School Blog

Music and applause rang out in Södermalm as Internationella Engelska Skolan Sundsvall lifted the trophy at the annual IES Modern Foreign Languages Eurovision Song Contest.

This year 17 middle schools (grundskolor) from across Sweden took part in the event, which sees students compete by singing in any language other than English or Swedish.

The winner was Céline Gilbert (shown in picture and video above) of class 8B at IES Sundsvall who sang Je Suis Malade, a song first released in 1973 by Serge Lama.

After receiving the trophy and performing her reprise, Céline said:  “I did not expect to win at all, I was very surprised and it was really fun performing. I started actually practicing about maybe one month ago.  It is a song I have listened to for many years and it was on the top of my head and I really wanted to sing this one, it is really good.”

Ms Shannon Lehnberg, a teacher from Sundsvall who attended the event and supported Céline said:  “We are so proud of Céline. Her stage presence and ability to engage the audience while singing in one of her three languages is truly remarkable. She is a true entertainer.”

The second place was taken by two sisters from IES Lund, Klara and Tyra Solén, who sang a French version of Ed Sheeran’s Perfect, while playing piano and violin.

In third place were two students from IES Nacka, Lisa Enerdal and Emelie Harris of 9A, who sang Luis Fonsi’s song Un Mondo Contigo.

Ms Nora Kielty, one of the staff from IES Tyresö involved in organising the event, said: "This year IES Tyresö brought the magic of music, language and technology together to showcase the sparkling talent and creative imagination of our young musicians, singers, dancers and presenters. We witnessed the birth of a new star as the winner from IES Sundsvall thrilled her audience amid the energy and enthusiasm that was Eurovision 2018."

Other performers at the event came from the IES schools Huddinge, Kista, Bromma, Årsta, Liljeholmen, Täby, Enskede, Tyresö, Eskilstuna, Hässelby, Jonköping, Örebro, Falun and Gävle.

Just like the better known Eurovision Song Contest, which will head to Israel next year, the victorious school takes on the role of host for the following year. This means that Internationella Engelska Skolan Sundsvall will host the contest next spring.

During Weeks 19 and 20, teachers were asked to choose a lesson or break to pick up trash around the schoolyard or close neighbourhood with their mentor class. It was lovely to see everyone out with their classes helping to tidy up our neighbourhood. We also encouraged our students to reflect, and come up with creative tips for reducing litter (trash on the ground). Thank you so much for your participation!

We will now take part in a larger national contest by "Håll Sverige Rent" ("Keep Sweden Tidy") where the trash will be counted and also sorted.

Winter Sports Day, a day the IES students and staff enjoyed the many activities organised by IES Eskilstuna. Enjoy this short video recap of some of those activities: basketball, ice hockey, football, dancing, floor ball, and many others but most importantly enjoy the happy faces, friendships, and joy all captured in this video.

Hampus von Post and Filip Dilmer in 7E have created a computer game about the life as a student at IES Eskilstuna Sr. When playing the game you are walking around in our school facilities, shown in 3D, and will be able to explore the school, doing good things and earn "Apple awards" and also doing things against our school rules, leading to a behaviour notice. There are lots of secrets to find.

Play the game!

Our students at Primary/Junior School had Winter Sports Day during Wednesday January 24th. Both indoor and outdoor activities were offered, and they all performed their best and enjoyed the day!