Fall In Love With School, Sports, Culture and Collaboration
Celebrating the Open Day at the International School of Bergen (ISB) today, Community, Respect, Integrity and Responsibility were portrayed through the gathering of SCHOOL, SPORTS and CULTURE in the local community. These core values constitute the heart of the collaboration ISB so beautifully manifests within the local community. This aligns perfectly with ISB’s vision to shape the future with caring and confident citizens of the world.
On Friday, 14th February 2025, the school invited everyone from near and far to experience this firsthand at their Open Day event, where prospective families, students, politicians, and members of the press gathered to get an inside look at Bergen’s only international school. This event was an opportunity to learn more about how ISB collaborates with local sports clubs and their initiatives, theater and culture programs, and other extracurricular activities, offering students an array of opportunities to grow, develop, and set a solid foundation for their futures.
ISB’s Open Day was a colorful and joyous celebration of community and opportunity, exemplifying their core values of Community, Integrity, Respect and Responsibility. The event brought together local sports clubs proudly displaying their beach flags, VIP athletes inspiring the next generation, and passionate advocates dedicated to children’s development. This was an exciting introduction to ISB and a powerful reminder of what makes this school so special—a place where children are encouraged to dream big, explore their passions, and become part of a welcoming, and inclusive community.
Visitors took a guided tour with ISB’s principals and director to explore their inviting spaces and learn more about their internationally accredited curriculum. The event also provided a glimpse into its diverse student body representing 38 different countries and staff from 22 nations. Over the past decade, ISB has grown from 150 to over 230 students, a testament to its strong reputation and commitment to high-quality education.
ISB offers a variety of after school activities such as drama, coding, robotics, art, and sports
Basketball
A key highlight of ISB’s commitment to creating safe and strong community ties is their close collaboration with local sports clubs such as Gneist, Kirkevoll BBK, Ytrebygda BBK, Bergen Turnforening, and Gimle BBK. In collaboration with Ytrebygda Basketball Club (YBBK), ISB recently announced the After School Basketball Program, at ISB. Coach David Garcia Lopez, originally from Cartagena, Spain, is leading this initiative three times per week. The program is designed to provide a fun, inclusive, and skill-building experience for ISB students of all abilities, creating a safe and supportive environment where every participant feels valued.
The After School Basketball Program, presented by YBBK and Kirkevoll Basketball, offers 1st-4th graders a chance to engage in structured practices led by certified coaches from the Norwegian Basketball Federation (NBBF) and Norwegian Sports Federation (NIF). This initiative emphasizes human connection, mentorship, and personal growth. Role models in the program ensure that all children feel seen and supported, fostering positive habits and social connections both on and off the court.
This initiative is part of a broader movement within Fana and Ytrebygda, where local basketball mentors serve as positive role models for youth development. With over 300 children participating across seven schools, including ISB, the After School Basketball Program continues to inspire the next generation through meaningful mentorship and teamwork.
ISB also benefits from school visits and engagement with top athletes and role models from BLNO teams across Bergen. For example Fyllingen Lions, Gimle Basket and the collaboration with Basketakademiet. These collaborations extend far beyond basketball courts nurturing a sense of belonging and sportsmanship, while ensuring that every student feels empowered and inspired by these great role models.
Meteva Sport og Helse, led by founder Louise Mohn, plays a pivotal role in bridging collaborative initiatives together that are working to succeed, along with providing role models and mentoring programs for children. Meteva Sport og Helse’s vision aligns with ISB’s values of fostering an inclusive, safe, and inspiring environment for young athletes to flourish locally, nationally, and internationally.
Performing Arts (PA)
ISB’s Performing Arts program at ISB offers a creative and inclusive learning environment where students develop skills in drama, music, dance, and storytelling. The curriculum inspires confidence and teamwork through engaging lessons spanning the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to the Middle Years Programme (MYP). PYP students explore drama and music, while MYP students focus on specialized topics such as musical theatre, Shakespearean performance, silent movies, and thematic improvisation.
Extracurricular Opportunities
ISB and Fyllingsdalen Teater
The skillset of learning Performing Arts (PA) goes beyond the classroom. ISB collaborates with Fyllingsdalen Teater both locally, with yearly musicals, and internationally. For example, for the second year running, in the Coram Shakespeare in Schools Festival in the UK. ISB was the only Norwegian school taking part in this prestigious festival amongst more than 400 schools from across the globe performing at The Greenwich Theatre in London. This was led by Mr. Hasselgreen and his team, which is a long standing collaboration between ISB and the Fyllingsdalen Teater.
In addition to creating musicals and participating in international activities, ISB also offers student leadership. This includes PA Ambassadors leading talent shows, directing plays, conducting choirs, and orchestrating performances. Each student is inspired to take different responsibilities through every aspect of Performing Arts (PA).
At ISB, students are inspired to have limitless possibilities for their future. This is a place where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and the power of community and activities lift every child. With their respected history and standards, ISB provides local, regional, national, and international resources and networks, empowering students to explore, grow, develop, and embrace their unique life paths with passion and confidence.
We invite everyone to fall in love with ISB this Valentine’s Day!
