AGES 14 to 16

OUR LOWER HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

A leading private High School in Houston, Texas, we offer an outstanding international High School curriculum that nurtures a breadth of skills, experiences, and aspirations. Our British IGCSE programmes develop our students’ subject knowledge and understanding, as well as giving them control over their education. With globally recognised qualifications, our students are set for success on our International Baccalaureate programme and beyond.

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BIS HOUSTON'S HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

At BIS Houston private High School, students in Years 10 and 11 follow the British International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) curriculum. Culminating in rigorous exams, our IGCSE High School programmes are respected worldwide and provide the depth and breadth of knowledge our students need to succeed in the future.

Our Lower High School curriculum also focuses on the development of character and values. By prioritising the growth of the whole individual, our students become well-rounded global citizens. They also learn to translate their understanding into action and contribute to the world on local, regional, and international levels.
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THE GOALS OF OUR LOWER HIGH SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Students enter High School from Year 10 (the equivalent to 9th grade in the US school system). Following the British IGCSE curriculum, our students take compulsory English, World Literature, and Mathematics. They also follow the BIS Houston Core Programme. This bespoke course prepares our students for the three core elements of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Our students also select IGCSE subjects from the following categories:
  • Language Acquisition: French or Spanish.
  • Humanities: Geography, History, Economics, or Sociology.
  • Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (all three for a Triple Award) or Coordinated Science (a Double Award).
  • Creativity and Activity: Fine Art, Design Technology (3D Design), Design Technology, Drama, Music, Physical Education (PE), or Computer Science.
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IGCSE EXAMS - AND PREPARING FOR THE IB

After the first two years of High School at BIS Houston, students take external exams accredited by the Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel organisations in the UK. Students receive an IGCSE for each successfully completed course.

Students who don’t require IGCSE qualifications for their next academic destination can choose to complete internal examinations that are set, marked, and moderated at BIS Houston. Upon successful completion of the internal exam series, students receive credits towards the BIS Houston High School Diploma, which captures their academic performance over the four-year international High School programme (Years 10, 11, 12, and 13).

Across both pathways, our key priority is to ensure our students are fully prepared for the IB Diploma Programme. Upon finishing Year 11 (equivalent to 10th grade in the US school system), our students embark on the IB Diploma (IBDP) or the alternative IB Career-related Programme (IBCP), which currently includes the BTEC Level 3 qualification in business.
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  • HIGH SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT BIS HOUSTON

Whether it’s helping a community in need, studying for an important exam, or reflecting on their aspirations for the future, our students' days are full of exciting activities and skill-boosting experiences.
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COMING FULL-CIRCLE
We start our day by reflecting on our ambitions and progress so far, as part of our well-being. We share varied perspectives, meet with college counsellors, and take the lead through student initiatives. Through it all, we’re nurturing our open-mindedness, collaboration, and wellness.
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BALANCING OURSELVES
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EXPLORING OUR INTERESTS
Our academic choices are as varied as our interests – and as deep as our ambitions! We’re solving higher level maths problems, exploring undergraduate aeronautics, filming our own movies, and writing essays. We can match our courses with our desired future and create the path that works best through our goals.
CARVING OUT OUR OWN PATH
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R&R: REST AND RECREATION
We’ll pause midday to enjoy our lunch – choosing from a selection of diverse cuisine in the Boma or from a smoothie and snack in the coffee shop. Unwinding, we can catch up with friends, play sports, or tinker with our own robotics, as we leisurely explore what makes us happy.
RESETTING, REFUELING
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APPLYING OUR SKILLS AND TALENTS
We give back to our communities, whether it’s by organising blood drives, hosting the Head of UNICEF USA, or fundraising for our international trip to Tanzania. Through ‘creativity, activity, and service’, we use our skills and talents to be a driving force for good – in our school, in Houston, and beyond.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
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GROWING AS YOUNG ADULTS
After school, we enjoy exercising our leadership and building community – whether it’s on our Varsity sports teams, while planning a national MUN conference, experimenting for the Science Olympiad, or rehearsing for the school play. We make the choices that define who we want to be.
EXTENDING OUR LEARNING
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HOW WE TEACH

POWERING YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT

One of the top private High Schools in Houston, Texas, we inspire and empower every student to fulfil their unique potential. In a vibrant, modern setting, our subject specialists will build an excellent relationship with your child, ensuring they’re supported, challenged, and confidently working towards their individual goals.
FIND OUT MORE
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LEARNING BEYOND THE Curriculum

BIS HOUSTON'S HIGH SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

Students in Years 10 and 11 at BIS Houston take part in a variety of activities that bring classroom learning to life. Our Enrichment Programme delivers authentic opportunities that build upon and deepen academic understanding and skills. We create clear links between our activities and the academic programme, as we seek to enhance and enrich the learning experience of every student.
OUTSTANDING EXPERIENCES
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OUR HIGH SCHOOL CAMPUS IN HOUSTON

AN OPEN AND STIMULATING ENVIRONMENT

Our impressive 33-acre campus in Katy is unlike any other international High School in the Houston area. Flexible learning areas and modern architecture combine to create spaces that will unlock your child’s skills and talents, and spark ideas, activities, and discussions. Learning happens everywhere here, whether it’s inside bright classrooms, in our state-of-the-art library and Maker Spaces, or on our sports fields.
EXPLORE OUR FACILITIES

WORLD-CLASS TEACHERS AND INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED CURRICULA

At BIS Houston, we'll embrace your child’s interests, talents, and goals, and support them to create their own unique pathway to the future.

OUR ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
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