About Our High School
Our high school diploma continues to develop the atmosphere fostered in the Primary School of a truly international and multicultural family. Our small size allows us to get to know students and parents better, as well as provide more individual attention where necessary. All students at ISS receive the physical, emotional and social support that compliments their studies and academic progress.
ISS High School Diploma
The ISS High School Diploma (HSD) programme empowers students to take ownership of their educational journey by crafting a personalised pathway tailored to their academic and professional aspirations. This American-style, two-year programme is fully accredited and globally recognized, providing students with a rigorous and innovative platform that blends academic excellence with real-world application. Designed for senior students who seek to explore their interests, strengths, and passions, the HSD programme at ISS fosters critical thinking, encourages social responsibility, and equips students to become agents of change within their communities.
Structure and Components of the High School Diploma
A high school diploma programme is typically structured to provide a balanced mix of academic foundation and personal exploration, preparing students for further education or to begin their career.
- Core Subjects
These typically include English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Core subjects form the academic foundation and are mandatory for all students to complete.
- Elective Subjects
On top of the core subjects, students can choose from a variety of electives such as Art, Music, Computer Science, Physical Education, or a foreign language. These subjects allow students to explore areas of personal interest or potential career paths.
- Credit Requirements
To graduate, students have to accumulate a specific number of credits, usually distributed among core subjects, electives, and other required areas. The exact credit distribution may vary by school or educational board.
- Grade Levels
The diploma programme is typically structured over four years – from Grade 9 to Grade 12. Each grade builds upon the knowledge and skills acquired in the previous year.
- Assessment and Exams
Students are assessed through a combination of coursework, tests, projects, and final exams. Performance in these assessments contributes to the final diploma certification.
- Capstone or Final Project (if applicable)
Some schools include a final year project or capstone experience that encourages students to apply their learning to a real-world issue or research topic.
At the heart of the HSD programme is a commitment to student-centred learning. Our teachers are not just instructors but mentors and guides who inspire and support students to become self-directed learners, critical thinkers, and problem solvers. As an international baccalaureate high school, we integrate content knowledge with skill development, providing opportunities for students to engage in real-world projects and authentic learning experiences. This approach ensures that students not only grasp academic concepts but also apply them to create meaningful impact both locally and globally.
IBDP Courses: Students in the HSD programme have access to a range of IBDP courses in Language and Literature (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and English), Mathematics, and English Acquisition. These courses adhere to the International Baccalaureate content and assessment framework, enabling students to develop their skills and academic knowledge. Additionally, students have the option to pursue IB Diploma certificates in these areas, further enhancing their academic profile and university readiness.
Specialised Courses: The HSD programme features specialised courses structured around essential themes that allow students to delve into their interests in Sustainability, Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Civic Engagement. These courses are challenging, transdisciplinary, and inquiry-based, encouraging students to engage in project-based learning that has real-world applications. Evidence of student learning is captured through a broad range of assessments and a comprehensive learning portfolio, showcasing the depth and breadth of their academic and personal growth.
Portfolio: The experiential portfolio is a cornerstone of the HSD programme, enabling students to extend their learning beyond the classroom and address real-world challenges. This portfolio is a dynamic compilation of global stewardship projects, awareness campaigns, entrepreneurial ventures, and personal and professional profile development. Through this process, students transfer and apply their knowledge, honing competencies that positively impact local and global issues. The portfolio also serves as a powerful tool for presenting competitive profiles during university applications.
Capstone Project: The capstone project represents the pinnacle of the HSD learning experience at ISS. This cumulative project challenges students to create impactful, innovative, and authentic solutions to real-world problems. Students begin by reviewing the skills necessary to undertake the project, selecting a topic, formulating a central research question, and conducting initial research. They then propose a practical application of their project, developing a comprehensive plan for its completion during their final year. Throughout this process, students collaborate closely with academic mentors and field experts, ensuring their projects are rigorous and relevant.
The ISS High School Diploma programme is more than just an academic pathway; it is a transformative experience that empowers students to take charge of their education, develop a global perspective, and impact the world around them. Through a combination of innovative teaching, specialised courses, and real-world application, the HSD programme prepares students for success in higher education and beyond, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape.
Students who choose the ISS HSD pathway can take a combination of International Baccalaureate (IB) and ISS HSD courses. Regardless of their subject choice, students are required to attain a minimum of 23 credits over their 4-year journey in order to graduate. A student must also complete the Service as Action programme in Grades 9 and 10, and a Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) programme in Grades 11 and 12.
1. English
2. Social Studies
3. Maths
4. Science
5. Language other than English
6. Electives
Total minimum credits
4
3
3
3
2
8
23
Key Differences Between Diplomas
The High School Diploma and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma differ significantly in their structure, academic demands, and the pathways they prepare students for. These are three ways the qualifications differ:
1. Curriculum Structure
The High School Diploma typically offers a more flexible approach, with students selecting courses based on their interests or vocational goals. It is often tailored to a specific career path, allowing for a focus on vocational or technical skills. In contrast, the IB Diploma is a two-year, internationally recognised pre-university programme that prepares students for higher education with a broad-based, holistic curriculum. Students must study six subjects from various disciplines, including languages, sciences, and the arts, in addition to completing core components like the Theory of Knowledge, Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay.
2. Assessment Approach
High School Diploma assessments are based on a combination of classwork, projects, and exams, typically with a focus on the subjects chosen by the student. The IB Diploma, however, employs both internal assessments and external exams, with a global grading system from 1 to 7. Students must also complete the core components, which are designed to develop critical thinking, research skills, and a sense of global responsibility.
3. University Recognition
Both diplomas are accepted by universities worldwide. However, the IB Diploma is often regarded as more academically rigorous and holistic, with universities offering advanced placement or credit for IB courses. The broader, interdisciplinary nature of the IB programme fosters skills such as independent research, global awareness, and critical thinking—qualities highly valued by universities.
