The Secondary section of the ISS caters for students aged between 11 and 16.
AIMS
The secondary section educates students aged 11 to 16 in years 7-11. In years 7,8 and 9 students follow curricula based upon the Key Stage 3 National Curriculum for England and Wales. Approximately half of the timetable is devoted to the teaching of the three ‘core’ subjects; English, Mathematics and Science. Students also study Geography, History, Art and Design, Computer Science, French as a foreign language and Personal Social Development (PSD). Assemblies are held for years 7,8 and 9 periodically. All students participate in a varied Physical Education programme.
In year 10 students commence the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a two year programme culminating with assessments at the end of year 11. Students are awarded an internationally recognised qualification, equivalent in standard to the British GCSE and the International GCE Ordinary level. IGCSE is used by schools in over 90 countries throughout the world and has been recognised as a qualification for matriculation purposes by universities world-wide.
Examination leads to the award of one of eight grades (A*, A, B, C, D, E, F and G) in each subject. The highest grade is A*. In some subjects candidates take examinations at one of two levels, Core or Extended, with the second level designed for higher ability candidates. All grades down to grade G are passes, however the aim is for all students to achieve a C grade or higher in all entries, since these higher passes contribute to accessing Advanced level programmes at 16, and undergraduate courses later on.
International School students normally enter between 7 and 12 subjects at IGCSE. Full details of the content for the secondary curriculum can be found in the curriculum booklets published annually by the school.
FACILITIES
The Secondary Section has grown over the last few years with the introduction of two classes per year group. There are 3 science labs, 2 networked computer rooms, an Art studio and classrooms for French, Geography, History, English, Mathematics, and Economics. The library and Electronic library, which has recently being fitted with 27 new computers, is shared with the rest of the school.
Each student has a locker for their personal items and school books.
There are covered areas providing shade, where secondary students can be seen hanging out and looking cool with their iPods and other electronic gadgets (break times only)!
WORK EXPERIENCE
All secondary students undertake a two week work experience at the beginning of year 11 as part of the careers programme. Work placements are negotiated during year 10 and traditionally students are expected to meet professional standards and expectations in whatever line of work they are involved with.
The programme gives students a taste of work outside school and will inform career and further education choices they will make in the future.
After the completion of the programme year 11 students share their experiences with year 10 students in the form of a presentation.
The Secondary Section is headed by Martin Kennedy (responsible for Key Stage 3 – students aged 11 to 14 years), and Carol Dooley (responsible for Key Stage 4 – students aged 15 to 16 years).