Overview of Student Learning

An inclusive IB World School

HIS uses the IB Learner Profile as a guide for developing student attributes so that we may nurture the ability of students to use a variety of necessary soft skills including communication, thinking, self-management, research, and social skills. Furthermore, we encourage mindful approaches to resilience, perseverance, inquiry, and being a principled and balanced individual.

Students in Grades EY-5 follow the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). 

Students in Grades 6-10 at HIS follow the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). 

All HIS students in Grades 11-12 will work towards a WASC-accredited High School Diploma or IB Diploma Programme (DP). Students can also graduate with both high school and IB diplomas. 

About the Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The Lower School (Early Years - Grade 5) at HIS follows the principles and practices of the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). 

Our Early Years program is grounded in early childhood best practices of holistic, authentic learning. That means our teachers are helping our littlest scholars grow and develop their bodies, minds, emotions, language, and social skills. These are supported by our Australian curriculum standards of Being, Belonging, and Becoming within a PYP framework. 

From Grades 1-5, the PYP curriculum is transdisciplinary in nature, which incorporates subject learning of Math, Literacy, Social Studies, Science, the Arts, and Design/Computer Technology within thematic units of inquiry. Lower School instruction is also supported by specialists in the areas of physical education, arts, Mandarin and EAL, learning support, STEAM, and library. 

Learning at HIS takes a global approach; helping children to reflect on the similarities and differences between their home and host countries; embrace diversity, and consider multiple perspectives. 

About the Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Grades 6 -10 at HIS follow the principles and practices of the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP). The MYP program has been designed as a coherent and comprehensive curriculum framework that provides academic challenge and develops the life skills of students from the ages of 11 to 16. These years are a critical period in the development of young people. Success in school is closely related to personal, social and emotional well-being. The MYP offers students opportunities to develop their potential, to explore their own learning preferences, to take appropriate risks, and to reflect on, and develop, a strong sense of personal identity. 

About the Diploma Programme (DP)

Grades 11-12 at HIS are authorized to deliver the IB Diploma Programme (DP). HIS prepares students with leadership skills to embrace future challenges with confidence. Our learning program fosters a love of learning and encourages our students to be problem-solvers, innovators, and future-ready. All students will work towards a WASC-accredited HIS High School Diploma. HIS Diploma students must complete a minimum of 26 course credits during grades 9-12 and meet core requirements.