INTERNATIONAL STREAM

By choosing the International Stream at FIS, students follow a Dynamic International Curriculum taught in English that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and global citizenship, leading to the internationally recognized IMYC, iGCSE and IBDP qualifications. Enhanced by continuous exposure to French language and culture, this pathway ensures a rich, well-rounded education that prepares students for success in a global society.

IS ACADEMIC PROGRAM OVERVIEW

iGCSE @FIS

The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (iGCSE) is a comprehensive two-year programme for Year 10 and 11 students. It is a universally recognized qualification among international schools and universities worldwide and its curriculum is equivalent to British GCSE but iGCSE has been specially tailored to meet international needs.

The iGCSE programme aims to provide learners with a broad and balanced mix of practical experience and theoretical knowledge. Its subjects cover a variety of areas: Sciences, Humanities, Languages, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. The programme builds a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue the IB Diploma in the future.

At FIS we are always looking to improve our curriculum offerings and so recently we have looked to other certificate providers for some of our subjects. We now work with the Alliance de Française de Hong Kong to offer DELF (Diploma of French Language Studies) and the Python Institute to offer the PCEP (Certified Entry-Level Python Programmer certification)- replacing Computer Studies iGCSE.

Offering over 70 subjects, including core English, Maths, and Sciences, it provides flexible, 5-10 subject combinations at Core or Extended levels. At FIS we use Cambridge examination board.

MORE ABOUT THE iGCSE @FIS

SUPER CURRICULUM

With entry to the top universities increasingly competitive, we want to give our students the skills, knowledge and confidence to improve their chances of being accepted into their first choice university.

So we have introduced the Super Curriculum, an opportunity for students to enrich their academic studies. It is a flexible hour per week in Year 10 where we help students work on a specific skill or project, such as a personal research project, presentation and public speaking skills, a media literacy course, accessing international competitions or coaching and mentoring younger students.

AT FIS WE USE THE CAMBRIDGE INTERNATIONAL EXAMINATION BOARD

Cambridge International Examinations is the world's leading provider of international qualifications, offering examinations and qualifications to 10,000 schools in more than 160 countries. For FIS, adopting its iGCSE program offers three key advantages:

Global Currency: It is an "educational passport" recognized by top-tier universities worldwide, ensuring student mobility.
The IB Bridge: It provides the academic rigor and critical thinking skills specifically designed to prepare students for the IB Diploma.
Flexibility: The curriculum allows FIS to maintain its unique bilingual identity while offering a broad, balanced range of subjects tailored to an international community.

CAMBRIDGE ICE AWARD

The Cambridge ICE (International Certificate of Education) is a group award from Cambridge Assessment International Education, given to students who successfully complete a broad range of IGCSE subjects. To qualify, students must pass at least seven subjects, including one from each of five curriculum groups: Languages, Humanities, Sciences, Mathematics, and Creative/Vocational subjects.

Results are combined to determine the award level: Distinction, Merit, or Pass. This encourages a well-rounded education and recognizes students who achieve across diverse academic areas. The grading is based on the average of the best scores in the required subject groups.

Highly valued worldwide, the Cambridge ICE award reflects strong academic breadth and prepares students for advanced study, such as A-Levels or the IB Diploma. It promotes holistic learning and is recognized as a mark of achievement in international education.

→ All FIS students qualify for the Cambridge ICE award,

THE CURRICULUM

At FIS, Year 10 students are required to take four compulsory and five optional examined subjects. Personal, Social and Health Education classes are also compulsory but are not examined. iGCSE options are selected in Year 9.

COMPULSORY SUBJECTS

English Language
English Literature
Mathematics
French (Standard/ Intermediate/ Higher/ Advanced)

Helena Murchie,

Secondary Principal, International Stream

" We provide critical thinking skills for our students to make sure they can engage in the diverse world they find themselves in, offer inclusivity to make them feel valued and respected, and give them the essential tools to go forward in life, work out problems, and learn how to collaborate."