High School

Welcome,

I continually see it as a daily blessing to be able to lead the ISW High School Division in its pursuit toward preparing our students to be leaders in the career fields they chose to embark on. Over the past two years, the sheer number and variety of opportunities for students has dramatically increased in both academics and extra-curricular activities. We have seen an increase in the number of Advanced Placement (AP) course offerings on the academic side, and multiple additions on the extra-curricular activities side that include join the SYAC Athletics League and piloting a Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) program during school hours on Fridays. All of these additions have allow our students to grow in their interest-specific academics, compete more aggressively in athletics, explore areas of interest like art, photography, music, science and service. As we look towards next year, we want to continue these wonderful additions, with the goal of improving our students’ experience in each of them. Please continue to partner with us in our pursuit of providing the best educational option for students in Wuxi, China.

Sincerely,
Barbara Foster
High School Principal

CURRICULUM

The ISW curriculum provides a holistic program that balances the development of concepts, skills and character. Our approach focuses on the total growth of the developing child addressing social, physical, emotional and cultural needs in addition to academic welfare.

Our program focuses on guided inquiry, collaboration and communication as approaches to teaching and learning to provide an environment that fosters the development of problem solving and critical thinking as well as subject competencies.

The subjects of Language Arts, History, Social Studies, Science, Mathematics are taught by the classroom teacher. Whenever possible, transdisciplinary links are made across subjects to maximize learning connections.

Chinese, PE, Music and Visual Arts are taught by Specialists to form a comprehensive, varied and rich experience. Technology is used as a tool that enhances and broadens the scope and quality of student learning.

The language of instruction is English, with additional support for non-English speakers.

SUPPORT

At ISW we understand all too well that living abroad and going to school away from home and old friends can be challenging for children of all ages. The difficulties they struggle with are not always visible or clearly expressed. If not addressed, this can affect their behavior as well as their academic performance.

COUNSELING

Our school counselor, Ms. Lianne Ong meets with students who may be having emotional or social difficulties and help determine the best courses of action, which may include a recommendation of counseling. Conversations are confidential. Counselors are available on campus to individuals or groups of students for discussion of problems relating to emotional growth, social adjustment, academic achievement or any other issue.
Appointments may be made by emailing or visiting Ms. Ong

COLLEGE & CAREER COUNSELING

College is an important stage in life, and we recognize that it is a stepping stone towards a bigger world. In order to best guide and prepare our students, ISW provides college counseling in a one-on-one setting in addition to a summative class. Our goal is to help each of them find a major that can best assist them for their future by exploring the different options. Moreover, through providing information on universities across the world, we hope to help them narrow down the list of colleges they strive for and find the ones that best matches their goal. Our high school students’ academic performance and standardized testing grades will also be monitored regularly to encourage their improvement and help them equip with all the necessary criteria to become a stronger candidate so students can thrive in their next stage of life.
ISW also has a Guidance counselor for High School students, Mrs. Barbara Foster. She specializes in helping our students with career and college advice, college application preparation and more.

School Counselor

MS. LIANNE ONG
Glianne.ong@iswuxi.com

University Planning

UNIVERSITY PLANNING OVERVIEW

11th Grade

Fall

  • Schedule a pre-college planning session with the school counselor
  • Take the PSAT/NMSQT
  • Attend a college fair at local schools and visit college websites
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test), SAT II (Subject Tests) and ACT as necessary

Spring

  • Take a TOEFL prep class
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test) and ACT as necessary
  • Use My College Quickstart.com
  • Search potential college websites
  • Target weak academic areas to focus on during summer
  • Obtain recommended reading for college preparation
  • Plan campus visits

12th Grade

Fall

  • Review your college transcript
  • Attend a college fair
  • Complete scholarship and financial aid applications
  • Complete college applications by Dec. 1
  • Take the SAT I (Reasoning Test), SAT II (Subject Tests), ACT and TOEFL as necessary

Spring

  • U.S. citizens file the FAFSA for financial aid (Available in January)
  • Confirm that colleges have received your 1st semester grades
  • Decide which college to attend

UNIVERSITY LIST

  • Cornell University
  • Miami University
  • Butler University
  • University of California
  • Berkeley
  • Liberty University
  • Johnson University
  • Handong Global University
  • University of California
  • San Diego
  • University of Michigan
  • Ann Arbor
  • University of London
  • Union University
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • SUNY (State University of New York) Korea
  • Berry College
  • Lansing Community College
  • Grace College
  • Seoul National University
  • University of Texas
  • Austin
  • Diablo Valley College
  • University of Miami
  • Biola University
  • Indiana Wesleyan University
  • University of Illinois
  • Northwestern College
  • University of Washington
  • Seattle
  • University of Wisconsin
  • Madison
  • University of Pennsylvania
  • Northwestern University
  • Gordon College
  • University of Minnesota
  • University of South Florida
  • Wheaton College
  • University of North Carolina
  • Chapel Hill
  • Ohio State University
  • Columbus
  • Fort Hays State University
  • KAIST
  • Taylor University
  • Jiangnan University
  • Kalamazoo College
  • Indiana University
  • University of Illinois
  • Calvin College

Alumni & Graduates

See More

CO-CURRICULAR

The best learning is active and engaged. It can be found in ordinary places. Take our open gym nights or our High School dance troupe practices, for example. These activities energize students and help them to see the holistic connections between mind, body, and spirit. Activities outside the classroom are not merely add-ons to the core curriculum. They are a continuous enrichment, a way to sustain and deepen learning.

At ISW we believe that co-curricular activities are an important part of education that extends beyond the classroom. Co-curricular activities provide motivation for learning, character building, physical growth and creativity while developing confidence and educating the whole child. Students are encouraged to participate and explore all opportunities that interest them. Students who are involved in co-curricular opportunities become more invested in the school experience, therefore increasing the opportunity for higher academic performance and social well-being.

ATHLETICS

ISW has a fantastic athletics program that grows our students in the knowledge of the sport, and then teaches them how to compete at their highest levels. We compete in volleyball, basketball, and soccer in tournament and regular season play in our city league (SYAC) and across our district (iSC).In high school, the emphasis is on students maximizing their potential as a team to achieve success. This means that playing time is not always equally distributed, but every student is given meaningful playing time.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical education helps children develop physical as well as social-emotional skills to become healthier young people through different sports and games. Sportsmanship, work ethic, communication, and inclusion are daily lessons woven into each activity.The end goal is building confidence, self-worth, and problem solving through a physically active lifestyle.

VISUAL ARTS

ISW’s High School Visual art students use paint, collage, sculptural and digital media to explore artistic expression in a structured and supportive environment. One of the main goals of the art program is to introduce students to classic and modern artistic techniques and then let them create and explore. In addition, they learn about artists, art movements and how to move from concept to creation.

PERFORMING ARTS

ISW is the only international school in Wuxi with a symphonic band program. Students involved with the ISW music department get the opportunity to develop instrumental and choral skills playing a variety of music and getting to perform throughout the year at events like Java and Jazz and the annual Spring Concert.
ISW also has a developing drama program where students are able to work with others and express themselves and their thoughts through plays, monologues and more.

CLUBS

After-school activities are a great tool in our aim to develop well-rounded students. The school sponsors a number of after-school activities that give High School students an opportunity to explore and excel in a particular sport, hobby, or area of interest.

Ready to check us out?

We would love to have you come for a visit to our school.