Upper School: Grades 11–12

International diplomas. Individual support. A future that fits your child.

At the International School of Berne (ISBerne), students ages 16–18 benefit from an English-language Upper School programme that prepares them for university, professional training, apprenticeships, and international opportunities. Through small classes, individual support, and internationally recognised diploma pathways, students develop the knowledge, confidence, and independence needed for success beyond school.

As the only International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School in the Bern region offering the IB Diploma Programme, ISBerne provides a unique secondary school experience for both Swiss and international students. Families may choose from four diploma pathways, including the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP), Bilingual IB Diploma, Diploma Courses Pathway, and ISBerne High School Diploma.

Whether your child plans to study in Switzerland or abroad, our Grade 11–12 programme combines academic challenge with personalised guidance. Students learn in English, build strong relationships with teachers and classmates, and receive support from a dedicated Upper School Principal and Futures & University Counsellor as they prepare for their next steps.

With students representing more than 50 nationalities, ISBerne combines the advantages of an international education with the warmth of a close-knit community where every student is known, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

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Find the Right Diploma Pathway

Every student has different strengths, interests, and goals. At ISBerne, students in Grades 11–12 can choose from four diploma pathways, allowing them to pursue a programme that aligns with their academic profile, interests, and future plans.

Whether your child is aiming for university studies in Switzerland or abroad, exploring future career opportunities, or seeking a more flexible academic pathway, our team will help them select the programme that best supports their next steps.

International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP)

For students seeking a challenging, internationally recognised programme that prepares them for university study around the world.The International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (IBDP) is our most comprehensive and academically demanding pathway. Students study six subjects, including three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, while completing the Core components of the programme: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Recognised by universities around the world, the IBDP develops critical thinking, research, communication, and time-management skills while providing broad academic preparation across multiple subject areas.

Students who successfully complete the programme earn both the International Baccalaureate® Diploma and a U.S.-accredited High School Diploma.

This pathway may be a good fit for students who:

• Enjoy academic challenge across a range of subjects
• Are considering university studies in Switzerland or internationally
• Thrive in an inquiry-based learning environment
   

Learn more about the IB Diploma Programme

Bilingual International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme

For students who wish to earn the IB Diploma while demonstrating academic proficiency in two languages.The Bilingual IB Diploma follows the same rigorous academic framework as the full International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme while formally recognising advanced proficiency in two languages.

Students complete the full IB Diploma Programme and graduate with both an IB Diploma and a Bilingual Diploma designation. This pathway is particularly attractive for students who wish to continue developing strong academic skills in both English and German or another language.

Students also receive a U.S.-accredited High School Diploma upon graduation.

This pathway may be a good fit for students who:

• Have strong language skills in English and another language
• Want formal recognition of achievement in two languages
• Are interested in future opportunities in multilingual environments
   

Learn more about the Bilingual Diploma

ISBerne Diploma Courses Pathway

For students seeking greater flexibility while combining selected IB courses with ISBerne coursework.The Diploma Courses Pathway offers a flexible alternative to the full IB Diploma Programme. Students combine selected International Baccalaureate® courses with ISBerne coursework, creating a programme tailored to their strengths, interests, and future goals.

Students complete at least one IB Diploma subject, participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and may choose to pursue additional IB components such as Theory of Knowledge (TOK) or the Extended Essay (EE).

Upon graduation, students receive an ISBerne High School Diploma as well as certificates for successfully completed IB courses.

This pathway may be a good fit for students who:

• Want to include IB courses within a more flexible programme
• Prefer a balanced academic workload
• Are seeking a pathway that can be adapted to individual interests and goals

ISBerne High School Diploma Pathway

For students seeking a flexible pathway focused on their individual goals and future plans.The ISBerne High School Diploma Pathway provides a flexible and supportive programme leading to a U.S.-accredited high school diploma. Students complete six ISBerne courses and participate in Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), while benefiting from individual guidance and support.

This pathway is often chosen by students seeking a less intensive alternative to the IB Diploma Programme while maintaining access to a wide range of future educational and career opportunities.

The diploma is accredited through CIS, NEASC, and NCAA-recognised standards. Students who successfully complete two Language A courses may also qualify for a bilingual ISBerne High School Diploma.

This pathway may be a good fit for students who:

• Prefer a flexible and supportive academic programme
• Want to focus on individual strengths and interests
• Are considering a variety of post-secondary pathways, including university studies, professional training, apprenticeships, or gap years

Preparing for Life After ISBerne
Supporting students as they plan their future

At ISBerne, success is not defined by a single destination. Our graduates pursue a wide range of pathways based on their interests, strengths, and goals.

With support from our Futures & University Counsellor, dedicated Upper School Principal, and teaching staff, students receive personalised guidance as they explore their options and plan for life after graduation.

ISBerne graduates pursue pathways such as:

• Universities in Switzerland and around the world, including institutions in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, and beyond.
• Apprenticeships and professional training programmes
• Gap years and international experiences
• Employment and career opportunities
   

View the Universities where our students were accepted

Personalised Guidance for Every Student

From course selection and diploma planning to university applications, career exploration, and post-secondary decision-making, our team works closely with students and families throughout Grades 11 and 12 to help each student identify the pathway that is right for them.

Education for Life

We challenge and prepare students for life beyond school.

Grades 11 and 12 are about more than earning a diploma. During these important years, students are making decisions about their future while developing the independence, resilience, and leadership skills needed for adulthood.

At ISBerne, students are encouraged to challenge themselves, contribute to their communities, explore their interests, and build meaningful relationships through a wide range of experiences.

Signature ISBerne Experiences

Some of the most memorable learning experiences take place outside the classroom.

Diploma Pathways Retreat Week at the beginning of each school year helps students build relationships, develop leadership skills, and establish a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Throughout the winter season, students also participate in our popular Ski and Skate Fridays programme, a long-standing ISBerne tradition that combines physical activity, outdoor learning, and community building.

Leadership and Personal Growth

Students have opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills through experiences such as:

• The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award
• Student Council
• Model United Nations (MUN)
• Youth Forum Switzerland
• Villars Institute Symposium

These programmes encourage students to take initiative, collaborate with others, and engage with real-world issues and challenges.

We nurture and inspire 

As part of the International Baccalaureate® philosophy, students participate in the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme, which encourages them to explore new interests, contribute to their communities, and reflect on their personal growth.

Students also have opportunities to participate in arts, athletics, service projects, and other co-curricular activities throughout the school year.

We welcome and connect 

Through weekly Advisory sessions and our counselling programme, students and families receive ongoing support as they navigate adolescence, make decisions about their future, and prepare for life after graduation.

Our team works closely with students to support their academic progress, wellbeing, post-secondary planning, and personal development.
 

Getting Started at ISBerne

Choosing the right school is an important decision, and we will support you every step of the way. Our team will take the time to understand your family’s needs, answer your questions, and help you determine whether ISBerne is the right fit for your child and your family. Our Welcome Desk specialists, Ms Françoise Boillat and Ms Alice Germann, are happy to advise you by phone. If you prefer to make initial contact by email, they will also be pleased to respond to your written inquiry:

+41 31 959 10 00
office@isberne.ch