The British International School, Cairo

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Km 38, Cairo-Alexandria Road
Beverly Hills Giza
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info@bisc.edu.eg
Phone:  (+202) 3827-0444

The Options Process

GUIDANCE FOR STUDENTS

We recognise at BISC that making curriculum choices can be a difficult time for students. Many students have a clear idea of what subjects they would wish to study at IB. However, it is perfectly normal and expected for students not to be sure at this stage of their studies. 

The Options Process at BISC is designed to be a staged and supported process. Students will be encouraged to discuss, debate and re-consider all possibilities. The school’s Careers Advisor, teachers, the current Head of Year and tutors, the Deputy Head and the IB Coordinator will support students. Of course, it is essential that students also discuss their options with their parents.

The Options Process is staged: 

      1. There is a presentation for both students and parents on February 10th. We will explain what IBDP means, the subjects offered at BISC and some important deadlines. Both students and parents will have the opportunity to talk with teachers to make sure that our students make good choices.  
      2. The Director of Careers, Ms. Bridget Coughlin, and College Guidance Counselor, Ms. Salam Ali, will be at the above presentation to offer advice regarding course choices. 
      3. There is a Parent-Teacher conference in February before final choices are made.
      4. Of course, during this period, we encourage students to talk to their teachers, and seek as much advice as possible before committing to their options.

    All option forms must be completed online by Monday 24th February. Students should, if they have opted for subjects within the blocks, get their first choice, but we will contact them should there be any problems.

    SUBJECTS OFFERED AT BISC – ADVICE FOR STUDENTS 

    It is imperative that you make choices within these options blocks. Do not choose two subjects from the same box. This curriculum design has been generated to allow flexibility, choice and to meet the needs of a variety of students (as well as university requirements). Please note the entry requirements for each subject. 

    Languages at BISC

    In Years 12 and 13, students must select to study a modern foreign language as part of the IB Diploma Programme.

    BISC offers the following languages at IB level: 

    • Arabic B (Higher and Standard Level) (This course is not suitable for students who have studied IGCSE Arabic) 
    • French B (Higher and Standard Level) 
    • Spanish B (Higher and Standard Level)
    • French or Spanish ab initio (beginner’s course, Standard Level only)

    Please see individual subject descriptions for further details.

    Exceptionally, and at the discretion of the Deputy Head (Academic), students may be entered privately for exams in  their own mother tongue languages. However, the following must be noted: 

    • Such entries are subject to supplementary fees, as agreed with the private tutors. 
    • Such entries will depend on parents securing a well-qualified tutor. 
    • For IBDP students, such tuition may be arranged to occur at home out of school hours. 

    Such tuition can only occur on the school site, at a time that fits with the students’
    timetable commitments, if the tutor has been DBS cleared.

    MAKING YOUR CHOICES 

      1. It is important that you discuss these options with the Careers Team and your parents. A Careers Interview will be scheduled for you soon.
      2. Please refer to the options below for further details and entry criteria for all subjects. Remember, for entry to do the IB course, you MUST have at least five  Level 5 grades at IGCSE. You must also meet the individual subject entry requirements.
      3. For IB, select one subject from each of the first three blocks (Mathematics, English, and Languages). 
      4. Select one science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Computer Science)
      5. Select one subject from a choice of Business Management, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History or Psychology.
      6. Select Visual Arts, Music, or any subject from a block where you have not already selected a subject. 
      7. Check that you have selected 3 Higher Level subjects and 3 Standard Level subjects.
      8. Option Choices will have to be made by 24th February  A Google form will be sent on Tuesday 11 February by Mrs. Sarah McGinlye, Director of Sixth Form.

      If you have any questions, please email Sarah.McGinley@bisc.edu.eg or Mariam.Ayad@bisc.edu.eg

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