Learning

Overview

In Years 7 to 9, students engage with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP), a challenging framework designed to encourage practical connections between their studies and the real world. The MYP fosters critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and prepares students to navigate complex global challenges, ultimately aiming to develop informed and compassionate global citizens.

Key Rationale and Purpose

The MYP curriculum is grounded in the belief that education should be relevant and meaningful. It emphasizes the importance of developing students’ cognitive, social, and emotional skills, ensuring they are well-equipped to face the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. By promoting inquiry-based learning, the MYP encourages students to become active participants in their education and their communities.

Components of the MYP Curriculum

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced educational experience for students in Years 7 to 9. At South Island School (SIS), we have integrated a Global Thinking ( GT) curriculum that supports the development of essential skills such as communication, social interaction, self-management, research, and critical thinking.

A vital component of the GT curriculum is the Community Project, which enables Year 9 students to undertake an independent, sustained inquiry into a community need. This project empowers students to investigate, plan, and take action to make a difference within their communities. They collaborate with various school staff, families, and experts to complete their projects, resulting in a wide array of student-driven actions ranging from advocacy to direct service. For more details about each community project, please visit our Google site [HERE].

Additionally, the MYP mandates Interdisciplinary Units that encourage students to make connections between different subjects, further enriching their learning experience, which is also housed in the GT curriculum.

Transition Support and Community Engagement

Transition Support 

Students in Years 7 to 9 are vibrant and essential members of our school community, bringing energy and a diverse range of skills and abilities as they establish themselves. While most students transition from our primary feeder schools, Bradbury School and Quarry Bay School, we also welcome entrants from other ESF schools, non-ESF schools, and newcomers to Hong Kong.

We prioritize a smooth transition from primary to secondary school through a comprehensive liaison program, inviting all students to participate. By collaborating closely with primary teachers, we aim to ensure continuity and progression in each student’s learning, well-being, and confidence. We have also created a Family Bauhinia with 3 Heads of Year that are devoted to making their transition into SIS smooth, with access to a bespoke social area called the Space to give them a safe and enjoyable hub within the school. 

Students are placed into tutor groups of 16-20, allowing for personalized guidance and support. Information transferred from primary schools is utilized to enhance each student's learning experience in Year 7. To facilitate their transition to South Island School, we provide a robust support program during their first three years, and this support continues through the House System as they enter Year 10.

Through the MYP framework, we empower our students to engage with their community, embrace differences, and contribute positively to a culture of inclusivity and compassion, ultimately preparing them to be thoughtful, responsible global citizens.

Information about MYP

Click the subject title to view each subject brief.

• MYP General Information
• MYP Information for Parents
• MYP Curriculum
• IB Learner Profile

8 Subject Groups of MYP

Click the subject title to view each subject brief.

• Language and Literature (LL)
• Language Acquisition (LA)
• Individuals and Societies
• Sciences
• Mathematics
• Arts (Visual & Performing Arts)
• Physical and Health Education
• Design
• + Interdisciplinary Learning

Year 7-9 - Time Allocations

MYP Reporting and Assessment

Evidencer

Overview

In Years 10 and 11, all students study a common curriculum in addition to a range of option choices. 

Students sit GCSE exams offered by two exam boards: Cambridge Assessment International Education (formerly known as CIE) and Edexcel. Edexcel report IGCSE grades on a scale 9-1, whereas Cambridge Assessment International Education continue to report IGCSE grades on the A*-G scale with which most parents and students will be familiar. Below is an Information Session video and a short video prepared by Edexcel to explain IGCSE 9-1 Awarding System.

In Year 11 students are guided through the three diploma pathways that we offer in Years 12 and 13 as they begin to make further decisions about choices of subjects to study at this level. Tutors, our Pathways team and subject teachers all are dedicated to helping students to make informed choices.

South Island School aims to have mature, articulate, independent young people who are ready to contribute and make a difference in the society in which they find themselves. Students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and to be proactive in the community which is evidenced in a portfolio of CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) experiences.

Year 10/11 Curriculum (2025-2027) - A Guide To Year 9 Option Choices

Overview

In Years 12 and 13 there are three possible pathways that students can take. There is extensive guidance offered by our Careers Department, Pathways Coordinators, Subject Teachers, Tutors and Heads of House to ensure students are guided into the most suitable pathway that complements their learning style and future aspirations.

Years 12 and 13 is not just about academic study and we aim to nurture and support each student’s interests as they continue to make a difference and develop an internationally minded disposition. We encourage students to become responsible risk takers and leaders and they are expected to take a positive role in the life of the school, such as helping with administration, charity work, clubs, societies and to run many school events. Many students derive great enjoyment from the opportunities presented to develop their talents and confidence.

IB Diploma

The IB Diploma is a broad academic pathway taken by around 80% of students at South Island School. It offers breadth and provides students with the opportunity to study a broad range of academic disciplines.

To gain entry to the IB Diploma pathway grades C or better are required in at least five subjects at GCSE, including English, Maths and Science. For some subject combinations, particularly at Higher Level, a grade B or above is strongly recommended and, in some cases, may be a condition of enrolment. Placement in Group 2 is subject to the school’s Language Policy which can be found here.

2024-25 IB DP and IB CP Assessment & Guidance Handbook

The SIS Diploma

The SIS Diploma provides a breadth of learning and practical experience. There are no GCSE requirements. The progression for these students is meant to be towards further learning, work experience and preparation for fully enhanced adult living.

IB Career-related Programme

The IB CP is a programme of international, career-related education founded on the IB mission and philosophy for 16-19 year olds.

The IB CP provides a flexible framework of education which blends “academic” and “career-related” learning. From the start of the 2017 academic year students at South Island School will be able to opt to pursue BTEC courses and IB Courses (as found in the IB DP). In addition they will complete four core components of the IB CP. These are a reflective project, community engagement, language and cultural studies and the personal and professional skills course.

Year12/13 Curriculum (2025-2027)

Year12/13 Curriculum (2024-2026)

Year 11 Options Evening Presentation 2024

Year 8 going to Year 9