Foundation Studies for High School Diploma (FSHSD) is a progression path for students to gain admission to the High School Diploma Grade 10 (HSD G10) course offered by Furen International School (FIS). The course allows the students to progress smoothly to the next level of study. The subjects offered build up the basic knowledge and skills of the students. This 12-month foundation program provides a curriculum with reference to the contents of the Cambridge Lower Secondary and the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education, tailored to the needs of students to prepare them adequately for the High School Diploma - Grade 10 course.

Compulsory Module

English Language

The English curriculum empowers even the youngest learners to communicate confidently and effectively. It helps them to develop the skills needed to respond to a range of information, media and texts. The programme promotes active learning, develops thinking skills and encourages intellectual engagement.

This subject is for learners who speak a language other than English at home - there is no expectation that they will have prior experience with English before starting this course. Upon the completion of the Module, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma examinations.

Core Modules

Mathematics

This module helps students not only to think analytically, but also to have better reasoning abilities. Students develop a holistic understanding of the subject, focusing on principles, patterns, systems, functions, and relationships. They will become mathematically competent and fluent in computation. Students are expected to build up an understanding of mathematical principles, recognize the connections of mathematical concepts, and show appreciation of mathematics as a logical subject. Upon the completion of the Module, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma examinations.

Physics

This module aims to enable students to gain sufficient understanding and knowledge of physics for their next level of study. It will give a thorough introduction to the study of physics and its scientific methods and develop students’ skills and abilities that apply to the safe practice of science and to everyday life such as instilling values for accuracy and precision, objectivity and integrity. Upon the completion of the Module, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma Examinations.

Chemistry

The Chemistry module focuses on understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles. It develops a set of transferable skills including handling data, practical problem-solving and applying the scientific method. Learners develop relevant attitudes, such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity, integrity, enquiry, initiative and inventiveness. They acquire the essential scientific skills required for progression to further studies. Upon the completion of the Module, students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma Examinations.

Elective Modules

Chinese Language

The module aims to provide students – whose mother tongue is Chinese – with a strong sense of ability and practicality in language learning. Through this module, students can learn Chinese literature, art, history, culture, and so on. Students will benefit in the improvement of independent thinking and comprehensive learning ability as a result.

For students whose mother tongue is not Chinese, a Chinese as Second Language module will be provided to help develop students’ basic listening, speaking, reading and writing skills.

Biology

This module aims to develop students’ understanding of the relation to biological phenomena, facts, laws, definitions, concepts, theories, and scientific instruments. It also introduces apparatus used in biology, including techniques of operation and aspects of safety. Upon the completion of their studies, students are expected to use the information to identify patterns, report trends, draw inferences, and report conclusions. They will also be required to present reasoned explanations for phenomena, patterns, and relationships.

Scope of Study

All lessons will be conducted following the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma syllabus.

Duration

This is a 12-month full-time course with all lessons held on campus. There are 6 contact hours per school day, 5 days per week, for 30 contact hours per week.