An Introduction to Our International High School in Boston
Throughout High School at British International School of Boston, our students get ready to create their futures by focusing on their passions while learning through the most rigorous and highly respected college preparation courses, globally.
The academic program for students in the first two years consists of ten curricular subjects, culminating in International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) examinations at the end of Year 11 (sophomore year, or 10th Grade). This prepares our students to continue to the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma — widely considered the gold standard of global education.
An Introduction to the IGCSE Curriculum
We’re proud to be the only private High School in Boston, Massachusetts to offer the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, which is more colloquially known as IGCSEs, from the UK, in the British curriculum. Internationally respected, the IGCSE curriculum is a two-year program for our students to study ten subjects in great depth. This approach provides the time to establish a solid foundation that well prepares them for progressing through the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP).
IGCSE examinations are the most popular internationally recognized qualification for students in the 14- to 16-year-old age group, taken by students in over 120 countries worldwide. Recognized by academic institutions and employers around the world, the IGCSE prepares students for further academic work, including the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program that our Upper High School students study.
IGCSEs embed an additional element of rigor because they’re externally assessed. In BISB’s case, the external examination boards we use are the internationally recognized Cambridge International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel.
IGCSE Subject Options
Students choose their English, math, and science options from:
- English Language
- English Literature
- Mathematics
- History
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Physical Education
Electives
Students choose their electives from:
- Art
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- French
- Spanish
- Drama
- Geography
- Music
- Physical Education
How is our International High School Different?
Traditionally, American high school students select a wide range of subjects, which they study for varying amounts of time. Through the IGCSE, we instead offer a more carefully constructed approach to ensure that your child is the strongest possible candidate for acceptance to their top-choice colleges and universities. The IGCSE uses an internationally benchmarked assessment system that’s recognized and valued by universities worldwide.
Our Enrichment Program at British International School of Boston
Our High School Enrichment Program takes place weekly, in an afternoon session, for a six-week block. This is a great opportunity for students to pursue their passions and interests while getting ready for the future.
Students take this time to work through key elements of the IBDP’s Core Curriculum (CAS, TOK and the Extended Essay) as well as key elements of the college application process.
Similar to the IB Core element known as “Creativity, Activity, and Service” (CAS), students may engage in activities that link to those three themes in a way that’s personally fulfilling to them. Examples of enrichment activities have included STEAM Club (including numerous visits to MIT to work with their talented faculty and university students), “Couch to 5K,” Karate, song writing, service learning, dance, chamber music, sports media, and much more.
