Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet at 10 Years

Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet (IEGS) celebrated its 10th anniversary on Friday with a packed house.

Former students and teachers visited the school, which is now based at Allhelgonagatan 4, to reminisce and catch up with life at IEGS.

Graduates from the earliest days of IEG, when it was known as Engelska Skolan Söder and based in Enskede, stopped by to say "hello".

Vice-principal Mr Phil Spires, who has been at Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet since its second year, proudly showed the returning graduates around.

"It was pleasing to see familiar faces visiting the school," says Dr Margret Benedikz, the principal of Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet for the last five years.

"Gymnasiet is such an important time in people's lives. It was wonderful to see them come back in groups, the friendships they made at the school having lasted. I was very pleased to show them the new building and catch up on all their news."

Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet moved to Allhelgonagatan 4 in July 2008 after 8 years in Enskede where it was originally known as Engelska Skolan Söder. Started by Ms Barbara Bergström, an American, the original school company has grown into Internationella Engelska Skolan AB which now runs 17 schools across the country. Ms Bergström remains Chairman of the Board of Directors.

"There was a need for a school in Sweden that would appeal to students with a strong international connection," says Dr Benedikz. "As we've grown from two classes in the very beginning to 700 students come this autumn we've worked hard to maintain an international feel."

With over forty staff, many are native English speakers coming from the UK, Canada, the USA, South Africa and Australia. There's also teachers from Sweden, Italy, France, Spain, Poland and China.

"It's a very outward looking international school," explains Dr Benedikz. "Friday's anniversary celebrations drew on this culture in the school."

There was a International Food Fair with a variety of foreign cuisines on

show, along with a two drama performances, Art Exhibition, walk-in laboratory experiments and a concert showcasing the musical talent in the school.

The day was a time to look backwards and celebrate the past, but also very much a day to bring students and staff together as collectively they build the traditions that will make the school strong in the future. 
Everyone at Internationella Engelska Gymnasiet looks forward to the next ten years!