MAKING CHOICES AT BSB SHUNYI
In Year 10, students are able to make choices about the direction and focus of their learning. These choices often mark the beginning of the journey towards the IB Diploma Programme, university and employment beyond. It is probably that this the first time that students have this degree of choice about their learning. When making the options choices students should consider carefully their interests, their strengths and their ambitions.
CAMBRIDGE QUALIFICATIONS
At BSB, we follow a British Curriculum in Key Stage 4. However, we adapt delivery to make sure it provides our international student body a truly global educational experience. Students prepare for and are entered for the IGCSE qualifications. For most subjects, students will complete the Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE courses and some subjects are completed with Edexcel. Cambridge IGCSE were created 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 also 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.
Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) courses are accepted and valued by universities around the world, including MIT, Harvard and Cambridge. They are recognised as qualifications that prepare and equip students with the skills they need to succeed both at university and beyond. Universities tell us that they value the independent research and critical thinking skills, as well as the deep subject knowledge, that our qualifications bring.
CAIE regularly revise their syllabus guides to ensure that their courses to ensure that assessment objectives are aligned with the higher order thinking skills valued by universities and necessary for success in the IB Diploma. CAIE works closely with universities to make sure that their qualifications continue to support students to develop the skills universities require. At the end of the two-year course, and after successfully completing all the requirements and examinations, students will be formally awarded a certified qualification in each subject completed.
COMPULSORY AND OPTIONAL SUBJECTS
All our students are required to study English, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Global Perspectives. They also participate in Guidance lessons to cover the broader topics of life, health, general well-being, careers and higher education. To create a healthy balance between the mind and body, we also ensure our students take Core Physical Education, which is offered over and above the IGCSE Physical Education qualification.
DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S INTERNATIONAL AWARD
In addition to their formal academic studies, all students are strongly encouraged to complete the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. This challenging programme encourages our students to push themselves beyond their comfort zone. It also allows our students to set ambitious goals and formally recognises their achievements.
A SMOOTH TRANSITION
Our bespoke Academic Bridging Programme (ABP) supports our Year 11 students with the transition from IGCSE to IB Diploma. Our ABP has been crafted to give greater insight into the aspects of the IB Diploma Programme that truly set it apart from other post-16 courses: its mission, its approach, and what is at its heart, the IB Core. The ABP is designed to give students opportunities to collaborate with their peers through inquiry and reflection and to explore the selection of subjects we offer in the IB from a range of new perspectives.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR ACHIEVEMENT
At BSB Shunyi, we offer a truly global experience with outstanding teachers and exceptional educational opportunities from our youngest to eldest students. Our students are empowered to be and do their best, while also learning to make a difference in the world beyond the classroom.
