By Nick Yates, ISB Communications
Published on Friday, January 16, 2026
Semester 2 is underway at the International School of Beijing (ISB), in a particularly meaningful year. As ISB marks its 45th founding anniversary, this moment feels like both a continuation of a proud legacy and a chance to reflect on what defines our community today. The energy on campus is unmistakable – shaped by upcoming milestones, shared experiences, and moments that will mark both endings and new beginnings.
For our Grade 12 students preparing to graduate, this semester is one of reflection, achievement, and the excitement that comes with university offers. The arrival of acceptance letters will signal the next step in their academic journeys. As they prepare for their transitions – whether to higher education, the workforce, or new opportunities – they are supported by the peers, teachers, and families who have helped guide them throughout their time at ISB.
For younger grades too, Semester 2 is a time of exciting transition. Towards the end of the current academic year, ISB will organize activities to help students and their families prepare to step up to new grades in 2026-2027.
Building belonging and purpose
This semester also brings opportunities for our community to come together around shared values that have been central to ISB for 45 years. Throughout March, a range of activities will promote diversity, inclusion, and belonging, encouraging students to engage thoughtfully with different perspectives and experiences. This focus continues in April with People, Planet, Purpose Week, a time dedicated to raising awareness of sustainability, social responsibility, and our connections to one another and the world around us. Together, these experiences invite students to reflect on their role in building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Creativity and thought leadership
Creative expression remains a powerful way our community connects. ISB is a leading international school for performing arts, and the next few months hold plenty of opportunities to witness our students’ passion and talent on stage.
Chief among them is the annual Middle School and High School productions. From the quirky, gothic charm of The Addams Family to the adventurous antics of Captain Bree and Her Lady Pirates, these performances will bring our community together through storytelling and the arts.
ISB’s Leadership Talk Series continues to bring top speakers to campus, capitalizing on the school’s strong alumni network and community connections. The talks and workshops in this series are occasions for learning and dialogue, providing students with fresh perspectives and the chance to explore hot contemporary topics and complex ideas. These discussions encourage curiosity, critical thinking, and engagement with issues that matter – skills that are essential well beyond the classroom. Past speakers have included business leaders, top diplomats, AI experts, and fashionistas. Watch this space for who the speaker(s) will be in May!
Celebrating together in a milestone year
One of the most anticipated moments of the semester is the Spring Fair, a signature ISB tradition that captures the spirit of our community. With its vibrant mix of activities, food, and shared celebration, the Spring Fair brings students, staff, and families together in a way few events can – reflecting the strong sense of connection that has defined ISB across generations.
The 45th anniversary of ISB offers an opportunity to celebrate our history, recognize the contributions of those who have shaped our community, and look ahead with optimism. The Anniversary Gala in March will be a particularly special moment to honor the past while celebrating the future we are building together.
As the semester unfolds, we are reminded that every experience – whether a major milestone or a quiet moment of connection – adds to the story of ISB. In this anniversary year, those moments feel especially significant. We are not only continuing a legacy; we are shaping the next chapter of our community’s story.
ISB community members should check the ISB Calendar and the ISB Weekly newsletter for full details on upcoming events. This Dragon Spirit Events Calendar also highlights the main ISB events open to community members throughout the year.