Meet ISBerne

At the International School of Berne (ISBerne), our teachers, leaders, and staff bring a wealth of experiences, cultures, and perspectives to our community. Through our Meet ISBerne Q&A series, we invite families to get to know the people behind the learning and discover what inspires them both inside and outside the classroom.
We are delighted to introduce Mrs. Annelize Deuchar, who will serve as Principal of the Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10) from Summer 2026.

Originally from South Africa, Mrs. Deuchar started her career as a Mathematics and Science teacher. She joined ISBerne as Subject Area Leader for Mathematics and holds a Master's degree in Education from North-West University in South Africa.

 

What inspired you to become an teacher and school leader?

I have always believed that young people are capable of far more than they sometimes realise. As a teacher, I wanted to help students build confidence, embrace challenges, and discover the satisfaction that comes from perseverance and hard work.

Mathematics and Science provided the perfect opportunity to nurture curiosity and problem-solving skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

My professional journey has taken me from South Africa to Sweden and now to Switzerland. Working within International Baccalaureate (IB) schools strengthened my belief in international education and the importance of learning from different cultures and perspectives.

Joining ISBerne allowed me to continue that journey within a warm and supportive community. Beginning as Subject Area Leader for Mathematics and now stepping into the role of Principal of the Middle Years Programme feels like an exciting new chapter. I look forward to supporting both students and colleagues as we continue to build a culture of curiosity, wellbeing, and growth.

 

What do you think makes ISBerne unique?

What makes ISBerne special to me is its strong sense of community. Students are known as individuals, teachers genuinely care about their wellbeing, and families are active partners in the learning journey.

 

The international environment encourages young people to appreciate different perspectives and develop friendships that cross cultures and borders.

Most importantly, ISBerne is a place where students are encouraged to develop confidence, find their voice, and believe in their own potential.
 

 

What impact do you hope to have on students?

I want every student to feel confident asking questions, making mistakes, and improving step by step. Learning should be challenging, but it should also be supportive, engaging, and enjoyable.

 

My hope is that students leave school with resilience, curiosity, and a belief in their own abilities—qualities that will serve them long after they leave the classroom.

As an educator and school leader, helping young people discover what they are capable of remains the most rewarding part of my work.

 

What interests or hobbies do you enjoy outside of school?

Outside school, I enjoy reading, cooking, and spending time with my family. Living in Switzerland had been a long-time dream for our family, and ISBerne helped make it a reality.

 

At ISBerne, we are proud to have leaders like Mrs. Deuchar who bring international experience, academic expertise, and a deep commitment to student wellbeing. Her journey from South Africa to Sweden and now to Bern reflects the international outlook, curiosity, and sense of community that define our school.
As she begins her new role as Principal of the Middle Years Programme, we look forward to the next chapter at ISBerne.