Secondary

“AISHK gave my children their voice. Throughout their secondary education, they were encouraged by passionate, caring teachers and supported by a diverse community of students all working together. AISHK combined the best of Australian culture with a global perspective and provided a truly international education with a heart.”
AISHK Alumni Parent

AISHK offers an exceptional secondary education for students through a unique curriculum model, designed for diversity of choice and specialisation through course electives. AISHK is the only school in Hong Kong to offer students the flexibility to undertake either the Australian New South Wales Higher School Certificate (NSW HSC) or the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP).

By providing these alternative pathways, one distinctly Australian and the other an international education, students benefit significantly by having choice. We create seamless pathways for students’ tertiary pursuits, career aspirations and unlimited opportunities - whether in Hong Kong, Australia or around the globe.

For many students, Secondary may be their most formative years, academically, socially and emotionally. Since the average class size in Secondary is 15 students, our students benefit greatly from individualised focus and added support from our dedicated teachers. As a result, Secondary at AISHK is a close-knit, nurturing and positive learning community.

Years 7 to 10

New South Wales Higher School Certificate (NSW HSC)

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP)

Subject Offerings

Years 7 to 10

In Years 7-10, added focus is placed on encouraging students to be personally responsible for their studies, with the aim of achieving self-discipline and social communication skills.

All students are enrolled in courses that cover eight Key Learning Areas (KLAs) to fulfil the Board of Studies (BOSTES) mandatory requirements. The KLAs are designed to provide entry to Year 11 and 12 courses of study for either the NSW HSC or IBDP.

New South Wales Higher School Certificate (NSW HSC)

AISHK offers students in Years 11 and 12 the option to study and graduate with the Australian NSW HSC, an internationally recognised, final year high school graduation credential. The HSC provides students with flexibility in its curriculum to study a wide range of subjects or to focus and specialise within more specific subject fields.

HSC academic results are used to calculate an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). A student’s ATAR is the ranking score used by Australian and overseas universities to qualify a student’s eligibility for course entry.

HSC Preliminary Course (Year 11): To be eligible for the HSC, a student must satisfactorily complete at least 12 units in the Preliminary study pattern.

HSC Course (Year 12): To successfully complete Year 12 and be awarded the HSC, students must satisfactorily complete at least ten units including English (five subjects for most students). Year 12 students have the option of selecting additional extension courses in certain subjects. HSC examinations are typically held yearly from mid-October to mid-November.

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBDP)

AISHK offers students in Years 11 and 12 the option to study and graduate with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The IBDP is a globally recognised programme which emphasises critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view.

AISHK offers a varied range of courses from the six IB subject groups; Language A, Language B, Mathematics, Sciences, Individuals and Societies and The Arts. To be awarded the IB diploma, students must satisfy the course requirements in one course from each of the six groups listed. In general, IB courses are completed over two years, with the exception of some one-year ‘anticipated’ courses. At least three and not more than four courses are taken at higher level (HL - 240 hours over two years), the others at standard level (SL - 150 hours over two years). Additionally, students must also complete the three DP core elements; Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Action and Service (CAS); and the extended essay.

AISHK runs IBDP examinations in November each year and results are available in early January.

Subject Offerings

Subject Offering	Years 7-10	Years 11 & 12 NSW Higher School Certificate	Years 11 & 12 IB Courses
English	English	English Advanced & Standard & English Extension English Fundamentals	English - Literature and Language A (HL & SL)
Mathematics	Mathematics	General Mathematics Mathematics 2 Unit Mathematics Extension	Mathematics (HL & SL)
Science & Technology	Science Design & Technology Year 9 & 10: Information & Software Technology	Biology Physics Chemistry Design and Technology Software Design and Technology	Biology (HL & SL) Chemistry (HL & SL) Physics (HL & SL) Design Technology (HL & SL) ITGS (HL & SL)
Social Sciences	Geography History Year 9 & 10: Commerce	Business Studies Legal Studies Modern History Economics Geography	Economics (HL & SL) Business & Management History (HL & SL) Psychology
Languages Other Than English (LOTE)	Chinese (Mandarin) French	Chinese (Continuers) Heritage Chinese French (Continuers)	Chinese A (HL & SL) Chinese B (HL & SL) Chinese ab initio (HL & SL) French B (HL & SL) French ab initio
Creative Arts	Visual Arts Year 9 Onwards: Music Drama	Visual Arts Visual Design Music Drama	Visual Arts (HL & SL) Music (HL & SL)
Physical Education	PDHPE Year 9 & 10: Physical Activities and Sports Studies	Personal Development, Health & Physical Education Sport, Life Style & Recreation

HSC & IBDP Subjects

Subject to student preferences and minimum course enrollment numbers.

Snapshots of Secondary at AISHK

Discover the dynamic learning environment which Secondary students enjoy each and every day at AISHK. There’s much to be celebrated, from sciences and sport to mathematics and creative arts. View our video mini-series which provides a glimpse of curricular aspects within each year level, and featuring none other than our students themselves, sharing their thoughts and experiences.