Making school history in Bodø
History is being made in Bodø as the principal and teaching staff prepare to welcome the first students to the new international school.
“I’m incredibly excited,” says Principal Ingvill Berg. She has recruited experienced educators Simon Moore and Hanne Christine Bjerke to join the team. Together, they are preparing for the school’s opening on August 14 in newly adapted facilities at Mørkvedmarka School. Bodø International School is approved for up to 220 students from grades 1 to 10 but will initially start with grades 1–6. So far, seven students have been enrolled, and the school is still accepting applications.
“We have great facilities with access to specialized classrooms and room for growth. Right now, we’re planning the interior design and adjustments to make the space optimal for our teaching needs,” says Berg.
Principal Ingvill Berg (left) is very pleased to have the experienced teachers Hanne Christine Bjerke and Simon Moore on board. Moore brings 20 years of experience from international schools in several countries. Get to know the team better here: https://www.boint.no/members-of-staff
International Experience
Principal Berg is joined by two highly qualified colleagues. Simon Moore, originally from Australia, has 20 years of teaching experience at the primary level in Australia and international schools in countries including Saudi Arabia, the U.S., and Brunei. Most recently, he taught at Kristiansand International School for seven years.
Hanne Christine Bjerke brings 14 years of teaching experience from the Bodø public school system.
The school will follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, starting with the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 6–12, and will later expand with the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP).
Teaching in English
The PYP focuses on inquiry-based and interdisciplinary learning, encouraging curiosity and critical thinking in a global context. The program is offered in nearly 6,000 schools across more than 160 countries and is recognized for its high quality.
“Simon Moore has extensive experience with the IB programme and will lead the implementation here in Bodø. It’s a huge advantage to have a teacher who knows the IB system well so that we can begin aligned with its philosophy and principles.”
Instruction will be in English, but students will also receive Norwegian language education.
“We want to combine international experience with a strong local foundation, so we’re very pleased to have both Simon and Hanne on board,” Berg adds.
An Exciting Opportunity
“Being part of starting a brand-new school in Bodø is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. There’s been excellent groundwork laid, and I’m excited to begin detailed planning with my colleagues,” says Simon Moore, who will lead the curriculum implementation.
Hanne Christine Bjerke agrees, highlighting the opportunity to work with multilingual students in a diverse environment.
“This will be both exciting and challenging. The teaching methods really appeal to me,” Bjerke says.
Important for Salten region
Bodø International School is a non-profit foundation established by Bodøregionens Utviklingsselskap (BRUS) and Bodø Næringsforum. Funding for the first three years is secured through generous support from local businesses, the Sparebank Foundation, Bodø Municipality, and Nordland County Council.
“The Bodø region has many employers with international staff. Nordland Hospital, the Armed Forces, and Nord University are among the largest. With the NATO base now being established in Bodø, we expect 400 new jobs,” says Berg.
“With the school in place, it becomes easier to attract international professionals. We’ve had a warm reception from both public institutions and businesses, who all see the school as a key part of regional development.”