ISA Terminology

Useful ISA Terminology

It's strange to think that even though we are speaking the same language, we quite often are not understanding each other.  At ISA our school language is English, yet we may speak in terms that aren't understood by everyone.  We have put together a few basic terms to head off common misunderstandings.  If you need help or would like to suggest further additions please get in touch.  We’re happy to help!

“The Street”

Let's start with one of the biggest misunderstandings.  It is important to know what and where “The Street” is, as so much goes on here!  It is the main double height area on entering the school through the main students' entrance.  It spans the area from the security desk on the west side to the cafeteria at the eastern end.  

PS: Preschool 

KG: Kindergarten

ES: Elementary school (Grades KG-5) 

MS: Middle School (Grades 6-9)

HS: High School (Grades 9-12)

EYP: The IB Early Years Programme

MYP: The IB Middle Years Programme

Equivalent year groups

In Scotland, Primary school is P1-P7. This is equivalent to ISA Elementary School KG-G5 and Middle School G6.

Secondary School in Scotland is S1-S6.  This is equivalent to ISA Middle (G7-G8) and High School (G9-G12).

In the Scottish system, P7 is still Primary (elementary) school. But at ISA, Grade 6 is the start of Middle School.  

Middle School covers Grades 6-8 and is equivalent to P7-S2 in the Scottish system.  

High School covers Grades 9-12 and is equivalent to S3-S6.

Semesters 

Semester: half school year.

Semester 1: August-December

Semester 2: January-June

IGCSE: International General Certificate for Secondary Education. Curriculum for Grades 9 and 10. Exams taken at the end of Grade 10.

IB: International Baccalaureate. Curriculum for Grades 11 and 12. Exams are taken at the end of G12.