IF - Learning & Teaching - Secondary

ISHCMC Secondary School

Shaping Future Leaders

At ISHCMC, our Secondary School program offers a transformative journey for students aged 12 to 18, where academic excellence is achieved through a holistic approach to education. With over 30 years of history, we have established a legacy of success, consistently exceeding world averages in IB results whilst fostering a nurturing environment that promotes both personal and academic growth.

800+

Students

60+

Nationalities

12

Languages

1:8.5

Teacher : Student Ratio

At ISHCMC, our commitment to a holistic education ensures that our students not only excel academically but also develop into well-rounded, compassionate, and responsible global citizens. Our inclusive environment celebrates diversity and individuality, providing a supportive space where every student can thrive.

IB Middle Years Programme

(Grades 6 - 10)

Long Term Goals for High School Students: Education Goals

The IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) at ISHCMC is designed to provide a challenging and comprehensive framework that fosters intellectual curiosity, personal growth, and global awareness. The MYP at ISHCMC emphasizes a balanced approach to education, integrating academic rigor with opportunities for creative expression, physical activity, and social engagement. Students explore a broad and balanced range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical education, and design.

11-15

Age Range

20

Average Class Size

1:8.5

Teacher/Student Ratio

The MYP at ISHCMC is designed to ensure a smooth transition to the IB Diploma Programme (DP). The skills and knowledge gained during the MYP provide a strong foundation for the more specialized and rigorous demands of the DP, positioning students for success in their final years of secondary education and beyond.

For more information on learning at ISHCMC Early Years download our:

Early Years Curriculum Guide.pdf

IB Diploma Programme

(Grades 11 - 12)

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The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year educational program that offers a challenging and comprehensive curriculum designed to develop knowledgeable, inquiring, and compassionate young adults. Our DP curriculum prepares students for success in higher education and beyond by fostering academic excellence, critical thinking, and a global perspective.

16-18

Age Range

20

Average Class Size

1:8.5

Teacher/Student Ratio

The DP at ISHCMC is recognized worldwide for its academic rigor and holistic approach to education. DP graduates are well-prepared for the challenges of higher education and professional careers. The skills and knowledge acquired during the DP provide a strong foundation for university studies and lifelong learning.

Multiple Pathways for Every Student

ISHCMC Graduates

In the final years at ISHCMC we believe in supporting students to pursue individual pathways with a purpose that will reflect their interests and passions and we encourage students to make healthy and thoughtful course and pathway selections. The conversations between parents, students, and the school will be as unique as the individuals involved and selections should reflect that individuality and allow students to be the best learner they can be.

Full IB Diploma

The majority of students at ISHCMC pursue the full IB Diploma. Students who meet the requirements of the two–year IB Diploma Programme are awarded an IB Diploma by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO). To ensure both breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding students must:

Choose at least one subject from each of the following five groups;

  1. their best language,
  2. an additional language
  3. individuals and societies
  4. the sciences
  5. mathematics.
  6. Choose either an arts subject or a second subject from one of the groups above.

Choose at least three subjects at Higher Level, while the remaining are taken at Standard Level.

Complete the core elements of the program consisting of;

  1. the extended essay,
  2. theory of knowledge (TOK)
  3. creativity, action, service (CAS).

IB Courses (IB Diploma Courses + IS HCMC High School Diploma)

Students may choose to pursue an IB Diploma Courses pathway in individual IB subjects. Normally students would select 6 IB subjects however it is possible to pursue less than 6 subjects. Both these options require consultation and approval from the IB DP Coordinator. If this pathway is pursued, students will take IB classes and complete IB assessments. They will receive an official IB certificate for the IB courses completed. There is no requirement to take three courses at Higher Level and the extended essay and TOK does not have to be completed (although IB Courses candidates may choose to do the EE and/or TOK). CAS must be completed as a graduation requirement from ISHCMC.

ISHCMC High School Diploma

Students may decide to pursue all subjects at High School (Non-IB) level rather than IB level. High School level subjects are differentiated IB subjects that meet the needs of university requirements around the world. The teaching and learning philosophy for High School subjects is the same as the IB philosophy. High School subjects will include modifications to the assessment tasks or criteria that is equivalent to Grade 11 and Grade 12 work in a traditional curriculum. Work is not submitted to the IB. CAS must be completed as a graduation requirement from IS HCMC.

Modified ISHCMC High School Diploma

Some students may decide to pursue all subjects at High School (Non-IB) level rather than IB level. High School level subjects are differentiated IB subjects. The teaching and learning philosophy for High School subjects is the same as the IB philosophy. High School subjects will include modifications to the assessment tasks or the application of assessment criteria. The modified IS HCMC High School Diploma is designed to meet the needs of students with specific learning needs.

A Legacy of Success

ISHCMC graduates have a strong track record of acceptance into leading universities worldwide, often with significant scholarship offers. Our alumni have gone on to achieve remarkable success in various fields, reflecting the strength and quality of the education they received at ISHCMC.

A Vibrant Alumni Network

5. Global Networking Opportunities

Our commitment to our students extends beyond graduation through the vibrant ISHCMC Alumni Network. The ISHCMC Alumni Network offers mentorship, internships, and career guidance, ensuring that both current students and graduates continue to succeed long after they leave our campus. Through regular events and reunions keeps the alumni network and school community closely connected.

Areas to Achieve

Our Secondary School campus is designed to inspire creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking. With state-of-the-art facilities, students have the resources they need to pursue their passions and achieve their full potential.

Facilities include an Information & Media Center, a professional theater, recording studios, design suites, music practice rooms, NBA-size basketball court, rooftop sports field, 25m 8-lane pool, food tech and science labs.

A Culture of Care and Support

We believe that students thrive in a caring and supportive environment. With a favorable student-teacher ratio, personalized attention, and dedicated support services, we ensure that each student receives the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed.

Our pastoral care program emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional well-being, helping students navigate the challenges of adolescence and develop resilience and empathy.

Through our robust college counseling program, we provide personalized guidance to help students identify and achieve their post-secondary goals, whether that involves attending university, pursuing vocational training, or embarking on other paths.

Engaging and Involved Community

At ISHCMC, we value the active involvement of parents in their children’s education. Through our online learning platform and regular events, parents stay informed and engaged with their child’s progress and school life. Our vibrant community of students, parents, and teachers works together to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all.

Learning Principles

Our Principles of Learning—Challenge, Inquiry, Belonging, and Agency—guide our educational approach, ensuring a rigorous and well-rounded education for every student. By fostering a supportive and engaging environment, we build on prior knowledge, accommodate individual abilities, and address personal, local, and global issues to motivate students and enhance their learning experience.

Individual Assessment and Feedback

At ISHCMC, assessment and feedback are integral to the learning process. We use authentic and meaningful assessments aligned with real-world contexts and IB learning objectives. Each student receives regular, individualized feedback to guide their academic journey and personal development.