Our Curriculum
At ISL, we have been offering the International Baccalaureate for four decades - and our IB diploma students achieve approximately twice the world average results for bilingual diplomas.
We were one of the first schools to offer the IB diploma in the UK. We encourage all Grade 11 students to take the full diploma course.
The IB Diploma is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum leading to a set of external examinations taken by students in May of their final year at the school. Those who satisfy the demands of the Diploma demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world.
We believe our students’ record of impressive IB bilingual diploma results is due partly to our strong mother tongue programme. And when you consider many take exams in their second or even third language, these high grades are even more remarkable.
The focus of the IB Diploma Programme is on critical, reflective and holistic thinking, collaborative working, individual initiative, personal organisation and planning. Recent surveys have shown that universities value these skills very highly.
In addition to the extended essay and Theory of Knowledge students must study six different subjects, at least three of which are studied at a higher level and three at a standard level. These are chosen from
Group 1: First language: the study of literature including a selection of literature in translation.
Group 2: A second language, which may be another first language or a second modern language which may be started from the beginning.
Group 3: Individuals and societies: a form of humanities such as history or economics.
Group 4: Experimental sciences
Group 5: Mathematics.
Group 6: Arts or another subject from Groups 1-4.
Each of the subjects in Groups 1 to 6 is graded from 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum) and a student must reach a minimum of 24 points to be awarded the diploma. Up to three core points are available for the extended essay research paper and the Theory of Knowledge course, so the maximum score for a diploma is 45 points.
In completing their IB Diploma course, students also qualify for the ISL High School Diploma.
Languages
ISL promotes multilingualism as a fundamental part of increasing intercultural understanding and international-mindedness. In line with our ethos, our language programmes are carefully designed to meet the diverse language needs of all our students.
The Arts
Arts provide students with the means to respond to their experiences and engage with historical, social and cultural perspectives.
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) learner profile describes a broad range of human dispositions that go beyond academic success.
They imply a commitment to help all members of the school community learn to respect themselves, others and the world around them.
Sciences
Through study of Natural Sciences, IB Diploma students are scientifically literate, able to engage with questions with global societal impact.
Individuals & Societies
Through study of Individuals and Societies (I&S), ISL students develop a critical understanding of human behaviour, and the ways in which societies are organised and function.