Updates from our Rector

March 23rd, 2026

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Spring has arrived at RBC, bringing longer days, magnolia blossoms, and a renewed sense of energy across campus. With mock examinations now completed for our second-year students, spirits are lifted, and the season invites a sense of growth and possibility. As we move beyond the period of Ramadan, it has been heartening to see many members of our community engage with the fast, and peers join in solidarity, an example of the empathy, respect, and openness that strengthen our school.
Since my last letter in January, both the College and wider world have continued to evolve in ways that underscore the importance of communities like ours, where young people learn to engage thoughtfully, across difference, with the complexities of our time. During my recent participation in the Klingenstein Heads Program at Teachers College, Columbia University, we spent time considering a central question: how do we prepare young people not just to navigate an uncertain world, but to thrive within it? The challenges our students will face are complex, interconnected, and rapidly changing, shaped by global tensions, misinformation, inequality, and environmental pressures. In this context, education must go beyond knowledge alone. It must equip students with resilience, adaptability, and, importantly, a sense of agency.
At RBC, this reinforces our commitment to trust and autonomy as essential elements of learning. We believe students grow most when they are given the space to take meaningful risks, to encounter challenge, and to learn from experience rather than being overprotected. It is through this process that they develop confidence, curiosity, and a sense of purpose.

Encouragingly, we see these qualities emerging in our students every day. Recent weeks have been rich with meaningful experiences. During the second Project Week in February, students engaged in service initiatives, creative projects, and experiential learning both locally and across Europe. Another highlight of this term has been our “Liveable Cities of the Future” Week. Through workshops, impulse lectures, and excursions, first year students were invited to think critically and creatively about how urban environments can become more just, sustainable, and humane. My sincere thanks and congratulations go to Tobi Kellner and Kristin Kaschner for their outstanding leadership in designing and delivering this experience.

The week was enriched from the outset by the visit of cohort number 157 of the BBUG (Baden-Badener Unternehmer Gespräche https://www.bbug.de/en/), who joined our students on the opening day and engaged alongside them in the programme. Their presence bringing valuable real-world perspective and dialogue into the learning experience.
Today, our first-year students have had the privilege of visiting the Robert Bosch Stiftung, whose vision and support were instrumental in establishing our College. The foundation continues to provide vital financial and strategic backing, enabling RBC to offer transformative educational experiences and welcome students from around the world. During the visit, students gained first hand insight into how the foundations thoughtful philanthropy creates meaningful, long-term impact. The experience reinforced not only the practical possibilities of social engagement, but also the inspirational partnership that makes RBC’s unique educational journey possible.
Looking ahead, I would like to share a few key reminders:
• Spring Break begins on Thursday, 2 April. Students must remain on campus through their final commitment on Wednesday, 1 April.

• For the Closing Ceremony on May 22nd, each second-year student will receive up to two guest tickets. Families requiring visa invitation letters should contact Lisa Bühler, Student Secretary, via their child.

Just before Spring Break, academic updates will soon be shared with parents/guardians and with national committees. For first-year students, this includes a mid-term grade reflecting academic performance so far this calendar year. For second-year students, this includes grades for the recent mock exams and an updated predicted grade in each subject, offering a sense of where students stand as they approach their final IB exams. While grades are one important measure of students’ learning, we encourage families to view them within the broader context of each student’s overall development. At RBC, education extends beyond grades to include character, resilience, and purpose. Your support in helping our students maintain balance and perspective is invaluable.

I would also like to address attendance and engagement. We have observed an increase in absences not always linked to illness or exceptional circumstances. Regular attendance is essential, not only for academic progress, but for active participation in our community. We ask for your partnership in reinforcing the importance of showing up, contributing, and taking responsibility.

There are many moments of joy and connection ahead. Next weekend, we will celebrate Spring Day with garden and campus projects, cultural events, and workshops that reflect springtime traditions from around the world, including our now traditional annual Holi celebration and the Welcome of the Spring Ball. The following day will feature the House Cup, with a range of sporting challenges, followed by the Year 2 Visual Arts Exhibition 2026.

After Spring break, our second-year students will complete their final classes, a significant milestone marking the culmination of their journey at RBC. Through events such as the Leavers Dinner and the creation of a time capsule, we will celebrate both their achievements and growth.

At a time when the world can feel uncertain, it is easy to focus on what divides us. Yet within our College, we see daily what is possible when young people come together with openness, respect, and a shared commitment to understanding and action. This gives me great hope.

Thank you, as always, for your trust, partnership, and continued support of our shared mission. If you have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to reach out in a language of your choice.

Best wishes,
Helen White, Rektor