Early Years is our programme for 3 to 4 year-olds. It gives young students the best start in their
educational journey, helping them to meet key early milestones and thrive in and outside of
school. Early Years also known as Reception or Kindergarten, is the first stage in the Cambridge
Pathway, and supports learners to develop the knowledge, understanding and skills they need
for the next stage in their education. All lessons are taught in English.
Subjects at English, Math, Science, Music, Art, Sports, Activity, Storytime
Early Years Stage (Reception/Kindergarten)
Primary Curriculum (Grades 1-6)
Our Primary Programme is designed around what matters most to your child as they grow and
develop through their education. It provides a strong and structured foundation, with each
stage carefully building on the last to ensure steady and confident progress. As students move
through the Primary stages, they gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed at the next
level. At the end of the Primary Pathway, students take the Cambridge Primary Checkpoint
Examinations, which are recognised internationally.
Subjects at Lower Secondary Stages: English, Maths, Science, Music, Art, ICT, PE and Local MOE
subjects.
Lower Secondary Curriculum (Grade 7-8)
At CISQ, our broad and balanced Lower Secondary curriculum encourages students to explore
and appreciate their own culture, community, and identity, while also gaining an understanding
of diverse perspectives from around the world. We believe that education is most effective
when teaching, learning, curriculum, and assessment are seamlessly aligned, promoting both
academic development and personal wellbeing.
Our curriculum fosters reflective and innovative thinking, empowering students with the
confidence to engage with new ideas, information, and challenges. As students progress
through the Lower Secondary Pathway, they will sit the internationally recognized Cambridge
Lower Secondary Checkpoint Examinations.
Subjects at Lower Secondary Stages: English, Maths, Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and
Earth Science), ICT, Art, PE and Local MOE subjects.
IGCSE Curriculum
At the conclusion of the Upper Secondary programme, students take the Cambridge IGCSE
exams. Recognized as one of the world’s most widely respected international qualifications, the
IGCSE programme encourages a passion for learning while helping students develop in-depth
subject knowledge and essential skills for the future. With over 5,000 schools in more than 150
countries offering IGCSE courses, it is a truly global standard. The exams, taken at the end of the
course, include a variety of assessment methods such as written exams, oral assessments,
coursework, and practical evaluations, providing students with the best opportunity to
showcase their abilities and learning. Cambridge IGCSE serves as an excellent foundation for
further study, including Cambridge International AS & A Levels.
Subjects at Upper Secondary Stages: English, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and ICT, Art, PE
and Local MOE subjects.
AS/A level Curriculum
CISQ students study the Cambridge International AS/A Level programme in Grades 11 – 12.
The Cambridge International AS & A Level is a two-year programme: students take AS exams in
the first year, A2 exams in the second year.
Each year, Cambridge International AS & A Levels help thousands of students gain admission to:
• Leading universities around the world
• All public universities in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRG)
• All international universities in the KRG, including the prestigious British
International University Erbil (awarding body: University of London)
From the world’s top-ranked universities to local higher education institutions, Cambridge
qualifications open doors to a wide range of opportunities. They equip students with the critical
thinking skills, independent research abilities, and deep subject knowledge needed to succeed
at university and beyond. The world’s leading universities recognize and value A Level
qualifications for the academic rigor and the skills that Cambridge learners bring to their
studies.
CISQ is proud to be a part of the Cambridge Network, which allows us to provide a high standard of education within the British guidelines. The school strives to present the highest quality of teaching and learning.
Each student is encouraged and stimulated to aim for excellence and thus achieve the best possible personal and academic standards. An educational and safe atmosphere is implemented throughout our
school which helps our students grow and develop. Our wish is that our students gain all the necessary tools to fulfil their career goals as they enter the working world.
CISQ recognizes that each child is an individual; that all children are creative; that all children need to succeed. Therefore, CISQ respects the individual needs of children;fosters a caring and creative environment; and emphasizes the emotional, physical, intellectual development of each child.
Learners use Cambridge International AS & A Levels to gain places at leading universities worldwide including the UK, Ireland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, India, Singapore, Egypt, Jordan, South Africa, the Netherlands, Germany and Spain, also Iraq and Kurdistan universities.
Over 500 US universities accept Cambridge International AS & A levels, including all Ivy League universities. The Lisbon Convention (an international agreement signed by 50 countries and international organizations, including the European Union, USA, Australia, Canada, Israel and New Zealand) facilitates the recognition of foreign studies among the signatory countries.
CISQ offers a wide range of extracurricular activities that support students’ growth and
development. These include exciting events like the science fair, bake sales, and workshops, as
well as competitions and debates that foster critical thinking, teamwork, and public speaking
skills. These activities provide students with opportunities to challenge themselves, build
confidence, and develop skills that extend beyond the classroom.
