IGCSE: broad general education is the foundation

Academia International School Winterthur is a predominantly English-language short-term secondary school that can be attended after Year 8 or 9. In the two-year IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) programme, pupils lay the foundations for their further education and career plans. This qualification, which is equivalent to a high school diploma, entitles pupils to study at a university in some countries. In Switzerland, it is the equivalent of a technical or business secondary school diploma, which is a prerequisite for transfer to a College of Higher Education (Höhere Fachschule – HF).

Our teaching method

In the first two years, our pupils develop a broad general secondary education in six to 10 subjects. They gain insight into the humanities and natural and social sciences while improving their linguistic and mathematical skills. At the same time, even at this stage, they have the opportunity to personalise their timetable by selecting from the wide range of subjects they are interested in. In about two years, they will obtain an internationally recognised secondary school diploma, which entitles them to continue their studies.

In addition to imparting the learning material, we specifically promote the social and methodological skills of our pupils in the classroom. This allows them to acquire key competences that are expected in today’s professional world.

All pupils are provided with a personal learning coach. The learning coaches regularly discuss the learning progress with each pupil, seek solutions to problems together and teach study and organisational techniques. This ensures that everyone can achieve their learning goals and realise their potential.

Our highly qualified, motivated teachers not only design varied, modern lessons, but also promote the pupils’ strengths.

Electives and extracurricular activities

An attractive electives programme and extracurricular activities complement the examination-relevant subjects and ensure the holistic development of our pupils.

Requirements

Pupils who have completed secondary school at the Academia Bilingual School are admitted to our IGCSE programme without having to take an exam.

For all other pupils, we expect English proficiency at the B1 level – or a willingness to reach this level with additional instruction within a reasonable time.
Pupils are also required to have completed secondary school with an average grade or to have completed Year 8 (the second year of secondary education) at the highest level.

Follow-on options

After the end of Year 10, the following educational paths are available to our pupils:

  • Transfer to our A Level programme, which results in an internationally recognised higher education entrance qualification and allows them to study at universities and higher education institutions
  • Early transfer to a junior college or certain universities (mostly in the English-speaking world)
  • Start a challenging apprenticeship with a vocational diploma
  • Combine work experience with admission to a College of Higher Education (Höhere Fachschule – HF) in Switzerland

Would you like to find out more? Then arrange a non-binding consultation or attend one of our information events.

Key facts of our IGCSE programme

  • Broad general education with different options
  • Personal learning coach and individual support in a warm and caring environment
  • Holistic approach with innovative teaching and learning methods
  • Internationally recognised qualification after just two years
  • Consistently high success rate in examinations for more than 15 years
  • An exceptional team of dedicated, highly qualified teachers with many years of experience at this level of education

Subjects

Our pupils can choose from the following IGCSE subjects:

German, English, French, Geography, History, Mathematics, Natural Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics), Economics.

Other subjects on request.