8. Additional information for secondary school

Table of contents

8.1 Teacher advisor programme

8.2 Secondary school schedule

8.3 Essential agreements towards assessment

8.4 Homework

8.5 Secondary school student services

8.6 Learning support programme

8.7 Smart period

8.8 Examination schedules

8.9 Promotion guidelines

8.10 Academic awards

8.11 CIS high school diploma requirements: IB Diploma Programme and the Extended Pathway Programme

8.12 Secondary course change policy

8.13 Locations on campus

8.14 Books and supplies

8.1 Teacher advisor programme

The teacher advisor programme at CIS is an integral part of students’ success, designed to give students opportunities to maximise their potential. Being an advisor is an important assignment for every secondary educator.

The goals of the programme are:

  • to ensure that each student in the secondary school will have at least one teacher who oversees “the big picture” for that student
  • to help each student adapt to and succeed at CIS, by ensuring that each student understands the values, culture and character of this unique school
  • to assist each student with their educational, personal and social growth
  • to provide home and school with a primary contact for each student

8.2 Secondary school schedule

The secondary timetable outlines the school day for all students in grades 7 to 12. The schedule for shortened days (e.g. during conferences) can be viewed here. There may be occasional timetable changes due to programme related "off -timetable" days, Parent-teacher or Student led conference or other school events.

8.3 Essential agreements towards assessment

The secondary school essential agreements towards assessment outline the procedures that govern assessment practices.

8.4 Homework

Homework is posted in ManageBac and/or Google Classroom where students and parents can access it (see section 2.4 for further details).

8.5 Secondary school student services

Student services offer activities and services that facilitate the personal, social, academic and career development of students at all grade levels. Read more about our resources and services for secondary students.

8.6 Learning support programme

The secondary school learning support programme helps students on an individual basis to realise success. The learning support team works collaboratively with students, parents and advisors to develop strategies for improvement.

8.7 Smart period

SMART period (after lunch) gives students the opportunity to engage in various aspects of student life, such as student leadership, community service, sports, fine arts or student initiated clubs or activities. It also provides extra time for both independent and collaborative student learning as well as remediation and enrichment. Students are encouraged to make responsible choices about activities they will engage in each day. Read more about SMART period.

8.8 Examination schedules

Examination schedules for secondary students will be posted in the Week at a Glance newsletter (parents) and shared in My.CIS (students).

8.9 Promotion guidelines

Students progress through secondary school by demonstrating growth in learning and meeting expected standards of student achievement. The guidelines for each grade are:

Grades 7 to 10 (MYP)

In the MYP, students are graded on a scale of 1 to 7. These grades are referred to as points in the promotion requirements.

The maximum points a student can acquire in an academic year in the MYP is 56 (7 points in each of the 8 subjects).

To successfully complete each grade level and be promoted to the next grade level, students in grades 7 to 10 must:

  • score a total of 32 points or more in their MYP courses
  • successfully complete the MYP service and activity requirements.

Students who obtain between 28 and 31 total points in their 8 MYP courses, may not automatically proceed to the next grade level. They will be required to attend a conference with the principal (or designee) and parents. Promotion to the next grade level will be at the discretion of the principal.

Students who obtain less than 28 total points in 8 MYP courses will be encouraged to consider alternate educational pathways. This may include repeating the current grade or leaving CIS.

Grade 11 (year 1) promotion guidelines, pathways and graduation requirements

DP year 1 students (grade 11) are promoted to year 2 (grade 12) if they have:

  • earned a minimum of 4 points in each of their six subjects (or a total of 24 points)
  • demonstrated satisfactory progress in the DP core elements: extended essay (EE), theory of knowledge (TOK) and creativity, activity and service (CAS)

If a year 1 (grade 11) student has less than 24 points in total, the principal or designee will review the student’s file to determine whether they meet the following criteria:

  • a minimum total of 9 points in standard level (SL) subjects and 12 points in higher level (HL) subjects
  • satisfactory progress of CAS requirements
  • satisfactory progress in TOK and EE.

Based on these criteria, the secondary school principal and designee will determine whether the student will:

  • repeat grade 11/DP year 1
  • continue to grade 12 on the IB diploma pathway, but on academic probation continue to grade 12 on the CIS High School Diploma pathway.

8.10 Academic awards

Academic awards honour a student’s academic achievement and their commitment to progress both academically and in their approaches to learning (ATL’s). The criteria for academic awards can be viewed here.

8.11 CIS high school diploma requirements: IB Diploma Programme and the Extended Pathway programme

IB Diploma Programme

  • The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offers a comprehensive and challenging two-year curriculum, culminating in final examinations. Designed for highly motivated students aged 16–19, it incorporates the best elements of global education systems, establishing broad and balanced academic depth. Students who choose to pursue the full IB Diploma Programme, graduate with an IB Diploma and WASC-accredited CIS High School Diploma.
  • DP Year 2 (grade 12) students are registered for the IB diploma if they are achieving 4 points in each subject, or 24 points in total, and have shown satisfactory progress in the DP core elements.
  • If a student has less than 24 total points, the principal or designee will review the student’s file, and consult with the family / caregiver to determine if the student will be registered for the full IB Diploma.
  • In accordance with article 13 of the IB’s General regulations: Diploma Programme, the IB Diploma will be awarded to a candidate whose total score is 24 points or above, provided that all key requirements set by the IB have been met. A detailed description of these additional requirements can be found on the IB website. The requirements can be found here.

Extended Pathway Programme

  • The Extended Pathway offers an accredited advanced High School Diploma Programme where students can customize a high school programme in their last two years. By combining IB Diploma courses, Advanced Placement courses and accredited online electives, students tailor an academic programme to their strengths and aspirations.
  • This pathway allows students to take college-level courses and study specific subjects in depth and at a higher level. Both IB and AP are globally recognized for their rigor and are highly regarded by universities worldwide. The High School Diploma is accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges)

CIS High School Diploma Graduation Requirements

The CIS High School Diploma is awarded based on a credit system for all students in grades 9 to 12. Students will be confirmed for CIS graduation upon the successful completion of credit requirements. Details about the CIS High School Diploma and credit system can be viewed here.
 

8.12 Secondary course change policy

From time to time it may be necessary for the school to initiate, or for students and parents to request, changes to a student’s timetable. Please view our secondary course change policy to learn more about the process.

8.13 Locations on campus

Students are not allowed to gather or be in places in the school where there is no adult supervision. This includes the parking lot and bus bay, the roof, or elementary play areas during the school day. After school, students should leave the campus unless in a supervised activity or studying in the library.

8.14 Books and supplies

Textbooks that are used in class are loaned to students during the school year. Students are responsible for each textbook on loan and must pay for damaged or lost books. Report cards will not be released if money is due for a class or library book. Students are required to have stationery that includes pens, pencils, mathematical instruments and lined notepads throughout the year.