At SAIL International High School, the first two years of high school mark a critical phase in our academic voyage. Here, we blend Poland’s rigorous Liceum core curriculum with the globally recognized Cambridge IGCSE framework, forging a robust foundation for future academic success while nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and independent learning.
Cambridge IGCSE was established more than 30 years ago. Today, it’s the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Not only is it truly international - it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn and more ways to succeed. Leading universities and employers worldwide accept Cambridge IGCSE as evidence of academic ability.
The Core Curriculum
In alignment with the Polish general high school curriculum, students explore a wide array of subjects designed to foster both knowledge and personal growth:
Language and Literature: Focusing on language mastery, literary analysis, and effective communication, this subject deepens students’ appreciation of national cultural heritage while honing their expressive skills.
Mathematics: Building on prior knowledge, advanced problem-solving and logical reasoning are developed through challenging mathematical concepts and analytical exercises.
Natural Sciences: Subjects such as biology, chemistry, and physics are taught through inquiry-based learning and hands-on experimentation, sparking curiosity about the natural world.
Humanities and Social Sciences: History, geography, and civics help students understand societal development, cultural diversity, and global interconnections, fostering a well-rounded worldview.
Foreign Languages: With English as the primary medium of instruction and additional language options available, students enhance their linguistic proficiency and intercultural communication skills.
Physical Education: Regular sports and physical activities promote teamwork, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle.
Arts and Creative Expression: Music, visual arts, and drama encourage creative thinking and self-expression, contributing to a balanced academic experience.
Cambridge IGCSE
Complementing these core subjects, the Cambridge IGCSE program empowers students with a unique choice among over 70 elective subjects. This flexibility allows each student to specialize in areas aligned with their interests and strengths, while reinforcing the global perspective and inquiry-based learning approach that are hallmarks of Cambridge education.
Key aims of this phase include:
Interdisciplinary Excellence: Establishing a strong academic foundation that bridges national educational standards with international best practices.
Critical Thinking & Innovation: Cultivating analytical, independent, and problem-solving skills essential for tackling complex real-world challenges.
Global Readiness: Enhancing language proficiency and intercultural competence through daily immersion in English and exposure to a diverse curriculum.
Future Preparation: Equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to pursue advanced academic pathways and excel in higher education.
At SAIL, our IGCSE phase is designed to set our students on a course toward academic excellence and lifelong learning—preparing them to navigate the ever-changing seas of knowledge with enthusiasm and determination.
Holistic or specialized education?
In secondary education, there are two primary approaches regarding the range of subjects: the specialized and the holistic approach.
The specialized approach—exemplified by stand-alone Cambridge IGCSE subject qualifications and later A-levels—focuses on in-depth mastery of individual subjects, preparing students for highly targeted, highly flexible subject-specific studies.
In contrast, the holistic approach integrates multiple disciplines into one cohesive framework. This method - exemplified by programs such as the Cambridge ICE Diploma, followed by the Cambridge AICE Diploma or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma - fosters broad intellectual growth, strong problem-solving skills, and interdisciplinary thinking, nurturing well-rounded individuals.
Both methods offer distinct advantages, enabling students to choose a path that best aligns with their learning styles and future aspirations. Students who wish to focus on their strengths or who have already decided on a specific career path may find that a specialized high school pathway suits them best, whereas those who prefer to keep all options open may opt for a holistic approach. At SAIL High School, Cambridge International caters to both philosophies.
The stand-alone IGCSE subject qualifications lay the foundation for the specialized, in-depth A-levels in the following two years. Within these high-quality A-level pathways, SAIL has started a close academic cooperation with the Pomeranian Medical Universities and the Maritime University to bridge the traditional gap between secondary and university education.
The holistic ICE Diploma offers a comprehensive framework that excellently prepares students for advanced programs like the Cambridge AICE Diploma or IB Diploma.
Moreover, both educational paths are recognized in more than 160 countries, providing seamless access to top universities around the world.
Holistic or specialized Education?
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