ᐅ High School in Como with IBDP ᐅ International School of Como

High School Education in Como

IB Diploma Programme - Ages 16 to 19

At our High School in Como, students in Grades 12 and 13 follow the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), the third and final IB Continuum stage.

The IBDP is globally regarded as the gold standard qualification for pre-university education, culminating in external examinations assessed by the IB Organisation. The International School of Como has offered the IBDP for a decade with outstanding results, benefiting from the extensive expertise of our sister school in Milan, which has administered the programme since 1987.

Through the IBDP, our High School students develop the future-ready skills, attitudes and values necessary for success in university studies and the globalised workplace.

Why Choose Our High School in Como to study the IBDP?

Choosing our High School in Como for the IBDP ensures that your child will receive outstanding academic preparation, comprehensive university support, and a well-rounded educational experience with the world’s leading pre-university qualification.

IBDP Curriculum

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a challenging and rewarding two-year course of study designed to thoroughly prepare students aged 16 to 18 for success at university and beyond. It offers a structured curriculum that combines rigour with flexibility, allowing students to tailor their learning experience according to their interests and academic profiles.

At our High School in Como, in addition to the IBDP core components, students must study subjects from six subject groups representing different academic areas. These include two modern languages, history, experimental science, mathematics, and either visual arts, a third language, or another Science or Humanities subject. This framework encourages the simultaneous study of various scholarly subjects tailored to each student's university and career aspirations.

IBDP Subjects

Three subjects are chosen at Higher Level (HL), and the remaining three at Standard Level (SL). Students can make their choices flexibly, deciding which subjects to study more deeply with a view to future university course options. At both levels, various skills are developed, especially those of critical thought and analysis.

Group 1 / Language & Literature or Literature - English, Italian, Self-Taught Language A (private)
Group 2 / Language Acquisition - English, Italian, Spanish, French, German
Group 3 / Individuals & Societies - History, Geography, Business Management
Group 4 / Sciences - Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Systems & Societies (ESS)
Group 5 / Mathematics - Analysis & Approaches, Applications & Interpretations
Group 6 / The Arts or select additional from Groups 2/3/4 - Spanish Ab Initio, Visual Arts, Music, Economics, Chemistry
Core Components: all three compulsory - TOK (Theory of Knowledge), Extended Essay and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service)

IBDP Assessment

At the end of the DP course, students’ achievements are evaluated through external examinations in their chosen subjects. Many subjects also involve tasks that are internally assessed by the teachers and externally moderated by the International Baccalaureate. Each separate grade (between 1 and 7 points) is summated to produce a combined score, with the Extended Essay and TOK potentially adding extra points, up to a maximum of 45. Students are also required to fulfil the CAS component to successfully complete their IBDP course.

Languages in the IBDP

As in previous academic stages, the language of instruction in our High School in Como is English. ISC students have all their subjects taught in English except for languages.

At the DP level, students learn either English or Italian Language and Literature, although choosing a different self-taught IBDP Language A with a private tutor might be possible (subject to approval by the school Principal).

Students may select Spanish, German, French, Italian or English as their Language B option. DP learners can also expand their multilingual skills with extracurricular language options, spanning Russian, Spanish, or French.

High School Facilities

Situated within a dedicated Secondary School wing designed to meet the specific needs of our older students, our High School in Como offers a wealth of resources to nurture talents and prepare students for success beyond school.

IBDP students benefit from specialised facilities to enhance technical and life skills, including a robotics lab, three fully equipped science labs, and dedicated art rooms (a visual arts studio, a music classroom, a drama studio, and an auditorium for performances). Additional amenities include a multi-sports field, a renovated Secondary School library, and a cafeteria serving nutritious meals prepared on-site.

At ISC, we are dedicated to continuously improving our facilities to provide the best educational experience. Upcoming expansions include twelve new classrooms, additional IBDP study and social spaces, new facilities for visual and performing arts, and upgraded sports amenities, including a swimming pool, gym, and football pitch.

Learning from Exceptional High School Teachers

Our high school teachers are highly qualified, IB-certified, and dedicated to preparing students for success in the Diploma programme, university, and beyond. They are all native-level English speakers, with many proficient in multiple languages, fostering a nurturing international environment for learners to explore their interests and develop their talents.

All IBDP teachers at ISC benefit from professional development opportunities at our school and within the wider IB and Inspired networks, ensuring they stay up to date with the best educational practices to effectively prepare students to excel in our globalised world.

Extracurricular Activities for High School Students

At our High School in Como, we value extracurricular learning so that students can develop unique talents and skills beyond the classroom. Our diverse after-school programme offers activities such as languages, music, drama, sports, robotics, various personal interest clubs, homework supervision, and service as action, among others.

All activities are led by professional, experienced teachers and coaches, both on-campus and in collaboration with local partners. The selection of clubs changes annually and typically takes place on school days from 3:50 pm to 4:50 pm.

Clubs

Currently, the available clubs include:

FLL (First Lego League)
Robotics Club
MUN (Model United Nations)
Maths Club
Creative Writing in English & English
Handwriting Club
Russian Language School
French Club
Spanish with Pop Songs Club
Percussion Club
Music Club
Painting Skills Club
ISC Football Team Training
Girls Football Club
Volleyball Club
Fencing Club
Homework Club

Enriching Opportunities for Our High School Students

Our High School in Como ensures that DP students benefit from exceptional personal development opportunities on a global scale. As members of both the Inspired Education Group and the International School of Europe Group, ISC students can participate in inter-school competitions, exclusive global camps hosted by sister schools worldwide, and enriching exchange programmes ranging from five weeks to a full academic year. These initiatives foster cultural immersion and cultivate an international perspective while equipping students with essential 21st-century skills such as adaptability, independence, collaboration, and multilingual proficiency.

Additionally, our IBDP students participate in the CAStaway G12 programme, a residential field trip integral to the DP’s CAS component. Alongside community service, this trip emphasises team-building and cultural enrichment, further enhancing students’ personal growth and global awareness.

Discover how our high school education in Como can guide your child to the university and career path of their dreams.

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