High School includes the well known IGCSE and A Level British qualifications, completed with the Cambridge International Curriculum. With innovative methodologies that encourage students to have an active role in their learning process; inquiry based learning, learning by doing, collaborative learning amongst many more, students at ISCS have every opportunity to be successful.

At Key Stage Four, students study a series of compulsory and elective subjects, preparing for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) exams that are taken at the end of Year 11. The compulsory subjects are: English, German, Mathematics and Coordinated Sciences (dual award). Next, students select two options from the different blocks of choices. In this way, students can also study important subjects for their future like Business, Computer Science, History or an additional language (Spanish or French). Students normally complete between 5 and 8 IGCSE subjects. 

In A level stage, Years 12 and 13, students can complete a variety of A level subjects, which include Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, German, History, Art, Computer Science and Business. Typically, students complete between 3 and 5 A level subjects. 

In addition, all students have enrichment opportunities through Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHE), Leadership Programme to provide them with important skills for the future, or the promotion of sports through Physical Education. 

Finally, all the High School students have the opportunity to participate in the well-known Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, as well as completing projects, work experiences and volunteering activities in collaboration with other schools, universities, institutions and companies. 

With the worldwide recognised, strong, flexible, international and personalised combination offered at ISCS-The British School of Zug, students can access any university around the world. Most typical destinations for our students include USA, UK, Germany, Switzerland, The Netherlands and Spain. 

FAQ

The normal number for a student to take is between 6 and 10 IGCSEs, but this will very much depend on what their educational journey has looked like when they begin at ISCS. All students should take English, Maths and Science. Most students will take German and Computer Science. We have other options available such as Art & Design, History and Business Studies.

This depends on the subject and options being studied. Some subjects have coursework that is completed during the two years and counts as a percentage towards the final grade. Some subjects are entirely based on exams at the end of two years. Some subjects, like languages, have different components that students prepare for.

IGCSEs are accessible to all students who have a solid grasp of English as a language of instruction - the grading system is from A*-G with A* being the highest. Most universities ask for 5 IGCSEs at C or above to be considered for entry. At ISCS, we have a track record of securing the highest grades for our students to enable them to move on to their chosen next steps.

We have the benefit of small class sizes, which means we are able to tailor our teaching and learning to our students

We pride ourselves on preparing our students to be confident communicators who are able to access the English Curriculum. The British Teachers who make up our English department deliver a combination of the skills of Language and of Literature. Our specialist EAL provision is part of the school day as timetabled lessons and we strive to deliver a cohesive approach where language acquisition skills are evident across the subject areas.

German is a core subject in our school as we believe that all students should be able to communicate and integrate in their own community.

Students have many opportunities to mix with other year groups in the school year and all students are part of a linear House Team that includes students from each Year group. We encourage mixed participation through a variety of activities such as Inter-house competitions each half term, after-school clubs & workshops as well as International Sports Fixtures in the local area. Students play sports and socialise at break and lunchtimes. Our ethos is inclusive and family orientated.

We are fortunate to use the incredible sports facilities in our local area and maintain our link with the local community. These include the Sportplatz Röhrliberg sports hall, track and swimming pool, the local wanderweg trails, Puregym, Seeweg Baadi and the football club SC Cham.

  • grading scale: A* - E. Students that don't reach the minimum will receive a U grade.

                  40% = E

                  50% = D

                  60% = C

                  70% = B

                  80% = A

                  80% across all modules will gain an A*

  • Mainly assessed through written examinations at the end of Year 13. Coursework may also contribute towards the final grade depending on the subject.
  • If failed, the full exam can be re-taken. Students can't re-take specific modules only.

At the International School of Central Switzerland, we use the Cambridge International Assessment (CIA) board.

We have the benefit of small class sizes, which means we are able to tailor our teaching and learning to our students.

We pride ourselves on preparing our students to be confident communicators who are able to access the English Curriculum. The British Teachers who make up our English department deliver a combination of the skills of Language and of Literature. Our specialist EAL provision is part of the school day as timetabled lessons and we strive to deliver a cohesive approach where language acquisition skills are evident across the subject areas.

Students have many opportunities to mix with other year groups in the school year and all students are part of a linear House Team that includes students from each Year group. We encourage mixed participation through a variety of activities such as Inter-house competitions each half term, after-school clubs & workshops as well as International Sports Fixtures in the local area. Students play sports and socialise at break and lunchtimes. Our ethos is inclusive and family orientated.

We are fortunate to use the incredible sports facilities in our local area and maintain our link with the local community. These include the Sportplatz Röhrliberg sports hall, track and swimming pool, the local wanderweg trails, Puregym, Seeweg Baadi and the football club SC Cham.

IGCSE PROSPECTUS

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