SBW International School Ruhr

The school is guided by the philosophy of the SBW Haus des Lernens AG, which emphasizes inquiry-based learning, student agency, and the importance of real-life context. It adheres to the International Baccalaureate (IB) learner profile, aiming to develop students who are inquirers, knowledgeable, caring, communicators, and principled. The school is committed to fostering holistic development and shaping internationally-minded global citizens who respect themselves, others, and the world.

The school offers a continuous educational pathway starting with the Early Years (ages 3-6) and Primary Years (Grades 1-5), both of which follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). The Secondary School (Grades 6-12) utilizes an inquiry-based approach in Grades 6-8, prepares students for the Cambridge IGCSE in Grades 9-10, and offers the IB Diploma Programme in Grades 11-12. The curriculum integrates essential skills such as critical thinking, research, communication, self-management, and social skills throughout all stages.

The school employs a dedicated Special Educational Needs Coordinator and a social-emotional counsellor to support student well-being and learning. Inclusion teachers are integrated into the staff to assist students across the Primary and Secondary sections. Additionally, the school provides instruction in German as an additional language to support multilingual learners.

The school welcomes new students year-round, provided they meet relevant age and academic requirements. The application process is managed through an online platform, requiring the submission of three years of previous school reports, a confidential recommendation from the current school (for Grades 1-12), a passport copy, and immunization records. Prospective students in the Primary and Secondary years must attend trial days, and those entering Grades 6-12 are required to complete a written placement test in English and Mathematics. An interview with the Head of Secondary Years is also required for students entering Grades 9-12.

The school operates on an annual academic calendar, with versions available for the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 academic years. School lunches are provided by an external company, focusing on fresh, regional ingredients with daily vegetarian options. Certified first-aiders are available on-site to provide health support.

The school is located at Villa Koppers in Essen. The campus includes dedicated learning spaces for Early Years, Primary, and Secondary students, as well as science laboratories and library facilities. The school also provides catering services and maintains areas for after-school care.