Academics - Secondary

							SECONDARY ACADEMICS AT ISLAND ACADEMY

The Upper School recognizes that the highest aspiration of the educational process is to
imbue the human mind with knowledge, tolerance and vision, and to stimulate a lasting
desire to learn. Our programmes are designed to ensure, as much as possible, that
graduates are prepared to meet the admission requirements of the most competitive
colleges and universities, to excel in such institutions, and to attain their personal and
career goals. All school programmes are designed to develop students’ academic and
leadership abilities and their personal, social and civic awareness.

Grades 8-11

At the intermediate and lower senior level, students prepare for exams set by the
Caribbean Exams Council (CXC). At the same time, the curriculum reflects the need to
prepare students for success in the Ontario or IB Diploma programmes that lead to
admission to post-secondary institutions. The range of subjects offered at this level
include: English: Language and Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Integrated Science,
Biology, Chemistry, History, Geography, Principles of Accounts, Principles of Business,
Information Technology, Spanish, Art, Physical & Health Education.

The Ontario Programme

In February 2004, Island Academy received permission to offer credit courses leading to
the Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The OSSD is well respected internationally, and
students who successfully complete this course of study will have the opportunity to enter
universities in the United Kingdom, the United States or Canada.

The Ontario curriculum is liberal and progressive and students are expected to develop
higher-order thinking and learning skills. They are taught to take responsibility for
themselves and others and encouraged to independently assess and direct their learning,
to set goals and to investigate career possibilities. The Ontario system expects that
students will be well-schooled in the skills necessary for them to take their place as
individuals in the global community.

Courses offered at this level include the following: English, The Writer’s Craft,
Advanced Functions and Introductory Calculus, Geometry and Discrete Mathematics,
Functions and Relations, Financial Accounting, International Business, Physics, Biology,
Chemistry, World History, World Issues, and Visual Art.



The International Baccalureate (I.B.)

The International Baccalureate Organisation (IBO) is a non-profit educational foundation
based in Europe. Three programmes are offered: the Primary Years Programme (PYP),
the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme. Island Academy is in
the process of seeking authorization to offer the PYP and the Diploma programmes.

Further information about the IBO can be obtained by visiting their website at
www.ibo.org.