Curriculum

Introduction: Our Pathways to Success At Ljubljana International School, we believe that every student deserves a pathway that reflects their strengths, ambitions, and future goals. We are proud to be the only school in Slovenia authorised to offer the full continuum of the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, and DP), while also providing the American International High School Diploma and the AP Capstone Diploma. This unique combination allows our students to choose from three internationally recognised diploma pathways to university entrance. Our mission is to provide flexibility without compromise. Each pathway is rigorous, respected by universities worldwide, and designed to help students thrive both academically and personally. Whether a student’s journey leads them through the challenging and holistic International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, the broad and adaptable American International High School Diploma, or the advanced, research-driven AP Capstone Diploma, their education is anchored in quality and global recognition. What makes LIS truly distinctive is how these pathways interconnect. Students are not confined to one system but are instead able to combine diplomas within the structure of our secondary programme. For example, students completing the IB Diploma also earn the American High School Diploma, and students pursuing the AP Capstone Diploma do so within the same framework. This means that every graduate of LIS is equipped with the qualifications and skills to enter leading universities around the world. By offering three complementary routes to success, LIS ensures that no two students need to follow the same journey. Each has the opportunity to design an education that dovetails with their aspirations, whether those are in Europe, North America, Asia, or beyond.

Ljubljana International School is proud to be the only school in Slovenia authorised to offer the full International Baccalaureate continuum: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP). Together, these programmes provide students with a consistent, inquiry-driven education that nurtures curiosity, independence, and global-mindedness from early childhood through graduation.

The PYP lays the foundation for a lifelong love of learning. Students explore big ideas through inquiry-based projects that connect classroom knowledge with real-world experiences. The programme develops essential skills such as communication, collaboration, and problem-solving, while also fostering creativity and confidence. By the time they complete Grade 5, students are not only academically prepared but also eager to continue exploring and questioning the world around them.

The International Baccalaureate Primary Years Program (IB PYP) is not organized around traditional subjects in the same way as many national education systems. Instead, it adopts a transdisciplinary approach to learning, where students explore and investigate real-world issues and topics through six transdisciplinary themes. These themes serve as a framework for integrating multiple subjects and fostering a holistic understanding of concepts. The six transdisciplinary themes are:

1. Who We Are:

   This theme explores the nature of the self, personal beliefs, and values, as well as the relationships between individuals and communities.

2. Where We Are in Place and Time:

   Students investigate their personal histories, as well as the history and geography of their local and global communities.

3. How the World Works:

   Students explore the natural world, scientific concepts, and the impact of human innovation and invention.

4. Who We Are:

   This theme explores the nature of the self, personal beliefs, and values, as well as the relationships between individuals and communities.

5. Sharing the Planet:

   Students explore issues related to the environment, sustainability, and the interconnectedness of all living things.

While the PYP does not have distinct subjects in the traditional sense, the transdisciplinary themes incorporate elements from various subjects like language arts, mathematics, science, social studies, and arts. Teachers design units of inquiry that integrate knowledge and skills from multiple disciplines, allowing students to see the connections between different subjects and understand how they relate to the real world. In terms of scheduling and organization of PYP classes, the day is divided into two parts where half of the day is dedicated to the interdisciplinary core block and the other half is dedicated to special classes like art, music, physical education (PE), and languages are conducted. PYP students can select either Spanish, German, or French, with a minimum of four sessions per week for their chosen language acquisition class. Additionally, all students have the opportunity to take the Slovene language course, which also meets at least four times per week. In addition to the transdisciplinary themes, the PYP also emphasizes the development of Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills, which are essential skills for successful learning across all subjects. These skills include thinking skills, communication skills, social skills, self-management skills, and research skills. By adopting this transdisciplinary approach and promoting the development of ATL skills, the PYP aims to provide a holistic and meaningful education that prepares students for further academic pursuits and encourages them to become engaged, responsible global citizens.

The MYP builds on the foundation of the PYP by encouraging students to see connections across subjects and apply their learning to global contexts. In Grades 6–8, students develop critical thinking, intercultural awareness, and personal responsibility. The MYP helps them grow into independent learners while preparing them for the challenges of high school. It is an ideal bridge between childhood curiosity and the rigour of upper secondary education.

The MYP is for students aged 11–16 (grades 6–10, or MYP 1–5) and is made up of eight core subject groups: Mathematics, Arts, Sciences, Language & Literature, Individuals & Societies, Physical & Health Education, Language Acquisition, and Design.

The content and transferable skills provided through each of the subjects overlap with each other. This presents learners with a balanced approach to their education that emphasizes the acquisition of key skills, thus setting the foundations for students becoming lifelong learners.

Like the IB, LIS aims to develop students who possess the abilities, knowledge, and mindset.

*Only schools authorized by the IB Organization can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme, or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted. For further information about the IB and its programmes, visit www.ibo.org.

Every student at Ljubljana International School graduates with the American International High School Diploma, an internationally recognised qualification that opens doors to universities worldwide. Rooted in the tradition of American education yet adapted for an international context, the diploma provides a broad and flexible framework that allows students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and prepare for future success.

A Balanced and Flexible Education

The American High School Diploma at LIS covers Grades 9–12 and is designed to give students both structure and choice. Core academic subjects: English, mathematics, sciences, social studies, and mother tongue languages, provide a solid foundation, while electives and specialised courses allow students to pursue areas of personal interest. This balance helps students build a well-rounded profile that is attractive to universities across the globe.

Pathways Within the Diploma

At Ljubljana International School, we believe that every student deserves an education that reflects their individual strengths, ambitions, and future plans. For this reason, LIS is the only school in Slovenia that offers three distinct diploma pathways to university entrance: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the American International High School Diploma, and the AP Capstone Diploma.

What makes LIS truly distinctive is the way these pathways interconnect within a single school framework. Every student earns the American High School Diploma, and many choose to complement it with either the IB Diploma or the AP Capstone Diploma. This structure means that our graduates often hold more than one internationally respected qualification, strengthening their university applications and broadening their future opportunities.

The IB pathway offers students a globally recognised programme that emphasises critical thinking, inquiry, and international-mindedness. The AP pathway provides advanced, university-level coursework with opportunities to earn credits recognised worldwide. The American High School Diploma ensures that every LIS graduate is equipped with a flexible and comprehensive qualification. Together, these pathways create an educational experience that adapts to student goals without sacrificing academic rigour.