Curriculum and languages
IAS teaches an American curriculum from Kindergarten upward. The International Baccalaureate Diploma is available in the final two years. Every lesson is in English, and the language programmes run alongside for students who arrive without it.
Two curricula
American curriculum and diploma options.
The American curriculum
It runs the length of the school, from Kindergarten to Grade 12, covering mathematics, science, social studies and English in a sequence that builds on previous learning. Placement takes account of age, prior schooling and language skills. Art, music and physical education are timetabled every week.
The IB Diploma Programme
Grades 11 and 12. Six subjects, three at higher level, plus Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service. Students go deeper into fewer subjects, and are asked to defend a position under questioning.
The Polish Matura
Because the Polish Ministry of Education recognises IAS, a family that expects to stay in Poland can keep the national examination route open without giving up the international one, with the Matura available at IAS.
Languages
What is taught, and to whom.
Most students here are working in a second or third language. The programmes below exist for that reason.
- English
- The language of instruction, in every subject and every year group.
- EAL
- English as an Additional Language, for students still building it. The EAL staff plan with the subject teachers and work to the same timetable, to coordinate language support with classroom learning.
- Polish Language and Literature
- Followed by Polish nationals, and by students with two or more years of Polish education behind them.
- Polish as an Additional Language
- For students who arrive without Polish. It teaches the Polish a child needs outside the classroom.
- French
- Begins in Grade 6, alongside a further modern language option.
- Mother tongue
- Students are encouraged to keep developing the language they speak at home. Additional languages have been supported on parental request.
Language options are confirmed for each year group at enrolment, because they depend on the year and on the group. Ask admissions what is running for the year your child would join.
Assessment
How work is judged.
Narrative first
In the early stages of language development a student receives written feedback, not a grade. Feedback distinguishes language development from subject understanding.
Referencing
MLA style across Middle and High School. Turnitin on external assessment work.
Integrity
From Grade 6, students and parents sign an Academic Integrity Pledge. The same standard covers the use of artificial intelligence.
Reporting
Attendance and progress go into the Vulcan eRegister. Parents can see it themselves, at any point in the term.
Questions
Want to know how your child would be placed?
Placement takes account of age at enrolment, prior schooling and language, and admissions discusses these with families before confirming placement. We reply within one working day.
