Curriculum for High School - Ages 14 to 16

At the British International School of Houston, High School students focus on the development of their individuality as well as academic achievements that rank amongst the best globally. This development of the whole individual allows students to translate their knowledge into action and contribute to the world on a local, regional and international level, and also promotes the skills and attributes necessary in a constantly evolving world. 

High School Coursework Options 

Students enter High School in Year 10 (equivalent to grade 9).  All students take the following during the first two years of high school:

• English
• World Literature
• Mathematics
• BIS Houston Core: This course prepares students for the IB Core - 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 3 Sciences for a Triple Award) OR Coordinated Science (Double Award)
• Creativity and Activity: Art and Design, Design Technology, Drama, Music, PE or Computer Science

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 also participate in Enrichment.  Our Enrichment programme provides authentic learning opportunities that build upon and deepen the learning in our academic programme for all High School students. We believe that there should be clear and explicit links between our enrichment activities and our academic programme as we seek to add to, enhance and enrich the learning experience for each of our students.  

Examinations 

After the first two years of high school, students may choose to take external examinations accredited by the Cambridge Assessment International Education organization in the United Kingdom. Students receive an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) for each successfully completed course.  For students that do not require the IGCSE qualification for their next academic destination, they may choose to complete internal examinations that are set, marked and moderated here 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 grade 10), our students embark on the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP) with some students opting for our alternative Career-related Program (IBCP) which currently offers the BTEC Level 3 qualification in Business.