High School Diploma – Grade 12

The HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA – GRADE 12 (HSD GRADE 12) provides two distinct pathways, based on Cambridge International ‘A’ Level (CIE A Level) and the Singapore Cambridge GCE ‘A’ Level curriculum. Students may choose to take either CIE A or GCE A Level curriculum with the two curricula carried out in separate classes. Upon completion of the Course, students are expected to be equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to sit for the School’s Term Examinations and the Cambridge International A-Level Examination or the Singapore-Cambridge GCE A-Level Examination to gain entry into world-renowned universities.

Compulsory Module

English Language

This module aims to enable students to communicate effectively in English. At the end of the course, students are expected to be able to listen, read, write and speak to meet general living needs. They are also expected to speak, write and make presentations in internationally acceptable English for academic purpose.

Core Modules

Chemistry

The Chemistry module is a skill-based module that focuses on understanding and application of scientific concepts and principles, over and above a short-term retention of large quantities of factual materials. Experimental work is an important component and underpins the teaching and learning of Chemistry. It should prepare students with a broader base of practical chemistry and particularly to develop their appreciation of the finite life of the world’s resources. Hence the need for recycling and conservation.

Physics

The module aims to provide experimental and practical physics, enabling students to acquire sufficient understanding and knowledge. It will give a thorough introduction to the study of Physics and scientific methods and develop students’ skills and abilities that apply to the safe practice of science and to everyday life. They will be instilled with skills and abilities such as concern for accuracy and precision, objectivity and integrity.

Mathematics

This module aims to enable students to acquire the necessary mathematical concepts and skills for everyday life, for continuous learning in Mathematics and related disciplines, and 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 apply these skills to solve problems in different areas.

Elective Modules

Biology

The 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.

Economics

Through the learning of this module, learners study how to explain and analyse economic issues and arguments, evaluate economic information, and organise, present and communicate ideas and judgements clearly. The syllabus covers a range of basic economic ideas, including an introduction to the price system and government intervention, international trade and exchange rates, the measurement of employment and inflation, and the causes and consequences of inflation. Learners also study the price system, the theory of the firm, market failure, macroeconomic theory and policy, and economic growth and development.

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.

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

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.

They will also be able to appreciate the ethical issues that arise with current and emerging computing technologies.

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.

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 12 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.