In This Subsection
Welcome to Senior School
At International School Basel we believe a great Senior School helps students reach their academic potential while supporting their health and character development. We measure success, not only in test and exam scores, but also in the integrity and care demonstrated by our students. An ISB education supports a wide variety of students' future aspirations.
Ian Hoke, Senior School Principal
Global Citizen@ISB
“We are Communicators;
We are Balanced;
We are Open Minded;
We are Reflective.”
— ISB Students
Senior School at International School Basel offers both the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (Grades 8-10) and IB Diploma Programme and Diploma Courses (Grade 11-12).
- Grade 8-10 | IB Middle Years Programme
- Grade 11-12 | IB Diploma Programme
- Grade 11-12 | ISBasel Courses
Grade 8-10 | IB Middle Years Programme
The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) in Senior School holistically supports student growth by emphasising academics, service, and extracurricular activities. Students in Grade 8 - 10 lead and develop their sense of self within a supportive learning community.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is offered to all Grade 6 to 10 students at International School Basel. The MYP is a rigorous and ambitious, academic programme that prepares students for the demands of a changing world. It helps students develop their personal understanding, sense of self and responsibility in their community.
MYP Subjects and Interdisciplinary Learning
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) provides interdisciplinary learning to students through various integrated subject groups. Students demonstrate interdisciplinary understanding when they bring together concepts, methods, or forms of communication from various disciplines to explain a phenomenon, solve a problem or raise questions in new ways
The Middle Years Programme consists of 8 subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for students aged 12 to 16.
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Language and Literature
- Individuals and Societies
- Modern Languages
- Arts
- Design
- Physical and Health Education
Sciences
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) sciences framework encourages students to investigate issues through research, observation and experimentation, working independently and in groups. As they investigate real examples of applied science application, students discover the tensions and dependencies between science and morality, ethics, culture, economics, politics, and the environment.
- Students in Grade 6-8 follow an Integrated Science approach that integrates concepts and methods from different disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry and Physics.
- In Grade 9, students follow a modular Science approach and take Biology, Chemistry and Physics modules, building upon the investigative skills developed in previous years.
- In Grade 10, all students take a modular Science course, which involves one semester of Chemistry and one semester of Biology. They also have the option to take Physics as an additional science.
Mathematics
Mathematics in the Middle Years Programme (MYP) promotes both inquiry and application, helping students to develop problem solving techniques that transcend the discipline and are useful beyond school.
The MYP mathematics framework encompasses numbers, algebra, geometry and trigonometry, statistics and probability.
Students in Grade 6 - 10 study the four branches of Mathematics: Numbers, Pattern and Functions, Shape and Space and Data. Each topic within the branches is introduced in Grade 6 - 8 and then built upon and developed further in Grade 9 - 10. Students in Grade 6-8 are taught a solid foundation of Mathematics and are challenged with additional topics.
In Grade 9 - 10, students are guided towards either the Standard or the Extended Mathematics programmes.
Language and Literature
Since the ISB curriculum is taught in English, mastering the English language and literature helps all students achieve their full potential in all subjects. The MYP Language and Literature courses cover a balanced selection of genres and texts, including a world literature component. Students’ interactions with a wide variety of texts generate moral, social, economic, political, cultural and environmental insights.
As part of the Language and Literature course, we also offer:
- French and German to Grade 6 - 10 students
- Spanish to Grade 8 - 10 students
Individuals and Societies
This course encourages students to respect and understand the world around them and equips them with the necessary skills to inquire into historical, contemporary, geographical, political, social, economic, religious, technological and cultural factors that have an impact on individuals, societies and environments.
- Students in Grade 6 - 8 take an integrated Individuals and Societies programme.
- In Grade 9 - 10, students are taught Geography and History as individual subjects in a semester course. In addition, Grade 10 students may also choose units of Politics, Economics, Business and Psychology as an elective.
Modern Languages
In the Middle Years Programme (MYP) Modern Languages, students have the opportunity to study a combination of German, French and Spanish.
Students learn grammar and vocabulary as well as the cultural aspects of the language they chose. They develop their language skills from a beginner level to the proficiency of a native speaker in most cases, progressing through various phases, as described in the German Language Continuum Guide.
- In Grade 6 - 7, students are required to study German as well as an additional language (French or Spanish).
- In Grade 8, students choose between German, French or Spanish as their main Modern Language subject and also study one of them as an additional language).
- In Grade 9 - 10, students select either German, French or Spanish and have the option of learning one of them as an additional language from the electives group.
Arts
Students in the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) learn how to create, perform and present arts in ways that engage and convey feelings, experiences and ideas. They acquire new skills and hone master previous ones in three different disciplines: Drama, Music and Visual Art.
- In Grade 6 - 8, students study all the three subjects.
- In Grade 9, students take one of these subject with the option of selecting a second one .
- In Grade 10, students select one Arts subject.
Design
Design, in Middle Years Programme (MYP) challenges students to:
- apply practical and creative thinking skills to solve problems
- explore the role of design in both historical and contemporary contexts
- consider their responsibilities when making design decisions and taking action.
MYP Design focuses on a holistic process rather than on final products and solutions. Students follow a general design course from Grade 6 - 10 covering both practical and digital media and they complete a range of project-based activities.
Physical and Health Education
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) Physical and Health Education empowers Grade 6-10 students to understand and appreciate the value of being physically active and to develop the motivation for making healthy life choices. Students develop skills and attitudes that contribute to a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Physical and health education focuses on both learning about and learning through physical activity.
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday Schedule
Homeroom | 08:20 - 08:35 |
L1 | 08:35 - 09:30 |
L2 | 09:35 - 10:30 |
Break | 10:30 - 11:15 |
L3 | 11:15 - 12:10 |
L4 | 12:15 - 13:10 |
Lunch | 13:10 - 14:00 |
L5 | 14:00 - 14:55 |
L6 | 15:00 - 15:55 |
Wednesday Schedule
L1 | 08:20 - 09:15 |
L2 | 09:20 - 10:15 |
Break | 10:15 - 10:35 |
L3 | 10:35 - 11:30 |
L4 | 11:35 - 12:30 |
Lunch | 12:30 - 13:10 |
L5 | 13:10 - 14:05 |
L6 | 14:10 - 15:05 |
Friday Schedule
Homeroom | 08:20 - 09:00 |
L1 | 09:00 - 09:55 |
L2 | 10:00 - 10:55 |
Break | 10:55 - 11:15 |
L3 | 11:15 - 12:10 |
L4 | 12:15 - 13:10 |
Lunch | 13:10 - 14:00 |
L5 | 14:00 - 14:55 |
L6 | 15:00 - 15:55 |
The MYP personal project
In Grade 10, the final year of the Middle Years Programme, each student is required to undertake a Personal Project, which brings together the concepts and skills, including Approaches to Learning, developed throughout the MYP.
The Personal Project exhibition evening represents the culmination and celebration of student achievement in the Personal Project.
The product itself may take many forms – a work of art, an original science experiment, an invention or specially designed system, a piece of literary fiction, improving the quality of life for a community or group, making a DVD or recording a musical composition. The student chooses a topic and adopts whichever approach is the most appropriate. In addition to producing a product, a detailed process journal is kept and a report is delivered.
Service
Service is a requirement for all students in Grade 6 - 10. They are encouraged to make connections between what they learn in the classroom and what they see happening in the outside world.
Service encourages responsible citizenship. It deepens students knowledge and understanding of the world around them and enables them to be more knowledgeable, open-minded and confident.
As students mature, Service activities go beyond “doing for others” to “engaging with others”, in a shared commitment towards the common good. Meaningful Service requires understanding underlying, identifying where the need lies and interacting with the relevant community to determine the best action.
Grade 11-12 | IB Diploma Programme
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, university preparatory course that challenges students academically, but also emphasises social, emotional, and physical growth. Working together with our teachers and counsellors, students use their two DP years to explore their interests and plan for life after graduation.
International School Basel offers students a comprehensive range of over 65 academic courses, leading to the full International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP).
Diploma Programme Subject Groups
The curriculum consists of six subject groups, from which a minimum of three and a maximum of four subjects must be taken at higher level (HL), and the remaining at standard level (SL). At least 1 subject must be taken from groups 1-5:
The six subject groups are:
- 1. Language and Literature
- 2. Language Acquisition
- 3. Individuals and Societies
- 4. Sciences
- 5. Mathematics
- 6. The Arts and Electives
1. Language and Literature
As part of the Diploma Programme (DP), students take at least 1 subject from studies in language and literature. Taking 2 studies in language and literature subjects in different languages is one way of obtaining a bilingual diploma. Students must select at least 1 Language A.
- English A: Language and Literature HL
- English A: Language and Literature SL
- English A: Literature HL
- English A: Literature SL
- French A: Language and Literature HL & SL
- French A: Literature HL & SL
- German A: Literature HL & SL
- German A: Language and Literature HL & SL
- German A: Literature HL & SL
- Spanish A: Language and Literature HL & SL
- School supported self-taught Language A: Literature SL (with tutor - extra cost)
2. Language Acquisition
As part of the Diploma Programme, every student learns at least 1 additional language. This requirement can be fulfilled by taking 2 courses from Group 1 (studies in Language & Literature) in 2 different languages or by studying a modern language included in the language acquisition subject group.
The main emphasis of the modern language courses is on the acquisition and use of language in a range of contexts and for promoting understanding of another culture.
- English B HL (chosen alongside another Language A)
- French B HL & SL
- German B HL & SL
- Spanish B SL (online - extra cost)
- German Ab Initio SL
- Spanish Ab Initio SL (online - extra cost)
- French Ab Initio SL (online - extra cost)
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. The Arts and Electives
Students may study an additional science, individuals and societies, or language course, instead of a course in the arts.
The subjects in the arts allow a high degree of adaptability to different cultural contexts. The emphasis is on creativity in the context of disciplined, practical research into the relevant genres.
Each subject is designed to foster critical, reflective and informed practice, help students understand the dynamic and changing nature of the arts, explore the diversity of arts across time, place and cultures, and express themselves with confidence and competence.
The Arts
- Music HL & SL
- Theatre HL & SL
- Visual Art HL & SL
Sciences
- Biology HL & SL
- Chemistry HL & SL
- Physics HL & SL
Individuals and Societies
- Economics HL & SL
- Psychology HL & SL
Studies in Language and Literature
- Self-Taught Language A: Literature
Outside the Classroom
Grade 11-12 | ISBasel Courses
- Individuals and Narratives (English)
- Global Politics/ International Relations (Individuals and Societies)
- Mathematical Studies (Mathematics)
- Environmental Studies (Science)
Individuals and Narratives (English)
This course examines narratives in literature, film, and media and the means by which authors, filmmakers, and advertisers construct these narrative forms. By exploring a diversity of literary texts, and films from all different cultures, students will analyse how identities and underlying cultural issues are communicated to diverse audiences. The role, impact, and implications of these communication forms are discussed and debated through group debate and individual projects.
Key Topics and Concepts
Podcasts and Audio Narratives
Film and Documentary Studies
Literary Genre Studies
Language Studies in Current Contexts
Works in Translation
Visual and Media Literacy
Video and Text Production
Data, Information, and Narratives
Writing, Research, and Presentation
Skills and Assessments
Minor Assessments
Portfolios, Projects, Discussions, Presentations, Student-led Seminars
Major Assessment
Presentations and Research Essay - Year 1
Major Assessment
Documentary Creation & Presentation - Year 2
Global Politics/ International Relations (Individuals and Societies)
The course explores fundamental political concepts such as power, equality, sustainability, and peace, in a range of contexts. It allows students to develop an understanding of the local, national, international, and global dimensions of political activity, and allows them an opportunity to explore political issues affecting their own lives. The course helps students to understand abstract political concepts by grounding them in real-world examples and case studies. It invites a comparison between examples and case studies to ensure a transnational perspective.
Key Topics and Concepts
Power, Sovereignty, and International Relations
Human Rights
International Development
Peace and Conflict
Case study approach to topics
Writing, research, and group and individual presentations
Active participation in small and large group discussions
Engagement Activity
Source analysis skills
Skills and Assessments
Minor Assessments
Research (individual and group), Presentations, Written Tasks
Major Assessment
Document-Based assessments; Essays;
10-minute oral presentation - Year 1
Major Assessment
Community Engagement Activity; Essays;
10-minute oral presentation - Year 2
Mathematical Studies (Mathematics)
The course syllabus focuses on important mathematical topics that are interconnected. It is designed for students with varied mathematical backgrounds and abilities. It offers students opportunities to learn important concepts and techniques and to gain an understanding of a wide variety of mathematical topics. It prepares students to be able to solve problems in a variety of settings, to develop more sophisticated mathematical reasoning and to enhance their critical thinking. The syllabus is organised and structured with the following tenets:
- emphasis on understanding of fundamental concepts rather than on symbolic manipulation and complex manipulative skills
- emphasis on developing mathematical reasoning rather than performing routine operations
- solving mathematical problems embedded in a wide range of contexts
The individual project is an extended piece of work based on personal research, involving the collection, analysis, and evaluation of data. Students taking this course are well prepared for a career in social sciences, humanities, languages, or arts. These students may need to use statistics and logical reasoning learnt as part of the Mathematical Studies course in their future studies.
KEY TOPICS AND CONCEPTS
Logic, Sets, and Probability
Statistics and Applications
Mathematical Models
Geometry
Trigonometry
Introduction to Calculus
Investigative, problem-solving & modelling skills
Individual exploration
SKILLS AND ASSESSMENTS
Minor Assessments
Tests, Quizzes, Mathematical Data, Problem Solving Tasks
Major Assessment
Exam and Investigation - Research and Portfolio - Year 1
Major Assessment: Exam and Investigation
Presentation of Results - Year 2
Environmental Studies (Science)
Environmental Studies focuses on scientific exploration of ecosystems with respect to their functions and on the exploration of cultural, economic, ethical, political, and social interactions with the environment.
To understand the environmental issues affecting human societies, both the human and environmental aspects must be understood collectively. Students are encouraged to consider solutions from a personal to a community or global scale. Exploring different concepts, the course investigates how cultural and economic values interact with our choices, intended actions, and unintended consequences, and the resulting cultural and environmental impacts. Students learn to understand that the connections between environmental systems and societies are diverse and dynamic.
Key Topics and Concepts
Human Systems
Ecological Intelligence
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Climate Change
Laws, Ethics, and Politics
Global Policies and Local Practices
Eco-Tourism
Present Contexts and Future Realities
Systems Thinking: Models and Change
Skills and Assessments
Minor Assessments
Research (individual and group), presentations, written tasks
Major Assessment
Case Studies, Interviews, Data Analysis, and Seminars - Year 1
Major Assessment
Written Reports and Individual Investigation - Year 2
Senior School - Reinach Campus
Facilities, school hours, drop-off and pick-up times, and directions.