British International School of Chicago, South Loop Receives Awards for Student Success
The British International School of Chicago, South Loop is delighted to have received recognition for its academic success at a recent Nord Anglia Senior Leadership Conference. BISC-SL received awards for Best IGCSE Results in The Americas, as well as Best International Baccalaureate Results in The Americas. But what does this actually mean, and how does it set our students apart?
The world-class curriculum of BISC-SL is recognized as the gold standard in preparing students for college and the rapidly changing job market that they will subsequently enter. Enhanced by a skills-based approach, students are equipped for the innovation economy, learning beyond textbooks. They develop their social and emotional skills, exploring the art of negotiation, building empathy, and cooperation. But a love of learning must be fostered from a young age if students are to succeed, which is why it is crucial for our students to learn through an engaging curriculum. Coupled with high expectations, students enjoy their learning and explore new ideas and interests in a safe space. This makes learning all the more fun.
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is the most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 years old students, and continues to grow in popularity due to the value placed on the course's standards. Rather than simple multiple choice after completing each module of study, at the end of the two-year IGCSE course, assessments are administered in each subject consolidating the entire syllabus. This format allows for students to better demonstrate their learning and apply their knowledge. The course is more about critical thinking than quick recall, which means that students are more prepared for the rigor of higher education. What makes the IGCSE that much more highly regarded is the fact that the examinations are externally set and graded.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is different from normal High-School diplomas; it is a qualification that sets students apart on transcripts and resumes, signifying well-rounded global citizens that colleges and workplaces around the world are seeking. This prestigious qualification is administered over the Junior and Senior years of High School. Much like the IGCSE, the IBDP focuses on broadening students' experiences, teaching them how to balance a heavier workload while not forfeiting their passions. The program incorporates creativity, activity, service learning, philosophy, and a self-directed piece of research into the required components of study. Again, being externally assessed adds gravitas to the students' examination results as there is a greater level of objectivity and reliability.
With both of these courses, students must study a broad range of subjects. This sets students up for greater success so that those who have a passion for STEM must also achieve a high level of writing and research skills, and that those who lean towards Liberal Arts are also able to handle data with confidence.
The BISC-SL Class of 2019 achieved exceptional results. The average score was 34.3, significantly higher than the IBDP global average of 29.62, and 17% of our students obtained 40 points and above. This is the level of attainment required to gain admission to the world's elite universities, such as Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Columbia, and Stanford. One of our students achieved a perfect score of 45, an outstanding success, which is accomplished by only 0.4% of students worldwide.
We are thrilled to have been awarded these two certificates. But, in the end, it is the students' dedication and hard work that we are celebrating. Well done to our 2018-2019 IGCSE and IBDP students. Your efforts to Be Ambitious have been recognized across the NAE family, and we look forward to seeing what comes next for you.
