Secondary
The secondary curriculum is a broad and balanced education which aims to prepare students for university and other forms of higher education, largely in English-speaking countries across the world and in Hong Kong. Over ninety percent of our students follow this path to some of the most prestigious universities in the world. We also pride ourselves on providing an appropriate curriculum for students for whom a purely academic pathway this is not appropriate.
Key Stage 3 (10 to 14 years old)
In preparing for this, students in years 7, 8 and 9 study English, Mathematics, the Sciences, the Humanities, the Creative Arts, Physical Education, Design-Technology, Information Technology and Languages (usually one or two choices from Chinese, French, Spanish and Japanese). In addition, students will have a form tutor who will take care of their pastoral needs and monitor their academic and personal progress and achievements through the year. If necessary, support is offered in improving their English to achieve a higher academic standard. Extra-curricular sports, outdoor activities, environmental and community service, music and the arts are available and encouraged.
Key Stage 4 (14 to 16 years old)
From year 10 to year 11 students take either UK GCSEs or International GCSE courses. All students study English Language, and most study English Literature unless they need further support with English Language. Mathematics and Sciences courses are also compulsory. All students have Physical Education at least once a week. By the end of year 9, students have the opportunity to select between four and six options from a broad range of subjects. All subjects studied in the previous years are available, as well as Economics and Business Studies. Media Studies, Psychology and Sociology may be available in some schools. Tutors support students with personal and social education and monitor their academic progress as well as their completion of significant examination coursework. There is the opportunity to participate in the Hong Award for Young People, which involves outdoor adventure and the development of new skills. Students can also get involved in community service, sporting activities, music, theatre and visual art.
Post-16
At all levels we seek to differentiate the curriculum to cater for all students. Our ESF Diploma consists of four pathways at the post-16 level to meet the needs of a range of learners. They are: the International Baccalaureate Diploma, the Advanced Diploma, the Intermediate Diploma and the Foundation Diploma. All of these pathways provide opportunities for a broad, balanced, international education. The IB Diploma allows students to study six subjects, three at higher level and three at standard level. The hexagon of experience, includes the study of Literature. This is usually English, although recent students have studied Korean, Danish, Hindi and Chinese to a very high standard. Students have the opportunity to study another language at an appropriate level. Most students study Chinese, French or Spanish. The other four areas of experience are: the studies of Individuals and Societies; the Sciences; Mathematics at a level which is a challenge for the individual; the Arts and electives. Central to the IB Diploma is the Theory of Knowledge course, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Action and Service; these all give students opportunities to excel in different fields and to pursue their own interests. Further information can be found at www.ibo.org
The provision beyond the IB Diploma is focused on learning that is applied and meets the needs of the learner. We are preparing to offer programmes that are valued world wide as vocational or applied learning. In no way are these routes of lesser value than the IB Diploma. The Advanced Diploma is a two year course, based around a hexagon of experience which will include literacy, numeracy and applied A level courses and B Tec qualifications. The Intermediate Diploma represents a bridge year to meet the needs of students who would benefit from a three year senior school experience. The Foundation Diploma is for our learning support students and is an entitlement curriculum based on the educational value of the other pathways and takes into account the students' individual learning needs.
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