Upper School Handbook - Upper School Academic Program

UPPER SCHOOL ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The Academic Program is the heart of the TASIS England educational experience. Dedicated to helping lead young people into an increasing awareness of their capabilities, the program provides students with a balanced, liberal, college-preparatory education that is challenging and rewarding. Within this framework, the curriculum embraces the verbal disciplines of English, history, and foreign languages; the analytical rigor of mathematics and science; the aesthetic appeal of the arts and humanities; and the related challenges of physical education and sports and activities. The faculty is dedicated to providing an environment for learning that encourages all students to grow in body, mind, and spirit during their years at TASIS England.

TASIS ENGLAND GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

The requirements for graduation from TASIS England reflect the School’s commitment to a rigorous, balanced, college-preparatory education. These requirements are also based on the belief that, within this structure, students should gradually take more responsibility for decisions about their academic programs and post-secondary plans. Appropriate guidance will be given through the academic advising system.

Students take a minimum of five credits each year and are expected to proceed through required courses as soon as appropriate and to work through requirements without interruption in areas where this is necessary (e.g., foreign language, mathematics). Students must accumulate a minimum of 19 credits through the successful completion of college-preparatory courses to graduate. (Please refer to “Grading”.) The Head of Upper School must approve each student’s yearly course selection.

COLLEGE PREPARATORY DIPLOMA

English - 4 credits
History - 3 credits: Ancient and Medieval, World History, and U.S. History
Foreign Language - 2 credits: TASIS third-level proficiency in a modern foreign language. Students must satisfactorily complete at least two levels of their foreign language study in Grades 9-12.
Mathematics - 3 credits: Algebra II or IB Math: Applications and Interpretation SL is required
Science - 3 credits: must include 3 years of laboratory science
Arts - 1 credit
Humanities - 1 credit: required in Grade 12, IB candidates in Grades 11/12
Physical Education - 1 credit required in Grades 9 and 10
Future Pathways four-year course - Students in Grades 9-12 are required to participate in this four-year course
Community Service - Students in Grades 9-12 complete a CSP assignment (on or off campus). Ninth- and tenth-grade students must complete 10 hours each year. Eleventh- and twelfth-grade students must complete 20 hours of service each year. IB Candidates must attain the seven stated learning outcomes of Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS) and complete a CAS Service project.
Sports and Activities - Students in Grades 9-12 are strongly encouraged to participate in the afternoon Sports and Activities Program to enhance their learning.

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a comprehensive two-year program. IB Diploma candidates must take six IB courses, one from each group listed below. Students may, where appropriate, select a second course from group 1, 2, 3, or 4 in place of a group 6 course. Of these, three are taken at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). Each course is taught over the two years of the eleventh and twelfth grades. In addition to the six courses, IB Diploma candidates must meet the requirements for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

Group 1 Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2 Language Acquisition
Group 3 Individuals and Society
Group 4 Sciences
Group 5 Mathematics
Group 6 The Arts

The courses required in the full IB Diploma also satisfy the TASIS England graduation requirements for the College Preparatory Diploma outlined here.

Students may elect to take individual IB courses leading to IB examinations. Students who take IB courses will be expected to complete all internal and external assessments in each course. In the case of high-demand IB courses, priority will be given to full Diploma candidates if necessary.

COURSE CHANGE POLICY

After appropriate discussion with the Academic Dean or Head of Upper School, students may drop and add courses without penalty within the first two weeks of school. After the first two weeks and up until mid-semester, students may change courses only with the approval of the teacher, the advisor, Head of Department, Academic Dean, and, in the case of seniors, the College Counselor. Changes in placement to a more appropriate level, as in mathematics and foreign language, or changes recommended by a student’s teacher will be considered separately by the Head of Upper School, Academic Dean, and Head of Department.

COURSE SELECTION AND SCHEDULING

Course registration for returning students will be completed in the spring. Students should plan to meet with the Head of Upper School, Academic Dean, IB Coordinator, or AP Coordinator to discuss course/program selections.

A Course Application Form will be sent to each new student. They should discuss course selection with their parents and return the Course Application Form with their parents’ endorsement as soon as possible. New students may meet with the Head of Upper School, Academic Dean, IB Coordinator, and/or AP Coordinator upon their arrival in the fall to finalize their program of study.

CUM LAUDE

Established in 1906, the Cum Laude Society honors superior scholastic achievement in independent schools throughout the United States and several countries in Europe. TASIS England was granted a Cum Laude Chapter in 1987. Using a minimum of one year’s TASIS England GPA, we may elect up to 20% of the senior class, with up to 10% of those inducted in their junior year. Students who are selected to the Cum Laude Chapter are honored at an induction ceremony in late May.

EXAMS

Exams are given at the end of each semester. Exams are mandatory and cannot be rescheduled for holidays or unapproved absences. Each semester exam may constitute a maximum of 15% of the semester grade.

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