Secondary School - Baku International School

BIS Secondary Program

The secondary program at BIS prepares students for colleges and universities in the United States or across the globe. Classes are individualized, closely monitored, and supervised on campus. The rigorous academic program offers a well-rounded educational program that consists of Mathematics, Science (Biology, Physics, and Chemistry), World Cultural Studies, History, Economics, Literature, Writing, Art, Music, Physical Education, Foreign Language, and Technology.

Each student is required to complete a year-long research project in the last year of their Secondary program. Secondary students may attain an Advanced Placement (AP) Capstone Diploma.

Students receive the support needed to prepare for the demands of university, receiving guidance on careers, college entrance requirements, and SAT test preparation.

Beyond academics, secondary students are encouraged to engage in a wide-range of extracurricular activities.

In This Section

Search

Our secondary students have graduated from BIS and gone on to the following prestigious universities:

American University (US)
Boston University (US)
Columbia University (US)
Florida Institute of Technology (US)
Imperial College (UK)
Kent University (UK)
Kings College (UK)
Penn State University (US)
Rutgers University (US)
Syracuse University (US)
University of British Columbia (CAN)
University of California (US)
University of Edinburgh (UK)
University College London (UK)
University of Pennsylvania (US)
University of Washington (US)
York University (CAN)

...and many more!

Our Secondary Program At a Glance

Daily Schedule

BIS secondary students follow a block schedule with alternating A and B days four days per week. Classes meet for 90 minutes on block days. One day per week, students attend every class for 45 minutes and meet with their advisory group. A typical schedule for secondary students includes eight courses.

The daily bell schedule for block days can be seen below:

Secondary School Schedule
8:40 - 10:15	Block One
10:15-10:35	Break
10:38-12:11	Block Two
12:11-12:48	Lunch and Recess
12:51-2:24	Block Three
2:27-4:00	Block Four

Course Offerings

The following secondary course offerings are provided as an example of scope and sequence an average QSI school may offer. Each QSI school will modify the course offerings according to local needs and requirements. Some schools may offer further courses to be made available through the QSI Distance Learning Program.

Mathematics

Languages

English

Personal Health

Cultural Studies

Science

Creative & Applied Arts

BIS Diplomas

Academic Diploma

This diploma is a college or university preparatory course of study. Students who satisfactorily complete this program should expect admission into an American college or university, or universities in other countries.

A total of 240 Credits (including electives) is required for this diploma.

Minimum Requirements by Department

English (80 credits)

20 - Literature (Literature I & II)
20 - Writing (I & II) or demonstrated competency
10 - American Literature
10 - British Literature
10 - Research Project
10 - Technology

Mathematics (30 credits)

10 - Algebra
10 - Geometry
10 - Mathematics elective

Science (30 credits)

10 - Physical Science
10 - Biology
10 - Science elective

Cultural Studies (40 credits)

10 - World Geography
10 - Modern World History
10 - US-History
5 - World Governments
5 - Economics

Personal Health (20 credits)

10 - Wellness
10 - Physical Education elective

Languages Other than English (20 credits)

20 in one language or demonstrated competencies in a second language

Creative and Applied Arts (10 credits required)

These can be a collection of credits from secondary courses such as: Art I & II, Music, Photography, Drama, etc.

Academic Diploma with Honors

This is the most advanced diploma offered by Quality Schools International. Requirements are the same as The Academic Diploma but with the condition that the credits include at least two Advanced Placement (AP) courses (ten credits each) or at least two International Baccalaureate (higher level) courses.

A total of 240 credits (including electives) is required for this diploma.

General Diploma

This is available to students experiencing time restraints or other challenges that make it impractical to pursue an academic diploma. It is only available to students who are in their fourth year of secondary studies or who will turn 18 years old no later than 30 October following their graduation. This diploma is designed for students requiring a sound general secondary education.

A total of 220 credits (including electives) is required for this diploma.

Minimum Requirements by Department

English (50 credits)

20 - Literature (Literature I & II)
20 - Writing (I & II) or demonstrated competency
10 - Technology

Mathematics (20 credits)

10 - Algebra
10 - Mathematics elective

Science (20 credits)

10 - Physical Science OR Science Applications
10 - Biology OR Microbiology / Environmental Science

Cultural Studies (30 credits)

10 - World Geography
10 - Modern World History
10 - Cultural Studies electives

Personal Health (20 credits)

10 - Wellness
10 - Physical Education elective

Languages Other than English (20 credits)

20 in one language or demonstrated competencies in a second language.

Creative and Applied Arts (10 credits required)

Ten units of credit will be required in the area of Creative and Applied Arts. These ten units can be a collection of credits from secondary courses such as: Art, Music, Photography, Drama, etc.

AP Capstone Diploma

AP Capstone is a new program from College Board that prepares students for the independent research, collaborative teamwork, and communication skills that are in line with what universities are increasingly seeking. The program promotes curious, independent, and collaborative scholars and prepares them to make logical evidence-based decisions. AP Capstone is centered around two AP courses—AP Seminar and AP Research—and is designed to complement and enhance the discipline-specific study in other AP courses.

more information on the ap capstone program and diploma

Mastery Learning in Secondary

Mastery learning is a driving force in our secondary program, and this is founded on high expectations and academic rigor. Our teachers are skilled at mastery learning, providing students the necessary support and individualization needed to be successful. At QSI schools, the mastery learning model defines rigor through the quality of work, which means:

Depth of material over breadth of material.
Mastery of understanding as well as analytical thinking within specific competencies.
High quality work on assignments that shows deep thinking and understanding.
Homework that is specific, purposeful, and relevant to the competencies being mastered rather than busy work.
Mastery of the competencies in the curriculum rather than choosing an arbitrary percentage cutoff, such as a 60% or 70% passing grade, as the standard for passing.

Student Services

BIS provides academic support and career planning with the goal of helping students succeed now and prepare them for their future. The secondary counseling program helps students form healthy goals, positive attitudes and behaviors. A carefully planned course sequence focuses on the Academic Diploma and the AP Capstone Program, which are widely accepted and well recognized for college admission. Students also have the many options to take elective courses to grow and develop new interests and talents.

Learning Support

BIS works with our regional Learning Support Coordinator to provide additional learning support to those identified with special educational needs. Staff work to implement recommended accommodations to their learning environments in order to be successful, and, when deemed necessary by the individual student’s needs, modifications to the curriculum. The school strives to do our best to provide the full conditions for all students, including those with special needs, to be successful in the QSI environment.

Student Life

Secondary students at BIS are encouraged to take part in a wealth of activities, both athletic and academic in nature.

Extracurricular Activities, Clubs, and Sports

Students enjoy an active Student Government and a rich array of after-school activities, sports, and social events. Extracurricular activities and clubs include: BIS Singers, Student Council, National Honors Society, Model United Nations, Creative Writing, Speech and Debate, Mathcounts, etc. New activities and clubs are added each year.

Student Council

The Student Council is an active chapter of the National Association of Student Councils (NASC) and includes elections of officers each fall for middle and secondary school students. The Student Council is a school service organization and has weekly activities and fundraisers for dances, trips, movie nights, and other activities.

National Honor Society (NHS)

The school’s NHS is an active chapter recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) and is an academic honors organization with an emphasis on community service. Membership is determined by high academic achievement along with teacher recommendations.

Sports

A competitive sports program is available to students ages ten through secondary in accordance with SRAA and CEESA rules. Seasonal sports include: cross-country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and track & field. A tournament between many international schools in the Caucasus concludes each seasonal sport. Students often travel to other countries for tournaments to develop positive relationships and engage in new cultural experiences.

BIS recognizes that student life is greatly enhanced when our students become involved in these activities, sports, and clubs, aiding our students to become well-rounded citizens and developing positive relationships.

College Preparedness

Baku International School's diplomas ensure our students have the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in the top universities around the globe. Our skilled, knowledgeable secondary teaching staff use a range of instructional strategies and assessments to challenge and engage students with the curriculum. Students are able to take a range of Advanced Placement courses that offer the depth and challenge of university-level classes. Our guidance counselor supports students in selecting courses for their chosen university programs, as well as supporting them in the university application process and SAT preparation.

Future-Ready Skills

Collaboration, Communication, Creativity, Critical Thinking, and Problem Solving

The secondary program at BIS prepares students for a rapidly changing world. Through our rigorous academic program, our students develop key skills including critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration. It is through these skills that our students are prepared to not only enter post-secondary education, but also become equipped with the skills needed to be competitive and successful in an uncertain future and global economy. Our students utilize current technologies in meaningful ways to maximize their productivity and communication, as well as becoming proficient in digital and information literacy.

Baku International School offers a rigorous, English-language based, college-preparatory program, which prepares students for success in university programs all over the world. Our Secondary program provides a well-balanced academic and social and emotional curriculum that provide students the opportunity to learn, grow, and acquire essential skills needed to be successful in the 21st century.