Our Secondary School Curriculum

Following the structure of the English National Curriculum, we divide our secondary school education into three Key Stages: 

• Key Stage 3: Years 7, 8 & 9 (Grades 6-8) 

• Key Stage 4: Years 10 & 11 (Grades 9-10) 

• Key Stage 5: Years 12 & 13 (Grades 11-12) 

Key Stage 3

As students transition from primary to secondary school, from Key Stage 2 to 3, the curriculum develops to move them away from guided learning and towards a more independent, analytical, and self-organised approach to thinking. At its core, we develop students into global citizens by embedding an international context into our teaching, encouraging students to volunteer for the local community, and preparing students for future exams in internationally recognised qualifications, like the IGCSE and International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. 

In Key Stage 3, our core teaching subjects are English, Maths, Science and Vietnamese (for passport holders). Further foundation subjects consist of history and geography, performing arts, physical education, languages, art and design, and computer science. 

The teaching of global awareness is embedded throughout these subjects. From studying literature and analysing its world view, to exploring different cultures through art and design, we place emphasis on positioning our subjects within an international context. 

Our curriculum is enhanced by unique opportunities and activities from our partners MIT, The Juilliard School and UNICEF. Read more about it in the Beyond the Classroom section below. 

Please see the document below for further information on the opportunities available within each subject:

Key Stage 4

During Key Stage 4, our students aged 14-16 are prepared for the IGCSE examinations they will sit in Year 11. These examination qualifications are awarded by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE).  

For the IGCSE examinations our students are offered a broad and balanced selection of subjects to ensure they are well-prepared for their next stage of education in Year 12 and 13. English, Mathematics, Science, Computing and Physical Education (non-examination) are compulsory subjects. Students then have a number of additional subjects they may select two options from. Subjects we teach include History, Geography, Spanish or French, Business Studies, Art & Design, Music and Drama. Personal, Social and Health Education are also taught throughout Key Stage 4. 

In every subject we offer, we emphasise the importance of personalised teaching. We believe that a tailored approach is fundamental both to achieving outstanding academic results and ensuring that our students enjoy their education. Our teachers are experts in this and pay close attention to the strengths of each student and the challenges they face so that they receive support wherever they need it to help them reach their full potential. 

Helping students at IGCSE level to choose subjects they are passionate about and to start thinking about their future ambitions is an important element in ensuring they feel supported when they move into Year 12. Throughout Key Stage 4 we supply careers education and guidance so that students can understand the IGCSEs in the exciting, broader context of what they aspire to in future. 

Key Stage 5 - Sixth Form

In Years 12 and 13 our students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. This internationally recognised qualification provides our students with the skills they need, both academically and creatively, to pursue global pathways and secure places at top universities.  

Through a guided options process, we help students to choose a range of subjects, six in total, in which they can excel and attain the highest point score possible, as well as take steps towards their career pathway of choice. To help students do this in the most informed way, we hold discussions with subject specialists in each of their preferred options. Teachers encourage a variety of both academic and creative subjects so that students have a range of options for the field of their future study.  

We have an excellent IB track record. For the last four years our students have consistently scored above the IBDP average and many received offers from their first choice universities. Visit our IB diploma page to understand more about the IB curriculum and how we teach it. 

Beyond the classroom 

BIS Hanoi students benefit from our exclusive partnerships with some of the world’s top institutes. Throughout secondary school, our curriculum and extra-curricular activities are shaped and endorsed by our partners UNICEF, The Juilliard School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).  

From our performing arts programme which includes repertoire, activities and lectures developed and hand-picked by arts professors at The Juilliard School, to a STEAM programme guided and designed by professors at MIT, our partnerships help us to deliver a curriculum which is extraordinary and unique. Outside of the school day our students continue to partake in learning activities with our partners. Students can enjoy opportunities like discussing and developing solutions to some of the world’s most challenging problems with the Chief Executive of UNICEF and its partners through our online learning platform Global Campus, to visiting the MIT campus or attending the High Level Political Forum at the United Nations.  

Get in touch with our admissions team to learn more about our Secondary school programmes and incredible partnerships.