By James Penstone, Secondary Principal
25 August 2023
Embracing Internationalism and Multilingualism at the ICS Inter-Community School Zurich
From the picturesque landscapes that surround our school to the vibrant minds that inhabit our classrooms, we are a community bonded by a shared goal: to learn and to grow together. Our school is more than a place of education; it is also a platform for cultural exchange and international friendship. As we conclude the second week of the new school year, we should pause to celebrate the very special blend of internationalism and multilingualism that helps define our school.
Our students currently represent a grand total of 64 nationalities, all of which contribute to the rich tapestry of our community. But our international nature doesn't stop at borders; it extends to the 76 languages spoken by our students – at least those that have been officially registered with the school.
"Arabic, Mandarin, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Turkish, Hindi, Korean, Swiss German, Polish, and Hebrew are amongst the 76 languages registered by our community. Our students bring to life a symphony of languages, bridging cultures and minds, and each language spoken carries a wealth of heritage and identity.
Beyond the simple celebration of diversity which these facts invite, there are well-researched benefits to our students’ collective learning. For example, exposure to different languages and cultures nurtures empathy, broadens perspectives, and cultivates cognitive skills.
On a bright early morning this week, as I stood outside the Diploma Studies Centre, I watched two Grade 11 students converse intensely with one another. I had no clue as to what they were discussing as I do not have their language, but I knew they were perfectly connected in that moment. Whether it's the laughter that resonates during lunchtime conversations or the range of languages heard in our corridors, we should cherish such daily moments that remind us why our school’s name, the Inter-Community School, is so apt.
Here is to another year of growth, learning, and embracing the wonderful diversity that shapes us.