Curriculum

School Philosophy and Key Strategies

At the International Community School, we believe in taking an holistic approach to the young people that we have the privilege of working with.  It is this philosophy that makes the International Baccalaureate programmes such an ideal match for the ICS community, as it shares our philosophy of student engagement.

Since September 2005 curricular development has been guided by the concepts and methodologies of the International Baccalaureate Organisation's (IBO) programmes of study:

  1. IB Primary Years Programme ( ages 3-11yrs) – for students in Reception to Year 6 or Kindergarten to Grade 5
  2. IB Middle Years Programme ( ages 11-16yrs) – for students in Year 7 to Year 11 or Grade 6 to Grade 10
  3. IB Diploma Programme ( ages 16+yrs) – for students in Year 12 to Year 13 or Grade 11 to Grade 12

The Academic Journey through ICS is varied depending upon the strengths and needs of each student. However, at ICS we are passionate about developing the qualities and skills that are present in the IB Learner Profile (PDF) and seek to develop these in our students. This is underpinned by and takes place through our focus on Personalised Learning,  the use of Information Computer Technology to enhance our students’ learning experience and our commitment to the use of the ‘Outdoor Classroom.’

The model below highlights the different elements of our Curriculum which is underpinned by our English (Foundation) Preparation Programmes and also our focus upon 3 key areas of unique strength:


Monopoly board graphic

Personalised Learning

Personalised Learning is a strategy focusing all of the school’s resources to ensure that the potential of each student is realised. This occurs through ensuring that the learning experience is appropriate to each child and that they are able, with support from the teacher, to decide what they learn, how they learn, when they learn and who they learn with.

There is, therefore, a focus throughout the programme of teaching students how to learn (Approaches to Learning); a focus on individual assessment; teaching strategies that differentiate and engage students at their level; mentoring and support for students through form tutors, academic tutors and an array of teaching specialists. In addition there are opportunities for students to select topics, projects, activities themselves to fulfil course expectations. At ICS there is also a strong focus on the integration of

Information Communication Technology

At ICS there is also a strong focus on the integration of Information Communication Technology (ICT). From Year 3 each student is given, for the duration of their stay at the school, a Netbook which they utilise at school and at home to enhance their learning experience. As a result teaching and learning are more collaborative, dynamic and engaging. This strategy is transforming the school’s learning environment into an inspirational learning space where students can interact, create, collaborate and build knowledge. As a result we are actively preparing our students to compete in the new global economy, developing 21st century workforce skills and preparing them to be effective 21st century world citizens.

Outdoor Classroom

A central feature of ICS is maximising the use of the Outdoor Classroom across the curriculum. We see it as vitally important that students have the opportunity to use outside space to learn through visits to museums, exhibitions, drama or musical performances, through spending time at our Outdoor Education Centre in Suffolk or by travelling further afield with the Travel and Learn programme.

The Learning experience does not stop at the end of the school day or when a student leaves the school building so we seek to utilise and enhance these experiences for our students.
For more information see:

Inclusion

Inclusion of students is another key trait and firmly held part of the philosophy of ICS and this extends from our welcoming approach to newcomers, to the support that we offer all students through our pastoral system and on to the English language provision and support that we can offer to students with Special Educational Needs.
Visit the Student Support pages and English Language Programme pages for more information.