BIS Houston’s Objectives in High School
At the British International School of Houston, High School students focus on the development of their character alongside outstanding academic achievement. This growth of the whole individual allows students to translate their knowledge into action and contribute to the world on local, regional, and international levels – encouraging the skills and attributes needed in our constantly evolving world.
BIS Houston’s High School students can choose their own pathway: they can pursue an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, an International Baccalaureate Career-related Diploma (with dual-credit Options or BTEC courses), or our own BIS Houston High School Diploma. Students’ ambitions and diploma choices will guide their coursework options throughout High School.
BIS Houston’s High School IGCSE Coursework Options
Students enter High School from Year 10 (equivalent to 9th grade in the US school system). All take the following during the first two years of high school, using the curriculum of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE):
- English
- World Literature
- Mathematics
- The BIS Houston Core: This course prepares students for the IB Core of the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (ToK), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Students then select from the following:
- Language Acquisition: French or Spanish
- Humanities: Geography, History, Economics, or Sociology
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics (All Three Sciences 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
BIS Houston’s Enrichment Programme
Students in Years 10 and 11 at the British International School of Houston also participate in Enrichment. Our Enrichment Programme delivers authentic learning opportunities that build upon and deepen the learning in our academic programme for all high schoolers. We create clear links between our enrichment activities and our academic programme, as we seek to add to, enhance, and deepen the experiences of every student.
IGCSE Exams and Beyond
After the first two years of High School at the British International School of Houston, students may choose to take external examinations accredited by the Cambridge Assessment International Education and Edexcel organisations in the UK. Students receive an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for each successfully completed course. BIS Houston only offers the examinations for students who are enrolled at our school.
For students who don’t require the IGCSE qualification for their next academic destination, they may choose to complete internal examinations that are set, marked, and moderated at BIS Houston. Upon the successful completion of the internal examination series, students receive credits towards our BIS Houston High School Diploma, which captures their academic performance over the four-year High School programme (Years 10, 11, 12, and 13).
A key priority for both pathways 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 International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) or the alternative Career-related Program (IBCP) – which currently offers the BTEC Level 3 qualification in business.
