WELCOME
To ISR High School Programme
The ISR High School programme is a 4-year university preparatory curriculum that aims to develop the habits necessary for creative and critical thinking, collaborative and independent study and effective communication. Students consolidate their research and writing skills as well as an ability to apply theoretical concepts to real-world issues. In Grades 9 and 10, students follow the IGCSE and in Grades 11 and 12, ISR implements IBDP.
THE IGCSE CURRICULUM (Grades 9-10)
The Cambridge IGCSE curriculum offers a variety of options for learners with a wide range of abilities, including those whose first language is not English. The curriculum offers rigid assessment standards that promote academic rigor while also providing ISR teachers the flexibility to differentiate instruction according to students’ specific needs.
Starting from a foundation of core subjects (English, Mathematics, Coordinated Science, Global Perspectives), students select the remainder of their courses from a selection of foreign language, social science, technology, and arts courses. ISR teachers and families work together to encourage learners to engage with a variety of subjects and make connections between them.
Assessment objectives develop learner knowledge, understanding and skills in:
- Subject content
- Applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
- Intellectual enquiry
- Flexibility and responsiveness to change
- Working and communicating in English
- Influencing outcomes
- Cultural awareness
BENEFITS OF THE IGCSE AT ISR
Academic rigor: the IGCSE programme is created by subject experts, is rooted in academic rigor and reflect the latest educational research. It is also an excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) that ISR implements in Grades 11 and 12.
Built with internationally-minded students in mind, the IGCSE provides the “right fit” for our diverse student body and global travelers.
The IGCSE is recognized by top universities worldwide, from the UK to the USA. As a stand-alone curriculum, it also sets students on a track towards reliable pre-college pathways, like community college in the USA or Foundation Year in the UK.
Outstanding results: between 2015 and 2020, our students received between A* and C in 85.8% of the cases.
THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations that meet the needs of highly motivated secondary school students. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum, the diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country but incorporates the best elements of many.
The IB Diploma Programme leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s leading universities.
ISR decided to implement the IBDP because it ensures that students learn more than a collection of facts memorised and regurgitated under arduous exam conditions. IB assessments are constructed in a way to gauge students’ knowledge rather than their memory skills. In addition to this, IB students will also become familiar with the conventions of academic writing, learn to conduct independent research and write research papers in order to be fully equipped to cope with the rigors of higher education when the time arrives.
THE CURRICULUM
Students are required to choose one subject from the first five groups and then their sixth subject is either an arts subject or they can choose a second science or a second subject from the Individuals and Societies group.
The six subject groups are:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The Arts
Students have to choose three subjects to study at Higher Level (HL). These are typically the subjects likely to be studied at college or university. They also study three subjects at Standard Level (SL). HL subjects require 240 hours of instruction and SL 150.
THE CORE
This is made up of the three required components, and it aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
- Theory of Knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
- The Extended Essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
- Creativity, Activity, Service, in which students develop an extracurricular portfolio and complete a project related to those three concepts.
WHY CHOOSE ISR?
The International School of Riga is the most centrally located international school in Riga. Our Secondary campus is nestled in the heart of Riga’s sprawling concrete jungle. ISR students tap into the pulse of the city through experiential learning, internships, and community service.
Our High School students are willing to take risks, think critically and reflect on their actions and knowledge. They are also encouraged to take the most rigorous courses in which they can be academically successful. Our goal is that, by the end of their high school lives, students are ready, academically and emotionally, for the next stage in their journey.
ISR is home to an outstanding group of international educators. Led by Ms. Emily Buckland, IBDP Coordinator, our Secondary teachers are not just experienced educators; they are Diploma Programme Examiners, Workshop Leaders, and Coaches. Many teachers are bilingual and all have strong communication skills. ISR’s ideal teacher is high-energy, experienced, and adaptive.
Like their students, ISR teachers are life-long learners. Professional development is organized to meet the emerging needs of our diverse urban community. Teachers work together to hone their skills in inquiry-based instruction, project-based learning, gamification strategies, and adaptation of new technologies to the classroom.
Interested?
Book an introductory session with our Admissions department:
admissions@isriga.lv
+371 25119337
