International schools in Ghana offer a variety of curricula designed to meet the diverse needs of their students. These curricula often integrate international standards with a focus on local relevance and 21st-century skills.
American International School (AIS)
At American International School, education is not merely a journey; it's a transformation. The school offers a challenging academic curriculum rooted in Biblical principles.
Our courses are designed to align with the American Education Reaches Out (AERO) Common Core Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS). Our curriculum has been carefully adapted to cater to international students, taking into account their diverse life experiences.
Grade levels are separated by divisions with elementary (prek3-5), middle school (6-8) and high school (9-12). PSAT and college preparatory classes start at the middle school level.
Key aspects of the AIS curriculum:
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- Academic Excellence: Nurturing scholars who embrace the pursuit of knowledge with passion and dedication.
- Holistic Learning: Integrating art, music, sports, and extracurricular activities, ensuring a well-rounded education that goes beyond academics.
- Diverse Perspectives: Celebrating diversity and understanding that it enriches the educational experience.
- Preparation for Tomorrow: Emphasizing adaptability to prepare students for an ever-changing future.
- Inquirer, Thinker, Caring, Open-Minded, Risk-Taker, Reflective: These are not just words; they are qualities we instill in our students.
British International School (BIS)
The secondary programme is segmented into Cambridge Secondary 1 (11-14 years), IGCSE (14-16 years) and AS/A level (16-19 years). Cambridge Secondary 1, otherwise referred to as Lower Secondary starts from Year 7 and ends at Year 9. The subjects for this level are English Language, Science, Mathematics and ICT.
Students are further given the opportunity to lay a strong foundation in other subjects (Literature in English, French, Geography and History) read at the IGCSE level. BIS in collaboration with CIE prepares learners for qualifications within the five major subject groups aligned by Cambridge, namely Languages, Humanities, Mathematics, Sciences and Business, Technical and Vocational.
International Community School (ICS)
ICS Pre-School welcomes children from age 2 up to 4, starting from Nursery 1 and ending at Reception (KG1). Our qualified staff offer a safe, caring and stimulating environment for children to learn and develop.
The Pre-School curriculum is relevant to the children’s needs and prepares them for future school years. The children are taken through literacy, numeracy and IPC lessons. Our activity based lessons give the children the opportunity to actively participate in class.
During the IPC lessons, the children are taken through various themes which help them to understand the need to become aware of the world around them and develop an international mind-set alongside their own nationality. The students embark on field trips to acquire more insights into a particular theme being addressed in class.
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The ICS Primary School starts from year 1 and ends at year 6. Students in year 1 are typically aged 5/6 years of age. Students in year 6 are typically aged 10/11years. For Mathematics, English, and Science, the Cambridge Primary Programme provides the curriculum framework. It develops skills, knowledge and understanding in young learners.
Art, ICT, French, Religious Education, and Physical Education are based on the British National Curriculum. Social Studies is based on the International Primary Curriculum. At the Primary School we believe that children learn best when they have fun.
The ICS Middle School is for learners between the ages of 11-14 years. In addition, subjects such as Music, Art, French, Geography, History, English, Math, Physics, Biology, Chemistry, and ICT are also taught using the British National Curriculum.
Students in Year 9 are introduced to Economics and Business Studies. Students at this level are required to develop skills, acquire knowledge and insights needed for the IGCSE programme at Key Stage 4.
The ICS High School offers two University of Cambridge International Examination academic programmes: the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) which is taken by students in Years 10 and 11 (Grades 9 & 10) and the Cambridge International AS/A Level which is taken by students in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 & 12). The two academic programmes are carefully designed to engage students and give them solid foundations to achieve high levels of academic and personal attainment.
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At ICS, we offer the May/June examination session only. The IGCSE course requires students to take between eight to ten subjects depending on their ability, interest, and career aspirations. The required learning hours per Cambridge IGCSE subject is 170 hours. Assessments take place at the end of the two-year course and include written and oral tests, coursework, and practical assessments.
To maintain a highly rigorous academic experience, the school also offers the International Certificate of Education (ICE) option as part of the IGCSE programme. ICE candidates are required to reach certain standards in a group of subjects in order to obtain this certificate. The Cambridge ICE is awarded to learners who pass at least seven Cambridge IGCSE subjects.
Students who successfully complete the Cambridge IGCSE continue with the Cambridge AS and A-Level programme for another two years. The GCE Advanced A-Level is one of the most recognized qualifications around the world. Students study three or four subjects at A-Level with each course requiring 360 learning hours. This means that learners are expected to spend twelve hours - six hours in class and six hours on their own - per week to learn each subject.
ICS provides support for A-Level students with their studies and university applications by organizing regular training sessions on the university application process, essay writing techniques and SAT preparation for students starting year 12 and first term of year 13. To complete the Cambridge A-Level, students take the Cambridge A-Level exam in three or four subjects at the end of year 13.
Predicted results are provided to college admissions officers with final results sent when available. Cambridge helps schools build a curriculum around their specific needs. Starting from a foundation of core subjects, it is easy to add breadth and cross-curricular perspectives.
For learners, Cambridge IGCSE helps improve performance by developing skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem-solving. There are over 70 subjects available at Cambridge IGCSE, including 30 languages, and schools can offer them in any combination.
Schools worldwide have been involved in the development of Cambridge IGCSE. The syllabuses are international in outlook but retain a local relevance. Learners must take two different languages from Group I, and one subject from each of Groups II, III, IV and V.
Cambridge IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It is tried, tested and trusted by schools worldwide.
Maarif International School Ghana
The curriculum of Maarif International School Ghana reflects and supports its mission and vision. Our curriculum evolved a philosophy of human development that spark major educational movements and influence child development.
The educational approach is structured around to promote the child’s natural self-initiated impulse to become absorbed in a rich environment and to learn from it.
The curriculum of Maarif International School at the Primary reflects and supports its mission and vision. We use international educational approach standards in the Primary section. This is developed to inspire our pupils to become responsible, engaged, and confident.
Classroom sizeMIS Pre-school class sizes range from 10 to 14 learners, a teacher, and an assistant teacher. The Teacher prepares the environment encouraging children to choose the order in which to complete assigned tasks for the week and learn to manage their time through the use of a Weekly Plan. Children self-correct and review their efficiency levels at the end of each week.
Other subjects offered:
- History and Geography, even though all the topics taught are not exclusively about Ghana, care is taken to make topics relevant to their African setting and teach them enough at that level about Ghanaian history and African history as well.
- Turkish, French, P. E., and Music are also on the timetable. These are taught by specialists.
- Physical Education is done once a week by a specialized P.E. teacher.
Our extra-curriculum activities are designed to suit the needs of the learners and pupils. AcademicsOur focus is on cultivating 21st century skills that our students will need both in college and in an increasingly diverse business world.
Inside the IB School Experience: Vice Principal 2, SOS Hermann Gmeiner International College, Ghana
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