Graduation Pathways
ISB Learning Pathways Towards Graduation
US HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
The United States High School Diploma, requiring a minimum of 19 credits in total, is a credential awarded to students who complete a college preparatory programme based on the entry requirements of American colleges and universities. The US High School Diploma programme provides students with a broad selection of subjects in several academic areas – including English, Mathematics, Arts (Visual & Performing), Languages, Social Sciences, Business & Economics, Science & Technology, and Physical Education/Health. This course of study allows for direct entry to most Universities and Colleges in North America as well as provides a base to build additional credentials for entry to universities world wide. This is done by choosing Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or BTEC courses/programmes to count as part of the US High School Diploma or by completing required university entry testing alongside the US High School Diploma.The US High School Diploma is accredited by Middle States Association - MSA.
To satisfy required subject area credits for the US High School Diploma, students can choose to take individual ISB accredited courses, Advanced Placement courses (Collegeboard), BTEC Courses (Pearson), IBDP Courses (International Baccalaureate), or complete the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) or IB Careers Related Program (IBCP).
The US High School Diploma can be complemented by the IB Diploma Programme or IB Career-related Programme as of grade 11.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
For more than 40 years, ISB has challenged and supported students to successfully complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Today, we offer the largest inclusive IBDP in Belgium and our average diploma score is consistently above world averages.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) was established in 1968 and has earned a reputation as a broad, balanced, and rigorous curriculum for pre-university education. It is recognised and respected by the world’s leading universities. ISB offers more IBDP courses than any other school in Belgium, thereby providing students with more choice and flexibility to pursue the diploma programme that best suits their needs.
The IBDP is offered at ISB alongside the US High School Diploma, adhering to the minimum credit requirements.
The IBDP curriculum is suited to students who wish to maintain a broad base of subject specialisms. Students study 6 academic disciplines, three at Higher level (HL) and three at Standard level (SL). These must include two languages, mathematics, a science and an individuals and societies subject. The sixth subject can be an arts subject or a second subject from IB groups 2, 3 or 4.
Students also complete the DP core, which consists of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE). Throughout the course there is an emphasis on developing thinking, researching, communicating, self management and social skills.
The IBDP is assessed externally by IB examiners and moderators, and in most subjects there are summative examinations in May of the second DP year which cover the material learned throughout the 2 year programme. Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 to 7. Assessment of the core courses can earn an extra 3 bonus points and so the maximum score possible is 45 points.
For more information about the IB, please visit www.ibo.org. For specific information and news about the IBDP, please visit this page.
84%
of our graduates successfully complete the full IB Diploma, which is substantially higher than other local schools.
IB CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME
The IBCP is recognised and respected by universities throughout the world. The IBCP prepares students for flexibility and mobility by integrating broad, general learning areas as well as specific career-related content into a challenging framework of education. The detailed knowledge, skills and understanding that are gained from studying Diploma Programme courses, the Career-related Programme core and the career-related study provide opportunities for higher education, further education, apprenticeships and employment. The IBCP is offered alongside the US High School Diploma, adhering to the minimum credit requirements.
The IBCP comprises:
- The IBCP core
- The Career-related study coursework
- IBDP Courses
The IBCP core consists of courses in Personal & Professional Skills, Language Development, Service Learning, and the Reflective Project. The core provides an emphasis on developing thinking, researching, communicating, self management and social skills.
The Career-related study involves students focusing on a pathway that aligns with their talents and passions. It provides the opportunity to learn about theories and concepts through application and practice while developing broad-based skills in authentic and meaningful contexts. This is offered through the BTEC Level 3 Diploma programmes, with a choice to focus in one of the following areas: Art & Design, Hospitality, or Sport (Development, Coaching and Fitness).
Lastly, these will be complemented by a choice of two to four IBDP Courses, with at least one DP course at a Higher Level. Offering more IBDP courses than any other school in Belgium, ISB provides its students more choice and flexibility to select the diploma programme courses that best suit their needs.
In the IBCP, the IB courses and the reflective project are assessed externally by IB examiners and moderators. The coursework produced for the BTEC diploma is moderated by external examiners throughout the course. The final certificate is awarded to students who fulfil all the core requirements, are successful in the BTEC diploma coursework, and achieve scores of 3 or more in the IBDP courses studied.
For more information about the IB, please visit www.ibo.org.
The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP), established in 2012, has earned a reputation as a flexible, focused, and rigorous curriculum for pre-university education.
ISB INDIVIDUALISED DIPLOMA
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, Social and 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.
Different Futures beyond ISB
Universities around the world recognise how the ISB programme prepares students for success in higher education, and that they are truly ready for the next step in their learning journey.
