Graduation Pathways

This diploma provides an opportunity for students in our Intensive Learning Support programme to develop their potential and independence through personalised targets documented in their Individual Learning Plan (ILP) and Transition Plans. Students who qualify for this program have the opportunity to access an ISB education until age 21. Graduation timing decisions are made on a case-by-case basis in collaboration with the team and family with special consideration given to relocation and post-secondary opportunities/availability in the country of residence.  

A Transition Plan is established for each student in the first year of High School so that specific goals can be targeted for post-ISB experiences. Support and counselling through this process is given so that each student and family can find the right match for the next educational, vocational and living opportunity.

The Intensive Learning Support programme focuses on striking a balance between functional academics, adaptive, and life skills for students with special educational needs.  ILP goals are set and evaluated collaboratively by a multidisciplinary team consisting of, teachers, speech and or occupational therapists, counsellors, parents, the student, and in some cases additional support professionals who work with the student. Inclusion in academic and elective classes is evaluated on a case-by-case basis and is encouraged to further develop individual student strengths. Programme components include:

Functional Academics in the Core Literacies, Functional Life Skills, Pre-Vocational Skills, and Social & Emotional Skills 

All students are involved in on-campus job experiences, and off campus job opportunities are offered to students once on campus jobs have been mastered.   

AP Courses have been offered at High Schools around the world since the 1950s. These courses offer students the opportunity to explore new subjects through introductory college-level courses, develop the skills they will need to be successful in university, and to earn credits towards their degrees at colleges and universities in the United States. European universities see the value of AP courses as well, making them a strong and viable pathway for any student planning to study in the United States or Europe. 

At ISB, our students can access a large number of Advanced Placement (AP) Courses in grades 9-12 in areas such as mathematics, natural sciences, humanities, and world languages. ISB is very proud to offer one of the broadest AP programmes in Belgium, offering our students multiple opportunities for success.

AP Courses may be taken in combination with ISB, IB, and BTEC courses in order to give students the external credentials which may be required for university access. In grades 9-10, students are welcome to select one or two AP courses. From grade 11, students selecting this pathway typically take one to three AP courses each year. 

Students who wish to earn AP qualifications will take the external exams at the end of the school year in which they completed the course. These exams are taken in May and are marked by AP “readers” or examiners. Each subject is graded on a scale of 1-5, which indicates how qualified a student is to receive college credits at universities in the United States. Taking three to five AP classes or more also qualifies students for admissions requirements at many European universities.  

For more information about AP Courses, please visit the CollegeBoard’s What is AP? website.
 

BTEC, which stands for the Business and Technology Education Council, is a programme which offers an excellent alternative to traditional secondary pathways, allowing students to focus on their passions while developing practical, hands-on skills that are essential in today's workforce. These courses expose students to the opportunities offered by the Art and Sport industries, and help them understand how their passions and creativity can be harnessed in a professional environment. These courses broaden students’ understanding of all of the professional opportunities they could explore. 

At ISB, we offer a number of BTEC International Level 3 Qualifications in Art & Design and Sport. With a variety of qualifications such as the Level 3 Extended Diploma, Level 3 Diploma, Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma, and Level 3 Certificate, the BTEC programme provides students with flexibility to tailor their learning experience to their chosen fields. Each course is composed of both mandatory and optional units, giving students the opportunity to explore key areas while also specialising in subjects that align with their interests and career goals. BTEC courses emphasise real-world applications through practical learning, ensuring that students leave the programme prepared for success in their chosen industries.

One of the unique aspects of the BTEC programme is its project-based internal assessment structure, which eliminates the need for external examinations. Each unit includes formative and summative tasks, allowing students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills at Pass, Merit, or Distinction levels. The assessment process allows for a personalised and supportive learning experience, where students can focus on mastering the material at their own pace while striving for higher achievement. 

For more information about BTEC programmes, please visit Pearson’s About BTEC webpage.