We believe in the education of the whole person as a lifelong process. At SIS the high school programmes promote the education of the whole person by emphasising intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. Learning is focused on the dynamic combination of knowledge, skills, independent critical and creative thought, and international-mindedness.
The majority of our students study for the full IB Diploma.
We also recognise that each child is an individual with different talents, interests and needs. Thus, we offer the American-style High School Diploma pathway which gives students the opportunity to study a selection of IB Diploma courses with some flexibility in terms of the number of courses and/or level of courses. We also offer the SIS High School Diploma with all courses internally assessed over the last four years of High School and often accompanied by American SAT exams.
We believe strongly in the efficacy of experiential and service learning and all upper school students are expected to participate in Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) . CAS is at the heart of our diploma programmes and is given great value at SIS, where we provide an extensive programme of global citizenship and community service opportunities.
Kevin Stone
Head of Upper School
IB Diploma pathway
Students on the IB Diploma pathway take six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
Generally, subjects studied at higher level will reflect the student’s area of interest and specialisation, and will be covered in greater depth and breadth than subjects studied at standard level. 9 periods per fortnight are allocated to HL subjects, 6 to SL subjects.
Courses are organised in 6 groups:
- Group 1 Studies in Language and literature
- Group 2 Language acquisition
- Group 3 Individuals and societies
- Group 4 Sciences
- Group 5 Mathematics
- Group 6 The arts
IB DP students must make one choice from each of Groups 1, 3, 4, 5 together with a second language from either Group 1 or Group 2, and either a subject from Group 6 or a second choice from Groups 1 to 4.
Please consult the IB DP website for detailed information.
American style High School Diploma Route
Students studying for the American-style High School Diploma (HSD) choose how many subjects they wish to study and at which levels.
In collaboration with their teachers and the Head of university and career guidance, they can choose whether they study a subject as an IB course or as an internal course.
The HSD is accredited by the NEASC. It is awarded to students subject to the satisfactory completion of the following requirements:
- Each course studied earns 1 credit over the course of one academic year. A student can earn up to 8 credits in M4, 9 credits in M5, and 6 credits in each of D1 and D2, making a total of up to 29 credits by graduation. Students must achieve a minimum of 24 credits in accordance with the requirements below: English A or B > 4 credits, Mathematics > 2 credits, Experimental Sciences > 2 credits, Additional Mathematics or Science > 2 credits, Social Sciences > 3 credits, Additional Language > 2 credits, Other Electives > up to 9 credits
- Grades for credit are awarded in June of each year. A minimum level 3 is required in order to receive credit.
Students may also take regularly SAT examinations to support their HSD.
