INTERNATIONAL STREAM

By choosing the International Stream at FIS, students follow a dynamic International English Curriculum that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, leading to the internationally recognized IGCSE and IBDP qualifications. Delivered by a native English-speaking faculty and 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.

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IS LOWER SECONDARY

In lower secondary, our aim is to provide students with the foundations for academic success and personal growth. Our dedicated and experienced staff work to ensure that students are happy and engaged in this excellent learning environment. We aim to instil in them a love of learning and the importance of self discipline as well as respect for all members of the school and wider community.

From Year 7 to Year 9 students follow the IMYC programme (International Middle Years Curriculum)

They then transition to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) which is a comprehensive two-year programme for Year 10 and 11 students. IGCSE is a universally recognised qualification among international schools and universities worldwide which aims to provide learners with a broad and balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge.

MORE ABOUT THE IMYC, IGCSE & BEYOND

SUPER CURRICULUM

With entry to the top universities increasingly competitive, we want to give our students the skills, knowledge and confidence to improve their chances of being accepted into their first choice university.

So we have introduced the Super Curriculum, an opportunity for students to enrich their academic studies. It is a flexible hour per week in Year 10 where we help students work on a specific skill or project, such as a personal research project, presentation and public speaking skills, a media literacy course, accessing international competitions or coaching and mentoring younger students.

INTERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION - IGCSE

Developed by Cambridge Assessment International Education, the IGCSE offers a broad and balanced curriculum that encourages high academic standards while supporting the development of essential skills. It is designed to be flexible and accessible to students from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds, making it a popular choice in international and private schools worldwide.

The IGCSE curriculum covers a wide range of subjects, including languages, sciences, mathematics, humanities, and creative arts. Students usually take between 8 and 10 subjects, allowing them to explore various disciplines before specializing in later years. Assessment includes a mix of written exams, oral tests, coursework, and practical assessments, depending on the subject. This varied approach helps students demonstrate their knowledge and skills in different ways, promoting both depth of understanding and real-world application.

IGCSE is highly valued for its rigorous standards and emphasis on developing independent thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. It provides a strong foundation for advanced study, such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma or A-Levels. By fostering global perspectives and academic confidence, the IGCSE prepares students for success in higher education and beyond, equipping them with the tools to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

INTERNATIONAL MIDDLE YEARS CURRICULUM - IMYC

The International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) is a research-based, interdisciplinary curriculum for students aged 11–14. Designed to meet the unique needs of early adolescents, it emphasizes conceptual learning, inquiry, and personal development alongside academic growth. Through engaging themes like "Change," "Identity," and "Survival," the IMYC helps students connect their learning across subjects and to the real world.

Each unit follows a clear learning process—activating prior knowledge, acquiring new understanding, making meaning, and applying learning—supporting deep and lasting comprehension. Subjects such as science, humanities, and art are taught through a central theme, encouraging students to think critically and see connections in their learning.

The IMYC also fosters personal growth and global awareness, developing qualities like resilience, empathy, and collaboration. With a focus on reflection and international-mindedness, it prepares students to be thoughtful, adaptable learners ready for future academic challenges and life in a connected world.

CAMBRIDGE ICE AWARD

The Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award from Cambridge Assessment International Education, given to students who successfully complete a broad range of IGCSE subjects. To qualify, students must pass at least seven subjects, including one from each of five curriculum groups: Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, and Creative/Vocational subjects.

Results are combined to determine the award level: Distinction, Merit, or Pass. This encourages a well-rounded education and recognizes students who achieve across diverse academic areas. The grading is based on the average of the best scores in the required subject groups.

Highly valued worldwide, the Cambridge ICE award reflects strong academic breadth and prepares students for advanced study, such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma. It promotes holistic learning and is recognized as a mark of achievement in international education.

→ All FIS students qualify for the Cambridge ICE award,

COMPULSORY & OPTIONAL SUBJECTS

At FIS, Year 10 students are required to take four compulsory and five optional examined subjects. Personal, Social and Health Education classes are also compulsory but are not examined. IGCSE options are selected in Year 9.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
French (Standard/ Intermediate/ Higher/ Advanced)

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" 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."

Helena Murchie,

Secondary Principal, International Stream

More about IS EARLY YEARS

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