At Amity International School Amsterdam, the focus is on well-being, real-world skills, and holistic growth, rather than only on academic scores. This article examines how the co-curricular programme at Amity International School Amsterdam builds structured, future-focused enrichment opportunities that enhance student wellbeing, creativity, and leadership beyond the classroom.
Most city schools face the challenge of providing mindful outdoor spaces for their students, having to navigate limited space and many security concerns. Amity Amsterdam has the unique benefit of not being like most city schools; the monumental building of our school is located on a beautifully lush, private island.
In the Netherlands, students are drowning in numbers. On average, a Dutch child in high school receives 102 grades per school year. That’s a test every other day. While assessments are meant to measure progress, this relentless testing culture has led to stress, reduced motivation, and a narrow focus on scores rather than actual learning.
We believe in nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and soul. Through our diverse range of sports and physical activities, or in, arts, music, or various academic clubs, at Amity International School Amsterdam, we encourage our students from Early Years to the Diploma Programme to explore their curiosity and enthusiasm to becoming confident and well-rounded individuals.
One of our DP student is under the sportlight for this blog piece. Sol, who is our DP student, started attending Amity International School Amsterdam when she was 11 years old. She is now 16 and flourishing in her fifth year with us. Reflecting on her journey, she describes it as a transformative experience, filled with enriching learning opportunities and personal growth.
It was great to hear her speak about her story, which is an example of the power of international education.
At Amity International School Amsterdam, which has places for students aged 3-18 at its leafy Amstelveen site, the entire primary school is seated for an assembly on how their school is tackling the issue of waste disposal.
But if you’re picturing a teacher at the front, think again, because these student assistant heads confidently leading the assembly are just nine or 10 years old.
![Beyond the classroom: Why co-curricular learning matters for children]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768207284/amityschoolnl/ne4gyxevch9w2bkfaksn/CCAblog.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768207284/amityschoolnl/ne4gyxevch9w2bkfaksn/CCAblog.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768207284/amityschoolnl/ne4gyxevch9w2bkfaksn/CCAblog.png","width":600}])
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![Dutch schools vs. international schools: A smarter way to assess learning]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1749649649/amityschoolnl/mp5uxgjqpreu2rkoffer/Amity_Instagram_DP1Presentation.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1749649649/amityschoolnl/mp5uxgjqpreu2rkoffer/Amity_Instagram_DP1Presentation.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1749649649/amityschoolnl/mp5uxgjqpreu2rkoffer/Amity_Instagram_DP1Presentation.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1749649649/amityschoolnl/mp5uxgjqpreu2rkoffer/Amity_Instagram_DP1Presentation.png","width":1080}])
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![Students Under the Spotlight: Amity Amsterdam’s Culture, IB & Future Aspirations]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1746168999/amityschoolnl/rytkkq4k4ktood5347qr/DSC07171.jpg","width":2200}])
![Introducing the school where students speak for themselves]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746099975/amityschoolnl/llbgrcdsph4w5eulc6ei/DutchNews_2025_112.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746099975/amityschoolnl/llbgrcdsph4w5eulc6ei/DutchNews_2025_112.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1746099975/amityschoolnl/llbgrcdsph4w5eulc6ei/DutchNews_2025_112.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1746099975/amityschoolnl/llbgrcdsph4w5eulc6ei/DutchNews_2025_112.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746099975/amityschoolnl/llbgrcdsph4w5eulc6ei/DutchNews_2025_112.jpg","width":1500}])