Secondary Programme

The GENERATIONS International School’s rigorous Secondary curriculum follows the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) for S1 to S4 (ages 13 to 16) and the IB Diploma Programme (DP) for S5 and S6 (ages 17 to 18).

IB Learner Profile

Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature

  • English SL/HL
  • Chinese SL/HL
  • Portuguese SL/HL

Group 2: Language Acquisition

  • English SL/HL
  • Chinese SL/HL
  • Portuguese SL/HL

Group 3: Individuals & Societies

  • Economics SL/HL
  • Business Management SL/HL
  • Geography SL/HL
  • History SL/HL
  • Environmental Systems and Societies SL/HL*

Group 4: Sciences

  • Biology SL/HL
  • Chemistry SL/HL
  • Physics SL/HL
  • Environmental Systems and Societies SL/HL*
  • Design Technology SL/HL

Group 5: Mathematics

  • Mathematics AI (Analysis and Approaches) SL/HL
  • Mathematics AA (Applications and Interpretation) SL/HL

Group 6: The Arts

  • Music SL/HL
  • Visual Arts SL/HL

Note: Group 6 subjects can be replaced by another Group 3 Individuals & Societies or Group 4 Sciences subject, depending on a student’s university choices.

The Core

The IB Learner Profile runs through the entire IB continuum of education, from ages 3 to 18. It features 10 characteristics that our whole community embraces, both inside and outside the classroom. We support all members of our learning community to be:

  • Inquirers
  • Knowledgeable
  • Thinkers
  • Communicators
  • Principled
  • Open-minded
  • Caring
  • Risk-takers
  • Balenced
  • Reflective

Embodying these characteristics makes us all better students and better people.

Approaches to Learning (ATL) Skills

Approaches to Learning (ATL) is a common skills framework that runs through Secondary School. The five ATL categories are developed in each subject, but emphasized and evidenced in different ways:

  • Thinking skills – critical and creative thinking, transfer
  • Communication skills – exchanging information, literacy, and presentation
  • Social skills – collaboration, affective skills, reflection
  • Self-management skills – organization, affective skills, reflection
  • Research skills – information literacy, media literacy, ethical use of information

Middle Years Programme (MYP) – S1 to S4

The MYP emphasizes inquiry-based learning, international-mindedness, and real-world connections. It spans eight subject groups: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education, and design. It integrates global contexts, key concepts, and approaches to learning (ATL) skills, such as critical thinking and self-management, to foster interdisciplinary understanding. Teaching occurs through units of inquiry, promoting skills for lifelong learning and global engagement:

  • Language and Literature – English, Chinese, and Portuguese Language and Literature, for students who are fluent or for whom the language is a mother tongue
  • Language Acquisition – English, Chinese, and Portuguese Language Acquisition for students who are learning and perfecting a language
  • Individuals and Societies (I&S) – History, Geography, with some Business and Economics
  • Sciences – Integrated biology, chemistry and physics
  • Mathematics – number, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, statistics, and probability
  • Arts – visual arts and music
  • Physical and Health Education (PHE) – Health, fitness, movement, team sports, and personal wellbeing
  • Design – design technology, including digital design, product design, working with wood, fabric, metal, and polymers

Personal Project

The personal project is a culminating MYP event completed in S4. It allows students to pursue a passion-driven goal, producing a tangible outcome, like a prototype invention, a sample product, or a piece of artwork, as well as a reflective report. Guided by a supervisor, it demonstrates ATL skills across four criteria: planning, application of skills, the recording process, and reflection. Assessed internally, then externally moderated, it emphasizes self-management and global contexts and is often seen by students as one of the most fulfilling academic projects of their school life.

eAssessment (beginning in academic year 2027-2028)

The MYP eAssessment offers external validation in S4, including on-screen exams, ePortfolios, and the personal project report. Exams in subjects such as language acquisition, science, and mathematics use criterion-related grading (1-7 scale) to assess conceptual understanding and skills through tasks such as data analysis or essays. ePortfolios showcase interdisciplinary learning and are externally moderated by the IB to ensure consistency.

Diploma Programme (DP) – S5 to S6 (starting September 2027)

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is widely regarded as the most rigorous programme for university matriculation, and it not only helps you get into better universities, but it also helps you succeed when you are there. The IB is not merely a curriculum; it supports the development of study skills through Approaches to Learning and the Extended Essay, presentation skills that build confidence, and character development through the learner profile. Through its Creativity, Activity, and Service programme, students must demonstrate their artistic, sporting, and community service dimensions to pass the IB Diploma Programme. All these aspects make the IB Diploma the gold standard not only for gaining admission to top universities but also for success in life.

The DP is a challenging two-year curriculum comprising six subject groups and a core. Normally, three subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL, at least 240 hours of study) and three at Standard Level (SL, at least 150 hours of study).

Subjects Choices at GENERATIONS

The DP core includes three elements: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). TOK challenges students to reflect on how they know what they know, how to think critically, and demonstrate understanding via an exhibition and an essay. The EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper on a chosen topic, designed to hone academic writing. CAS requires 150+ hours across creativity (the arts), activity (physical pursuits), and service (community impact), promoting holistic growth. Successful CAS outcomes are essential for the award of an IB Diploma but are not directly graded. TOK and EE contribute to the overall DP point score.

IB – Middle Years Programme