The High School Diploma Grade 11 (HSD G11) course is designed and developed based on the Cambridge International AS Level curriculum. The compulsory and core subjects offered build up the knowledge and skills of students. Students may also select and take electives. Upon completion of the Course, we expect students to be equipped with the knowledge and skills to sit for the Cambridge International AS-Level and/or the HSD G11 Term Examinations and be well-prepared for HSD Grade 12 in FIS.

Compulsory Module

English Language (HSD Banded Classes)

High School Diploma – FIS English Language module prepares students to take IELTS (Academic). This module recognizes the linguistic challenges faced by FIS students from non-English speaking countries in acquiring and improving their English language skills. The curriculum is designed to develop and sharpen students’ skill sets and boost their confidence with each quarterly banding test, which are aligned with comprehensive and progressive classroom preparation and content and material laser focused on achieving the learning outcomes related to the four literacy skills. Four skills (i.e., listening, reading, writing, and speaking) will all be taught in the module.

Core Modules

Mathematics

This Mathematics module aims to enable students to acquire the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for everyday life and in future for continuous learning in Mathematics and related disciplines. We also aim to develop the necessary process skills for the acquisition and application of mathematical concepts and skills. It is also intended to develop students’ logical thinking and problem-solving skills and to apply these skills to solve problems in different areas. 

Physics

The Physics module 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. 

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. Students acquire the essential scientific skills required for progression to further studies. 

Economics

A Level Economics provides learners with the skills needed to use economics in work or further study, including how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly. 

Elective Modules

Biology

The module aims to develop students’ understanding in 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 studies, students are expected to use 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.

Further Mathematics

The FIS A-Level Further Mathematics Module for CIE A-level program is designed and developed to prepare students adequately for university course including Mathematics, Physics and Engineering, where more mathematics content is required. The module aims to develop mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills in students. Students will learn to analyze, formulate and solve different types of problems. They will also learn to work with data and perform statistical analyses.

Geography

This module allows learners widen their knowledge and understanding of the subject, while developing their investigative abilities and their evaluation and decision-making skills. The syllabus is wide-ranging and comprises a variety of options. For example, learners can study topics such as hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, atmosphere and weather, rocks and weathering, population change and settlement dynamics. The syllabus considers a range of environments, from tropical to arid, and learners can also study subjects such as environmental management, global interdependence and economic transition.

Computer Science

This module is to encourage learners to develop an understanding of the fundamental principles of computer science and how computer programs work in a range of contexts. Learners will study topics including information representation, communication and Internet technologies, hardware, software development, and relational database modelling. As they progress, learners will develop their computational thinking and use problem solving to develop computer-based solutions using algorithms and programming languages. Studying this module will help learners develop a range of skills such as thinking creatively, analytically, logically and critically.

Business

This module enables students to understand and appreciate the nature and scope of business, and the role it plays in society. It encourages students to examine the process of decision-making in a dynamic and changing business environment and to develop critical understanding of business organisations. They learn about business and its environment, human resource management, marketing, operations management and finance and accounting. In this module, students also learn how to develop a business strategy.

Accounting

This module engages students with the relevance and applicability of accounting in real-world contexts. Students will explore the role and responsibilities of the accountant, and study areas such as financial accounting and cost and management accounting. Studying this subject helps students to understand, apply, analyse and evaluate accounting information to help decision-making in business and communicate information to stakeholders. These transferable skills are an ideal foundation for further study and a career within accounting or related professions.

Chinese Language and Literature

This module provides opportunities for students to develop their skills and knowledge of Chinese. Through tasks associated with a range of texts and text types, students gain an insight into the culture and language of Chinese-speaking communities through the study of a range of texts. As students’ progress, they will have a deeper understanding of Chinese languages, cultures, values and ethos as well as critical and creative global thinkers with cross-cultural understanding and awareness.

Psychology

Psychology provides the knowledge and understanding of human nature by asking scientific questions and by undertaking studies in the fields of neuroscience, cognitive sciences and social psychology. Through these studies, students will appreciate how people perceive the world around them and how they respond to it, how human learning develops, and how they relate to others and function within society.

Information Technology

This module encourages students to become effective and discerning users of IT. It helps them develop a broad range of IT systems within a wide range of organisations, including the use of a variety of computer networks. As a result, the students gain an understanding of IT system life cycles, and how these affect the workplace. They also learn about the wider impact of IT on society. At A Level, the students also study simple programming for web relevant to their own use of IT.

Scope of Study

All lessons will be conducted following the High School Diploma – Grade 11 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 a total of 30 contact hours per week.