Academic Programmes
Cambridge International School offers a full educational programme for 5 to 18 year olds. The school is currently located on two sites; in the suburb of Devin where there are classes for 5 to 18 year olds, and Horsky Park near central Bratislava where there are classes for 5 to 10 year olds. However, in the summer of 2012, the whole school will move to Horsky Park where a splendid new school campus is currently being built.
Our sister Kindergarten, Funiversity, provides preschool programmes for under 5 year olds. There is a Funiversity Kindergarten Reception class at our site on Uprkova ulica in Horsky Park Bratislava, for children aged from 4 to 5 years old. In the main Funiversity site at 21 Gajova ulica in central Bratislava, there are classes for children from 2 to 6 years old.
The curriculum at CIS is based upon the programmes of the University of Cambridge International Examinations group, starting with Cambridge Primary and moving through to IGCSE, AS and A Level in the senior years. The integrated international programmes ensure a smooth transition through the years of schooling and provide the opportunity for students to succeed in a stimulating, externally validated and highly respected world-class educational programme. Ultimately, the qualifications which can be obtained by our senior students can open the doors to universities the world over. From the UK to Austria, Australia to the USA, and here in Slovakia; Cambridge qualifications are universally recognised and welcomed.
The framework which we use for some other subjects across Years 1 to 9 is the National Curriculum for England. It provides statements of content, knowledge, skills and understanding, and attainment target level descriptions for all the subjects we teach other than Slovak and German for natives. There is a huge range of resources available to assist teachers both through the National Curriculum and other teacher websites, as well as from dozens of publishers and educational resource manufacturers supplying thousands of schools in the UK and internationally.
Although we use the National Curriculum for England, we are not a British/English school. Where subject content is considered to be too UK centred, we have sought other either local or international replacements if this is appropriate. An obvious example would be in the teaching of history where details of British history are replaced with other history that enables the development of the same skills but through material that is likely to be of more relevance or interest to our international student body. However, if a period of UK history had a wide impact or is of unique interest, we may still include it, particularly as it is likely to be very well resourced for teaching. We are also mindful of the demands of the international examination programmes which start in Year 10. Consequently, we ensure that our curriculum in Years 1 to 9 provides students with the opportunity to build a strong foundation in preparation for the challenges that the future will bring.
English is the language of instruction throughout the school. We also offer German and Slovak lessons for both native and second language speakers according to our curriculum programme. Spanish, French and Chinese lessons are also provided at the school by special arrangement with external teachers.
