A challenge with unique results

How many people do you know who can claim to have built their own tailor-made freeride skis at the age of 15? BIS student Jerome Holland can. In his grade 10 "Personal Project", Jerome decided to take on that challenge through a unique cooperative arrangement with the Pfeilski Manufacture in Ampermoching.

"It was an impressive experience,” says Holland, who invested more than 50 hours in his "Personal Project" as part of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme (IB MYP). “I learned a lot about the scientific aspects of skiing,” he added, “and about technique and precision in ski manufacturing.” The 10th grade project culminates in a report in which each student reflects on what they have learned and how they have developed. In practical terms, Jerome is now looking forward to skiing his custom-built skis, especially on freeride powder courses. "When I ski, I feel free and easy,” said the 15-year-old Brit, whose brother Fabian graduated from BIS in June 2020. “Nothing is better than making good turns in deep snow." 

The BIS 10th grader received good project grades not only from his teachers but also from his cooperation partner Pfeilski Manufaktur.  "The highlight was, of course, the day we took the skis out to the press together,” said Pfeilski co-founder Christian Rabl who runs the small niche start-up as a part-time job. Rabi was very impressed by the student's enthusiasm, curiosity and craftsmanship. “The joy and pride about the super successful result was evident in his eyes,” says Rabl, who is an architect by trade. “It was also a great confirmation for us.”