::ISR Internationale Schule am Rhein in Neuss:: - Academics

Academics > ISR Secondary School

Offering competitive leaving certificates upon graduation in G12 (or G13 for those going to British universities), the ISR Secondary School begins its university preparation in Grade 5. Emphasis is placed on English, math and German. A third language, French or Spanish, is added from Grade 6. Secondary students at ISR, in addition to mastering academic content, develop skills in abstract reasoning and critical analysis, which are vital to the process of lifelong learning.

IGCSE, AS and A Level, AP Examinations

Secondary school students at ISR are prepared for external exams taken throughout grades 7-12/13.

Sitting the IGCSE, AS Level and A Level examinations of the British system of education and the TOEFL, PSAT, SAT I, SAT II, and Advanced Placement (AP) examinations of the American education system, ISR students are prepared to meet the requirements of the most demanding universities in the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom and mainland Europe, the Middle and Far East, and Australia.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma

From August 2009, ISR students in grades 11/12 and 12/13 can be prepared for the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB). The IB Diploma is accepted at universities worldwide.

The Secondary School Curriculum

The Secondary School curriculum at ISR covers a broad range of subjects. Some of the most distinctive features include:

English:

In grades 5-9 the English program focuses on establishing skills in composition, reading comprehension, spelling, vocabulary, grammar, and oral response. Class readers with a historical content are used to provide a valuable context in which to study and perfect these skills. Literature is introduced gradually to develop critical analysis skills and an appreciation of the world’s literary genres.

Mathematics:

Mathematics in the Secondary School is taught as an integrated discipline, allowing for fluidity across boundaries between different branches of math. Starting in Grade 7 students are taught algebra, set theory, and computer science; in grades 8 and 9, the study of algebra and computer science is continued along with the study of geometry. From grades 10-12/13 students may continue in one of two tracks—Math for Arts and Math for Sciences.

German:

ISR requires the study of German either as a mother-tongue or as a foreign language for all its students in grades 5-12/13. In a language program designed to mirror that of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, the German program at ISR focuses on writing, reading comprehension, grammar, spelling, and vocabulary at both native and foreign levels. The native-German course integrates the study of classical German literature starting in Grade 7 and continuing through grades 12/13.

Science:

Science as a general course is offered at ISR in grades 5-9. Students in these grades focus on the study of life, earth, physical sciences, and mathematical methods. In grades 10-12/13, ISR offers a three-track science curriculum in biology, chemistry, and physics in modern laboratory facilities.

Social Sciences:

Grades 7-9 at ISR focus on the study of history from ancient civilization to the 20^th century. Students gain knowledge and understanding of these time periods through the texts used. Project work allows the students to further explore areas of special interest. Additionally, local German content in history, politics, and institutions is integrated into German lessons in grades 7–9. Grades 10-12/13 offer a social science curriculum consisting of classes such as history and economics.

French/Spanish:

Beginning in Grade 6 students choose between French or Spanish as their third language. These courses maintain the focus of other language (English/German) classes at ISR.

Art, music (vocal and instrumental), computing and physical education complete the academic program in the Secondary School at ISR. These survey courses are required in grades 5-9 (PE to Grade 10) and expose the students to the liberal arts, giving them a broad base of subjects to choose from in grades 10-12/13.

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