in an essential
- Compliant wardrobes in the Primary School and
renovation need of € 12,9m spread out over a
the Early Learning Centre
5-year period.
- New fire doors all over the School.
Seen from this angle, the financial year 2016-2017
- Renovated Secondary Library.
was used to constitute additional financial reserves
- New structure in the Aula.
(€ 1,16m) and to start with necessary renovation Renovation projects
and improvement works (€ 1,05m) of the site.
- New low voltage system. 2017-2018 Forecast
- New lighting systems.
Despite the additional investments required for the facilities and reduction in the educational
Site Improvements
amount outlined above, our ongoing cost and
- Renovated Secondary Library.
efficiency measures enable the VIS to soften
- New playground in the Early Learning Centre.
the impact of the reduction of the educational
- New teachers’ & IT offices next to the Aula.
amount and achieve a break-even budget surplus
- New Eco-School Outdoor Area.
of approximately €10k.
- Improved Sport Field.
Additional investment costs for repair and
- Additional teaching area in the Library and Aula.
renovation is estimated to be €2,25m in 2017-2018.
- Additional study area in the Library.
A major cost driver will be the replacement of the
- Drama Lab equipped.
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- Digital presentation systems in three Gyms.
- Maintain current level of extra-curricular activities.
- A/V system in the Aula.
- Maintain an inclusive fee structure (such as IB course materials, exams and field trips).
In accordance with School Policy, the Business
- Sustain VIS as a School of choice given its
Manager presented draft proposals of a budget
enriched learning experience.
for 2018-2019 that took into account the above mentioned required capital improvements, plus
2018-2019 Budget Assumptions
improvements to the educational programme
- Medium enrolment set at 1.362 students.
and school facilities recommended by the School’s
- Stabilization of all expenditure at level of inflation.
management, and reviewed by the Board. At the
- The education amount from the Vienna based
November meeting of the Board of Governors, the
organizations is set at €2m.
budget for 2018-2019 was approved by the Board.
- Compliance & safety renovation cost of € 3,8m in 2018-2019 (estimated total of € 12,9m over 5-7 years).
2018-2019 Strategic Budget Objectives
- Due to high investments, the budget for this
- Keep tuition increases at a minimum level in
and future years will be formulated to meet
spite of reduction in financial support.
cash flow requirements.
- Sustain current diversity of academic programme.
- A year end accounting surplus of € 333k and a
- Maintain quality; e.g. student/teacher ratio.
cash flow deficit of € 1,8m. Cash Flow
Annual Budget in million Budget Revenue Administration Building&Site Services Student Development Personal Costs Depreciation Financials Capital Fund
2017-2018
In line with the policy announced in the General
2018-2019
28,99 -0,82 -1,58 -0,37 -1,12 -24,21 -1,03 0,15 0,00
30,49 -0,82 -1,59 -0,36 -1,26 -25,04 -1,23 0,14 0,00
Assembly, the Treasurer believes it appropriate to
0,01
0,33
moderate the planned percentage increase in fees.
Result
conclude his presentation with a 3 year cash flow projection, which provides a more understandable transparent outlook of the finances of the School and the pressure on fee levels. Since the School’s budgets are prepared on a very conservative basis, there is a potential for any savings to be used to
Annual Cash Flow in million Year
2016-2017
2017-2018
2018-2019
Tuition Educational Contribution ELC subsidy (Vienna) Other Income
26,22 3,00 0,23 0,86
26,55 2,00 0,00 0,21
28,32 2,00 0,00 0,17
Total Cash Income
30,31
28,76
30,49
-23,38 0,00 -4,62 -28,00
-24,21 0,00 -4,71 -28,92
-25,04 0,00 -4,93 -29,97
2,31
-0,16
0,52
1,31 -0,92 0,00
-0,72 0,00 -2,25
-0,04 0,00 -3,98
0,39
-2,97
-4,02
Operational Expenditure Personnel Additional Staff Other OPEX Total Expenses Cash after operations Capital Expenditures Repairs Property Tax Compliance Renovation Annual Net Cash Flow
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Christine Lang Primary Principal
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Primary School The VIS journey to become the 1st Eco-School
commit to the school pledge which they created.
International in Austria was an initiative intended
These students were also honoured to be able to
to involve our whole community. Students, staff
share their pledges with the President of Austria
and the PTA worked collaboratively to achieve
when he visited our school in November.
our accreditation, and Primary School students continue to actively support and develop our
At Primary School Assemblies, the Primary Student
Eco-School goals. The curricular links in place in the
Council cooperates with the Green Team to inform
Primary School support aspects of learning about
Primary School students and teachers about
ecology and sustainability. This, combined with
different projects, including the recycling system
sustained student action, demonstrates that our
and other ongoing developments related to our
students understand what is necessary to initiate
Eco-School themes. This keeps everyone informed
and participate in routines and activities that
and enthused and also ensures that the wider
support sustainability. Even our youngest students
school community is fully engaged.
know that it is possible to make a difference. As leaders of young students in a changing world, Students in the Primary Green Team meet
it is sometimes challenging for us to know exactly
regularly every week and participate in different
what skills our current students will need later
activities. This allows them to gain a deeper
in their lives. The seeds of what we can be sure
understanding of different ecological issues,
they will need, though, are currently be planted
while at the same time improving the school
in our Primary School programme: We are helping
environment. The Green Team was instrumental
our students to be aware of issues related to
in designing our current system for monitoring
sustainability, engaging them in appropriate
the recycling of rubbish within the classrooms.
ways so that they develop a true sense of
These students also help to maintain the gardens
care and ownership of their environments
and have been working together regarding care
and
for the outdoor areas, in particular the pond
work collaboratively to take authentic action.
ecosystem. At regular events, students confidently
How powerful this will be as they become
present their ideas and encourage others to
leaders themselves!
providing
opportunities
for
them
to
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Elisabeth Stanners Secondary Principal
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Secondary School Our VIS mission statement acknowledges that
are creating legislation and limitations on
we are educating our students in ‘a changing
the resources that can be used in building
world’. As a school we have chosen to deliver the
designs’ or ‘Different perspectives create healthy
IB curriculum programmes because we believe
communication on environmental sustainability’.
that the values of the IB match the values that we have for our students. ‘The aim of all
In the IB Diploma Programme the Theory of
IB programmes is to develop internationally
Knowledge course allows students the opportunity
minded people who, recognizing their common
to consider questions related to our common
humanity and shared guardianship of the planet,
humanity and the way that we share the planet.
help to create a better and more peaceful world.’
Examples of the types of questions that may be explored are: “What is the role played by consensus
Sustainability and globalization are central
in the validation of data relating to sustainability?”
to the education of our students: it is one
and “To what extent do measurement and
of six global contexts in the IB Middle Years
statistical methods provide reliable data in the area
Programme and addresses the question of
of sustainability?”
‘How is everything connected?’. Students explore the interconnectedness of human-made systems
Most importantly, in response to their learning,
and communities; the relationship between local
students are supported in taking action. There
and global processes; how local experiences
are many examples of initiatives that result from
mediate the global; the opportunities and
classroom learning, whether it be the response
tensions provided by world-interconnectedness;
of an individual student, or groups of students,
the impact of decision-making on humankind and
inspired by the passions of their teachers.
the environment. Our aim is that our students will leave VIS with a Our students study units, with statements of
sense of their responsibility for the world in which
inquiry such as: ‘The world’s natural resources
they live and a personal commitment to action to
are being depleted at a much higher rate on
effect change. The report on the Service & Action/
consumption that what is being renewed. Local,
Creativity, Activity & Service Continuum later in this
regional, national and international governments
report develops further on our work in this area.
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University Placements by VIS graduates 2009-2017
Australia University of Melbourne Australian National University Victoria University University of Technology Sydney
Hungary International Business School, Budapest Semmelweis University Szeged University Pecs University
Sweden Chalmers Tekniska Högskola Lunds Universitet Uppsala Universitet Örebro Universitet
Austria Technische Universität Wien Universität für Bodenkultur Universität für Angewandte Kunst Leopold-Franzens-Universität Innsbruck Montan Universität Leoben Veterinärmedizinische Universität Wien Wirtschafts-Universität Wien Universität Wien Paracelsus Medizinische Privatuniversität Sigmund Freud Universität Wien Film Akademie Wien FH Krems FH Wien FH Wiener Neustadt FH Salzburg FH Technikum Wien Modul University Webster University
Ireland The Royal College of Surgeons University College Cork Trinity College Dublin University College Dublin
Switzerland St. Gallen ETH Zurich Glion Institute Les Roches Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne
Italy Università Bocconi Università Cattolica di Brescia Università degli Studi di Parma
Taiwan National University of Science and Technology
Japan Keio University Kyoto University Waseda University Nagoya University Osaka University Sofia University Temple University
Turkey Gazi University
Belgium Katholieke Universiteit Leuven Vrije Universiteit Brussel
Korea KAIST Seoul National University Yonsei University
Canada Carleton University Calgary University Concordia University McGill University McMaster University Queen’s University Seneca College Simon Fraser University Trent University University of Alberta University of British Columbia University of Guelph University of Ottawa University of Toronto University of Western Ontario
Malta Barts and London School of Medicine
Cyprus Nicosia Medical University Czech Republic Charles University, Prague Jan Masaryk University, Brno Denmark Aarhus Universitet Copenhagen Business School Københavns Universitet Syddansk Universitet France American University Paris Paris Le Cordon Bleu Parsons Paris School of Design Institut d'études politiques de Paris Germany EU Business School, München FH Bad Honnef Freie Universität Berlin Leibniz Universität Hannover Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Technische Universität München Universität Leipzig
Netherlands Universiteit Amsterdam Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam Erasmus University, Rotterdam Universiteit Leiden University College Utrecht Universiteit Maastricht Universiteit Tilburg Technische Universiteit Delft Universiteit Groningen NHTV Breda Hogeschool De Haagse Hogeschool Technische Universiteit Eindhoven Technische Universieit Twente Dutch Filmers Academy, Amsterdam New Zealand Otaga University Auckland Norway Universitetet i Oslo Portugal Universidade do Porto Russia Moscow State Institute of International Relations
United Kingdom Aberdeen University Bath University Birmingham University Brighton University Brighton and Sussex Medical School Bristol University Brunel University Bournemouth University Cambridge University Cardiff University Chichester University City University De Montfort University Durham University Edinburgh University Exeter University Glasgow University Herriot Watt University Hull University Hull York Medical School Istituto Marangoni, London Imperial College London Kent University Kings College London Leicester University Leeds University Liverpool University London School of Economics Loughborough University Manchester University Newcastle University Nottingham University Oxford University Portsmouth University Reading University Royal Holloway Sheffield Hallam University Sheffield University St. Andrews University School of Oriental and African Studies Southampton University Stirling University Strathclyde University Surrey University Sussex University University College London Warwick University Westminster University Winchester University York University Leeds College of Art
Singapore National University of Singapore Slovakia Slovak Medical University Spain IE University Suffolk University Madrid EU University Barcelona Esade Business School, Barcelona Instituto Europea di Design Toulouse Business School Barcelona
University of The Arts London University of The Creative Arts Royal Northern School of Music Thames College of Dance Rose Bruford College of Theatre & Performance United States of America The United States Naval Academy Annapolis The American University Azusa Pacific University Babson University UC Berkeley Boston College Boston University Case Western University Carnegie-Mellon University Colorado State University Cornell University Denver University Drexel University Duke University Elon University Embry Riddle University Full Sail University Georgetown University Georgia Institute of Technology George Washington University Johns Hopkins University Lawrence University, Wisconsin Lewis and Clark University Miami University Michigan State University North Carolina State University Chapel Hill Northeastern University Northwestern University Oregon University Pennsylvania State University Princeton University Stanford University Suffolk University University of Texas Austin Tufts University University of California San Diego University of Maryland University of Michigan University of Massachusetts at Amherst University of Pennsylvania Penn State University University of Tampa University of West Virginia University of Virginia Wellesley University University of Wisconsin University of Virginia Virginia State University Virginia Tech University Washington State University Webster University Yale University The School of the Art Institute of Chicago Delaware College Art Design Parson’s School of Design Pratt School of Art and Design Ringling College of Art & Design Rhode Island School of Design Savannah College of Art & Design
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Eco-School Over the past ten years the School has worked
its bit to live sustainability in a practical way.
to provide opportunities for students to connect
Understanding of sustainability by including it in
with and understand the natural environment.
the PYP, MYP and DP programmes, has been the
This enabled the students to obtain a deeper
key component in laying the foundations for the
understanding of, as well as connecting with
commitment to becoming an Eco-School.
nature. An Eco-Lab was created in which animals and plants were observed. The School established
The School changed to Green Energy as well as
a group of students who worked to address
to a sustainable heating system. The catering
environmental issues in the School and put into
manager provided details of the systems in place
place a system to help with recycling.
for sustainable recycling. The Reprographics Department also saw an opportunity to reduce
Following the School’s mission “to empower all
paper, ink and electricity consumption, and
our students to be successful and responsible … in
presented the concept they had in mind of
a changing world.”, the Eco-School International
changing to more environmentally friendly
Programme turns out to perfectly fit to the
photocopy machines. The IT Department started
School’s approach to educate its students to
recycling old and used equipment by donating
become global citizens.
it to a local sustainable partner. The hardware is repaired for sale allowing people to obtain
Eco-School International creates pathways of
good equipment at a fair price The application
communication between countries and develops
to become an Eco-School created awareness
a strong awareness of our connections. As a
through the whole school community.
logical consequence, the Vienna International School is building bridges to partners locally,
The idea of becoming an Eco-School International
regionally and internationally. The students have
started in April 2015, the VIS launched the
the opportunity to consider issues, formulate
Eco-School initiative in March 2016. There was
plans and take action to increase and implement
a strong possibility that VIS could be the
sustainability in their everyday lives in order to
1st Eco-School International in Austria, and this
improve their environment.
was a strong incentive.
From Economics to Food Technology, from the design to the technology departments – all did
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Eco-School School grounds and waste and litter were
The application for accreditation was thorough
selected as the first two themes of the Eco-School
and detailed, it provided an opportunity for the
Programme. It provided a framework within
Eco-School actions, activities and documentation
which the students could be the driving force
to be evaluated and eventually culminated in
for change, administration and staff helping to
becoming the 1st Eco-School International in
facilitate the process. The students also included
Austria.
the establishment of a natural recycling system including a wormery and a compost area which
The undoubted highlight was the Presidential
provided opportunity for students to understand
visit of Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen who solemnly
the importance of little steps making a big
awarded the Vienna International School the
difference. The recycling and waste management
1st Eco-School in Austria.
system is still an ongoing project, which will be fully in place in March 2018.
In his touching speech, the President cordially thanked the Vienna International School and its
The outdoor natural environment includes the
Green Team for their efforts:
Eco-Garden at school, which has an educational pond, an area for pollinators, an area with logs
“It fills my heart with joy that you took up this
that provide habitat to different species, bird
problem and you organized yourself in the Green
feeders made by the students, a wall with insect
Team and took responsibility to effectively fight
hotels and bird houses.
climate change. I can only say: this is unique. What you did is really remarkable.”
Many students were aware of the challenges faced by the planet and once shown that it is possible
The whole VIS community takes these honourable
to make a difference, even through small actions,
words to heart, not as the end to an exciting
were keen to find solutions. The Green Teams
eco-journey but as a major incentive to live
were proactive in finding ways to communicate
sustainability.
with other students in assemblies and committed to the school pledge which had been created: “The VIS community is committed to creating awareness of the need for a sustainable environment and to leave a green print on our planet.”
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"I've only been here for one hour, but I want to stay forever." President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen on his visit to VIS.
The Vienna International School was very touched
The morning was a wonderful celebration of
by this spontaneous statement by the President,
student voice and student talent, characteristics
as he described the welcome extended to him by
of our diverse and nurturing learning community.
our community. The President thanked the Green
The only disappointment was that we did not
Team for their efforts and awarded the Vienna
have a bigger space to host the event in so that
International School the 1st Eco-School in Austria.
parents could have experienced the tremendous energy and pride that we all felt.
President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen spent nearly two hours touring the School. He was genuinely
The President left us with a powerful message of
impressed by the interactions that he had with
support for the work that we do as a community
students and the commitment he observed to our
of learners. He genuinely enjoyed his visit and will
sustainability agenda.
leave with strong and very positive memories.
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ISA Results 2017 Each year the School completes the International
The results from our 2016-2017 assessment
School Assessment (ISA) administered by ACER
illustrate the progress of students at VIS
who are responsible for the Organisation of
compared to approximately 76.000 students in
Economic
370 international schools in 80 countries.
Co-operation
and
Development’s
(OECD) Programme for International Student Assessment (www.oecd.org/pisa/studies).
The results for this year continue to indicate that we have a very broad spectrum of ability in each
The 45-minute assessment, in each of four areas of
grade level with students as young as 8 achieving
learning, is carried out in October and draws upon
close to the levels of the PISA average of 15 year
learning across four grade levels.
olds in some cases.
ISA Mathematics 2016-2017
ISA Reading 2016-2017
800
800
700
700
600 500
600
556
517 431 306
300
100
100 410 120 274
669 216 415
Grade 3
Grade 5
712 354
735 342 567
Grade 7
0
Grade 9
Writing Narrative 2016-2017 800
700
700
600
650 293 487
Grade 5
Grade 7
539
711 325
Grade 9
400
400 363
587
479
500
452
399
300 200
200
100
100 0
556 148 383
Grade 3
600
571 521
500
483 10 276
Writing Expository 2016-2017
800
300
291
200
200
0
403
400
400 300
522 477
500
497 251 339
600 292 455
Grade 3
Grade 5
644 420
Grade 7
Like schools
737 393 575
0
Grade 9 VIS Highest Score
528 291 388
665 338 471
665 328 552
Grade 3
Grade 5
Grade 7
VIS Lowest Score
692 366
Grade 9
VIS Mean Score
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IB Diploma 2017 It clearly shows in the IB Diploma results that the
of VIS graduates earned an IBDP result that would
Vienna International School maintains a high level
earn them entrance to competitive Ivy League and
of academic sustainability.
Russell Group universities.
In 2017, VIS students again performed brilliantly
More than 73% of VIS students achieved 30 points
in the IB diploma. VIS students earned far above
or more, while the number of students earning
world results for average score. Roughly a quarter
fewer than 24 points declined to less than 4%.
Average Total 33,53 Scores VIS World
17,3 %
3,4 %
less than 24
24,1 %
29,0 %
49,1 %
24-29
39,8 %
9,5 %
30-37
6,0 %
38-39
13,8 %
7,9 %
40-45
Bonus Points
13,8 %
28,3 %
0
21,6 %
25,1 %
53,4 %
1
37,1 %
2
11,2%
9,5 %
3
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Sports Scientific studies prove that sports and academics
Apart from the pedagogical approach to interact
go hand in hand. Becoming better at one will make
sports and sustainability, the Vienna International
you better at the other. Besides the obvious health
School organized an eco-friendly ECIS conference. It
benefits of playing sports, we also see important
was a conscious decision to address sustainability
character traits shine through.
by avoiding disposable merchandise items, by reducing waste, by offering refillable water
Teamwork, cooperation, trust, leadership, risk-
bottles and by relying on local suppliers, among
taking and commitment, are just some of the
other things.
character building we see as student athletes compete on our teams at VIS. Sports help students
In conclusion, the following statement is well
socialize into being more focused on school and
worth citing:
develop time-management skills, initiative and an ability to work with classmates.
“Sports hold a unique and powerful place in communities around the world. Sports bring
More balanced students are the result of
people together for a common cause and shared
synergizing sports and academics. We value
experience regardless of age, race, class, or creed.
the idea of a holistic education of successful
Just like life, sports bring us great joy and sometimes
and responsible students, completely in line
breaks our hearts. But sports have the power to
with the ideals of the Eco-School International
not only set an example of sustainable operations
Programme. Global citizenship and sustainability
for businesses and events across the globe, but to
are mutually dependent.
inspire and motivate billions of people to take action on behalf of our planet and all humanity.
Following this holistic approach, the Vienna
Sport and sustainability is poised to harness the
International School was happy to host the 2017
teeming energy of the sports industry toward the
ECIS (Educational Collaborative for International
good of all.”
Schools) Physical Education Conference. Under the motto ‘move. learn. live.’, we offered workshops
David Muller, Former Membership Director,
on mindfulness, social inclusion, encouragement,
Green Sports Alliance
PE boosting academics and team-building.
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Performing Arts Discipline, routines, traditions – these are not the
in place, the students know what to expect and
usual words you would hear out of the mouth
not having to “reinvent the wheel” every time a
of your tween or teenager. And yet, students,
concert is happening, cuts down on the logistics
especially in the Performing Arts, thrive when
side of the event and leaves more time and mental
procedures follow an established structure as
space for real learning.
they promote sustainability. Sustainability in the Performing Arts differs considerably from the
Sustainability in purchases
ecological point of view and yet, there are many similarities.
When we purchase (second-hand) items for
Sustainability in learning
the shows, we look at pieces, which we can reuse in future sets – either in the classroom or in the extra-curricular productions.
In order to remain sustainable (the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level), we
Local resources are always our first choice
constantly ask ourselves the same question. “How
– for instance, trainers in Vienna for workshops,
does this decision improve our students’ learning?”
lighting, technical or musical equipment. We also
This simple process ensures that we focus on
always try to fix things first before we replace the
what counts – our students.
items.
When we teach skills in the classroom, we focus
When students start learning a new instrument
on teaching them in a way that students can make
in the Beginner Band, we encourage them to rent
use of them in many different ways. We also refer
an instrument first. Once they decide to stick
to previous units to ensure that the knowledge
with the instrument, parents are more willing to
transfer remains intact.
invest in a better instrument as students have already shown commitment and the chances are,
Establishing routines in the extra-curricular music
the students will play this instrument for a long
groups, takes some time and effort. However, once
period of time.
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Performing Arts
Sustainability in students' and teachers' energy levels
and performed for the Early Learning Centre
While “tradition” can be considered quite out-
their director’s notebook. This group of students
of-date, traditions can help us channel our energy
also devised an original play in their theatre
to ensure we do not deplete our energy levels
class and presented it to a wide audience during
too quickly. We alternate theatre shows with
“Cabaret”. The G10 celebration as well as the G12
musicals and we set our curricular performances
graduation received a festive touch with the help
at times, when there is less pressure from the
of the musical abilities of our students. The extra-
extra-curricular requirements. We stop our band
curricular groups performed in the Japanese
programme after the Summer Concert, giving
Mission and the Spring Concert marked the
our students the great feeling of finishing with a
musical highlight of the Spring season.
classes. The MYP Drama/Music Evening was a great success, as well as the IBDP Theater G12 collaborative performance followed by the IBDP Theatre G11 experimentation performance for
big event and then enjoying more of the warmer summer days. We also plan our units according
Our first performance in the new academic
to access to the faculties – always making sure
year was a combined Primary-Secondary School
that our students’ learning is disrupted as little as
Autumn Concert, breaking record numbers in the
possible.
audience, closely followed by the performance at the British Embassy and the celebrations for the
Since our last Annual Report, the students and
visit of the Austrian President at our School. Three
teachers in the Performing Arts Department
nights in a row, the students involved in “The 39
have been very productive – creating drama and
steps” entertained everybody with great comedy
music on a high level inside the classroom and
laughter and the traditional Winter Concert closed
outside. Our G9 drama classes created stories
the flow of events for this year.
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Creativity, Action & Service The Vienna International School has chosen to
school year was the VIS Business Club, set up
adopt all three IB programmes. Their focus on
by students. Their projects were extremely
Action and Service supports our belief that our
well planned and implemented including the
students should have a personal ethic of social
production of products such as candles and soaps,
justice and responsibility.
which were very professionally marketed showing both good business acumen and empathy for
In Secondary School, we have created a service
people in need, to whom the profits were donated.
continuum including the MYP Service & Action programme, preparing students for the Creativity,
Driven by the recent refugee crisis in Europe,
Activity & Service programme in the IBDP. Students
our students have become very engaged in
are encouraged to engage in responsible action in
humanitarian projects working at soup kitchens,
both the local and global communities. This action
setting up a pop-up clothes store with donated
allows our students to develop into responsible
items at a refugee home and regularly visiting
global citizens with the kinds of attributes
refugee homes to interact with refugee children
described in the IB Learner Profile. Throughout
to help them settle in Vienna.
the continuum, as students gain confidence and become more aware of their responsibilities, they
The highlight of last school year’s support for our
become empowered to make the right choices
School's charity, Maher, was the visit by a group
about positive action.
of DP students to Maher, which allowed them to return and inspire others to help. We marked the
During the school year 2016-2017, Secondary
20th anniversary of Maher with a fundraising
students were involved in many different service
month. Later that year, the whole VIS community
projects. Students worked with both local and
welcomed Sister Lucy of Maher to the School,
global organisations to help others and the
handing this year’s proceeds of ₏ 25k from charity
environment. They were involved in the Special
work. The change we made by supporting Maher
Olympics 2017, which were held in Austria. This
over the years is a striking example of effectiveness
was a real opportunity for students to help people
with regard to social sustainability.
with disabilities and was an excellent lesson in inclusion.
At the same time, VIS has become the 1st Eco-School in Austria, which has inspired us to
An interesting new project in the Creativity,
encourage more service activities connected to
Activity and Service programme during the last
sustainability.
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Gabi Popescu
PTA Chairperson
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International Family From the moment they arrive at VIS, all parents
We also organise Coffee Mornings, big Welcome
and teachers are automatically members of
Picnics, Winter Markets, “PTA Rocks” concerts,
the PTA. Everybody is welcome to participate,
Bingo, Family Days, Summer Bazaars, clubs and
express their ideas and generate new projects.
activities to create unforgettable memories and a
Our mission is to bring the community together,
sense of belonging.
as we are people on the move, coming from somewhere and often going somewhere else, so
Walkie Talkie and Running Talkie members
we try our best to connect and make the most of
exercise every week, the Cooking Club is teaching
being here together. The whole VIS community is
us new international dishes, just like the Hobby
a home away from home that has a wonderful
Club shares talents from our community. The
community spirit!
Culture Club is always on the move to a new place worth seeing, while the Language Clubs
Parents’ involvement is very visible at School.
are weekly sources of learning & fun. The Book
Every day you can see parents helping out in
Club is always providing some insightful tips for
the classroom, in the Library, at School outings
parents to reflect upon until the next session,
or sport events. PALL parents are assisting new
just as much as the seminars we are providing to
students with their learning in their mother
our community, to keep people informed about
tongue until their English improves. Buddy Family
relevant current topics.
parents are dedicated to meet new families and provide support upon getting here. Our social
The best is saved for last: It fills my heart with
network coordinators are very active and plan
joy to see that the Vienna International School’s
get-togethers for families, to give them the chance
students’ achievements in fighting climate change
to socially connect. The PTA Shop and The Booster
have been rewarded by President Dr. Alexander
Club are entirely run by PTA volunteers, with the
Van der Bellen. In a touching ceremony, the
purpose of serving the needs of our community.
President thanked the Green Team for their efforts
We organise big community events that create
and awarded the Vienna International School the
many beautiful memories, such as picnics,
1st Eco-School in Austria.
concerts, cultural events, and also on-going clubs and activities for everybody to connect and simply
This international family continues to achieve so
enjoy.
much by pulling together. Let’s walk this path of sustainability together!
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Where our students come from ...
USA 103 Canada 48
Mexico 7
Cuba 2
Guatemala 5 Costa Rica 2 Ecuador 14 Panama 2 Venezuela 2 Colombia 1 Peru 2 Brazil 13
Burk
Argentina 5
Japan 33 Bangladesh 6 Taiwan 2 Philippines 1 Vietnam 4 Thailand 2 Malaysia 4 Indonesia 9 Australia 17
New Zealand 11
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Diversity *Albania 2 *Austria 203 *Belgium 14 *Bosnia and Herzegovina 8 *Bulgaria 13 *Croatia 3 *Cyprus 3 Russia 60 *Czech Republic 4 Ireland 18 *Denmark 5 Belarus 7 *France 22 Finland 15 Iceland 1 Greece 24 *Germany 69 Ukraine 11 Lithuania 6 *Hungary 19 United Kingdom 98 *Italy 67 Kyrgyzstan 1 Sweden 21 Latvia 4 *Liechtenstein 7 Kazakhstan 9 Norway 3 *Macedonia 13 Spain 31 Georgia 4 *Montenegro 1 Turkey 20 Portugal 8 *Netherlands 21 Uzbekistan 3 *Poland 15 Algeria 2 *Romania 18 Azerbaijan 1 *Serbia 4 Armenia 2 *Slovakia 11 *Slovenia 13 *Switzerland 6
*
Syria 3
Libya 2 Jordan 3 Mali 1
Burkina Faso 5 Ghana 1
Oman 1
Palestine 3 Israel 29
Egypt 6 Sudan 9 Iraq 3 Kuwait 13 Iran 4 Saudi Arabia 11 Pakistan 10 Qatar 4
Cameroon 4
Mongolia 3
South Korea 19 China 18
Nigeria 8
Nepal 2 India 24
Sri Lanka 3 Ethiopia 4 Kenya 13
Angola 2 Namibia 1
Uganda 7
Rwanda 1
South Africa 6 Zambia 2 Zimbabwe 6 Mozambique 1
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Empowerment "Our mission is to empower all of our students to be successful and responsible in a nurturing and diverse learning community, so that they can achieve their individual potential in a changing world ... We aim for inquiring, inspired and involved lifelong learners." VIS Mission
Her campaign quickly gained steam, earning the support of Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian, and eventually Apple announced the emoji was on its way.
“It’s something important to my identity,” she says.
One of our inquiring students got involved and thus inspired the lives of millions of women around the globe by making them visible and fighting for women empowerment and diversity.
Alhumedhi says it’s a step forward in celebrating
The Vienna International School is proud to
diversity and accepting the Muslim faith.
announce that this student, Rayouf Alhumedhi, received international acclaim by being listed among ‘The Most Influential Teens in 2017’ by
'I think this emoji will influence the world
Time’s Magazine.
indirectly,” she says, “once people who are against women wearing the headscarf, or against Islam
“This fall, millions of women around the world
in general, view such an emoji on their keyboard.' ”
will finally have an emoji they can identify with,
- Melissa Chan
thanks to this Vienna high school student who proposed Apple’s new emoji with a headscarf.
In harmomy with the spirit of the Universal
While messaging friends last year, Alhumedhi,
Declaration of Human Rights, we aim for our
who is Muslim and wears a headscarf, was
students to be inquiring, inspored and involved
baffled when she searched her phone for an
lifelong learners. Congratulations, Rayouf! May
emoji that looked like her but couldn’t find one.
your involvement be an inspiration for other
So Alhumedhi, who hails from Saudi Arabia,
inquiring girls and boys around the world to
appealed to Apple and then the Unicode
make a difference.
Consortium, which controls emoji standards.
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Mascot of the VIS Panthers Sports Team
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Campus facts Established Campus in m2 Students Nationalities Families
1978 46.000 1.417 116 986
Employees After-school activities Class outings/camps Sports teams Music and Art events
250 52 200 30 36
First languages spoken Mother tongue languages supported Student-Teacher Ratio Technology environment
69 30 7,5 rich
http://www.facebook.com/ViennaInternationalSchool http://www.twitter.com/VIS_Austria http://www.instagram.com/Vienna_International_School http://www.linkedin.com/school/614534/Alumni http://www.facebook.com/VIS.Alumni.Association/ http://www.facebook.com/groups/visaa/about/
Imprint: StraĂ&#x;e der Menschenrechte 1, A-1220 Vienna +43 (1) 203-5595 visinfo@vis.ac.at www.vis.ac.at Editing: Thomas Lammel, VIS Development Officer Photography: www.gabrielepaar.net Design: www.atelier-freiraum.com
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inquiring | inspired | involved
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