CURRICULUM
HS1 & HS2: Building Confidence and Academic Depth
The first two years of our High School, HS1 and HS2, serve as a vital bridge between the inquiry-based learning of the Middle Years and the specialized focus of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP).
Operating as an International Section within our Non-Public High School framework, these years are designed to build the confidence and academic fluency students need to thrive in the Diploma years.
From Inquiry to Mastery Students entering HS1 from the MYP (Grades 5–8) arrive with strong critical thinking and research skills. In HS1 and HS2, we guide them through a natural progression toward Subject Mastery.
The curriculum acts as a “Pre-IB” phase. We retain the interactive, student-centered approach of international education but progressively increase the depth of knowledge in Sciences, Humanities, Mathematics, and Languages. This ensures that when students reach the Diploma Programme, they feel prepared and capable rather than overwhelmed.
A Dual Framework: National Standards, International Approach Legally, our High School functions as a Non-Public General Secondary School recognized by the Polish Ministry of Education. This ensures that our curriculum meets all national educational standards. However, within this framework, HS1 and HS2 operate as a specialized International Section.
What does this mean for your child?
1. English as the Primary Language While we fulfill the learning objectives required by Polish law, the primary language of instruction is English. From Mathematics to the Sciences and Humanities, students immerse themselves in academic English, ensuring they possess the fluency required for the Diploma Programme (DP) and universities abroad.
2. A Tailored Polish Programme We recognize the importance of our local context and differentiate our language programme based on the student’s background:
- For Polish Nationals: We ensure students maintain a deep connection to their heritage. In compliance with national regulations, Polish nationals attend Polish Language and Literature, as well as the History and Geography of Poland, taught in Polish. This ensures they develop high-level proficiency in their native tongue alongside their English studies.
- For International Students: Students who are not native Polish speakers attend Polish as a Foreign Language classes. These lessons focus on communication skills and cultural understanding, helping international students navigate daily life in Poznań with confidence while respecting the host culture.
3. IB Methodology We teach the content of the national curriculum using the methodology of the International Baccalaureate. We move away from rote memorization and focus on inquiry, critical analysis, and practical application.
By the end of HS2, our students are not just ready for the next step; they are equipped with a solid academic foundation that empowers them to succeed in the advanced Diploma years.
