“Logic will get you from A - Z. Imagination will get you everywhere.”
- Albert Einsten, Theoretical Physicist
What to Expect in the EtonHouse Secondary School Curriculum (11 - 16 years)
The transition from Primary to Secondary School can be overwhelming. Previously, each class of students stay in one room, and have one teacher who is mainly responsible for them. In Secondary School, students move between classes and have different teachers for different subjects. That in itself requires a massive shift in terms of organisation and getting used to a new learning style where more technical work is required. Throw in the fact that puberty can be a tumultuous phase as well and understandably, it will take time and patience for you and your child to adjust to all these changes.
Middle School – Years 7 to 9 (11 to 14 years)
The Middle School (start of Senior School) is a three year journey to the Upper school which focuses on the transition from primary school to laying the foundations for IGCSE study in Years 10 and 11. We build upon the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) approach by incorporating inquiry-based learning into our Middle School curriculum design. Whilst our broad and balanced Middle School programme encompasses elements of the British system, we have developed the curriculum to reflect the needs and circumstances of our students and our international context. We are proud of our diverse range of subjects and options which include many traditional subjects alongside a broad range of additional programmes such as Lifeskills courses, co-curricular opportunities and personalised pastoral care and support, to help students flourish academically, socially and emotionally. As students progress through secondary school, not only do they gain the confidence to take on the IGCSE but learn to become confident and capable global citizens.
Upper School – Years 10 and 11 (15 & 16 years)
In the Upper School, students have an opportunity to specialise and further their studies in subjects which interest them whilst studying for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). Complementing their IGCSE subject choices, there are also many co-curricular opportunities, leadership roles and responsibilities, and a structured Lifeskills programme to help broaden one’s perspective, develop skillsets and build a comprehensive and meaningful CV.
IGCSEs are qualifications offered to students aged 14 to 16 at international schools globally by Cambridge International Examinations and Pearson Edexcel. They are internationally recognised qualifications equivalent to British GCSEs, the standardised academic examinations taken in the United Kingdom. Externally set, marked, and certificated examinations, IGCSE results are globally recognised by leading universities and employers, giving students a wide range of options in their education and careers. The IGCSE is also an excellent bridging programme for International A-level that students take in Years 12 and 13.
Many of the concepts and topics covered in the IGCSE subjects get further built on in the International A-Level courses.
In addition to the core subjects of Mathematics, Science (Double-award) English Language and English Literature, students will be asked to select their subject choices from the following option blocks:
Block A | Block B | Block C | Block D |
Spanish | History | Design & Technology | Geography |
Chinese | Art & Design | Computer Science | Business Studies |
Additional Language (English) | Music | Physical Education |
Read our blog Is IGCSE right for my child?
Why you should enrol your child in an EtonHouse Secondary School
In an age where secondary schools have become vast institutions, it is understandable that parents may worry that the environment is less nurturing than primary school and fear that their child may get lost in its midst. This is not the case in EtonHouse. Apart from academic rigour, what underpins our secondary education is the caring and individualised support for students. There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all approach here. Here is how our Secondary programme empowers and engages students.
A strong sense of community
At EtonHouse International School, we believe a thriving educational ecosystem hinges on a strong, supportive community. Our small, close-knit environment fosters warm connections between students and teachers, regardless of age or year level. This accessibility allows for easy friendships to blossom, ensuring every child feels safe, happy, and valued. We recognise that joy and engagement are crucial for academic, social, and emotional growth. Therefore, we cultivate a respectful, principled, and caring atmosphere, where inquiry, innovation, and lifelong learning are not just encouraged, but nurtured within a collaborative, stimulating, and challenging environment. Here, every child has the opportunity to flourish, not just academically, but as a whole person, ready to embrace the world with confidence and compassion. Families can also look forward to rich interactions between the staff and students.
A personalised approach to learning
At EtonHouse, students’ passions and interests provide direction and purpose, and teachers provide momentum, support and reassurance. The boutique nature of our campus means that every teacher knows every student, allowing deep relationships between teacher and student to develop faster than they would in a larger school. Students also get the more personalised attention they need to excel. Knowing every student’s interests and competencies helps our teachers tailor lessons accordingly and ensures that all students receive the attention and support they need to succeed.
Interdisciplinary approach to education
Embracing the fluidity of modern life, our boutique Secondary School environment makes it feasible for us to coordinate learning experiences that emphasise an interdisciplinary approach where concepts from one subject seamlessly flow into another. Map skills from Geography might inform coordinate lessons in Math, while kayaking and rock climbing build practical life skills alongside traditional academics. This integrated curriculum, built on a core foundation, allows students to connect knowledge across disciplines and develop a holistic understanding relevant to the demands of the 22nd century. We empower learners to make connections, not just complete courses, ensuring their education reflects the interconnectedness of the real world.
Effective English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme for non-native speakers
EtonHouse provides a robust EAL programme to support our multilingual learners. Our EAL programme is designed to help students acquire the essential English skills (listening, speaking, reading and writing) they need to express themselves, communicate socially and understand the curriculum.
We offer three levels of EAL programme: Standard EAL (7 hours/week), Intensive EAL (IEAL – 11 hours/week) and Immersive / Intensive EAL (IIEAL – 14 hours/week), and students are taught in homogenous groups according to their English proficiency. As every student has a different learning curve, lessons are planned based on the needs of each individual student. By keeping class numbers small, we provide a risk-free and comfortable setting for our students to practise the language. With the aim of integrating students back into mainstream classes, we conduct regular assessments throughout the year to assess their progress and proficiency.
Central location
Located along the main shopping belt of Orchard Road, opposite St. Regis Hotel, EtonHouse International School Orchard is a modern facility that is close to many popular residential areas that you may choose for yourself. The convenient location means less travelling time, and more time for learning and growing.
A personalised approach to learning
Instead of the traditional top-down approach where the teacher is the authority, our students help to shape the curriculum and empower them to select project work that interests them within a structured framework.
This creates highly engaged learners who steer inspired project work. For example, one student took an unusual approach to the theme of ‘War’ by researching how some animals have unexpectedly thrived under war conditions.
We do this because it is important our students are able to transfer theoretical knowledge to practice. That is why it is not unusual for a lesson on the laws of motion to take place on a rollercoaster ride at Resorts World Sentosa.
Small class sizes
In an age when secondary schools have become vast institutions, it is understandable that parents worry that the environment is less nurturing than primary school, and their child will get lost in the midst.
This is not the case in EtonHouse. The strong pastoral care within the small and boutique nature of the campus ensures that every teacher knows every student. Our much richer teacher to student ratio means deep relationships between teacher and student develop faster than they would in a larger school, and students get the personal attention they need to excel.
Central location
Located in the heart of the city opposite St. Regis Hotel, EtonHouse International School Orchard is a modern facility and the only international school on Orchard Road, hence close to residential areas that you may choose for yourself. The convenient location means less travelling time, and more time for learning and growing.
Interdisciplinary approach to education
We are committed to a fluid approach to education. In other words, learning objectives in one subject should flow into others to allow students to develop an integrated understanding that is relevant to the demands of the 22nd century. Our boutique Secondary School environment makes it feasible for us to coordinate experiences that emphasise the interconnectedness across subjects. For example, map skills picked up in Geography class might flow into learning about coordinates in Mathematics. Our students also gain crucial life skills through activities such as kayaking, rock climbing and self-defence.
Strong English as an Additional Language (EAL) Programme for non-native speakers
Our EAL programme is designed to help our students with a basic grasp of English to improve their abilities in listening, speaking, reading and writing — the four macro skills that are needed for successful participation in mainstream programmes. It is conducted as part of the normal curriculum with peers of the same year so the environment is comfortable and conducive for learning.
We also offer an Intensive EAL programme that provides further specialised support for students with limited or no English background. With a focus on building a strong foundation, classes centre around activities that help to boost the student’s language skills with an emphasis on vocabulary and proficiency in spoken English.
Both EAL programmes are designed to integrate students back into mainstream language classes.
Central location
Located along the main shopping belt of Orchard Road, opposite St. Regis Hotel, EtonHouse International School Orchard is a modern facility that is close to many popular residential areas that you may choose for yourself. The convenient location means less travelling time, and more time for learning and growing.
What’s On Spotlight
Read Our Parenting Blog
-
Uncategorized
ChatGPT in education
-
Curriculum, EtonHouse Orchard
Everything you need to know about International A-levels in Singapore