Quick summary of key school information
School details
Number of students |
490 |
Number of nationalities represented in the school |
64 |
Most common nationality |
The four largest nationality groups are US, Germany, UK and Korea. |
Ratio of local students to international students |
IICS only admits holders of non-Turkish passports. |
Native English speaking teachers |
The majority of teachers are native English speakers who are recruited from abroad. The majority of the faculty is from the US, Canada and UK. |
Language support for students not fluent in English |
IICS provides English support classes for children up to Grade 10 and admits students with minimal English proficiency up to Grade 7. |
Additional language classes offered by the school |
IICS offers French (Grades 2-6) and Turkish Culture & Language (EY5 – Grade 6) at the primary level.
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Max. number of students per class |
20 |
Average number of students per class |
15 |
Does the school employ teaching assistants? |
Yes |
Use of technology in the classroom |
In the Early Years and in Grade 1, shared iPads are provided for student use under the guidance of teachers, building a foundation in collaboration and sharing. Students in Grade 2 to Grade 5 use shared MacBooks and iPads provided by IICS. This extends into a 1-to-1 MacBook Program in Grade 6-12, and students use these devices throughout the day to complement teacher instruction. A typical classroom consists of an interactive whiteboard, wireless projector and 3.1 stereo system. |
Is the school ready to use virtual classrooms when needed? (e.g. teaching lessons online if the school is closed, e.g. during COVID-19 closures) |
Yes, we do provide distance learning when Covid-19 protocols are in place. |
Do students practice religion at the school? What religion? |
IICS does not provide religious classes in its IB curriculum. However, all students are allowed to practice their own beliefs and religions. |
How does the school accommodate non-religious students or students of a different religion? |
IICS does not discriminate against any religion or person of Faith. All faiths are welcome at IICS. IICS is an inclusive international school. |
External examinations or assessments available |
IB Diploma |
Results in these examinations |
IB Diploma World average ranges between 29-31. IICS students achieve above World averages. 202-21 IICS students averaged 34 points. |
Do teachers assign homework to their students? |
Yes, homework varies depending on grade and time of the year. |
Percentage of students who pursue further education post-graduation |
99 percent. |
Dedicated staff/programs for students with special learning needs |
1) IICS offers EAL classes - English as second language classes to assist with the development of the English languages. 2) Learning support staff provided one on one support for students requiring additional academic assistance. |
Learning support offered |
1) IICS offers EAL classes - English as second language classes to assist with the development of the English languages. 2) Learning support staff provided one on one support for students requiring additional academic assistance. |
Student access to education psychologist |
IICS does have a recommended group of specialists that all students can be provided access to. |
Entry evaluation for students |
Assessment in secondary is compulsory. |
Brief description of entry evaluation required |
There is no entrance exam for students with grades EY3-Grade 6. If the student is applying for grade 7 and above the student may be invited to the school for testing for English, Math, or foreign language to make sure of the right placement. ENGLISH
MATHS
Both tests are handwritten to give us an understanding of their thought process and their handwriting. |
Waiting list |
If classes are already full then all applying students will be put on a waiting list. |
Deadline for registration (new academic year) |
No deadline, applications are taken all year round. |
Students can join after academic year begins |
Yes. |
School start time |
8:30 |
School finish time |
15:00 |
Supervised care before/after school |
No. |
School bus service available |
Yes |
School provided lunches |
Yes |
Food alternatives for special dietary needs (ie. vegan, kosher, halal etc) |
Yes, Vegan and Gluten-free options are provided. |
Uniform required |
No uniform is required. |
Extracurricular activities or clubs offered |
Athletics, basketball, cross-country, football, volleyball, badminton, arts, sketching club, secondary school production, orchestra, choir, poetry club, a ceramics studio, drama, Model United Nations, speech and debate, student newspaper, science club, virtual reality, running |
Sports activities included |
Physical education is provided as a part of the IB curriculum. |
Sports teams or sport competitions available for students |
Yes, CEESA competitions within Europe. |
Facilities at the school |
- a 335m² completely automated and newly expanded library with computer stations
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Sports facilities at the school |
Hisar Campus:
Marmara Campus:
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Qualities and characteristics best defining the school |
Istanbul International Community School is an International Baccalaureate School in Istanbul. Founded in 1911 to educate the children of the Robert College faculty, the school has maintained a century-long tradition of academic excellence. IICS is an independent, co-educational day school, offering a full IB program from pre-kindergarten (ages 3) to grade 12 (ages 18) for international students (holders of non-Turkish passports). Through its challenging curriculum and strong staff-student relationships, IICS provides a caring environment that inspires each student to excel and to be inquisitive, creative, compassionate, balanced, and internationally-minded. IICS aims to be a top international school—not just in our region, but among the best international schools worldwide. To provide the best education to meet the needs of every learner is the target that directs all our planning and action as an educational institution. Every learner should be empowered. |
Teaching approach of the school |
From early years to graduation IICS provides a balanced up-to-date education program to build future world citizens prepared to face any upcoming life challenge crossing their path. Ready to voice their opinions, open-mindset oriented to evaluate any given task, highly skill-equipped to maneuver through university challenges, and fully focused to find a passion-driven path towards an ultimate envisioned goal. The three IB programs are challenging to all learners, and we believe in the importance of the IB Learner Profile (inquirers, risk-takers, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, knowledgeable, balanced, reflective). Healthy relationships and effective communication between all members of the community, especially between students and teachers, are the key to school success. Learning is personal, as each student is unique in his or her interests, aptitudes, and learning styles. The needs of each individual ought to be met so that each student has opportunities to excel. |