Higher Secondary (Age 15 - 16)
Higher Secondary is typically for learners aged 14 to 16 years. Higher Secondary builds on the foundations developed in Lower Secondary and offers learners a 2 year preparatory course to attain internationally recognized Cambridge IGCSE qualifications at the end of Higher Secondary.
IGCSE Options
All Grade 9 and 10 students follow a two-year course leading to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) with an extended curriculum of Cambridge University which allows students to study subject areas and topics introduced in Year 6, 7 and 8 in much greater depth, and it is a good preparation for students who are planning to enter GCSE A Level.
IGCSE is a balanced curriculum tailored to international needs and designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. The programme leads to a certificate that is internationally recognized. It has been accepted as a preliminary requirement for entry into all UK universities, and is recognized by universities and colleges around the World.
In CISM, students will get the opportunity to choose their IGCSE subjects from a wide range of subjects to suit their interests. However, students are required to take two compulsory subjects (English as a Second Language and Mathematics) and the remaining three or more subjects which are then the students’ choice. The options include:
- Additional Mathematics
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Accounting
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
External Assessment
At the end of the two year course at CISM, students are assessed through standardized exams organized by British Council Burma in May and January. The examination body is the CIE (Cambridge International Examinations). All examinations are set in the United Kingdom and the answer scripts are sent there for marking. The structure and content of the syllabus are validated by the UK Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, ensuring a high quality education for our students. The progress of our students is carefully monitored throughout the course. They are taught to set their own targets and determine the actions necessary to achieve them.
Every subject within The IGCSE programme is assessed on an eight-point scale of grades from A* to G. Any student failing to reach a grade G is awarded a grade U (Unclassified). An A* is an exceptional grade, given to approximately the top 7 % of students within each subject.
In some subjects, there is a choice between Core and Extended curriculum papers, allowing teachers and students to decide on the most appropriate level of instruction and testing for the candidate. The Core curriculum in each subject is within the ability range of all students. It provides a full overview of the subject and is targeted at students expected to achieve between grades C and G. The Extended curriculum comprises the Core curriculum plus additional and more challenging material. This has been designed for the more academically able student, who is expected to achieve grades A* – C.
The majority of students at CISM take most subjects at the Extended level.
CISM High School Diploma, Credit System & Transcript
At the successful completion of 10 years schooling, CISM awards its students a High School Diploma in addition to a well-formulated transcript. This document includes the grades from 7 to 10, the Credits they gained and their Grade Point Average (GPA).The number of credits needed to graduate is 24 over four years. This includes all of the required provincial compulsory and optional credits throughout their grades 7, 8, 9, and 10.
Most compulsory grade 7, 8, 9 and 10 courses are prerequisites. This means that students who fail a compulsory course must repeat this course in summer school to remain on a four year graduation plan.
Summer Programme