The Aims of the Upper School

• To create an effective, caring and supporting learning environment.
• To provide students with the qualifications and study skills necessary to access tertiary education
and future careers.
• To provide challenge and opportunities to succeed for all students in order to create high
expectations of behaviour and involvement.
• To develop a sense of social responsibility and develop participation in the international
community.
• To foster self-discipline, leadership, respect for others and the ability to work independently.
• To provide an ethos of continual improvement.
 

The Upper School Curriculum

It is the aim of West Island School to provide our post-16 students with a stimulating and purposeful
curriculum, leading to qualifications which are internationally recognized and accepted as entry
requirements for higher education. We welcome students of all abilities, providing their command of
English is sufficient to enable them to benefit from an English medium education, and offer them not only
a broad and balanced curriculum but also opportunities to develop into responsible members of the adult
community.

WIS has a commitment to provide an appropriate education for all our students regardless of their
ability range and preferred learning style.

The portfolio of qualifications available is collectively known as the ESF Diploma. Below are the paths of
study that will be available to West Island Upper School students.
 

The Advanced Diploma Pathway:

• Preferred Learning Style: formative assessment; no end of course examinations; applied learning;
work experience

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Pathway:

• Preferred Learning Style: less coursework; more terminal exams; less specialization; more
breadth

Choosing which diploma to take can be an extremely difficult decision. Students will need to make a
choice between the IB Diploma and the Advanced Diploma. The decision should only be made after
students are sure they have all the information needed to make such an important decision. Students will
need to discuss with and seek the advice of a whole range of people. These are likely to include parents,
friends, tutor, the Higher Education Co-ordinator (Mrs. Schofield) and subject teachers. Students will also
need to carry out some of their own research into universities and possible future careers. Time is given
in Learning for Life lessons, in individual meetings with tutors and at the Options Evening (Wednesday
19th November 2008) to help prepare students for this decision.
 

Choosing the Advanced Diploma

Students choosing the ESF Advanced Diploma are expected to have attained at least four GCSE levels
ranging from A* to C, though this would not necessarily guarantee success in the Diploma. Each student
will be advised as to his or her suitability for a particular course by subject teachers and the pastoral
team. Students will be required to display a high level of constructive energy to be successful on this
diploma. We are working closely with South Island School in order to create as many option choices
within the Advanced Diploma programme as possible. For more details please see the Advanced
Diploma section of this booklet.

Choosing International Baccalaureate Diploma

Students choosing the IB Diploma are expected to have at least five grades C or above at GCSE /
IGCSE level, two of which will be in Mathematics and English, to be part of the whole IB Diploma. A high
level of constructive energy will be required in order to be successful on the IB Diploma course. For more
information on this route see the IB Diploma section of this booklet.
While West Island is happy to give advice, it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that they are
fully informed before making any decision to do with their options.