Secondary Curriculum

The International Programme is from Year 7 to Year 13. The curriculum is designed to follow a course of study which provides a broad and balanced range of learning experiences. The Years 7 to 9 also follow the Cambridge Checkpoint Curriculum in the subjects of English, Maths, Science and ICT.

In Years 10 and 11, students begin to study Cambridge’s IGCSE curriculum. The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is a 2+ year curriculum that follows detailed benchmarks that enable teachers and students to equally prepare for comprehensive exams identical to high school students from thousands of international and private schools around the globe.

In Years 12 and 13, students begin to study Cambridge Advanced Level qualifications, usually taking AS Levels in Year 12 and completing the course with A Level examinations in Year 13. Similarly to the iGCSE exams, A Levels prepare students for the next phase in their educational journey, opening pathways to universities around the world or further study or employment in Laos.

Panyathip International School currently offers students the opportunity to study for international exams in the following subjects: English as a Second Language, Maths, Combined Science, ICT, Chinese as a Foreign Language, Computer Science, Physical Education, Geography, Global Perspectives, Environmental Management and Business Studies. P.I.S also offers non-academic courses in Sports and Arts.

Cambridge International Curriculum

The Cambridge International Curriculum helps students to be successful in primary and secondary education.
It is a flexible framework and the qualifications are internationally recognised. It is supported by the best educational and assessment practice:

  • Quality and clarity delivered through the curriculum
  • Guaranteed assessment standards
  • Training and professional development
  • International outlook and commitment
  • A partnership approach between Cambridge and the school

The Cambridge International Primary Programme gives schools a framework to develop numeracy, literacy and science skills in young children aged 5 – 11 years. It helps teachers to assess children’s learning as they progress and assistance in curriculum development.

The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme follows the same pattern. It builds on the primary stage and provides a vehicle for success for students approximately 11 – 14 years. It develops children’s knowledge and skills in Mathematics, English and Science, as well as studying History, Chinese, Geography, ICT, Art, Physical Education, Music, and Life Skills.

Cambridge checkpoint tests during the Lower Secondary Programme provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses before they move into the 14 – 16 year old period of external examinations, including IGCSE.

In the secondary school additional subjects are included on the timetable as students move upwards from the lower secondary school to when students are approximately 14 to 17 years of age, when they may sit for the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) in the subjects listed:

  1. English as a second language
  2. Chinese as a foreign language
  3. Mathematics
  4. Combined Science (chemistry, biology, physics)
  5. I.C.T
  6. Environmental Management (geography, some history, social studies and the humanities)
  7. Business Studies.

Therefore, our current program covers key languages, science subjects, as well as technical and job and professionally related subjects highly relevant to the needs of Lao people.

Lao Programme

The Lao Programme is from Years 6 to 12. The Lao Secondary Programme meets all requirements of the Lao Ministry of Education (MOE). Secondary students study Lao curriculums to become eligible for a Lao MOE high school diploma as well as eligibility to study at Lao University and other colleges in Vientiane and the whole Lao PDR

IGCSE FAQ

WHAT IS CAMBRIDGE IGCSE?

Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an international curriculum from University of Cambridge International Examinations (C.I.E), which is the world’s largest provider of international qualifications for 14–19 year olds. It is a part of the University of Cambridge – In 2010, the University of Cambridge was ranked the number one university in the world. (Q.S Top Universities

Lastly, Year 12 uses CIE (AS level) curriculum and materials to provide a foundation for entering into university or college. Academic classes are taught during this time, along with study and career counseling in preparation for exiting High School.

HOW MANY STUDENTS ENTER CAMBRIDGE EXAMINATIONS EACH YEAR?

Around 1.5 million students from 150 countries enter Cambridge examinations every year from a network of more than 6000 Cambridge schools. Singaporean state schools now use C.I.E examinations for all national examinations.

WHEN WAS CAMBRIDGE IGCSE STARTED?

The International GCSE was developed by University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) more than 20 years ago.

HOW LONG DO STUDENTS STUDY THE IGCSE CURRICULLAM?

The curriculum is generally studied over a two year period through grades 9 and 10.

WHEN DO STUDENTS HAVE EXAMS?

At the end of the two year period the students take IGCSE examinations in May/June or October/November.

WHAT ARE THE GRADES?

Possible grades for the core examination are C to G while possible grades for the extended examination are A* to E or A* to G depending on the syllabus.

WHAT DO THE DIFFERENT GRADES MEAN?

Grade A is awarded to candidates showing highest ability in a subject and Grade G for a minimum satisfactory performance. Candidates who perform outstandingly well in a subject are awarded Grade A*.

– IGCSE English grades D – G are approximately equivalent to an IELTS score of 5 / 5.5.

– IGCSE English grades of A* – C are approximately equivalent to an IELTS score of 6 / 6.5.

– Satisfactory performance at A level English is approximately equivalent to an IELTS score of 7 / 7.5.

WILL IGCSE HELP STUDENTS GET ACCEPTED TO A UNIVERSITY?

Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at grade C or above is recognised by almost all UK universities – and many in the U.S, Canada, Australia and New Zealand as evidence of adequate competence in the English language for university entrance purposes. This means that if a student achieves a grade C or better, their English will be considered good enough for them to be able to study at many universities in English speaking countries. You can look up specific universities to find out whether your qualifications are accepted at www.cie.org.uk/qualifications/recognition

WILL IGCSE IMPROVE CHANCES OF GETTING A GOOD JOB?

Cambridge IGCSE is very well known by higher learning institutes (universities and polytechnics) and employers from around the world as evidence of academic ability. After completion of IGCSE students will have greater options in terms of work and further education.

WHAT TYPE OF SKILLS WILL YOU GAIN FROM IGCSE?

It develops and encourages vital educational skills, including oral skills, investigative skills, problem solving, team work, recall of knowledge, and initiative.

DOES IGCSE EVOLVE WITH A RAPIDLY CHANGING WORLD?

Schools worldwide have helped develop Cambridge IGCSE. It incorporates the best in international education for students at this level. It develops in line with changing needs, and is regularly updated and extended. Cambridge IGCSE teachers can draw on excellent resources, training and advice from subject experts.

HOW DOES IGSCE COMPARE WITH GCSE AND O LEVELS?

Cambridge IGCSEs are recognised by universities in England and around the world as equivalent, grade-for-grade, with GCSE and O level qualifications. Wherever you want to go, locally or internationally, Cambridge international examinations can help you make it happen.