Secondary School Curriculum

The Cambridge International School curriculum is the cornerstone of our educational approach at ISR. Through this well-founded curriculum and our highly qualified teachers from around the world, we prepare our students in the best possible way for their preferred universities and a successful future. The Cambridge Pathway is a reliable guide, ensuring that our students achieve academic excellence through a carefully structured curriculum. Our commitment to excellence is evident in the comprehensiveness of the subjects we offer and our structured teaching method. The Cambridge curriculum is a powerful tool for igniting in students a deep-rooted passion for learning and knowledge.

Secondary School Curriculum

English Grades 7–12

The English program at ISR focuses on establishing core skills in composition, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and oral communication. To provide valuable context, class readers with historical content are used to study and refine these fundamental abilities.

As students progress through the upper grades, the curriculum gradually introduces literature to develop critical analysis skills and an appreciation for the world’s diverse literary genres.

Our Secondary School English courses are designed to meet the needs of both non-native and native speakers of English. The long-term focus is to prepare students for the rigors of university-level work.

English Grades 7–12

As students progress through the upper grades, the curriculum gradually introduces literature to develop critical analysis skills and an appreciation for the world’s diverse literary genres.

English Courses

In Grades 7, 8, and 9, we offer English courses in:

Literature

Language

Transitional English

Intensive English

In Grade 10, we offer English courses in:

Literature (includes preparation for IGCSE)

Language (includes preparation for IGCSE)

Transitional English

In Grades 11 and 12, we offer the following English classes for both the Full IB Diploma and alternatively the IB Diploma Program Course:

IB Literature

IB Language and Literature

IB English B

German

ISR requires the study of German either as a mother tongue or as a foreign language for all students in Grades 7 through 10. Students may choose to continue German studies through Grade 12.

In a language program designed to mirror that of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the German curriculum at ISR focuses on developing proficiency in writing, reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary at both mother-tongue and foreign language levels.

The mother-tongue German course integrates the study of classical German literature starting in Grade 7 and continuing through Grade 12. This approach allows students to engage deeply with the German literary canon while honing their native language skills.For students studying German as a foreign language, the curriculum is tailored to their proficiency level. Beginners start with foundational skills, while advanced learners tackle more complex linguistic and literary challenges. The goal is to guide each student towards fluency and cultural understanding.

Through the German language program, ISR students gain a strong command of one of the most widely spoken languages in Europe. This linguistic proficiency opens doors to educational and career opportunities in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and beyond.

Mathematics

A major goal of the Math department at ISR is to introduce students to main ideas and concepts in mathematics (both Algebra and Geometry) and to develop and improve students’ abilities in the following areas: critical thinking, independent analysis, problem-solving, experimenting, and effectively communicating mathematical results and information. While developing their analytical and technical skills, students apply their mathematical talent to solve a variety of theoretical or real-life problems.

From Grades 7 to 10, Mathematics follows the Cambridge framework for International Mathematics to prepare for their IGCSE exams (IGCSE code 0607).

In Grades 11 and 12, students must choose their appropriate IB Mathematics Course:

Analysis and Approaches (focusing on calculus, algebra, and trigonometry) at either Higher Level or Standard Level

Applications and Interpretations (focusing on practical applications in finance, statistics, and modeling) at either Higher Level or Standard Level

Our continuing goal is to bring Mathematics to students by improving and varying our in-class work and extracurricular activities, and by exposing students to research and mathematical exploration.

The knowledge and skills students acquire allow them to participate effectively in national and international Mathematics examinations before and after graduating from ISR. Our aim is to equip students with a strong mathematical foundation that will serve them well in their future academic and professional pursuits.

Science

Science as a general course is offered at ISR in Grades 7 – 8. Students in these grades focus on the study of life, earth, physical sciences, and mathematical methods. In Grades 9–12, ISR offers a three-track science curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics in modern laboratory facilities.

Our Approach to Digitalization in Class

At ISR, we firmly believe that technology has an essential role in the classroom when used responsibly. We believe that technology is a valuable tool to complement rather than substitute teaching. While we emphasize the importance of handwriting skills, we also strive to provide classroom-based opportunities for children to embrace and explore the benefits of technological advancements such as AI, Virtual Reality, and Programming.

Computing Curriculum

At our Secondary School, we have developed a comprehensive Computing Curriculum to ensure students engage with technology early and safely. Digital safety is a vital topic thoroughly covered across all grades. Our students use computers to create and store digital content, develop problem-solving skills, and enhance their abilities in English, Math, Science, and Art through various software applications.

In Grades 7-8, we emphasize digital literacy, allowing students to familiarize themselves with modern tools and learn how to use them effectively. This foundation prepares them for the evolving digital landscape and sets the stage for future success.

Grade 9

The computing curriculum is based on the Cambridge IGCSE 0478 syllabus, and aims to develop these skills through the theory content covered in the course.

Students will learn about computer hardware and software, as well as the basics of programming and algorithms.
The syllabus also covers the principles of computer networks and data communication, as well as the importance of computer security and ethical considerations in computing.
In addition, students will develop their problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through practical activities and projects. Overall, the year 9 computing curriculum provides a strong foundation for students who are interested in pursuing further studies in computer science or related fields.

Grade 10

Students learn about algorithm design and problem-solving. The curriculum, based on the Cambridge IGCSE 0478 syllabus, covers a range of topics that are essential for students interested in computer science. Our program emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration in problem-solving and provides students with a strong foundation in algorithm design.

Grade 11

In the first year of their IB program, our students have the option to select Computing as one of their IB subjects. They can even choose to specialize and take it as an ‘honors’ course. Those who choose Computing as an IB subject and/or as an ‘advanced’ subject will deepen their knowledge to such an extent that it will lay a solid foundation for a future career in the field.

Students will be introduced to the JavaScript programming language.
They will develop concepts for software solutions.
They will learn about data structures and various control systems.

Grade 12

In Grade 12, students build upon what they have learned in Grade 11 and delve into computer architecture and data representation. The internal IB examination in Computing offers students the chance to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in Year 11 to a practical project, showcasing their creativity and problem-solving abilities. Throughout Computing lessons in Year 12, students acquire valuable skills applicable in various industries, such as software development, cybersecurity, and data analysis. This subject lays a strong foundation for computer science studies and related fields, opening up exciting career opportunities for those interested.

Social Science

In Grades 7-9, our integrated Social Sciences course covers all relevant areas of geography, history, business management, and economics. This comprehensive approach prepares students for specialized IGCSE courses and exams in these subjects at the end of Grade 10.

From Grades 10-12, our Social Sciences curriculum includes focused classes in History, Economics, Geography, and Business Management. This in-depth study provides students with a strong foundation for higher education and future careers.

French / Spanish / Japanese / Chinese

Beginning in Grade 6, students choose between French, Spanish (starting at the beginner level), and Japanese or Chinese (for native speakers) as their third language. As with English and German instruction, third language classes focus on developing students’ skills in:

Reading comprehension

Vocabulary expansion

Spelling and grammar

Oral communication

Written expression

Courses

Art, Music (vocal and instrumental), Computing, and Physical Education complete the academic program in the Secondary School at ISR. These courses are required in Grades 7-9 (PE to Grade 10) and expose the students to the liberal arts, giving them a broad base of subjects to choose from in Grades 10-12.

IGCSE, IB Diploma Program

Secondary school students at ISR are prepared for external exams in Grades 7 through 12. In Grade 9, students meet with the University Counselor and the Academic Head to start thinking about university and the path they would like to take.

In Grades 9 and 10, students take International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses.In Grade 11, most ISR students begin the two-year International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. IB exams are taken in Grade 12.

To become a graduate of ISR, a student must acquire 26 successfully completed credits in Grades 9 through 12 to obtain an ISR High School Diploma.

American universities require sitting the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and/or ACT and, if necessary, TOEFL. These are entrance exams only and not leaving certificates.

Through these steps, ISR students are prepared to meet the requirements of the most demanding universities in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Courses

IGCSE, IB Diploma Program

To become a graduate of ISR, a student must acquire 26 successfully completed credits in Grades 9 through 12 to obtain an ISR High School Diploma.

American universities require sitting the SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) and/or ACT and, if necessary, TOEFL. These are entrance exams only and not leaving certificates.