Secondary School Curriculum

The secondary curriculum offered at AIS is based on the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, recognised worldwide for its rigour while developing skills that allow students to thrive beyond their school years. Students graduate from the Australian International School and enrol at top universities in over 15 countries with the globally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) or the Australian High School Certificate (HSC). To prepare for the challenges of Years 11 and 12, students pursue subjects across the Cambridge IGCSE and Australian Curriculums to study in Years 9 and 10. 

In Years 6 to 8, students follow the Australian Curriculum, which blends rigour with diverse subjects. During these transformative years, students develop essential 21st-century skills such as Critical Thinking, Communication, Research and Self-management through a conceptualised learning approach. Taught and immersed in a community of over 50 different nationalities, students truly embrace being global citizens, a vital component of a top international IB World School.

Academic Wellbeing 

Our students have surpassed expectations, showcasing exceptional performance in their academic pursuits. The rigorous curriculum has prepared them for university challenges and instilled a passion for lifelong learning.

• The average IB Score for our students is an impressive 33.1 out of 45, surpassing the global average of 29.06.
• A stellar 8.5% of students achieved a remarkable 40+ IB points.
• We’re proud to announce that 22 students were awarded a prestigious Bilingual Diploma

Senior Learning at AIS: Senior students at AIS have the option to matriculate under the Australian NSW Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. Both globally-recognised curricula comprise the rigorous study of a range of subjects that allow students to pursue tertiary education options all over the world. Learning Coordinators at AIS are on hand for students, parents and guardians, with the assistance of a strong and knowledgeable careers team, to provide advice and guidance about senior pathways and subject selection.

Senior Studies Handbook

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IB)

Higher School Certificate (HSC)

The objective of our curriculum in Year 9 and 10 is to provide students with the opportunity to be flexible in their subject choices to allow them to choose appropriate academic pathways to help them prepare for their senior studies. These students have the option to choose subjects from both the Cambridge IGCSE and Australian Curriculums to study across Year 9 and 10. Students who are learning English as a Second Language who do not meet the requirements to enter our mainstream program, will be enrolled in the ESSPP program which also runs as a two-year program and is designed to allow these students to transition into either of our mainstream senior programs (IBDP or HSC).  Finally, students who join us in Year 10 will enter our Senior Preparation Program (SPP) which will help to prepare them for their Senior Studies in Year 11 and 12. Our Junior Learning Coordinator is on hand for students, parents and guardians, with the assistance of a strong and knowledgeable careers team, to provide advice and guidance about senior pathways and subject selection.

2024 Year 9-10 Handbook 

Year 10 Senior Preparation Program Handbook

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE)

Students in Year 6-8 will follow the Australian Curriculum. Students will undertake a diverse range of subjects which will focus on developing key 21st Century skills such as Critical Thinking, Communicating, Researching and Self-management through a conceptualised learning approach. Developing these skills will allow our students to successfully transition from Elementary into the Secondary school and provide them with an appropriate platform to embark upon their studies when they progress into the IGCSE and Australian Curriculum subject offerings  in Year 9 and 10.