-Cambridge International Curriulumm
-Individualised approach to learning
-Outstanding teachers
WHY ISCS?
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
INNOVATION
-Forward thinking teaching
-Modern curriculum
-Continuous investment in technology
FAMILY ENVIRONMENT
-Small class sizes
-Inidividual approach
-Focus on quality
GLOBAL MINDSET
-International community
-Global Leadership Programme
-Fostering diverse, creative & global thinking
WELCOME FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Located in the Canton of Zug, probably the region in Europe that is attracting more professional talent and innovation from all over the world, ISCS is a Cambridge-accredited international school that provides education to students from more than 30 different nationalities and from ages 3 to 18.
At ISCS, our students receive an academically rigorous international education delivered in English across all year levels. After years of preparation and mastering their subject´s learning objectives, our students sit for the official Cambridge IGCSE and A-level exams (Upper Secondary Certifications), which are recognized by the most prestigious universities around the world.
Although most of our students are coming from international families, we are admitting a growing number of Swiss students. All students receive German lessons to improve their language proficiency. Our goal is that at the end of their education at ISCS, they will be able to access a wide range of universities, including Swiss universities.
At ISCS, we are not only developing academics, but we are also challenging our students to explore and develop their individual gifts and talents through a variety of educational-enriching experiences that span from Theatre, Music, and NGO, to trips and events.
We also aim to develop strong values in our students, which may guide them in their adult life. Our students are encouraged to think critically and independently, embrace new opportunities, and take responsibility to contribute to a more peaceful, inclusive, and sustainable society, globally.
I am extremely proud to be part of the ISCS school community and would like to invite you to navigate our website and discover all the amazing services and programmes that ISCS has to offer or to contact us to learn more about our school. It would be a pleasure to meet you.”
-JOSE ANTONIO PARRA
OUR VALUES
OUR LEARNING PILLARS
Our Ultimate Goal is the Success of our Students, which is built on four pillars
English Language of Instruction
We’re a Cambridge International school.
Aside from language lessons, our lessons are delivered in English across the school to allow our students to master their knowledge in English.
German as a Core Subject
We place strong effort on the acquisition of the German language, since it provides great value to our students’ future endeavours..
By learning German, our students may have the opportunity to access Swiss or German speaking universities, which offer affordable rates for quality education.
Cambridge International Education
We provide students with a well-rounded education so that the students may access the most recognised universities in the world.
Holistic Education
Through educational experiences, we support our students to explore and discover their gifts and talents and to develop important skills and values to guide them throughout their life.
JOIN OUR FAMILY!
We’re happy to hear that you’re considering the British International School of Central Switzerland for your child’s education.
In our family-like environment, we can confidently say your child will feel at home, as part of our community of diverse and supportive students and staff .
Testimonies
Local Swiss Family
“ We can feel the warmth and happiness that comes from this school and we are so grateful to be in the middle of it all.”
Swiss American Family
” I think my son would live at ISCS if he could.”
New Family
” Our family likes ISCS because of the great teachers. They really love teaching and they genuinely care about the students. They support the children and put a lot of effort into creating a stimulating learning environment.”
Nederland Family
“ Hallo,
Wij zijn familie De Jong uit Nederland. Onze zoon (9 jaar) en dochter (8 jaar) zitten op deze school. We hebben bewust voor deze Internationale School gekozen omdat het een kleine school is, met veel persoonlijke aandacht, oog om te integreren in Zwitserland (schooltijden, stimuleren van deelname locale activiteiten, Duitse les) en de mogelijkheid Nederlandse les te volgen. De kinderen gaan met heel veel plezier naar school en komen elke dag weer met enthousiaste verhalen thuis. Zou u meer van onze ervaringen willen horen, stuur dan gerust een mailberichtje naar info@iscs-zug.ch, dan zorgen wij dat deze zo snel mogelijk wordt beantwoord.”
ACADEMICS
The Cambridge International Curriculum sets a global standard for education, and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Our curriculum is flexible, challenging and inspiring, culturally sensitive yet international in approach. Cambridge students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. They also gain the essential skills they need for success at university and in their future careers.
A LEVELS
Year 12 & Year 13. Ages 16 to 18.
Our school offers pupils the Cambridge International Advanced Levels (A Levels), a two-year course designed to lead students aged 16 to 18 to universities worldwide. This course is highly personalised in order to allow students to tailor their studies by choosing between subjects, ideally three, that best suit their interests.
The subject options are: Maths, ICT, History, Art, English, English Literature, German, Spanish, Chemistry, Physics, Biology.
PRIVATE GYMNASIUM
Year 11, 12 and 13. Age 15 to 18.
The Private Gymnasium is a unique programme developed by ISCS as a 3-year pathway to university. It consists in doing 1 year of IGCSE where students will take three subjects instead of the usual eight in 2 years, followed by the usual three subjects in A Levels during the two last years.
Subjects in IGCSE include English, Mathematics, and one elective subject of choice. In regards to the A levels, the minimum subjects are A-level German and two elective subjects of choice.
This programme is specially targeted at students who:
- have studied in the Swiss local system until the 3rd of Sekundarschule 1 and do not want to or cannot access Swiss Gymnasium Local System.
- Are in the IB curriculum, having completed Middle Years Programme (minimum until M4), and do not want to or cannot access the IB Diploma.
With our programme, students will be able to attend both Swiss Universities, which require three IGCSEs and three A Levels, and International Universities, which require three A Levels.
Furthermore, depending on the English and academic level of the pupil, the Reach Programme may be completed in two years rather than three.
IGCSE
Year 10 & Year 11. Ages 14 to 16.
For students aged 14 to 16, ISCS offers the well-known International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programme as part of our International Cambridge Curriculum. With innovative methodologies, inquiry-based learning, learning by doing, and collaborative learning among many more, we encourage students to have an active role in their learning process to give them the tools to be successful.
In this two-year course, pupils must choose a minimum of four compulsory subjects and three optional subjects.
Compulsory subjects are: English as a First Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Co-ordinated Sciences (a Double Award IGCSE in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics )
Optional subjects are: German, ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Art, History, and Spanish.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9. Ages 10 to 14.
In the British system, Pre IGCSE includes 11 to 14-year-olds, encompassing years 7, 8, and 9. At ISCS we follow the Cambridge International Curriculum, detailed below.
We are committed to giving learners the confidence and tools they need to be effective, life-long learners. Pupils are encouraged to delve into issues of personal, local, and global significance and to holistically approach and understand the knowledge they acquire.
Cambridge Curriculum Subjects are: English (1st and 2nd language), Mathematics, Science, ICT (Information and Communications Technology), and Cambridge Global Perspectives.
Other ISCS Lower Secondary Subjects are: Physical Education, Music, Drama, German, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic), Art, and Spanish.
ACADEMICS
The Cambridge International Curriculum sets a global standard for education, and is recognised by universities and employers worldwide. Our curriculum is flexible, challenging and inspiring, culturally sensitive yet international in approach. Cambridge students develop an informed curiosity and a lasting passion for learning. They also gain the essential skills they need for success at university and in their future careers
PRIMARY
Year 1 to Year 6. Age 5 to 11.
The Cambridge International Primary Curriculum provides us with a framework of essential elements for pupils aged 5 to 11. At ISCS we make sure our curriculum is individualized, integrated, and inquiry-based, focusing as well on the impactful development of social, emotional, and behavioral skills.
As a creative school, we provide our students with opportunities for public speaking, performances (music drama, and dance), and sports, complementing the curriculum with extra-curricular activities and excursions.
We aspire to create an environment where our students come happily to school in the mornings and leave with a smile on their faces.
Cambridge Curriculum Subjects are: English (1st and 2nd language), Mathematics, Science, ICT, and Cambridge Global Perspectives.
Other ISCS Primary Subjects are: Physical Education, Music, Drama, German, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, Economic), and Art.
EARLY YEARS
Age 3 to 5.
The Early Years Stage allows children aged from 3 to 5 to be part of our school environment, facilitating their transition into compulsory schooling through the lens of the Cambridge International Curriculum.
At ISCS we ensure learning is a fun positive experience for students, encouraging the innate curiosity of children and promoting education through play, discovery and exploration in a caring and supportive environment. We nurture health and emotional wellbeing, developing autonomy and independence through our holistic learning experience that integrates physical, socio-emotional and cognitive development.
Life goes on beyond the classroom, and at ISCS we make sure to prepare our students for the world that awaits them, filled with adventures and new discoveries.
We provide students support with their academics through our academy and make their lives easier by offering transportation and lunch services.
We enable them to learn new talents and feed their passions, be this through our after-school clubs, NGO, or the Leadership Programme, and school trips amongst many other things, contributing to broadening their horizons.
