Secondary (Years 7-10)

Growing Through Challenge, Friendship and Discovery

The 2025–26 school year has been filled with new experiences, personal growth and memorable moments across Lower Secondary and IGCSE. From outdoor adventures and creative projects to academic achievements and international travel, students have continued to challenge themselves, support one another and develop into confident young people ready for the opportunities ahead.

Building Confidence and Community

For Year 7, the year began with an adventure. Both classes travelled to a woodland activity centre, where teamwork challenges and outdoor activities helped establish the friendships and trust that would shape the year ahead.

Those bonds were put to the test again during the year-end trip to Bornholm. Whether facing the challenge of spending time away from home for the first time or climbing high among the treetops on a forest ropes course, students showed remarkable courage, resilience and encouragement towards one another. The trip became a powerful reminder of how much they had grown as individuals and as a community.

Year 8 also enjoyed a year built on friendship and shared experiences. Their trip to Vejen offered opportunities to strengthen relationships through sport, teamwork and fun activities, while class socials brought plenty of laughter through games, charades and dancing. One of the highlights came during the unexpected snow days, when Year 8 won the school's Snow Challenge with some of the most imaginative activities and photographs submitted across the school.

Creativity, Innovation and Entrepreneurship

Creativity has played an important role throughout the year. Year 8 showcased their practical and creative talents through baking projects for the Christmas Bazaar and healthy snack production in Design Technology.

Meanwhile, Year 9 demonstrated impressive entrepreneurial skills through their Enterprise project. Students developed their own chocolate brands, designed marketing campaigns and pitched their ideas to a panel of “Dragons” in a Dragon’s Den-style competition. Their professionalism, creativity and business thinking highlighted the wide range of talents developing within the year group.

The year also provided opportunities for students to grow in independence, confidence and collaboration, whether through classroom projects, presentations or the many activities that brought learning to life beyond the classroom.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

Travel and real-world experiences continue to be an important part of learning at NIS.

Year 9 enjoyed a memorable trip to Ranum, where friendships were strengthened through shared experiences, board games and plenty of laughter.

Year 10 travelled to Berlin, where students explored history, culture and modern European society while continuing to develop the maturity and independence that have characterised their first year of the IGCSE programme. The trip provided opportunities for reflection, discussion and personal growth while creating memories that will stay with them for years to come.

For Year 11, the highlight of the year was undoubtedly the trip to Prague. Exploring the city’s rich history, culture and architecture provided valuable learning experiences while also creating lasting memories with friends and teachers before the end of their IGCSE journey.

Achievement and Growth

Throughout the year, Year 10 students approached the challenges of the IGCSE programme with determination, resilience and a strong work ethic. Several students successfully completed their Mathematics GCSE early, while the entire year group consistently demonstrated maturity, professionalism and enthusiasm across academic work, work experience placements and school events.

Year 11 reached a major milestone by completing their IGCSE examinations. Their success reflects years of hard work, perseverance and personal growth. To celebrate the end of this important chapter, students enjoyed a rounders afternoon and beach party, providing a fitting opportunity to reflect on friendships, achievements and the experiences they have shared together.

Looking Ahead

As we look back on the year, it is not only the academic successes that stand out, but also the friendships, experiences and personal growth that have shaped each student’s journey.

Whether through outdoor adventures, creative projects, entrepreneurial challenges, international travel or everyday moments together, students across Years 7–11 have demonstrated courage, curiosity and a willingness to embrace new opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of everything they have achieved this year and look forward to seeing where their next adventures will take them.