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. 

Pathway Options 

Students enter High School in Year 10 during which they will decide their future career path. Year 10 students are now offered a choice between two pathways both of which aim to rigorously prepare our students for the International Baccalaureate Programme. 

Cambridge International Certificate of Education (Cambridge ICE)

To complete the Cambridge ICE, the programme to which we’ve traditionally referred to as our ‘iGCSE Programme’, students are required to complete seven iGCSE subjects across five areas (as outlined by CICE). We offer six groups to ensure students are exposed to a broader and more balanced curriculum than a typical Cambridge ICE programme in preparation for future success on the IB programmes. 

BISH International Certificate of Education (BISH ICE) 

Students who select the BISH ICE, traditionally referred to as our pre-IB Programme, are not restricted by the requirements of an external exam board (such as Cambridge ICE) and also have the opportunity to be exposed to a broader range of elements within each discipline area. BISH ICE allows us to introduce concepts and content outside of iGCSE specifications and expose students to alternative forms of assessment as well.  

A key priority for both pathways is to ensure our students are fully prepared for the IB Diploma Programme. 

Programme Core 

At the heart of both pathways are our three strategic goals: Learners and Learning, Future World Leaders and Best of the Best, globally. These comprise the centre of our learning programmes as these are our aspirations as a learning community. Surrounding this is our commitment to our Leader and learner Profile and beyond that our BISH Core Programme which explicitly prepares our students for the core elements of both the IBDP and the IBCP. 

All of our students benefit from BISH Core and we are proud to be one of the few schools worldwide to ensure students have service opportunities throughout their high school career. This programme not only contributes to their success across all academic subjects, but also provides unique skills and attributes that enhance their competitiveness and success in a constantly evolving world. 

Upon graduating from Year 11, 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.