Secondary

Vision of Adolescence

Students enter adolescence, also known as youth, in Secondary school. This is a period of life characterized by blossoming capacities, strength and vigour.

Youth possess great potential to bring about constructive change and have an expanding capacity for meaningful service. Their sense of purpose and thirst for knowledge finds expression through greater ownership of their learning and growth.

Secondary Programme

In line with this vision, our Secondary programme aims to assist students to further develop their intellectual capacities along with the qualities, attitudes, skills, and understandings that will enable them to contribute to the progress of society.

Through rigorous academic training spanning a variety of subjects, they are prepared to succeed in internationally-recognized IGCSE exams, the IB Diploma Programme, and their further studies.

As their intellectual and spiritual powers develop, Secondary students come to understand the needs of society at a deeper level, and design and undertake more complex initiatives to contribute to the well-being of their communities.

IB Diploma Programme

​School of the Nations was the first IB World School in Macau and we provide our students with both the Full Diploma track and the Certificate track of the IB Diploma Programme, depending on individual needs.

Form 5 and Form 6 are the two final years of the Secondary programme at School of the Nations. All students study in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme during these two years. This programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme that prepares students, typically aged 16-19, for success at university and life beyond.

Cambridge IGCSE

The Secondary programme begins at initially to Form 3 and Form 4 with the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).

The IGCSE is the world’s most popular international qualification for 14 to 16 year olds. It develops successful students, providing excellent preparation for their next steps in education, including progression to higher level study or immediate employment. The Cambridge IGCSE is recognised by schools, universities and employers worldwide. In addition, it is one of the prerequisites of the IB Diploma Programme at the School of the Nations.

School of the Nations is the first Cambridge International School in Macau administering the Cambridge IGCSE and A-Level Examinations under the Cambridge Assessment.

Cambridge Assessment provides these qualifications to develop students’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry, problem solving, and to give them excellent preparation for the next stage in their education. Students typically take the examinations and coursework for 8 to 9 IGCSE subjects by the end of Form 4. The school currently offers the following syllabi to the Form 3 and Form 4 students:

  • English Literature
  • First Language English
  • First Language Chinese
  • Chinese as a Second Language
  • Foreign Language: Mandarin Chinese
  • Mathematics
  • Global Perspectives
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Computer Science
  • Art & Design
  • Drama
  • Music

Beyond the Classroom

Creativity, Activity and Service

In Forms 5 and 6, students participate in the Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) element of the IB Diploma Programme. Through CAS, students have the opportunity to design and carry out their own activities in the areas of the arts, physical activity or service.