Year 10 to Year 13 (Grade 9 to Grade 12)

In Years 10 and 11 (American grades 9 and 10), students follow a broad range of 10 two-year courses and are externally evaluated on coursework and/or exam work at the end of the two years. All British School of Chicago students take courses in:

• English Language & Literature
• Mathematics
• Sciences (Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
• At least one foreign language (French or Spanish) 
• At least one social science (History or Geography)
• U.S. Studies

Two electives are chosen from a range of options for the remaining subjects. Additional classes can be taken in:

• Art and Design
• Information, Communication and Technology (Computer Software and Hardware)
• Design and Technology (Industrial Arts)
• Music
• Physical Education
• Media Studies
• Global Perspectives
• Business Studies

These rigorous courses require students to independently prepare course-work, monitor their own progress and study subjects in depth. Such skills and broad knowledge attainment will cultivate an excellent groundwork for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) in Years 12 and 13 (American grades 11 and 12).

The IBDP has an international reputation as a highly rigorous two-year academic course which does an outstanding job of preparing students for university and beyond. Students in the IBDP take one course from six academic groups;

Group 1 - Language A
Group 2 - Second language
Group 3 - Individuals and societies
Group 4 - Experimental sciences
Group 5 - Mathematics and computer science
Group 6 - The arts or an additional course from groups 1 - 5

Three of the courses are taken at higher level (comprising 240 teaching hours), and three courses are taken at standard level (comprising 150 teaching hours). There are more than 25 course options available to students, allowing BSC to have one of the most flexible IB programs in the city. To qualify for the IB Diploma students must also complete the 3 core requirements; service hours known as CAS (Creativity, Action, Service); complete an extended essay; and take a course in the Theory of Knowledge.

The aim of the IB program is to develop internationally minded people, who recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.

While the IBDP is an exceptional program for university preparation, not all BSC students will choose to complete the full diploma requirements.  Certifcates within each of the academic groups are available for individual evaluation. Courses outside the IBDP will be on offer for students taking this route, leading to a British School of Chicago high school diploma.

To learn more about the college counseling program at British, as well as college and university placement please click here.

If you would like a complete curriculum guide to the courses offered, please email the admissions department to request a mailing at admissionsbsc@britishschool.org.