As a school that does not pre-select students for the challenging International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, American School of The Hague (ASH) supports all students with the capabilities, commitment and drive in their desire to undertake the IB Diploma.
As with each year, it takes passion, planning and hard work on behalf of both the students and their teachers, to deliver excellent results – this year was no exception.
As in previous years, the graduates of the 2015-2016 school year delivered a laudable 94% pass rate on their IB exams (51/54) with all students achieving above the required 24 points.
The global average score for the IB Diploma was 30 points and the ASH students achieved an average score of 35 points, 5 points above the global average.
It is extremely rewarding to see that 22% of the ASH students achieved 40 points or higher; 43% achieved 36 points or higher and a superb 92% achieved in excess of the global average of 30 points.
In that light, we are also very honored to share the results of the students who undertook the exams for the Advanced Placement (AP) program. In May 2016,
ASH administered 225 exams to 83 AP students. With the same philosophy used for the IB program, ASH does not pre-select students for inclusion in the AP program but rather encourages students to challenge themselves in one or more areas of interest in Grades 11 and/or 12 to give them a realistic taste of the expectations of university work.
Thus, students this year sat anywhere from 1 to as many as 6 exams with an average of nearly 3 exams per student. The average global AP score was 2.84 out of 5 but the average score for ASH students per AP exam was 3.72 out of 5.
Globally, 58% of students received a passing grade of 3 or higher but when we talk about ASH students, we can proudly say that 84% received a passing grade of 3 or higher. Moreover, only 13.3% of students received the highest mark of 5 out of 5 on AP exams globally. At ASH, an impressive 32% of students received a 5 on one or more exams.
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.A new diplomatic group for the City of Peace and Justice: the Young Diplomats’ Club The Hague!Founded by Thomas JohnAciaarb, Attaché to the Secretary General of the Hague Conference on Private International Law (HCCH); Lucas Otero Peterka, Cultural Attaché at the Embassy of Peru; and Michael Mecklenburg, the YDCTH took off in style in August 2016. The Young Diplomats’ Club strives to provide an informal platform to members of the Corps Diplomatique, the Dutch Ministries and the International Organisations in The Hague. Thomas John ACIArb notes that “Our program will be designed to connect the many young diplomats, including their families, in an informal way to establish strong — personal, but of course, also professional — networks and ties.”Lucas Otero Peterka adds “So far, The Hague has been missing such a platform, which is well known in capitals and international cities around the world. It is the pleasure for us to bring the idea to The Hague for the benefit of the wider Diplomatic Community”.Michael Mecklenburg highlights that the membership is open and free, adding that “The Young Diplomats’ Club can easily be reached [Facebook, email [ydcthehague@gmail.com]. Or just become part of our mailing list accessible from our http://ydcthehague.jimdo.com/”.Diplomat Magazine congratulates the Young Diplomats’ Club The Hague and will continue to keep the Diplomatic Community posted on their events.
Pictured Florian Volz and Timo Schmidt.By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
In June, two students started a long journey, the Refugee Road, at the Peace Palace in The Hague. After two-and-a-half months of cycling they finished successfully in Lesvos in Greece. These two men are Florian Volz and Timo Schmidt. Both are students of the BA International Studies at Leiden University.
The road of people fleeing their homes contains not only the Balkan Route, but leads also through Central and Western Europe to The Hague. It includes about 3500 km, which have now been captured on camera by Florian and Timo in about 80 gigabits of film material. Their aim is to make a road documentary about this journey with all its hardship and difficulties, but also hope, telling the stories of the daily refugee reality. Through this, they hope to bring forth more information into the European Migration Crisis discussion. However, the post-production of this documentary now needs sufficient funding.
Diplomat Magazine sees this project of these two young journalists as a significant vivid contribution to the discussion around the migration crisis, which also is present among Diplomats and international organisations. Furthermore, we express our gratitude towards and thank these two keen young journalists for their dedication.
More information about Refugee Roads can be found at:
https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2016/06/05/cycling-the-refugee-road/ the introductory article
www.refugeeroads.com where you can re-visit every step of their bicycle tour along the Balkan Route
https://cinecrowd.com/nl/refugee-roads where you can watch the teaser and contribute to the realisation of Refugee Roads.
If you are interested, questions and feedback are welcome just as much as highly appreciated -and needed – donations to their crowdfunding campaign.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
After being cordially welcomed by Madam Sonia Meijer, Honorary Consul of El Salvador and chairman of The Latin America table at the Nieuwe Scociteit De Witte, Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia, from the International Criminal Court (ICC) delivered an instructive lecture in a very eloquent way.
For additional Kim Vermaat’s pictures, please open the following link:https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/sets/72157673414300630
The lecture was in Spanish and had the theme, La Corte Penal Internacional y Latino-America: ratificación, complementariedad y cooperación.The session took place at the Groenezaal on Friday 23rd September 2016. During her lecture, Judge Herrera Carbuccia reflected upon current interesting judicial developments. She stressed the role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the adoption of the Rome Statute, its entry into force and subsequent creation of the ICC in 2002.
Furthermore, Judge Herrera Carbuccia also described how the principle of complementarily law bestows upon States the primary obligation to investigate and prosecute international crimes. She also discussed the importance of State cooperation, in order to execute arrest warrants but also to fulfill other judicial obligations.
H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and Ms Sonia Meijer, Honorary Consul of El Salvador.
Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia laments the low representation of Latin-American and Caribbean nationals in positions at the ICC. Only thirty-nine positions out of approximately eight hundred are held by Latin Americans.
Herrera Carbuccia highlighted the current opportunities available to young professionals of the Latin-America and Caribbean region to get involved with the ICC. To name a few, the moot court competition as well as the internship and visiting professional program.
H.E. Eduardo Ibarrola, Ambassador of Mexico, H.E. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile, the Honorable Judge of the ICC, Olga Herrera Carbuccia, H.E. Aida Luz Santos de Estobar, Ambassador of El Salvador, the Ambassador of Uruguay, H.E. Alvaro Moerzinger and H.E. Philippe couvreur, Registrar of the International Court of Justice.
After the lecture, the Honorable Judge Olga Herrera Carbuccia took questions from the audience which she responded to brilliantly.
The Ambassadors of Chile, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Mexico, Uruguay and the Apostolic Nuncio attended the lecture. Also present were representatives of Embassies and a representative of the Minister Plenipotentiary of the island of St Martin in The Hague and others.
The traditional dinner with a number of people concluded the fantastic evening.
By Duke Michael of Mecklenburg.
On 28th September the Czech Embassy celebrated its national day. It reminds Prince Wenceslas’s assassination by his brother in 935 AD. Prince Wenceslas is the patron of the Czech Republic for his erudition and humanism, firm principles, Christian values, openness, cooperation with other countries and care for poor people in need.
In 1918, Czechoslovakia became independent. the Czech Republic’s independence took place in 1993. This year, the Czech Republic celebrates its 108th anniversary commemorating Prince Wenceslas death.
In addition, Her Excellency, Ambassador Jana Reinišová welcomed her guests to commemorate King and Roman Emperor Charles IV’s 700 birthday, as well as former Czechoslovak and Czech President Václav Havel.
Czech hospitality was very much appreciated amongst the invitees, highlighted with typical delicious Czech food and drinks, creating a warmth atmosphere. Czech’s culture is recognized worldwide, such as its famous music. Three young musicians were invited to perform Dutch and Czech classical repertoire, including both national anthems after ambassador Reinišová’s speech.
Diplomat Magazine congratulates the Czech Embassy for this very successful National Day.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
With the national colors of Indonesia along with the blue red and gold of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) flag floating peacefully side-by-side on the lawns of Wisma Duta, the official residence of Indonesia’s Ambassador.
H.E. Ambassador I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja and Mrs Rusdijana Puja celebrated Indonesia’s 71st Independence Day. This was on 14th September 2016. The line of reception included Ambassador Puja and his spouse; Education Attaché Prof. Dr. Bambang Hari Wibisono and spouse; further Army Attaché, Colonel Army Ferry Trisnaputra and spouse.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157674587384875
Ambassadors, dignitaries and hundreds of others came out to participate in the festivities. Those that attended the celebrations seemed to have appreciated the Indonesian hospitality and in particular the Indonesian cuisine which was available at the various beautifully adorned outlets dispersed over the ground of Wisma Duta.
Another great Indonesian National Day reception came and went.
The “Who’s the President?” Breakfast brings together Americans, Dutch and people from everywhere to watch the results of the U.S. election. U.S. overseas voters – Republicans and Democrats – stand side by side in the best tradition of American democracy.The Kurhaus becomes an election headquarters adorned in red, white and blue with flags of the 50 states draped over its balconies. There’s a jazz band, Uncle Sam, a huge TV screen and TV’s and food everywhere – even on the balcony.A typical American breakfast is served along with some Dutch favorites – coffee, donuts, eggs, toast, lots of coffee and tea, fruit, juices and much more. The breakfast begins at 5 a.m. and is cleared around 8:30 a.m. Come early! After the election results are final and we know “Who the President?” of the United States will be, the breakfast is over. People go to work or back home or to school and continue to talk about the election. They are happy or disappointed and their concern turns to the future and the question: How will the decision of American voters impact on their lives, the lives of Americans and the lives of people everywhere.
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November 9th at the Grand Hotel Amrȃth Kurhaus, 5:00 a.m.Tickets € 25.coffee, donuts, eggs, toast, TV, jazz, news
Organized by Overseas Americans Remember, in cooperation with
On the picture Mr. Zbignieuw Kulik and Ambassador Dr. Jan Borkowski.
The occasion was the inauguration of a photo exhibition Karkonosze by Mr. Zbignieuw Kulik, with participation of Polish Ambassador Dr. Jan Borkowski, Minister Adam Lipiński, Prof. Theodor Meron, President of the Mechanism for International Criminal Tribunals and other honorable guests.
For additional pictures, please open the following link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/121611753@N07/albums/72157671171026194Prof. Theodor Meron and Ambassador Dr. Jan Borkowski.
The venue of the exposition is the Embassy of Poland in The Hague on the sunny day of 16 September 2016. The fence and gate are decorated with some of the photos.
Counsellor Tomasz Wazbinski, head of the Trade and Promotion Section of the Embassy, Minister Adam Lipinski, Ambassador of Poland, Dr. Jan Borkowski and Mr Andrzej Pawluszek, Vice-director of the Polish National Tourist Office in Amsterdam.
The Karkonosze mountains/giant mountains are situated in the south-western part of Poland. It is preserved as a national park. The Karkonosze Mountains form the natural border between Poland and the Czech Republic.
Photography by Mr Tomasz Kuziora.
On 1 September 2016, Hilde Stoltenberg was appointed Liaison Prosecutor for Norway to Eurojust, in accordance with Article 5 of the Agreement between the Kingdom of Norway and Eurojust of April 2005.
Ms Stoltenberg, who replaces the outgoing Liaison Prosecutor for Norway, Petter Sodal, began her career as a prosecutor with the Bodø, Nordland, police in 1997. Prior to joining Eurojust, she was an Assistant Professor at the Norwegian Police Academy and Regional Public Prosecutor for Nordland, a post she held until 2015.
A graduate of the University of Tromsø (1990 – 1997) and the University of Nordland (2010-2013), Ms Stoltenberg has a great deal of experience in prosecuting cases involving international drug-trafficking, the sexual abuse of children and cybercrime.
In her first week at Eurojust, Ms Stoltenberg already participated in the annual consultation at Eurojust with the Norwegian Director of Public Prosecutions, Tor-Aksel Busch, hosted by the President of Eurojust, Michèle Coninsx. These annual consultations are used to expand on the cooperation built between Eurojust and Norway, to better work together against crimes affecting Norway and the European Union.
Following her appointment, Ms Stoltenberg said: ‘My previous experience with Eurojust, involving the successful prosecution of an international murder investigation involving two Member States, Norway and another third State, highlights the benefits of the judicial cooperation fostered between the Kingdom of Norway and Eurojust. Through Eurojust, Norway and the European Union will continue to cooperate to effectively combat our common criminal threats.’
On the picture diplomats at the Embassy of Brazil; Mr. Pablo Romero (3rd Secretary), Mrs. Fabiana Garcia (1st Secretary), Mr. José Akcell Zavala (Counsellor), Mr. Leonardo Gorgulho Fernandes (Minister-Counsellor) and H.E. Mr Piragibe Tarragô (Ambassador).By Djoeke Altena.
Wednesday, 7 September 2016, Wassenaar: the Federative Republic of Brazil celebrated the 194th anniversary of its independence with a reception at the Ambassador’s Residence. On this date, in the year 1822, Brazil’s independence was declared by Prince Pedro de Alcântara (later Emperor Pedro I), ending 322 years of colonial dominance. Don Pedro de Alcântara who resided in Portugal’s largest and wealthiest colony since French troops were to invade Portugal, separated the Brazilian and Portuguese crowns. He sided against his homeland when Portugal threatened to revoke Brazilian autonomy, and is the one who cried out the famous words “Independence or death!”
No cries where heard 194 years later at the residence of HE Ambassador Piragibe Dos Santos Tarragô. The Brazilian residence is a beautiful mansion locatedin Wassenaar, also known as “Villa Ruys”. It was built in 1914-1916 after design by architect L.J. Zaaijer. Inspiration for the mansion came from the Hollands-Classicism and the English country house style. Noteworthy is that the building is recognised by the Dutch government for its value for architectural history.
Brazil National Day 2016
It was at the gardens of the residence wherein this splendid reception took place. The sunny weather as well as fresh caipirinhas brought smiles on the faces of the attending diplomats, business and government representatives.
The attending guest had the opportunity to try several Brazilian treats. Brazilian chocolate truffles, brigadeiros, were present in different flavours, including Stroopwafel flavour. The Brazilian meat, Pão de Queijo, Pastéis and other delicious appetizers induced the guests to once again appreciate the Brazilian cuisine.
The combination of cuisine, prominent guests and caipirinhas made the 194th anniversary of the Brazilian independence reception in Wassenaar exquisite. Regrettably it will likely be the last national day in the Netherlands for the Brazilian ambassador Peragibe Tarragô, since he has a new assignment in Hong Kong.
Ambassador’s Residence: http://rijksmonumenten.nl/monument/525759/villa-ruys/wassenaar/
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Photography by the Embassy of Brazil in The Hague.
The global average score for the IB Diploma was 30 points and the ASH students achieved an average score of 35 points, 5 points above the global average.
It is extremely rewarding to see that 22% of the ASH students achieved 40 points or higher; 43% achieved 36 points or higher and a superb 92% achieved in excess of the global average of 30 points.
In that light, we are also very honored to share the results of the students who undertook the exams for the Advanced Placement (AP) program. In May 2016,
ASH administered 225 exams to 83 AP students. With the same philosophy used for the IB program, ASH does not pre-select students for inclusion in the AP program but rather encourages students to challenge themselves in one or more areas of interest in Grades 11 and/or 12 to give them a realistic taste of the expectations of university work.
Thus, students this year sat anywhere from 1 to as many as 6 exams with an average of nearly 3 exams per student. The average global AP score was 2.84 out of 5 but the average score for ASH students per AP exam was 3.72 out of 5.
Globally, 58% of students received a passing grade of 3 or higher but when we talk about ASH students, we can proudly say that 84% received a passing grade of 3 or higher. Moreover, only 13.3% of students received the highest mark of 5 out of 5 on AP exams globally. At ASH, an impressive 32% of students received a 5 on one or more exams. 
The lecture was in Spanish and had the theme, La Corte Penal Internacional y Latino-America: ratificación, complementariedad y cooperación.The session took place at the Groenezaal on Friday 23rd September 2016. During her lecture, Judge Herrera Carbuccia reflected upon current interesting judicial developments. She stressed the role of Latin America and the Caribbean in the adoption of the Rome Statute, its entry into force and subsequent creation of the ICC in 2002.
Furthermore, Judge Herrera Carbuccia also described how the principle of complementarily law bestows upon States the primary obligation to investigate and prosecute international crimes. She also discussed the importance of State cooperation, in order to execute arrest warrants but also to fulfill other judicial obligations.
Czech hospitality was very much appreciated amongst the invitees, highlighted with typical delicious Czech food and drinks, creating a warmth atmosphere. Czech’s culture is recognized worldwide, such as its famous music. Three young musicians were invited to perform Dutch and Czech classical repertoire, including both national anthems after ambassador Reinišová’s speech.
Diplomat Magazine congratulates the Czech Embassy for this very successful National Day. 
Ambassadors, dignitaries and hundreds of others came out to participate in the festivities. Those that attended the celebrations seemed to have appreciated the Indonesian hospitality and in particular the Indonesian cuisine which was available at the various beautifully adorned outlets dispersed over the ground of Wisma Duta.
Another great Indonesian National Day reception came and went.
Photography by Mr Tomasz Kuziora. 
