Upper School students learn to think critically, creatively and deeply within and across disciplines while taking on authentic and real world challenges.
Highly qualified and experienced IB Diploma educators guide young adults in gaining expertise in their areas of interest, as they prepare for university and purposeful lives.
All the programmes in the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and CP) include interdisciplinary learning that requires learners to consider and connect complex ideas from different disciplines. Interdisciplinary learning is key to developing critical and creative thinkers who can use their skills to become positive changemakers. The IB Diploma Language and Literature course involves the study […]
As announced by Dr. Kimball in December, ISP started the process to become a full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum school. This means that in addition to the DP (Diploma Programme) that has been in place for over 25 years, ISP will adopt and implement the PYP (Primary Years Programme) in our elementary school, the MYP […]
Our 7th TEDxYouth@ISPrague featured a wide range of ideas curated by, organised by, and featuring our Upper School students and select guests. Co-organized by Mr. Lawrence Hrubeš along with student leader Maria Kotova and faculty advisor Springs Pacelli, those attending this year’s event in person, enjoyed for the first time ever, the light and space […]
ISP has an articulated PK-12 curriculum, rooted in inquiry, where learners are involved in posing and investigating questions. Our learning program develops students’ potential that enables them to be successful at ISP, as well as in their educational and professional pursuits in the future.
Grades 11 and 12 are IB Diploma years. Students take a mixture of courses that they select. In addition, those who aren’t doing the full IB Diploma Program have a wide variety of electives from which they can choose. The 2021-2022 Upper School Profile gives more information about courses, and students’ achievement.
ISP students consistently score well above world averages in IB Diploma Scores. Special congratulations to the ISP Class of 2020! 97% of ISP Candidates gained the International Baccalaureate with an average diploma points score of 35 and exam score of 5.50. These scores were particularly commendable given the challenging circumstances the class faced with a background of a global pandemic.
More details of the results and those of previous years are available here.
Details of the University Destinations of ISP graduates can be viewed here.
Upper School classes at ISP build on learners’ curiosity through questions, investigations and authentic challenges. Students develop key knowledge, skills and understandings in English, Social Studies, Mathematics, and Science. Students also develop their competencies in the areas of Physical Education, Modern Languages (English, Czech, French, German, Spanish or Mandarin) and an Elective of their choice, for example Music, Film, Art, Design or Creative Writing.
The Upper School follows a 10-day rotation schedule. In addition, there are six stretch days a year where students are off timetable, using the time to go on field trips, engage in their electives or other extension projects.
The ISP Math Program program aims to:
ISP Math Standards frame the key competencies to:
Grade 9 Integrated Math I:
These courses comprise the first year of a two-year integrated Mathematics program. Each course will have components of algebraic, graphical and numerical approaches to solving problems.
Grade 10 Mathematics II:
The second year of this Integrated Mathematics program aims to prepare students for IB Diploma courses.
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ISP’s Science department facilitates a “hands-on / minds-on” approach. ISP grade 9 & 10 students follow a two-year Science program. Grade 9 course is based on biological earth systems with a focus on environmental sustainability and the grade 10 course is based on Chemistry & Physics with a focus on Energy. The teaching approach places emphasis on skill acquisition and application of key concepts. The courses also provide students the foundation to be successful students in their IB science courses.
The ISP Science program aims to:
ISP Science Standards frame the key competencies to:
Grade 9 & 10 Science
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The Upper School English program teaches the inquiry and interpretive skills necessary for sound analysis of texts, the discussion skills necessary for articulate expression of ideas and opinions, and the writing skills necessary for creative and academic expression. The department’s goal is to balance such skill development with an interest in and appreciation for the value of literature, including new textualities.
ISP grade 9 and 10 students follow a two-year English program focusing on key concepts from language and literature.
The Language Arts program at ISP aims to:
ISP English Language Arts Standards frame the key competencies to:
Grade 9 & 10 English
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ISP grade 9 and 10 students follow a two-year Social Studies program where they take two year-long courses focusing on key social studies concepts that recur across time and place.
The Social Studies program at ISP aims to:
ISP Social Studies Standards frame the key competencies to:
Grade 9 and 10 Social Studies
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The purpose of ISP’s Physical Education (PE) program is to engage students physically, socially, and emotionally through physical activity and wellness units. Our PE program challenges students to reach their full potential and guides them in their pursuit of a healthy, active and balanced lifestyle.
The Physical Education and Health program at ISP aims to:
ISP PE and Health Standards frame the key competencies to:
Grade 9 and 10 Physical Education and Health
At ISP we believe that improving each individual’s fitness level is key to a healthy life. The Physical Education/Health program offers the following five choices of semester courses.
Please see the the following units in the 9th & 10th grade courses:
We recognize that the acquisition of a new language is best accomplished through continuous learning and practice in all four basic skills (listening, speaking, reading, and writing) within an appropriate cultural context. Our curriculum is aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.
The Modern Languages program at ISP aims to:
ISP Modern Languages Standards focus on all four basic skills:
All Upper School students can choose to study Mandarin, French, German or Spanish.
The purpose of Upper School Electives is to give students voice and choice to explore areas about which they are interested. The Upper School offers nearly 30 elective courses to choose from such as…
The International School of Prague is a member of Global Online Academy (GOA), a consortium of leading independent schools from around the world whose online courses offer our students a way to pursue their passions, learn with peers from around the globe, and acquire independent learning skills that will serve them well in college, career and life. Read more about the Global Online Academy at ISP here.
Given ISP has students arriving from around the world with varied educational and life experiences, we have four departments to support learners as needed.
The purpose of our English as an Additional Language (EAL) department is to build the social and academic English skills necessary for EAL students to become active and successful members of the ISP community. Students who are still developing proficiency in English study English as an Additional Language (EAL). ISP follows an EAL Language Continuum that is organised by four standards: reading, writing, speaking and listening.
In the Upper School, EAL support consists of stand-alone classes as well as in-class support. The EAL teacher co-plans and co-teaches with the other subject teachers in order to reinforce concepts and develop academic language proficiency.
ISP believes that information and digital literacy plays an essential role in today’s world. Effectively leveraging digital tools creates opportunities for our learners to engage in authentic and challenging tasks with peers and experts around the globe. Learners develop creative, computational and critical thinking skills to maximize powerful digital tools, platforms and resources. Upper school students are required to bring their own laptop. Tech Coach supports students in all technology-related learning. Our secondary librarian supports students in finding independent reading options, as well as supports students’ and teachers’ research skills.
We believe that all students should have equal access to learning opportunities. To meet the diverse learning needs of our students ISP provides a Learning Support program as part of its instructional continuum of services.
In the Upper School, the counseling and advisory program involves Academic and Personal Counseling.
Academic Counseling – US counselors and advisors assist students in developing an academic plan, keeping track of their graduation requirements, determining which learning styles are most effective for them and suggest strategies that help them work better.
Personal Counseling – Counselors work in collaboration with teachers, learning support personnel, the administration, the school psychologist and others to ensure that each student’s needs are being met. They assist students in a variety of ways including providing emotional support, effective coping strategies, and helpful information.
“ISP has encouraged so many aspects of my identity. Freedom and exploration are important to me and ISP enables these while inspiring us to do more. I find it remarkable that the Upper School clubs actively provide us with possibilities to incite and accomplish visible change.”
“At ISP, I have been taught the invaluable skill of thinking critically. The unique subjects offered, such as Global Politics, have challenged me to apply my learning to everyday life situations. It gives me great satisfaction and a feeling of empowerment to have discovered my passion for politics here at ISP.”
“It’s so important to me that my students can take the ‘textbook’ theories that we learn in the classroom and apply them to the real world. One way they have engaged in that has been through our case study of the Italian and Czech labor markets.”
“As an educator at ISP, I believe my job is not to be a dispenser of knowledge, but rather a guide helping students take charge of their own educational journey. I support, encourage, and challenge them as they craft their own tools to successfully explore and question the world around them so they grow as competent, compassionate changemakers.”
