British International School of Chicago, South Loop is the only private school in Chicago that provides personalized, international education to Preschool - Grade 12.
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Curriculum Middle School While each year group presents an exciting stage of development for students, the Middle School years are a time when students experience physical, emotional and cognitive growth. At BISC South Loop, Middle School students further develop their interests and learn new skills while also encountering new challenges. Our curriculum responds specifically to the needs of students ages 11 to 14 by enabling independence and interdependence through discrete subject learning and themes, as well as more traditional subject-based learning. Students study a balanced program of courses, taught by highly qualified specialist teachers, that follow the English National Curriculum. Courses like Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Math and English prepare students for the rigors of High School and also the responsibilities and experiences of adult life. The curriculum focuses on skills, enables students to make sense of their learning, and encourages use of the latest media platforms to present learning and express thinking. High School High School is a thrilling time for students to demonstrate their growing independence and pursue subjects that appeal to them. Our curriculum supports students' holistic growth, through a robust program of lessons in and out of the classroom, and offers a number of routes to college. In Grade 9 and 10, students pursue the International General Certificate of Secondary Education, the world's most popular international qualification for 14- to 16-year- olds. They engage with a variety of subjects and make connections among them while developing skills in creative thinking, inquiry and problem solving. The last two years of High School present an ambitious and rewarding chapter. Students in Grade 11 and 12 are faced with coursework that is rigorous, but wholly tailored to their interests and aspirations. Students may pursue the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, an internationally recognized qualification that's respected by the world's top colleges and universities; IB Certificates; or the BISC High School Diploma. Community Time As part of the curriculum, Middle and High School students are part of an Advisory group, led by a teacher, that meets weekly to provide opportunities to acquire the knowledge, understanding and skills needed to manage their lives now and in the future. During Advisory time, students interact with peers and receive mentoring and guidance from their Advisor. Students also participate in Community Time on Wednesday aernoons. It supports their development through field trips, leadership opportunities, in-school workshops and numerous community service initiatives.