HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The ISP High School stands out for its educational offer fully integrated into the IB framework, structured in two bienniums. This guarantees students a methodological and conceptual continuity that allows them to consolidate skills, deepen critical awareness and face the pre-university period with solid and coherent preparation.
First Biennium
MYP M4-M5
The final two years of the Middle Years Programme prepare students for the rigorous academic challenges ahead, building essential skills and deep conceptual understanding through inquiry-based learning.
Key Characteristics
- Interdisciplinary learning approach connecting subjects
- Development of critical thinking and research skills
- Personal project demonstrating independent learning
- Focus on international-mindedness and global awareness
- Preparation for the transition to the Diploma Programme
- Assessment criteria aligned with IB standards
- Service learning and community engagement
- Development of approaches to learning (ATL) skills
Second Biennium
DP1-DP2
The Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations, preparing students for success at university and in life beyond.
Key Characteristics
- Six subject groups ensuring breadth and depth
- Extended Essay developing research and writing skills
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) exploring knowledge itself
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement
- Internal and external assessments
- University preparation and recognition worldwide
- Higher Level and Standard Level subject choices
- Bilingual diploma options available
Seamless Transition from MYP to DP
The path from MYP to DP combines academic rigor and educational flexibility, preparing students to successfully access Italian and international universities with a solid and coherent educational foundation.
Key Points of the Educational Offer
International Curriculum and IB Educational Continuity
The ISP High School stands out for its educational offer fully integrated into the IB framework, with a seamless transition from the Middle Years Programme (MYP) to the Diploma Programme (DP). This guarantees students a methodological and conceptual continuity that allows them to consolidate skills, deepen critical awareness and face the two-year pre-university period with solid and coherent preparation. The path combines academic rigor and educational flexibility, preparing students to successfully access Italian and international universities.
Transversal skills and critical thinking as a foundation
Through inquiry-based teaching, the program encourages active and reflective learning, guiding students in the development of transversal skills: analysis, problem-solving, collaboration, time management and effective communication. Great attention is paid to the construction of critical thinking and the ability to connect knowledge with real contexts, forming individuals capable of questioning, evaluating complex information and making informed decisions in a responsible and autonomous way.
Global Citizenship Education and Personal Engagement
At the heart of the IB proposal is a vision of education that goes beyond academic performance: the student is accompanied in becoming a global citizen, aware, open to diversity, empathetic and engaged. CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) activities and interdisciplinary projects foster civic sense and spirit of service, helping students to recognize their impact on the local and global community and to build an ethical and participatory identity.
Individualized support and excellent university orientation
Each student is followed in a personalized way by an international teaching team that is attentive to both academic performance and personal well-being. University orientation is an integral part of the High School path: through dedicated meetings, simulations, preparation for international tests and support in choosing universities, students become aware of their inclinations and future goals. The rate of access to international universities is very high, with destinations in Europe, the United Kingdom, the USA and beyond.
The Sections
The Curriculum
The High School curriculum is structured in two bienniums: the first biennium (MYP M4-M5) completes the Middle Years Programme, while the second biennium (DP DP1-DP2) focuses on the Diploma Programme with subject choices at Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL).
First Biennium: Middle Years Programme (M4-M5)
| IB Disciplinary Area | Subject | M4 | M5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Language and Literature | English | 5 | 5 |
| Language and Literature | Italian | 6 | 6 |
| Language Acquisition | Spanish | 3 | 3 |
| Individuals and Societies | History and Geography | 4 | 3 |
| Sciences | Integrated Sciences | 4 | 4 |
| Sciences | Extra Science | 2 | 2 |
| Mathematics | Mathematics | 6 | 6 |
| Arts | Visual Arts | 1 | 1 |
| Physical and Health Education | Sport and Health Education | 2 | 2 |
| Design | Technology and Informatics | 2 | 2 |
| Religion and Spirituality | Religion and Spirituality | 1 | 1 |
| Total lessons per week | 36 | 35 | |
Each lesson lasts 50 minutes
Language and Literature
English
Italian
Language Acquisition
Spanish
Individuals and Societies
History and Geography
Sciences
Integrated Sciences
Extra Science
Mathematics
Mathematics
Arts
Visual Arts
Physical and Health Education
Sport and Health Education
Design
Technology and Informatics
Religion and Spirituality
Religion and Spirituality
Total lessons per week
Each lesson lasts 50 minutes
High School Life
Lessons last 50 minutes each. MYP M4-M5: 35 lessons per week. DP: Personalized timetable based on subject choices.
Lesson 1
Lesson 2
Interval
Lesson 3
Lesson 4
Lesson 5
Lunch break
Lesson 6
Lesson 7
Admission
You can enter the High School - Gonzaga International High School - ISP: after the third year of middle school in Italy for all four years, consisting of two two-year periods; the first two-year period consists of the two years of the Middle Years Programme (MYP). Alternatively, after the third year of high school in Italian schools, with two years left to go, for the two-year Diploma Programme (DP) only. Fundamental to admission is a level of English language that allows students to confidently and profitably face a challenging course of study in which the language of instruction is English. To this end, we offer English courses to those who wish to enroll at ISP and improve their language skills. For enrollment in any grade of the High School, it is necessary to present the student's previous school records. The ISP High School, as a foreign school, is able to provide a final study title valid in Italy according to law no. 738/1986.
