High School
Ages 14-18 | International High School in Rome | Year 10-13
A World-Class Education
for the Future
The four-year High School experience at Rome International School (RIS) is where students bring together everything they have learned so far, preparing for a successful future. Through a carefully designed pathway from Cambridge IGCSE to the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), students develop the academic knowledge, independence, and resilience to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Supported by expert teachers and a personalised approach, students are challenged to think critically, embrace new perspectives and take ownership of their future. Graduates leave RIS prepared not only for leading universities but with the confidence, compassion, and global outlook to make a meaningful contribution wherever life takes them.
High School Curriculum
The High School curriculum combines the internationally recognised Cambridge IGCSE and IB Diploma Programme to provide a rigorous and balanced academic pathway. Students build strong subject knowledge, develop independent learning skills, and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of higher education.
Beginning with Cambridge IGCSE in Years 10 and 11, students establish broad academic foundations before progressing to the IB Diploma Programme in Years 12 and 13. With personalised subject choices and dedicated guidance throughout, every student is supported in pursuing the pathway that best aligns with their strengths, interests, and future aspirations
Students completing the appropriate IB Diploma Programme subject combinations can also achieve equivalence to the Italian Maturità, keeping university pathways open in both Italy and around the world.
IGCSE Programme
Ages 14-16 | Year 10-11
The Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is one of the world's most widely recognised qualifications for students aged 14 to 16. Over two years, students follow a rigorous programme that develops subject knowledge alongside research, problem-solving, and inquiry-based learning, providing excellent preparation for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). Students applying directly to the Cambridge IGCSE programme at RIS complete an assessment as part of the admissions process.
Subject Choice
Students study between eight and eleven subjects, selecting from:
- English Language & Literature
- Mathematics
- Coordinated Science
- Humanities (History, Geography, Economics)
- Italian
- Creative Arts (Art, Music, Drama)
- Languages (French, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese)
- Physical Education* or Information Technology
*Physical Education is offered in addition to regular PE lessons available to all students.
Personalised Guidance
Every student meets with the IGCSE Coordinator to choose the subjects best suited to their interests, abilities, and future aspirations. Students take at least one subject from each required category, while additional choices allow them to personalise their learning.
Preparing for the IB Diploma
Successful completion of the IGCSE programme is required for entry into the IB Diploma Programme at RIS, providing students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in the next stage of their education.
Entry Requirements
Students progressing to the IB Diploma Programme from the Cambridge IGCSE pathway are expected to achieve at least six A–C grades*, including a minimum of B grades in the subjects they wish to study at Higher Level.
For students joining the IB Diploma Programme without IGCSE qualifications, an assessment is carried out to determine their suitability for their chosen subjects. Previous academic qualifications and individual circumstances are also taken into consideration.
Subject Options
Students study six subjects selected from the following groups:
- Mother Tongue
- Languages
- Humanities
- Sciences
- Maths
- Arts
Three subjects are studied at Standard Level and three at Higher Level, providing both academic breadth and depth while preparing students for a wide range of university disciplines.
In addition to these six subjects, every student completes the three core components of the IB Diploma Programme:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Our Approach
At RIS, every student's IB journey is personalised to reflect their individual subject choices, strengths, and aspirations. Dedicated study periods throughout the week encourage independent research and ownership of learning, while ongoing guidance and support help students grow in confidence and prepare for university and beyond.
Students benefit from:
- Individual guidance when selecting their IB subjects.
- Ongoing academic and pastoral support from their Form Tutor and the IB Diploma Coordinator, ensuring progress is regularly monitored and supported.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme and provides students with opportunities to develop many of the attributes of the IB Learner Profile. Through sustained experiences beyond the classroom, students become:
- Reflective thinkers, understanding their strengths, setting goals, and pursuing personal growth.
- Open to new challenges, taking on unfamiliar roles and experiences with confidence.
- Responsible members of their communities, recognising their responsibilities to others and the environment.
- Active collaborators, contributing to sustained projects that make a meaningful impact.
- Balanced individuals, engaging in intellectual, physical, creative, and emotional experiences.
IB Diploma & the Italian Maturità
With the appropriate IB Diploma subject combinations, students can also achieve equivalence to the Italian Maturità, keeping pathways open to universities in Italy and around the world.
RIS offers a broad choice of combinations for the Liceo Linguistico, Liceo Scientifico, and Liceo delle Scienze Umane. The IB Diploma Coordinator works closely with students to help them select the subject combination
IB Results & University Destinations
Every student's achievement reflects the strength of an education that challenges, supports, and prepares them for success beyond school.
Ready to Reach Further?
From Rome to leading universities around the world, see where an RIS education can take you. Explore our IB results, university offers, and the global destinations our graduates choose to go on to.