Overview
At Island School, students' academic journey begins with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Years 7-9, providing a strong foundation for the globally recognized IGCSE courses in Years 10-11. In their final two years (Years 12-13), students pursue the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP), which provides access and prepares them for university and beyond.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) Year 7-9
Island School offers the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) to students in Years 7-9. The MYP provides a comprehensive curriculum framework of academic challenge that enables students to embrace the connections between traditional subjects and the world in which they live through the process of inquiry.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is an inquiry-based curriculum framework with a focus on using conceptual and contextual lenses to frame learning.
Students in the MYP are encouraged to:
Learning in the MYP
In the MYP, eight key subject areas form the academic framework through both disciplinary and also interdisciplinary learning. The subjects are connected through key concepts that enable students to understand and link the big ideas they are studying. Relevance to the real world is provided by global contexts.
At Island School students study the following subjects:
Additionally, students also participate in the Thrive program and Elements.
IGCSE
At Island School, the IGCSE program in Years 10 and 11 provides a formally examined and globally recognized qualification that prepares them for the IB DP/CP. Students will undertake the following core GCSE subjects over the two years:
In addition to the core subjects, students choose two optional subjects from the following:
In addition to these formally examined subjects, students also participate in non-examined Physical Education, the Thrive program, and Elements.
Overview
In Years 12-13, students study either the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) or the IB Career-related Programme (IBCP). Please see further information regarding these two pathways below:
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The IBDP comprises six subject groups. Students choose three subjects at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL), along with three core components: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). A graphic below illustrates the six subject groups.
The DP is widely recognised as the best possible preparation for study at university, building research skills, encouraging independent learning and promoting personal responsibility.
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBDP)
The IB Career-related Programme (IBCP) provides a flexible, two-year program that tailors learning to individual career aspirations. By combining academic study with practical, career-related experience, the IBCP develops critical thinking, communication, and personal development skills, preparing students for a range of post-secondary options—further/higher education, apprenticeships, or immediate entry into the workforce. The IBCP is recognized by universities worldwide.
At Island School, we offer three BTEC courses; Creative Media, Business Studies and Hospitality. Students can also select two DP courses, from a wide range of options which provides academic depth and breadth. Like the DP, the IBCP also features a core, which includes; 1) Personal and Professional Skills, 2) Service Learning, 3) Reflective Project, and; 4) Language Development.
Global Competencies
Our students today are growing up in a world that is changing more rapidly than
at any time known to humankind. The days of set knowledge and accomplishment
based on content is over. If we want our young people to thrive in this often turbulent and highly complex time then we must alter our mindset not on what they know, but what they can do. The six global competencies outlined opposite describe the skills and attributes needed for learners to flourish as citizens of the world.
Elements
Elements is a cornerstone of school life at Island School, offering students the freedom to explore a diverse range of subjects beyond the confines of the core curriculum. This allows students to pursue their individual passions and explore advanced content in diverse subject areas, fostering curiosity and inspiring continued learning.
The Elements program offers significant benefits for student engagement, motivation, and well-being. By allowing them to select subjects that genuinely interest them, Elements promotes a sense of ownership and deeper engagement with learning. This personalised approach can reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and create a more positive overall school experience.
Importantly, Elements is highly effective in the development of global competencies—critical thinking, citizenship, collaboration, creativity, and communication—equipping students with the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving global landscape.
Explorations
Explorations provides a rich and varied learning experience for Island School students, promoting inquiry and the development of global competencies. In Year 7, students study a multidisciplinary unit focused on food sustainability. This encourages students to explore real-world challenges through collaborative and inquiry-based learning. This unit provides a valuable opportunity to consider the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic systems.
The Explorations program also includes "Solo E" in Year 8, which provides a valuable opportunity for personalised learning. Through independent research and project development, students develop skills in self-directed learning, critical analysis, and creative problem-solving.
