Section 1: The High School Diploma
High School students (Grades 9 to 12) work towards an accredited High School Diploma. There are standard IGCSE and IB High School Courses, as well as High School Diploma pathways. Our High School University and Careers Counsellor works closely with students on their university, college, and careers pathways in Scotland, the wider UK, and international locations as required. Our programs are designed to keep doors open to all university and career options, rather than narrowing choices too early. We are an IB World School.
You can find more information in the curriculum handbook here.
At the end of Grade 12 we hold a formal graduation ceremony in the Queen Elizabeth Theatre to celebrate the four year accredited High School Diploma. We are accredited with the Middle States Association.
Section 2: The IB Diploma
ISA offers the world recognised IB Diploma Programme in addition to our accredited High School Diploma. IBDP is offered in Grades 11 and 12, and is very much the culmination of an ISA internationally minded education. We are an IB World School, not merely a school that offers IB exams. You can read more about what an IB education is here. Research shows that IB students are more successful at university than students from national systems (this study compares IB to A levels), and have skills and aptitudes employers value.
For the IBDP students choose one subject from each of the six following groups: English, another language, humanities, science, mathematics and an elective (which can be another humanities, another science or visual arts). Students complete a 4000 word extended essay on a topic of their choice. They also write an essay and make a presentation for Theory of Knowledge, as well as write formal reflections for Creativity, Activity, Services experiences.
Please see our IB Handbook about how this programme works at ISA.
Section 3: IGCSEs
In Grade 10, students have the option of sitting five IGCSE exams.
Section 4: Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs)
ISA is also a test centre for optional Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) which are administered by the US College Board. Many of our US students sit them to help with their applications to US universities and they can also be used as supporting information for UCAS applications.