Learn - International School Basel

Learning at ISB

The IB Programmes of Study provide an exceptional academic and pastoral framework for all our students.

ISB is the only school to offer an IB education for 3- 18 years old in the Basel region. Whilst the three IB programmes (PYP, MYP and Diploma) have features that differentiate them from one another, being under one philosophical umbrella enables us to provide a coherent educational experience, that meets the specific needs and developmental stages of our 3-18 year old students.

A three-way partnership of student, school, and parents gives each student the best possible environment in which to reach their potential. By working together to create safe and positive learning environments for each child, parents are able to help extend school learning to beyond the classroom, while faculty can help students find a place for their life experiences within the school.

Furthermore, in fulfillment of our school Mission, this three-way partnership helps us ensure that our students are learning more, in many different ways, while having fun in a supportive and helpful community.

Curriculum

Senior School Curriculum
Ages 13 - 18

Middle School Curriculum
Ages 11 - 12

Junior School Curriculum
Ages 3 - 10

Field Trips

From day excursions to local museums, farms, exhibitions and galleries, to longer journeys to other countries and continents – ISB trips are opportunities for students to venture beyond the classroom, to encounter first-hand different cultures, environments and peoples and to enrich and embed their learning in tangible and rewarding ways.

Learn more about Field Trips

Learn more about Field Trips

Academic, cultural and recreational trips are an integral part of the educational experience of all students at ISB, from Early Childhood right through to Diploma Years.

Here are some examples of recent trips (offered trips may change from year to year):

Senior School

Basel University Library
Berlin Language Trip
Economics Trip to London
Foundation Beyeler Art Workshop, Weil am Rhein, Germany
Hydroelectric Power Station, Birsfelden
Iceland Geography Trip
Le Struthof Concentration Camp
Paris Language Trip
Swiss Ski Camp
South Africa Educational Trip
Tanzania CAS Trip
Tinguely Museum Art Trip
Vienna Maths Competition

Middle School

Augusta Raurica Roman archaeological site
Basel Zoo
Kunstmuseum, Basel
Natural History Museum, Basel
Swiss Ski Camp in Nendaz & Verbier
Zentrum Paul Klee, Bern

Junior School

Augusta Raurica Roman archaeological site
Basel Old Town
Basel Zoo
Hike in Kaltbrunnental Valley
Kunstmuseum, Basel
Pfeffingen Beekeeper
Pumpkin Farm Field Trip
Ski Camp in Haute-Nendaz & Gstaad
Techorama Trip, Winterthur
Tinguely Museum

Continuum Guides

Three Campuses, One Learning Journey

In recent years, ISB engaged with the development of school-based, subject-specific learning continuums to inform teachers’ planning and facilitate students transitions between campuses as well as induction of new students. This work is complemented with ongoing efforts to facilitate teacher collaboration between campuses as they plan, teach and review curriculum and student performance. The process included teachers representing the three campuses (Early Childhood to Grade 12) reviewing IB literature, standards from several systems around the world and research in that subject.

German Continuum Guide

Mathematics Continuum Guide

Science Continuum Guide

External Moderation & Benchmarking

External Moderation and Benchmarking

Providing assurance of quality and enabling comparison with peers at an international level

External Moderation and Benchmarking is used by ISB to assess a range of skills and aptitudes at various times of a student’s school life. These external assessments provide students, parents and the School with both an indication of the learning styles and level of achievement for an individual student, as well as reflecting the specific abilities and progress of ISB students collectively at a particular year level, thus providing opportunities for comparison with student peers globally.

However, internal assessment (regular and ongoing assessment by ISB academic staff) continues to be is the main indicator of a student’s academic, social and emotional progress at School.

Associated Board of the Royal School of Music

Each year the London-based Associated Board of the Royal School of Music (ABRSM) sends highly experienced music examiners worldwide to examine over 600,000 students, so providing the international benchmarks for the measurement of musical achievement. Practical and theory exams are offered twice a year at ISB.

Please see the ABRSM website for more information about this programme.

MAP® (Measures of Academic Progress®)

MAP assessments are computer adaptive achievement tests in Mathematics and Reading. The computer adjusts the difficulty of the questions so that each student takes a unique test. The difficulty of each question is based on how well the student has answered previous questions. Students are assigned to take MAP based on grade level, MAP for Primary Grades (MPG), MAP 2-5, or MAP 6+.

MAP is a norm-referenced measure of student growth over time. MAP assessments, joined with other data points, provide detailed, actionable data about where each child is on his or her unique learning path. MAP assessments differ from other data sources used by the ISB to inform instruction by being aligned with core requirements, by tracking student progress throughout a year and across school years, and by being linked to software tools which can assist teachers and administrators in planning instruction. MAP reports allow teachers to better target instruction based on students’ strengths and needs.

Morrisby Profile

Scholastic Aptitude Tests

The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT) and SAT tests are required entrance exams for many U.S. colleges and universities. ISB is authorised by the College Board to be a PSAT and SAT testing centre where students have the opportunity to sit these exams throughout the academic year. Students who are interested in applying to U.S. colleges are encouraged to inform the college counselors to ensure they are kept informed of testing dates and deadlines.

Please see the College Board website for more information about this programme.

Learn about IB Assessment & Moderation

Founded in 1979

35

Average IB Diploma Programme Score

99% IB Diploma Pass Rate

65+

IB Programme Courses

325+

Universities accepted ISB graduates since 2013

Students accepted from
3 to 19 years old

3

International Baccalaureate (IB) Programmes

Accredited by
CIS and NEASC

Resources

What People Say

There are excellent, truly inspirational teachers at ISB. Warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere at the school with approachable staff. Excellent music and drama with lots of opportunities for students to perform and also partake in the annual school musical. Very welcoming and helpful to new families.
Grade 12 Parent (Ireland)

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Great educational methodology and a really broad scope, making the best of a real International School. We have enjoyed fantastic facilities. The best for me is how they handle new comers not only professionally but with warm care. Kids feel so welcome and are so happy in this school that they would stay here forever. Activities like the top of the top Ski Camp will never be forgotten, or the International Festival, it is really extraordinary. My son has developed tremendously but most importantly, he has been a happy kid everyday going to school.
Maria, Grade 4 Parent (Spain)

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ISB offers a solid academic program, and teachers are always available for one to one approach to students when needed. It supports students when they have difficulties and challenges them when they need more stimulation.
Grade 11 Parent (Italy)

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The teachers were caring and the curriculum was strong. I felt that my children were challenged, but not to the point of stress. The evaluations were the most comprehensive I have ever seen and the teachers were always open and inviting.
Kristin, Grade 5 Parent (United States)

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We have seen a great transformation of our daughter in study performance, motivation and confidence. ISB offer an excellent programme with great teachers and members of the board. Thank you, our daughter feels proud to be part of ISB.
Stanley, Grade 12 Parent (Switzerland)

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Activities

Students of all ages participate in 150+ school-organized activities, both on- and off-campus.