The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is an international curriculum which is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. The programme is administered by the University of Cambridge International Examinations Board and is recognized by various national systems around the world including the German mittele Reife. The aims of the IGCSE programme are:

• to support modern curriculum development;
• to promote international understanding;
• to encourage good teaching practice;
• to set widely recognized standards;
• to prepare students for success in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Grades 11-12).

IGCSE two-year subject syllabuses are based upon modern educational practices- they are learner-centred in approach and cater to a wide range of abilities. They focus on the development of skills rather than simply mastering content. At the end of two-year programme in grade 10, students sit for an external examination and certification.

Other Programmes:

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Students have the option to take a two year IGCSE Information Technology subject to further develop their ICT skills. Students in the IGCSE programme also demonstrate ICT skills and knowledge which are integrated into the curriculum of other subjects.

Community Service

Students are strongly encouraged to take part in community service to gain an understanding of what it means to be a responsible citizen and to acquire first hand experiences in participating in activities that benefit others in the BIS community and beyond. Students are required to keep a log documenting their service, and periodically they will have an opportunity to reflect on their contributions. While BIS does provide some time, opportunities and resources for service, students are expected to take initiative and seek out community service opportunities on their own as well.

Homeroom/Pastoral Care

Each student is placed in a homeroom under the care of a teacher(s). The homeroom teacher’s responsibility is to develop and build a relationship with their students so that each and every student feels a sense of belonging in the Upper School. The homeroom teacher(s) is the first point of contact for parents to inquire about the progress of their child.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The English as a Second Language programme is designed to meet the academic English language needs of those students who enter the school with a limited understanding of the English language. The aim of the programme is to help students acquire the academic English language skills necessary to become successful in mainstream subjects. Through a home language survey, an English language skills assessment and past academic reports, the English/ESL department will identify the level of English language support a student requires. Students that require language support will take a 2 year IGCSE ESL course which will focus on developing specific skills such as text comprehension and literature appreciation, grammar and usage, sentence and paragraph composition, vocabulary development, oral fluency and focused listening. Depending upon their level of academic English, students may receive additional ESL support to complete tasks for their mainstream classes as well.

Learning Support

Some students have learning differences and require extra support to be successful in school. The aim of the BIS Learning Support Programme is to identify students' specific learning needs and to provide the necessary support to meet those needs. Such assistance may include Brain Gym, organisation of school materials, completion of homework assignments, and preparation for and completion of various classroom assessment tasks such as tests, quizzes, essays, and projects. Periodically, the Learning Support teacher will focus on important study skills such as note taking, use of graphic organizers, time management, test preparation, etc.

Grade 9 Trip/Grade 10 Work Experience

Grade 9 students will go on a trip or participate in a cultural exchange that will enhance their understanding and appreciation of the history/culture of the region. Following the IGCSE Exams in early June, Grade 10 students are required to complete a two week internship at a local business/enterprise. The aim of the week is to provide students with an authentic and practical work experience in order to broaden their understanding of the world of work. Students will be expected to complete tasks during the work experience that enable them to gain a reasonable understanding of the nature and conditions of work in a particular enterprise/industry. Students will receive feedback on their performance from their “employer” as well.