High School

To view our schoolwide social studies vision and aims, follow this link.

Languages

All students in grades 9-10 participate in either World Language (French or Mandarin) or Burmese A (native, mother tongue study of Burmese) courses.

World Languages

The high school offers language study in French or Mandarin designed for students learning an additional language who do not have native fluency in the language.

Instructional emphasis is on speaking, listening, reading, and writing and learning about the culture of the target language via these skills. ISY believes that learning an additional language is integral to the development of internationally minded students who are confident, reflective, and multi-lingual communicators. Language development in more than one language advances cognitive growth, cultivates lifelong learning, and promotes cross-cultural communication.

Materials used in instruction include French or Mandarin leveled textbooks and workbooks, games, realia and visuals, video, audio, and texts/novels in the target language. Students engage in a variety of activities to foster language acquisition including role-playing, singing, and authentic, real-world projects.

Click here to view the high school world language courses.

Burmese A

Grade 9 and 10 Burmese A are designed to teach mother tongue Burmese students who have basic Burmese language abilities. The goal of these courses is to advance students’ Burmese skills and knowledge of the basic components of Burmese literature. The courses are also designed to prepare students who plan to take the IB Burmese A Diploma Course in Grades 11 and 12.

Music (this class is currently on hold)

Students in high school may take Symphonic Band or Concert Choir. In these courses, students learn to play a band instrument or vocalize and perform in a large ensemble. Students acquire fundamental technical skills, which develop over time through effort and experience. Attention is given to the development of characteristic tone and musicality.

Symphonic Band and Concert Choir are divided into four levels so that students with varying abilities and experiences in music can progress and be successful by working toward corresponding learning goals and standards.

To view the ISY Music Program Vision and Aims, click here.

Visual Arts

High School Studio Art is offered to Grade 9 and 10 students. One year in length, this course is designed to develop artistic skills that will lead to the creation of successful art, an appreciation for historical and cultural art, and the development of communication through art. The curriculum is based upon exploration and application of design/composition and drawing/painting and is intended to prepare students for the IB Visual Arts class.

Photography is also offered to high school students. This year long course incorporates both the technical and artistic aspects of photography. Students develop the ability to create compelling images through purposeful, technical, and artistic decisions.

Film

Film study at ISY encompasses film history, analysis, and production where the goal is to expose students to a wide range of cinematic styles and approaches and to develop the ability to understand film as a complex art form, craft, and institution. Students recognize and interpret the most important elements of film and analyze the way filmmakers convey information, story, and meaning. They also examine a wide range of film styles and movements and explore the central critical approaches to the study and appreciation of film. Finally, students have the opportunity to demonstrate and apply growing cinematic understandings to create their own short films. Students who complete Film I in Grade 9, will follow an advanced course of study through Film II in Grade 10.

Physical Education

High School Physical Education in the high school emphasizes health-related fitness and the development of skills and habits necessary for a lifetime of physical activity. It provides students with opportunities to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical fitness and increases their knowledge of fitness concepts. The program includes skill development and the application of rules and strategies of complex difficulty in the following different movement forms: (1) health-related fitness activities (cardio respiratory endurance, muscular strength, endurance and flexibility), (2) aerobic exercise, (3) team sports, (4) individual and dual sports, (5) outdoor pursuits, and (6) recreational games.

To view the ISY Physical Education Program Vision and Aims, click here.

Health and Wellness

Health and Wellness in the high school is designed to assist students in obtaining accurate information, developing lifelong positive attitudes and behaviors, and making wise decisions related to personal health. Course study includes personal and community health; physical, mental/emotional and social health; injury prevention and safety; nutrition and physical activity; drug and alcohol awareness; anatomy and physiology; and health sexuality education. Refusal skills and decision-making is woven throughout the areas of study to assist students in making healthy choices.

Computer Technology

Technology courses in the high school are offered through an online platform. Courses include a year long introduction to computer science along with an array of electives that include: Engineering Design/CAD, Game Design, Digital Arts, Audio Engineering, 3D Modeling, and 3D Animation. An ISY teacher facilitates course administration by providing assistance and guidance for students as they engage in the online learning platforms being offered.

To view the computer technology vision and aims statement, click here.

Independent Project

This year long course provides high school students with an authentic experience where learning meets creation, research, and design. Through the process of selecting a topic of focused interest and following the stages of design thinking, the Independent Project aims to develop global citizens who contribute to the welfare of the world community, respect the dignity and worth of others, and who are environmentally aware and active.

The high school provides a coordinated approach in supporting students in the range of endeavors and experiences they encounter from Grades 9 through 12. Support programs specific to the high school include personal and academic counseling, career counseling, and advisory. The high school is also committed to supporting the individual needs of students in an academic environment. For information about inclusionary practices, procedures, and communication at ISY, please view our Inclusion Policy.

Counseling

High school counselors work with students, faculty, and parents to—

• Help create a positive school climate in which students can effectively learn;
• Assure a coordinated team effort to address the needs of all students;
• Ensure student access to school and community resources.

The high school counseling program provides…

• Individual academic counseling – supporting students and families when learning issues arise
• Individual social/emotional counseling – supporting students as they experience personal, social or mental stressors
• Individual college/career counseling – supporting student efforts to apply to and prepare for university
• Classroom guidance – empowering students with self-knowledge, coping strategies, and empathy and life skills
• Academic/social planning – including transition activities, IB and longer-term planning
• Crisis counseling – assisting and supporting families in crisis
• Information sessions for parents – including topics such as personal safety, the grading system, university admissions, and Internet/social media use

To view the ISY Counseling Philosophy and Beliefs, click here.

Counselors may be contacted by parents, teachers, students or other community members via phone, email or by dropping-in.

Advisory

The advisory program at the high school level has a two-pronged approach: to promote community-building and celebration in order to develop a positive social and learning climate, and the other, to help students reflect on their behaviors and facilitate useful discussions. The former approach is achieved through grade-level meetings hosted by student council classroom representatives and through town hall meetings. The latter is addressed in designated advisory groups consisting of a small group of students led by a faculty member. 

The purpose of grades at ISY is to communicate student achievement of standards (learning outcomes) and the ISY Expected Schoolwide Learner Results to students, parents, school administrators, and other institutions.

The primary purpose for reporting grades is to communicate student achievement and behaviors that support learning. High school report cards document student performance at the end of each quarter and provide information regarding strengths and areas to improve. The intent of report cards at ISY is to provide a common understanding of a child’s progress and to facilitate growth.

ISY High School Grading and Reporting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions About Grading and Reporting in the High School