BISC, South Loop BISC South Loop logo BISC South LoopBISC South Loop
Inquire Now
AGES 14 TO 16 YEARS OLD

IGCSE SCHOOL IN CHICAGO

With college on the horizon, the entrance to High School is an exciting time. High School opens doors to further opportunities for students to demonstrate their growing independence and study subjects that appeal to their interests. Read more about our Lower High School, the finest place to study for the IGCSEs in Chicago. 
IGCSE students at BISC South Loop

IGCSE Curriculum

At our Lower High School, the IGCSE curriculum for students in Years 10 and 11 aims to support academic, social, and personal growth through robust lessons in and out of the classroom. Students have the opportunity to tailor their individual learning program by selecting from a range of elective classes.


Upon completion of this two-year program, students will have developed skills in creative thinking, inquiry, and problem-solving. Teachers continue applying a personalized approach to instruction, ensuring that every student feels confident to step outside of their comfort zone and achieve beyond what they may have thought possible.


Learning outside of the classroom is equally important in the IGCSE curriculum. Through a full roster of extracurricular activities, peer mentoring, leadership opportunities, and community service initiatives, students apply their academic learnings to the real world and learn to manage the challenges and responsibilities that they will face in higher education and beyond.


In Year 10, students meet for the first time with the College Counselor to discuss course selections and extracurricular and career interests.


As students move on to Year 11, the College Counselor plays a key role in developing a long-term, individualized plan for standardized testing, college selection, and admissions. This holistic approach to learning helps students feel safe and secure to fulfil their full potential, and enables them to thrive in a world of opportunity. 

BISC_Chicago_SouthLoop_2023-195

Understanding the IGCSE Curriculum

Course Routes


The Core Curriculum:

  • English - Students will be placed based on prior attainment
  • Math - Students will be placed based on prior study
  • Science – Students will be placed based on prior study
  • Language - Students will be placed based on prior study
  • In addition, all students will take courses in the following areas: Games, US Studies, Study, PSHE and CASE

All students will choose ONE subject from Social Studies:

  • Geography
  • History
  • Psychology

All students can then choose to study one double elective (4 lessons per week) or two single electives (2 lessons of two different subjects per week):

  • Computer Science
  • Dance
  • Drama
  • Engineering and Design – available as single or double elective
  • Film and Media
  • Music- available as single or double elective
  • Sports Science
  • Visual Art – available as single or double elective
  • Language 2
BISC_Chicago_SouthLoop_2023-173
primary
  • HIGH SCHOOL

A TYPICAL DAY AT SOUTH LOOP

Students commence their higher studies with both eyes on their desired university. With enthusiastic support from their teachers and encouragement to pursue independent study, our high school students invariably leave South Loop with the path ahead well and truly forged.
Student Morning Activities
8:25am
Students begin their day in their Advisory groups and then lessons begin.
IGCSE School in Chicago | BISC South Loop - Visual Time Line Tabs-dot arch IGCSE School in Chicago | BISC South Loop - Visual Time Line Tabs-dot arch
8:25am
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_025
Morning
Students focus on core learning skills English and Math. After break, High School students will focus on elective courses 
Morning
IGCSE School in Chicago | BISC South Loop - Visual Time Line Tabs
Lunchtime
Students enjoy a hearty meal in our cafeteria, or may leave campus with their friends if they wish.
Lunchtime
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_094
Afternoon
Students will continue learning from specialists in each of their lessons.
Afternoon
High School Soccer
3:45pm
Lessons end, but students may stay on to elicit help from their teachers or unwind with some sports or extracurricular activities.
3:45pm
BISC_Chicago_SouthLoop_2023-132

ADVISORY GROUPS

Every student is part of an Advisory Group led by a teacher (Advisor) that meets daily for meetings, notices, and Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE). PSHE helps students acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage their lives now and in the future. The wide-ranging curriculum prepares students to manage the most critical opportunities, challenges, and responsibilities they will face and helps them connect and apply their knowledge in all school subjects to practical, real-life situations.
BISC_Chicago_SouthLoop_2023-176

C.A.S.E

Creativity, Action, Service, and Enrichment (C.A.S.E.) boosts students’ holistic learning, enabling them to develop new skills, take on new challenges, and perform community outreach. Every half-term, students may select one of five C.A.S.E. projects to pursue. They range from documentary filmmaking and MIT challenges to Philosophy 101 and initiatives with local community organizations. Students work on projects, vertically in Middle and High School, on Friday afternoons during the last two lessons of the day.
BISC_Chicago_South Loop_2019_092
PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT

ASSESSMENT

Assessment is the gathering and analysis of information about student performance. It identifies what students know, understand, can do, and feel at different stages in the learning process; this information guides teachers in instruction. Assessment is an ongoing and daily part of school life, and the formative comments students receive develop their understanding of the skills and knowledge required to be successful in each course.
IGCSE School in Chicago | BISC South Loop - Downloads-download icon

Curriculum Guide

Lower High Curriculum Guide - 2023-24.pdf (1 MB)

Download
Academics

CREATE YOUR FUTURE

A Nord Anglia education means your child will have the knowledge, confidence and creativity to excel at whatever they choose to do or be in life.

More about academic excellence