Senior Division

Who We Are

The Senior Division comprises Year 5 and Year 6 students, aged between 17 and 19 years old, who are studying the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). The majority of our Year 4 students would progress to study the IBDP after completing the IGCSE, Pre IB or Foundation IB (FIB). Students from other schools are also enrolled into IBDP after their IGCSE, GCE ‘O’ Level examinations or equivalent.

The focus of the Senior Division is to enable, equip and empower the students to complete the full diploma programme by attaining progressive academic achievements, enhanced social and leadership skills, and international mindedness over two years. We take a holistic approach to develop them to be ready and qualified for further studies at the university of their choice.

Our teachers are all trained to teach IBDP by regularly attending IB professional development courses and IB Global conferences, on top of other professional development courses.

Curriculum (IBDP)

The IBDP is a rigorous post-secondary academic programme that seeks to develop the students intellectually, physically, emotionally and ethically. To gain both depth and breadth of knowledge, all students take six subjects: one subject per group and three Core elements, Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) over the course of two years. Three subjects are taken at Higher Level and three subjects at the Standard Level.

Each subject has internal assessments which are marked by the respective teacher supervisors but moderated by external examiners. Written examinations for the six subjects are mostly taken at the end of the second year of the programme and are externally marked.

The Core elements of Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are assessed by coursework which are done under teacher supervision but externally marked. The IB coursework and internal assessments results in the development of independent inquiry, research and academic writing skills which are essential for studies in tertiary institutions and future work.

CAS is an element which requires students to engage in a series of different experiences and a purposeful and challenging project which involves community service. Their reflections of these experiences and the project are documented on Managebac, an online portal.

For more information about the IBDP please follow the links below:

Assessment Calendar Term 2 2026

IB Diploma Programme 2026–2027

Overview of IBDP for Parents 2026

Academic Integrity Policy

Language Policy

IBO Diploma Programme

Year 5 & Year 6 International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) Overview

Year 5 IBDP Subject Options for 2026 Intake

Year 5 Subject Information E-Booklet

The IB Learner Profile

School Profile

ACS (International) does offer scholarships every year to eligible external students. If you wish to apply please follow the link below:

IBDP Scholarship for External Students

Subjects offered

Group 1

Literature – Korean, Japanese
Language and Literature – English, Chinese
School Supported Self-taught Language A Literature

Group 2

Language B – English (HL only), Chinese, French, Malay, Tamil, Hindi, Spanish
ab initio: Mandarin, Spanish, French

Group 3

Business Management, Economics, Geography, History and Psychology

Group 4

Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Sports, Exercise and Health Science

Group 5

Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches; Applications and Interpretation

Group 6

Music, Visual Arts, Theatre or another Group 3 or 4 subject

Notes
  • The final decision of placement of students into subjects is determined by the school.
  • Languages, The Arts and Humanities subjects offered in Group 6 are subject to sufficient numbers.
  • Decisions in relation to not running subjects with low numbers, may be made in January 2026 after IGCSE results have been released.
  • IGCSE ESOL students must get a minimum of A grade to be guaranteed a place in English Language & Literature (SL).
  • Students MAY NOT opt for both Economics and Business Management.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The school curriculum and co-curricular support the development of the 10 attributes of the IB Learner Profile among IBDP students. To nurture global citizens and future leaders for the fast-changing world, we have in place a richly diverse co-curricular that aims at developing the whole person with effective social, communicative and thinking competencies in a cross cultural context. IBDP students have access to about 40 sports, interests, and arts clubs/groups and the student leadership programme.

Year 5 students are appointed to serve on the school Prefectorial Board comprising the Student Affairs, Student Council, Ambassadors, and Heads of House sub-committees.

Students are also strong in community service locally and overseas. Besides the school and House charity projects the students lead in, they can go on an overseas service trip to experience another culture and to serve the community. During the school holidays, Year 5 students go on a CAS trip to places such as Zimbabwe, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Indonesia, where they help with the construction of a school or community facility and teach and interact with local students from poor community or in orphanages.