IGCSE: secondary school diploma in two years

The English-language short-term grammar school at the Academia International School begins with the two-year IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) programme. This qualification is equivalent to a high school diploma and, in some countries, entitles pupils to study at a university. 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 Year 9 and 10, our pupils take six to 10 subjects according to the IGCSE syllabus to gain a broad general education. Thanks to a wide range of subjects, they can cultivate their individual interests and build on their strengths. After about two years, they already have an internationally recognised secondary school diploma in their hands, which entitles them to continue their studies.

Our programme is characterised by innovative teaching and learning methods. This allows our pupils to acquire the necessary school knowledge and also develop social and methodological skills that will be useful to them later in their studies and work.

Our team of highly qualified, motivated teachers support the strengths of all pupils. A personal learning coach also ensures that they reach their individual learning goals. In the regular discussions, we talk about much more than the actual transfer of knowledge in the specific subjects. This allows the pupils to learn about and apply appropriate learning and organisational techniques.

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 with us 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 completing the IGCSE, the following educational paths are open to our pupils:

  • Transition to our A Level programme, which results in an internationally recognised higher education entrance qualification and enables them to study at universities and higher education institutions in Switzerland and abroad
  • 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:

Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, German, English, French, Geography, History, Economics.

Other subjects on request.

Targeted language promotion

To ensure that our native-speaker pupils receive the best possible support, we conduct German and English lessons in separate classes.