UWCSEA’s modern path to the IB

For parents researching an international high school programme for their children, it can be an overwhelming process. The challenge many parents face is to find a programme that delivers academic excellence and also nurtures happy, well-rounded young people, ready to face the future.

Many traditional education models offer high stakes exams and rigid learning. UWC South East Asia (UWCSEA) takes a different approach, with a Grade 9 and 10 programme that is modern, future-focused, prioritises student wellbeing and prepares them for the International Baccalaureate Diploma programme (IBDP) in Grades 11 and 12.

Why design a Grade 9 and 10 programme?

As a school that deeply values innovation, UWCSEA asked some critical questions: what type of education will prepare young people for a world that needs creative, collaborative problem-solvers? How do we evolve from rigid, exam-heavy structures to fostering wellbeing, interdisciplinary thinking, and a genuine love of learning? Can we offer a seamless experience for students transitioning from Grade 10 into Grade 11 and the IB? High School leaders at both East and Dover campuses assembled a team of expert educators who undertook years of rigorous research and development to come up with the UWCSEA 9/10 programme.

The Grade 9 and 10 programme difference

At its core is the UWC mission to make education a force for peace and a sustainable future. The compulsory UWC Perspectives course explores global citizenship, tackling topics like peacebuilding and sustainable development, preparing students for the IB Diploma’s Theory of Knowledge course. Many elements of the programme prepare students for the academic expectations and assessment styles of the IB while ensuring transferability to other education systems.

Student wellbeing is key. A compulsory Wellbeing and Physical Education course is part of the timetable and students are supported by Personal and Social Education, one of five pillars UWCSEA’s holistic learning programme. The curriculum also considers the impact of technologies like AI and the rapidly evolving job market, helping students to build the skills and qualities that support success beyond school.

A wide range of subject choices  

With a much broader choice than traditional 9/10 programmes, UWCSEA students can choose from over 40 subjects. An artist can dive into Drama and Visual Arts, while a future engineer can opt for advanced “Plus” courses in Science and Maths. Students choose ten courses that must include options from English, Maths, Science, Humanities, a Foreign Language, and Arts and Design. With UWC Perspectives and PE and Wellbeing as two compulsory subjects, students have two to three “free choice” options for subjects they would like to explore, deepen their knowledge in, or simply enjoy for example, Innovation Engineering, Ethics in Real Life and Social Enterprise.

“With a much broader choice than traditional 9/10 programmes, UWCSEA students can choose from over 40 subjects”

Assessments that support learning

The programme avoids the traditional “cram and stress” model where a student’s grade hangs on a single exam. In Grades 9 and 10, assessments are authentic which means they can complete varied tasks like problem-solving, case studies, project-based learning, and self-reflective portfolios. This gives a richer picture of their abilities, and teachers look at the whole body of work for a final attainment level rather than a single moment in time. While an assessment week at the end of each year builds exam skills, it’s just one element of overall growth and achievement, not the whole picture.

“The UWCSEA Grade 9 and 10 programme allowed me to immerse myself completely in my learning. There were always opportunities to learn in fun and interesting ways, through collaborative and individual work. I think the most significant aspect of the programme is that it offers multifaceted ways of learning that suit everyone. There are a variety of opportunities to demonstrate your learning throughout the year making it suitable for all,” says Nina, G11, UWCSEA East. 

Real-world, future-focused classes   

The programme emphasises real-world learning. One example is “TrigVenture” in Grade 10 Mathematics. This project-based assessment asks students to estimate the height of the Singapore Flyer. Rather than work the problem in theory, they visit the site and must devise strategies to account for obstacles blocking simple measurements and calculations. The approach mirrors real-world problem-solving and develops collaboration skills.

How Grade 9 and 10 affects university admission 

For many parents, the bottom line is university admission. Will a programme without these traditional external exams tick the box for top universities? The answer is yes. UWCSEA has consulted with admissions offices from top-tier institutions around the globe. These institutions value IB rigour and accept students from diverse educational backgrounds. In Grades 9 and 10, the dedicated University Advising team guides students and families in planning their course options and future pathways, whether students are bound for another high school in another location after Grade 10, or for their dream university after the IB.

www.uwcsea.edu.sg
1207 Dover Road,  UWC South East Asia (School) Singapore, 139654
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