General academic information
The academic year consists of 180 instructional days divided into two semesters β August to December and January to June. At the mid-point and end of each semester, students and parents will receive academic reports. Grades are derived from a combination of formative (continuous) and summative (end-of-task) assessments. Internal End-of-Year examinations and Mock/Trial examinations before external examinations (IGCSE & IBDP) exams are conducted.
IMYC programme (Years 7, 8, 9)
Students in Years 7, 8, 9 following the International Middle Years Curriculum (IMYC) focus on academic, personal and international learning goals designed to stimulate and inspire learning. Each subject, English, French, Spanish, Social studies, Science, Mathematics, Computer Science, Music, Drama, Art and Physical Education, have specific learning goals and activities which are delivered and assessed by subject specialists. All the subjects in a particular year group follow the same conceptual unit for six weeks at a particular time. The Unit Themes and Big Ideas allow students to make meaning of their learning and to see the interdependence of their different subject areas.
IGCSE programme (Years 10, 11)
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) courses currently on offer are English Language, English Literature, French, Spanish, Geography, History, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Core Mathematics, Extended Mathematics, Accelerated Mathematics, Computer Science, Music, Drama, Art and Physical Education. In Year 10, the students begin their IGCSE coursework. At the end of Year 11 students sit for the Cambridge IGCSE external examinations from late April until early June. Successful students receive a CIE Certificate and ICE Award.
IBDP programme (Years 12, 13)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), arguably the best college preparatory programme in the world, has been offered at the International School of Lusaka since 1996. The two-year course forms the basis of study in Years 12 (DP1) and Year 13 (DP2).
Students may choose to undertake the full diploma option, and upon successful completion they are awarded the IB Diploma by the International Baccalaureate Organization. Alternatively students may opt to earn certificates for specific IB courses. In addition students have the option of completing the coursework necessary to obtain an ISL High School Diploma in order to graduate from Secondary school.
The following IB courses are currently offered at both Standard Level and Higher Level: English Language and Literature, French B, Spanish B, Spanish ab initio (beginners), History, Geography, Business Management, Economics, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Visual Arts, Theatre Arts, Music and Computer Science.
International School Lusaka is also a permanent test centre for the American Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SATs) and National Benchmark Test (NBT).
Extra-curricular activities
International School of Lusaka gives its students a chance to participate in two activities on a daily basis. These include clubs based on culture, language, art, music, drama, games, academics, as well as sport activities such as netball, football, basketball, volleyball, track and field, and hockey, swimming, and cross country.
After ISL
The school provides a university counsellor to assist with university admissions. ISL students go on to study at universities all over the globe, including USA, UK, Canada, Australia, South Africa, various European countries and, of course, Zambia. More information can be found on the school profile.
Parent Teachers Association
The PTA at International School of Lusaka organises events that help to bring parents, teachers and students together in a spirit of goodwill and co-operation. In addition, the Association strives to promote a better school spirit and raises funds for development projects at the school. The PTA community meets once a month. For more information about how to become involved in the PTA, email primaryprincipal@islzambia.org.