Secondary Programme

Year 7 to Year 9 Curriculum Overview

Cambridge Lower Secondary is typically for learners aged 11 to 14 years. It helps prepare students for the next step of their education, providing a clear path as they progress through the Cambridge Pathway in an age-appropriate way. 

In addition, we offer Cambridge Lower Secondary alongside Madrid national curriculum and local curriculum. Students in SSHK can learn Spanish as a first language and Chinese as a first language. We also offer Spanish and Chinese as a foreign language for students without prior knowledge of these two languages.

Core subjects:

• English
• Maths
• Science
• Spanish

Non-Core Subjects:

Assessment

To ensure learning at SSHK is enjoyable and effective at the same time, we will conduct assessments with our students, when required by the curriculum, to ascertain that our students have all reached or even exceeded the curriculum objectives. Apart from formative and summative assessments by teachers and the Cambridge Progress tests for each class, there are also external assessments for certain year groups.

Year 10 to Year 11 Curriculum Overview

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a comprehensive two-year programme for Year 10 and 11 students. Cambridge IGCSE was established more than 30 years ago. Today, it’s the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. Not only is it truly international – it gives students more options than any other international qualification. That means more subjects to choose from, more ways to learn, and more ways to succeed. It is a universally recognised qualification among international schools and universities worldwide which aims to provide learners with a broad and balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. 

At SSHK, students are required to take five compulsory subjects and four optional examined subjects.  Physical Education classes are also compulsory but are not examined. IGCSE options are selected in Year 9.

Compulsory subjects:

• English – First Language
• English Literature
• Spanish Language
• Mathematics
• Science Co-ordinated* (Students who opt to study Physics, Biology and Chemistry may be exempted from this subject)

Non-compulsory Subjects:

Year 12 to Year 13 (The Sixth Form)

Cambridge International A Level is typically a two-year course, and Cambridge International AS Level is typically one year. Some subjects can be started as a Cambridge International AS Level and extended to a Cambridge International A Level. The syllabuses prepare learners for university study, which is why universities worldwide value and recognise Cambridge International AS & A Level qualifications.

Cambridge International AS & A Level develops learners’ knowledge, understanding and skills in:

• in-depth subject content
• independent thinking
• applying knowledge and understanding to new as well as familiar situations
• handling and evaluating different types of information source
• thinking logically and presenting ordered and coherent arguments
• making judgements, recommendations and decisions
• presenting reasoned explanations, understanding implications and communicating them logically and clearly
• working and communicating in English.

At SSHK, students are required to study four subjects in Year 12 at AS-Level and at least three subjects in Year 13 at A-Level, alongside the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ). The timetable is created around students’ subject choices enabling them to follow their personal interests and academic strengths. Small class sizes and form groups contribute towards an exceptional educational experience, creating an important bridge between IGCSE and Higher Education. Subjects are offered subject to demand and availability. At A-Level they include:

Non-compulsory Subjects: