Academics
Secondary Division Curriculum
INTRODUCTION
The philosophy and vision of The ISF Academy's Secondary Division parallel those of the Primary Division – with the additional framework of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) for Grade 6 to 10. We maintain the same Eight Virtues + One as the Primary Division and introduce the IB Learner Profile. We aim to blend the best practices of the East and the West to develop confident, independent and bilingual students with a true sense of global awareness and commitment to learning.
The Secondary Division has 70 percent of its instruction in English and 30 percent in Putonghua for Grade 6 to Grade 8. As a bilingual immersion school, we strive to have equal representation of both languages and cultures in assemblies, activities, and our awards program.
We want our students to be independent, creative thinkers who are also compassionate and responsible citizens, with positive self-esteem, effective communication and literacy skills, and a true love of learning.
CURRICULUM
The curriculum at The ISF Academy is rooted in three fundamental ideas:
- achieving fluency in Putonghua and English;
- stimulating a passion for lifelong learning; and
- fostering a strong collaborative learning community where talents, interests and passions are respected and nurtured.
As an MYP authorized school, The ISF Academy has developed interim objectives aligned with modified assessment criteria in the first three years of the Programme. The final two years of the Programme follow the established curriculum objectives and assessment criteria published by the IB.
The Secondary Division curriculum for Grade 6 to 10 includes courses in:
- Mathematics, Sciences, Design Technology, Language, Humanities, Physical Education, Information Technology, and Arts (Visual and Performance: Music and Drama) with English as the language of instruction; and
- Language, Chinese Humanities, and Arts and Culture with Putonghua as the language of instruction.
Information Technology, Chinese Humanities and Arts and Culture are not MYP courses.
In addition to these courses:
- Health and Social Education is delivered through the Student Development Program (SDP) with Putonghua and English as languages of instruction; and
- Community and Service is embedded within the taught curriculum, with additional opportunities possible through extracurricular activities, Student Leadership and individual initiatives.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING
The Outdoor Education, Overseas Study Tours, and Service Learning components of our curriculum provide opportunities for experiential learning, language development, cultural awareness and exchange, as well as communication and diversity. More importantly, students are able to enhance personal and social development, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and learn how to overcome adversity.
All Grade 6 to 9 students attend an outdoor camp during the first semester in the Hong Kong countryside. Our Outdoor Education Programs are aligned with our Community and Service Learning, allowing our students to develop their ability to respond effectively to problems and physical challenges, both individually and in teams. The camps focus on many of the IB Learner Profile Characteristics: inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. Grade 10 students participate in our Helping Across the Borders Program; it encourages serving others through teaching English in rural schools in China.
Secondary students also participate in Overseas Study Tours. To increase the educational value of these tours and deepen cultural and national understanding, we have carefully selected specific destinations in Mainland China for Grade 6 to 8 students, including, Xi’an, Hangzhou and Huang Shan—cities and areas well-known for their historical significance, rich cultural heritage or stunning natural wonders—places which possess unique characteristics that are linked to many aspects of their curriculum.
We also collaborate with Outward Bound Sabah in offering a highly effective 9-day personal leadership development program for the Grade 9 students, to maximize their potential, strengthen their physical endurance, and increase their mental and emotional resilience in order to prepare them to confidently confront the challenges and rigor of the IB DP in the ensuing years.
UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AND CAREERS PROGRAM
The ethos behind University Guidance at The ISF Academy is one of ensuring that students find the right match for their post-Secondary studies and beyond. We understand that the university application process is part of a larger journey of self-discovery, and we are committed to helping students seek the path that best fits their individual needs, interests and passions. The University Guidance and Careers Program runs from Grade 8 through 12 and encompasses pre-university testing, career exploration, personality tests, university research and more. We recognize that students will look to study in higher education institutions all over the world and our program will equip them with the necessary experience and knowledge to make informed decisions on their university choices and beyond.
Starting 2011/12, The ISF Academy is a private SAT I and SAT II test center in Hong Kong and also offers a SAT preparatory course as an extra-curricular activity.
The Careers Discovery Program (new in 2011/12) enables students to learn about university majors as related to careers, hear from professionals in various industries, and experience job-shadowing. Senior School students are also given opportunities to participate in summer work placement programs to better link their academic studies with future career goals.
SENIOR SCHOOL
GRADE 11 to 12
INTRODUCTION
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) is the final course of study undertaken by students prior to entry to university. The DP is recognized around the world for its intellectual depth and breadth, and its strong commitment to intercultural communication and understanding. As such, this course is the ideal expression of many of the values on which The ISF Academy is founded.
The ISF Academy is authorized to teach the IB Diploma Programme (DP) with the first cohort starting in the 2010/11 academic year. For detailed information on The ISF Academy's International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) for Grade 11 and 12, please refer to the separate IB DP Admissions Booklet which can be obtained from the Admissions Office or downloaded from our website at www.isf.edu.hk.
CURRICULUM
IB DP students study six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level. Students must choose one subject from each of Groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, Humanities, the Experimental Sciences and Mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from Group 6, or the student may choose another subject from Groups 1 to 5.
Three core requirements are also included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding:
- The Extended Essay requires students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying;
- Theory of Knowledge is a 100-hour course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining the ways of knowing and different areas of knowledge; and
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) encourages active learning from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROGRAM
We believe in empowering our students to be inquisitive, caring and empathetic individuals. The participation of Grade 11 and 12 students in the CAS is a key method in which students develop their skills outside the classroom and reflect on the benefits of participation to themselves and others.
As part of their CAS requirement our students are able to participate in existing service projects that have been established in China and they are also encouraged to develop their own projects. An example of one such project is our relationship with a rural school in Yangshuo, Guangxi, which our students visit twice over the course of the IB DP years. This is an example of a meaningful, long-term commitment to a community aimed at the exchange of ideas with students and teachers and promoting intercultural understanding.
UNIVERSITY GUIDANCE AND CAREERS: LIFE AFTER THE ISF ACADEMY
The ISF Academy’s IB DP program of study and activities provides an excellent opportunity for our students to meet the admissions requirements of the most demanding colleges and universities around the world. In addition, The ISF Academy has also developed a systematic program of university counseling, coordinated by the Director of University Guidance.
For more details on the University Guidance and Careers program for secondary school students, please refer to the IB DP Admissions Booklet.
