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Secondary School at The Casco School
Ages 11 – 17

High School - Years 7–13

At The Casco School, our Secondary School provides students with a dynamic, internationally recognised education rooted in the British academic model, taught in both English and Spanish. As students transition from childhood to adolescence, our programme supports their academic growth, personal development, and preparation for university and beyond.

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By 2026, we will proudly graduate our first Year 13 High School cohort—marking the full launch of our comprehensive secondary programme, from Lower Secondary to High School Graduation. From 2026, we will also launch the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), offering students an internationally respected, holistic education pathway in their final two years.

Lower Secondary (Years 7–9)

High School - Years 7–13
At The Casco School, our Secondary School provides students with a dynamic, internationally recognised education rooted in the British academic model, taught in both English and Spanish. As students transition from childhood to adolescence, our programme supports their academic growth, personal development, and preparation for university and beyond.
​
By 2026, we will proudly graduate our first Year 13 High School cohort—marking the full launch of our comprehensive secondary programme, from Lower Secondary to High School Graduation. From 2026, we will also launch the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), offering students an internationally respected, holistic education pathway in their final two years.
Lower Secondary (Years 7–9)
In Years 7 to 9, students follow a broad and engaging curriculum that fosters curiosity, confidence, and foundational knowledge across disciplines. Instruction is delivered 80% in English and 20% in Spanish, ensuring fluency and bicultural understanding.
Students study:

  • English Language and Literature

  • Spanish Language and Literature (for native and fluent speakers)

  • Spanish as a Second Language (for non-native learners)

  • French

  • Mathematics

  • Sciences

  • History & Geography

  • Panamanian Studies

  • Art & Design

  • Music

  • Physical Education

  • PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education)

  • Digital Literacy & Computing

  • Debate and Public Speaking

All subjects encourage inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, and creative expression. Students are supported by dedicated teachers and take part in co-curricular programmes that enrich their school experience.

Lower Secondary 
(Years 7–9)

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IGCSE Programme (Years 10–11)

IGCSE Programme

(Years 10–11)

In Years 10 and 11, students follow the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an internationally recognised two-year programme developed by Cambridge. The IGCSE balances academic depth and breadth, helping students prepare for the rigour of A-Levels or the IB.

Students typically take 8–10 subjects, including core and elective options.

Core subjects include:

  • English Language and Literature

  • Spanish Language and Literature (for native and advanced speakers)

  • Spanish as a Second Language

  • Mathematics

  • Combined or Separate Sciences

Elective subjects may include:

  • French

  • Humanities (History, Geography, Social Sciences of Panama)

  • ICT (Information and Communication Technology)

  • Creative Arts (Art & Design, Music)

  • Physical Education

  • PSHE

Students receive personalised guidance in choosing subjects based on interests, strengths, and future aspirations. Our teachers provide targeted support, and academic progress is monitored closely to ensure students are challenged, engaged, and successful.

High School Programme (Years 12–13)

In Years 12 and 13, students enter a focused, university-preparatory phase of their education. Starting in 2026, students will choose between two internationally respected academic pathways:

  • A-Level Programme: A subject-specialised curriculum offering rigorous study in 3–4 areas of the student’s choosing. A-Levels are widely recognised by universities globally for their academic depth.

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP): Launching in 2026, the IBDP provides a balanced, interdisciplinary education focused on inquiry, global awareness, and leadership. Students study six subjects and complete the core components: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

Both pathways are taught by expert faculty and are supported by university guidance and leadership development.

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Academic Support and Bilingual Ethos

Bilingual Instruction
We ensure that all students achieve high levels of fluency in English and Spanish, whether they are native speakers or language learners. Spanish Language and Literature is taught with academic rigour in both Lower Secondary and IGCSE to native speakers, while tailored Spanish Language classes support non-native learners.

Target Setting & Academic Reports
Student progress is tracked through regular formative and summative assessments. Academic targets are reviewed in consultation with students and families. Reports are issued three times per year and include achievement levels, personalised targets, and written feedback in each subject.

Grades & Transcripts

  • Trimester Grades: Published on transcripts

  • Progress Grades: Used mid-term to assess student growth

  • Assessment Maps: Outline how each course is assessed

College Counselling

College Counselling and Academic Pathways
From Year 10, students begin to select their subject options with the guidance of their Form Tutors and Key Stage Leaders. This process is part of our comprehensive College Counselling programme, which is designed to support students in making informed decisions about their academic and professional futures.
Students also meet regularly with our dedicated College Counsellor to explore:

  • Academic interests and strengths

  • Career pathways and future aspirations

  • University options in Panama and abroad
     

By Year 11, each student has a personalised academic and university plan that includes:

  • Course selection for A-Levels or the IB Diploma Programme (from 2026)

  • Planning for standardised testing (e.g., A-Levels, SATs, IB exams)

  • Extracurricular and leadership portfolio development

  • University research, applications, and scholarship guidance

Our goal is clear: to ensure every student graduates from The Casco School fully prepared to enter and thrive at top universities worldwide, equipped with the qualifications, confidence, and skills needed to succeed.

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Why Choose Casco Secondary?

  • Globally respected British-based curriculum

  • Bilingual excellence in English and Spanish

  • Academic pathways including IGCSE, A-Level, and (from 2026) IB

  • Small class sizes and personalised learning support

  • A rich co-curricular life with clubs, sports, and student leadership

  • University and career counselling from Year 10

  • A diverse, inclusive international school community

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