Secondary
Offering competitive leaving certificates upon graduation in Grade 12, the international ISR Secondary School begins its university preparation in Grade 5. Emphasis is placed on English, math and German. A third language, French or Spanish, is added from Grade 6. Secondary students at ISR, in addition to mastering academic content, also develop skills in abstract reasoning and critical analysis, which are vital to the process of lifelong learning.
IGCSE, AP® Examinations, and the IB Diploma Programme
Secondary School students at ISR are prepared for external exams in grades 7-12. In Grade 9, students already sit down with the University Counsellor, School Director and their Academic Quality Coordinator to start thinking about university and the path they would like to take. In Grade 10, course selection is made for Grades 11 and 12.
ISR students in grades 10-12 continue to follow the SABIS® curriculum which integrates material covered on external exams. In Grade 10, students can start International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses; in Grade 11, students can opt to continue with the IGCSE and go on to follow the Advanced Placement (AP) Program® in Grade 12 or to begin a two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme.
Through these steps, ISR students are prepared to meet the requirements of the most demanding universities in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia. AP and IB exams are done primarily during grades 11 and 12.
To become a graduate of ISR, a student must acquire 26 successfully-completed credits in grades 9-12 to obtain a SABIS® High School Diploma. All American universities require sitting the SAT and, if necessary, TOEFL. These are entrance exams only and not leaving certificates.
The path to university is a highly individualized and personal one that is tailored for each student. That is why ISR has a team in place and engages in regular communication with the student and his/her parents from Grade 9. The conversation generally starts with, “In which country would you like to study?”
The Secondary School Curriculum
The Secondary School curriculum at ISR covers a broad range of subjects. Some of the most distinctive features include:
English
In grades 5-9, the English program focuses on establishing skills in composition, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and oral response. Class readers with historical content are used to provide a valuable context in which to study and perfect these skills. Literature is introduced gradually in the upper grades to develop critical analysis skills and an appreciation of the world's literary genres.
Mathematics
Mathematics in the Secondary School is taught as an integrated discipline, allowing for fluidity across boundaries between different branches of math. Starting in Grade 7 students are taught algebra, set theory, and computer science; in grades 8 and 9, the study of algebra and computer science is continued along with the study of geometry. From grades 10-12 students may continue in one of two tracks-Math for Arts and Math for Sciences.
German
ISR requires the study of German either as a mother-tongue or as a foreign language for all its students in grades 5-12. In a language program designed to mirror that of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the German program at ISR focuses on writing, reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary at both mother-tongue and foreign levels. The mother-tongue German course integrates the study of classical German literature starting in Grade 7 and continuing through Grade 12.
Science
Science as a general course is offered at ISR in Grades 5-9. Students in these grades focus on the study of life, earth, physical sciences, and mathematical methods. In Grades 10-12, ISR offers a three-track science curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics in modern laboratory facilities.
Social Sciences
Grades 7-9 at ISR focus on the study of history from ancient civilization to the 20th century. Students gain knowledge and understanding of these time periods through the texts used. Project work allows the students to further explore areas of special interest. Additionally, local German content in history, politics, and institutions is integrated into German lessons in grades 7-9. Grades 10-12 offer a social science curriculum consisting of classes such as history and economics.
French/Spanish
Beginning in Grade 6, students choose between French or Spanish as their third language. As is the case with both English and German, third language classes focus on developing students’ skills in reading comprehension, vocabulary, spelling, grammar, oral response, and writing.
Enrichment Courses
Art, music (vocal and instrumental), computing, and physical education complete the academic program in the Secondary School at ISR. These survey courses are required in Grades 5-9 (PE to Grade 10) and expose the students to the liberal arts, giving them a broad base of subjects to choose from in grades 10-12.