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Secondary School

A challenging and balanced academic journey supporting independence, leadership and preparation for further study and adult life.

Overview

Preparing Students for a Changing World

Secondary School at ISSA combines academic challenge with strong support. Students develop the knowledge, thinking and habits of work that further study and employment increasingly demand.

Alongside the classroom, students take part in sport, culture, service and leadership, building a rounded record of school life.

Academics

Academic Approach

Knowledge and thinking

  • Subject knowledge
  • Critical thinking
  • Practical application

Working habits

  • Communication
  • Independent learning
  • Assessment

Guidance

  • Teacher guidance
  • Tutor support
  • Regular feedback to families

Pathways

Academic Pathways

ISSA offers Cambridge and IEB pathways. Subject availability is confirmed by the school each year.

Cambridge Pathway

The Cambridge pathway progresses towards IGCSE and onward to advanced study, developing subject depth, examination technique and independent research skills.

Subject combinations are confirmed by the school and are not listed here.

IEB Pathway

The IEB pathway leads towards the National Senior Certificate, with continuous assessment, examinations and preparation for South African university entrance.

Detailed subject and assessment information is issued by the school directly.

Sixth Form

Sixth Form at ISSA

Sixth Form is the final stage of the ISSA journey: advanced study, greater independence and preparation for university and beyond.

Advanced study

  • Advanced qualifications
  • Subject knowledge
  • Examination readiness

Independence

  • Independent learning
  • Research and study skills
  • Time management

Guidance

  • Subject choices
  • Career guidance
  • University preparation

Wider programme

  • Visiting speakers
  • Leadership
  • Service

Balance

  • Sport participation
  • Cultural participation
  • Wellbeing support

Next steps

  • Application guidance
  • Referee support
  • Transition to university

Support

Pastoral and Academic Support

Tutors and teachers monitor academic progress and wellbeing together, so that students receive help early rather than late.

Support covers organisation, study skills, subject difficulties, friendships and the pressures that accompany senior school study.

Recognition and Responsibility

Achievement
Effort
Punctuality
Organisation
Participation
Critical thinking
Respect

Leadership

Student Leadership

Leadership at ISSA is practical: students represent their peers, mentor younger learners, lead teams and contribute to the running of school life.

  • School Prefect Body
  • Class representation
  • Portfolio responsibilities
  • Sports captaincy
  • Student Parliament
  • Mentor and mentee programmes
  • Boarding leadership
  • Club and community leadership

Enrichment

Clubs and Enrichment

Clubs broaden interests and build confidence outside the classroom. The list below is provided for confirmation.

Debating
Public speaking
Community service
Interact
Computing
Peer tutoring
Arts and crafts
Theatre
Chess
Current affairs
Film
Photography
Culinary activities
Clubs and enrichment activities are subject to annual confirmation.

Speak to the Secondary School

Contact us about entry points, pathway choices and Sixth Form study at ISSA.