INTERNATIONAL STREAM

By choosing the International Stream at FIS, students follow a Dynamic International Curriculum taught in English that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, leading to the internationally recognized IMYC, iGCSE and IBDP qualifications. Enhanced by continuous exposure to French language and culture, this pathway ensures a rich, well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a global society.

IS ACADEMIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

IMYC @FIS

The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) is our research-based, engaging learning program for students aged 11 to 14 (Years 7–9). It is designed to perfectly align with the significant developmental stage of the adolescent brain, transforming how your child learns and connects with the world.

The Power of "Big Ideas"

Our curriculum is built around thematic units, each anchored by a "Big Idea"—a conceptual theme like Adaptability, Resilience, or Community. These Big Ideas are the link that connects all academic subjects, helping students move beyond isolated facts to make meaningful, real-world connections between Language Arts (English), Mathematics, Science, Art, Computer Science, Drama, Music, Physical Education, Social Studies and World Languages.

MORE ABOUT THE IMYC

The IMYC is committed to a well-rounded education, focusing on three key goals for every student:

Academic Goals: Students develop essential subject-specific knowledge, skills, and deep understanding in all disciplines.
Personal Goals: We foster crucial character traits and life skills, encouraging students to be Adaptable, Resilient, Respectful, Ethical, and strong Communicators. This supports the development of executive functioning skills like planning and self-control.
International Goals: Students develop "international mindedness" and global competence, understanding their role and responsibilities in a global society.

Your child will experience a dynamic pedagogical cycle designed to spark curiosity and keep them engaged:

Entry Point: An exciting, interactive event or activity to launch each new unit.
Knowledge Harvest: A moment to assess prior knowledge and set personal learning goals.
Research and Recording: Students actively explore the Big Idea through various subject lenses.
Reflective Journaling: Regular opportunities for metacognition and personal reflection on their learning.
Exit Point: A final, often creative, project or presentation where students demonstrate their holistic understanding of the Big Idea across all subjects.

Helena Murchie,

Secondary Principal, International Stream

" We provide critical thinking skills for our students to make sure they can engage in the diverse world they find themselves in, offer inclusivity to make them feel valued and respected, and give them the essential tools to go forward in life, work out problems, and learn how to collaborate."