Senior Years (11-12)
Senior School at the International School of Western Australia comes with many opportunities, additional independence, responsibility, and choice.
As ambassadors for ISWA, our Year 11 and 12 students are encouraged to participate in our School Leadership and Service Learning courses to help shape our positive and inclusive student community.
With less than 12 students per class, our graduates are provided with a truly personalised education. The School believes in providing the best possible foundation for our students to confidently navigate the world after school life.
Our Senior School programme has enabled our alumni to graduate from more than 66 distinct universities across the globe.
Choice of Academic Pathways
ISWA offers two academic pathways for our Year 11 and 12 senior students. This includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the US College Board Advanced Placement (AP).
- Both the IB and the AP are internationally recognised paths of study.
- Universities across the globe welcome students from both pathways. Evidence shows students who participate in either programme are more likely to outperform their peers at university or college.
- Both are valid and progressive alternative options to the WACE programme and are recognised for entry into WA universities.
- A higher weighting or ranking is given to the final results of the IB DP and Advanced Placement. This can significantly increase eligibility for university entry and scholarships.
Download the Academic Pathways at ISWA
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme is run over two years and students will take some subjects at Higher Level (HL) and some at Standard Level (SL) across six different subjects.
There are three additional components that are necessary to graduate. These components include:
- Theory of Knowledge
- Extended Essay
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
IB DP graduates are valued for their attributes of reflection, critical thinking, active service. In addition, graduates are better able to transition to learning at university level.
US College Board Advanced Placement
The AP is considered the benchmark for academic excellence in the USA. Established by the U.S. College Board, Advanced Placement (AP) courses are designed to expose able and motivated High School students to first-year university-level academic material.
The International School of Western Australia is the only Australian Secondary School to offer the AP courses to students.
AP courses are run as challenging one-year senior-level courses. ISWA students choose to take two AP courses in Year 11, and another three in Year 12.
AP graduates are valued for their engagement in university-level work, their writing and problem-solving techniques and development of study habits necessary for tackling rigorous coursework.
Course Details
For further information please visit external sources:
Acknowledgement of Country
We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we are on, the Whadjuk (Perth region) people and pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We acknowledge, respect and seek to learn from their wisdom, continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.