Curriculum

ROSE THRELFALL – DEPUTY HEAD OF SCHOOL

The International Community School provides a high quality inclusive international education to students aged between 3 and 18 years.  

For over 25 years the International Community School has developed an international curriculum utilizing aspects of the English National Curriculum and best practice from other international programmes. Since September 2005 curricular development has been guided by the concepts and methodologies of the International Baccalaureate Organisation's (IBO) programmes of study. In June 2008 the School gained International Baccalaureate World School status upon gaining full authorization to deliver the Primary Years Programme (PYP) to its primary aged students (3 – 11). In August 2008 full authorization was also granted to deliver the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to students in the secondary school (ages 11 – 16).   Students in Years 12 and 13 study the Cambridge International 'A' Level programme, which provides a rigorous preparation for university and college entry worldwide.

Most importantly the International Community School is building its new curricula around three areas of unique strength;

1. The English Language - as a school that has grown out of the English as a Foreign Language tradition, we will incorporate many of the methodologies that have been so successful in this area of education, in particular in relation to fast paced, student centred dynamic methodology.
2. Special Education Needs - as a school that passionately believes in inclusion, this strength of the school has much to teach the full curriculum, in particular with reference to individual study programmes and cross disciplinary and team teaching strategies.
3. Environmental Literacy - The International Community School's commitment to the understanding and appreciation of the natural physical environment places a strong emphasis on the principal of 'the classroom without walls' which is developed at our Field Study Centre in Bawdsey and through our exciting programme of overseas expeditions.

These three established educational strategies together with our tradition of internationalism and utilisation of the International Baccalaureate and Cambridge international programmes of study are being built into a unique and challenging educational offer and make ICS an excellent choice for anyone seeking an IBO School in London.

The visual below, captures the dynamic breadth and vision of the academic programming at ICS. This provision is delivered uniquely within the context of the School's mission and philosophy which includes:

• Extension (through Gifted and Talented strategies/advanced academic programming/challenge through Travel and Learn experiences)
• Support (through Special Educational Needs and/or English as a Foreign Language department)
• Individualized Approaches to Teaching and Learning (through the introduction of Personalized Learning Plans for all students)
• IB Learner Profile (Holistic approach to education that focuses upon intellectual, personal, emotional and social domains).
• Diversity (Embracing the richness, opportunities and challenges of our own international community)