Foundation Studies For High School Diploma

Foundation Studies for High School Diploma (FSHSD) is a progression path for students to gain admission to the High School Diploma (HSD) – Grade 10 offered by FUREN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (FIS). Not only does FSHSD offer a differentiated curriculum that recognizes the diverse abilities of students and allows each student to progress smoothly at their own pace, but it also offers a broad and balanced education for students to develop their creativity, expression and well-being. The compulsory and core subjects offered build up the basic knowledge and skills of the students. This 12-month foundation program provides a specific curriculum based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary Program and International General Certificate of Secondary Education to prepare students for the High School Diploma – Grade 10 course.

Compulsory Module

English Language

The English Language module aims to develop students’ English skills and understanding in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. They learn to communicate effectively and respond to a range of information, media and texts so as to gradually become confident communicators, engage with a range of texts and use the written word clearly and creatively for a range of audiences and purposes. The curriculum will support an integrated approach to teaching the four skills that promote experience, reflection, and improvement.

Core Modules 

Mathematics

This module helps students not only to think analytically but also to have better reasoning abilities. Students develop a holistic understanding of the subject, focusing on principles, patterns, systems, functions, and relationships. They will become mathematically competent and fluent in computation. Students are expected to build up an understanding of mathematical principles, recognise the connections of mathematical concepts, and show appreciation of mathematics as a logical subject.

Physics

This module aims to provide experimental and practical Physics, enabling students to gain sufficient understanding and knowledge. It will give a thorough introduction to the study of physics and its scientific methods and develop students’ skills and abilities that apply to the safe practice of science and to everyday life such as instilling values for accuracy and precision, objectivity and integrity.

Chemistry 

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

Elective Modules

Chinese Language

This module aims to develop students’ Chinese language skills in four aspects: listening, speaking, reading and writing. Upon completion of the module, students should be able to communicate accurately and effectively. They learn how to employ a wide-ranging vocabulary, use correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and develop a personal style and an awareness of the audience being addressed. It also enables students to better appreciate Chinese literature works.

Biology

This 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.

Scope of Study

All lessons will be conducted following the Foundation Studies for High School Diploma 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 30 contact hours per week.

Above table shows the school fee for course intakes from 2025.

Click Here to see the Miscellaneous Fees Table.