Secondary School Welcome
Oscar Nilsson
Head of Secondary
I am very proud to be leading a well qualified and trained team of teachers who are able to implement our vision of high quality teaching and learning to lead our students to achieve holistic growth and success.
At MISY we offer a wide range of courses to promote academic and intellectual growth as well as activities to develop healthy lifestyles and well-being. In Year 10 and Year 12, students choose from a range of options to reflect their future aspirations at university and beyond.
We believe in educating the whole child, promoting their academic and intellectual growth as well as developing the skills and attitudes necessary for success in the world of tomorrow. The curriculum is challenging, our teaching methodology reflects current understanding of how children learn best and our staff employ the most effective practices available. We continually challenge ourselves by asking “Is what we are teaching today relevant to the skills and attributes needed to be successful a decade from now?”
You are welcome to meet with me and discuss the educational needs of your child, please contact my secretary Ms Su Myat Mon (su.myatmon@misy.edu.mm) to make an appointment
Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) Year 10 and Year 11
The first three years of the secondary school form Key Stage 3 (KS3) of the English National Curriculum. Here, students study a range of subjects, with an emphasis on the development of English Language skills. KS3 is an academically challenging course that prepares students for the IGCSE course in years 10 and 11. The subjects covered at KS3 are:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Myanmar
- Mandarin
- Geography
- History
- Myanmar Humanities
- Computing
- Music
- Art
- Drama
- Physical Education
- Personal Social and Health Education (PSHE)
Our Aims
Throughout KS3 student learning is assessed in a variety of different ways, including essays and other forms of written work, presentations, artistic representations of learning, research tasks, problem solving activities etc.
English
The process of acquiring English is supported by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. If students arrive at MISY with limited English they are required to take additional English classes as part of their school day. As the level of these students’ English improves they are taken off the EAL programme and integrated fully into the main stream. Over time all of our students acquire an excellent level of academic and spoken English. Students leaving MISY in year 13 will progress into top Universities in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and others.
Key Stage 4 (IGCSE) Year 10 and Year 11
Key Stage 4 (KS4) is made up of students who are normally between 14 and 16 years old. During these two years students will study a range of IGCSE subjects, some of which are compulsory and some optional. The subjects covered in KS4 are:
Compulsory Subjects
- English
- Mathematics
- Science (Biology, Chemistry and/or Physics) – must take at least one science
- Myanmar
- Physical Education
- Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
Optional Subjects
- Additional Maths
- Art & Design
- Business Studies
- Computer Science
- Drama
- Economics
- English Literature
- Foreign Language Chinese
- Geography
- History
- ICT
- Music
It is recommended that students choose a broad range of subjects to keep their options open for A-level in the next Key Stage. Students should be encouraged to choose subjects which they enjoy as they are most likely to achieve higher grades in these subjects. They should also choose subjects that will assist them in their university and career path for the future. More detailed information about IGCSEs may be found on the Cambridge International website (www.cambridgeinternational.org).
Apart from Myanmar, Myanmar Humanities, PE and PSHE, all the subjects listed in this leaflet lead onto IGCSE examinations. The University of Cambridge exams board in the UK sets these examinations. There are hundreds of International schools around the world that enter students for these examinations with thousands of students taking the exams each year. IGCSE examinations are an international version of the GCSE examinations taken by students in the UK. IGCSEs are your passport to further studies so that if you are going to stay at our school for A-levels your IGCSE grades are an important indicator of your ability and potential to take the subjects into Key Stage 5 or what is known as A Levels.
Student Learning and Assessment
At MISY every student is an individual and we endeavour to create activities that all of our students can access. Throughout KS4 student learning is assessed in a variety of different ways such as; essays and other forms of written work, presentations, artistic representations of learning, research tasks, problem solving activities, examinations and projects to name but a few. Students are taught how to tackle examination questions as well think critically in each of their chosen subjects. Teachers stretch our students’ abilities through formative (in class) and summative (exam) assessments.
English
The process of acquiring English is supported by the English as an Additional Language (EAL) department. If students arrive at MISY with limited English they are required to take additional English classes as part of their school day. As the level of these students’ English improves they are taken off the EAL programme and integrated fully into the main stream. Over time all of our students acquire an excellent level of academic and spoken English. Students leaving MISY in year 13 will progress into top Universities in the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Singapore and others.
Key Stage 5 (AS/A Level) (Year 12 and Year 13)
At MISY we have a thriving and ever-expanding sixth-form made up of Year 12 and Year 13 students who play a leading role in the school community as they study for their International A-level qualifications. A Levels that we offer are certified by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), the same as our IGCSEs. More detailed information about the A-levels can be found on the Cambridge International website(www.cambridgeinternational.org).
Almost all students study 4 subjects in Year 12 and 3 subjects in Year 13. There is also an option to take a fourth subject in Year 13). We currently offer the following subjects at AS and A level.
- Art and Design
- Biology
- Business Studies
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Economics
- English Literature
- Further Maths
- Geography
- History
- Maths
- Physics
Non-Examined Subjects
At MISY we offer a range of additional subjects that develop a level of social and personal awareness in our 6th form students. Furthermore, these subjects support students in their applications to universities. The subjects are:
- Community Service (Project based work to support the school and the local community)
- PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education)
- Physical Education
- Myanmar Language
- Myanmar Humanities
- Myanmar Law
Student Learning and Assessment
At MISY every student is an individual and we endeavour to create activities that all of our students can access. Throughout KS5 student learning is assessed in a variety of different ways such as; essays and other forms of written work, presentations, artistic representations of learning, research tasks, problem solving activities, examinations and projects as it is in KS4. Students are taught how to tackle examination questions as well think critically in each of their chosen subjects. Teachers stretch our students’ abilities through formative (in class) and summative (exam) assessments.
Life at MISY
Our Key Stage 5 students are the leaders of our school and they head up our thriving Student Council. The Student Council is a body that represents the needs of students and meet regularly with the Head of Schools to discuss issues that are pertinent to the students. They also organise regular activities for the student body, both academic and social. They are the glue that holds the bond between all of our students together.
Are AS and A-Levels suitable for me?
A Levels are a “gold standard” qualification, recognised around the world and currency for entry into any major universities. You will need to study very hard for two years. A Level courses are best suited to students with an academic focus and/or who have a strong work ethic.
What will I need to start the course?
You will normally need to have passed, with a grade C or higher, in at least 5 subjects at IGCSE. This would include C grades or higher in the subjects a student wishes to take at A Level. In some cases it is possible to begin an A Level course with no previous experience, although discussion with the subject teacher and the Head of Secondary would need to take place before this option could be confirmed.
How many A Levels should I take?
At MISY we would normally expect students to take four subjects and continue three or four to A Level standard. However, we do allow students to begin with three subjects in Year 12 and this can be reduced to two subjects in Year 13. At the beginning of Year 13, students have conversations with their Head of Secondary School to discuss whether releasing a subject is in their best interests.
How much time is devoted to each subject?
Each subject receives 7 periods, each of 45 minutes, of curriculum time within a 5-day cycle. You will also be expected to spend considerable time outside of lessons on set homework and private study.
Which subjects are available at MISY?
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Art and Design
ASDAN
At MISY ,we believe education is a holistic and lifelong process of acquiring knowledge, skills, values, and wisdom through learning and experience, which leads to the balanced development of an individual’s potential (body, mind, and spirit) and fosters their ability to adapt and contribute to society’s progress. It’s not just about formal schooling but encompasses all aspects of personal growth and adjustment to a changing world. To ensure that every student attending MISY is able to leave school being ready to be a contributing member of the society and a true Global Citizen.
With this aim at MISY we offer specialist provision for students with Special Educational Needs. We offer support not only to the students attending mainstream settings but we also offer parallel provision for students with significant needs. In this provision the students learn at their own pace and in really small groups.
We provide a range of support options, including targeted interventions, in-class support, and full-time or part-time places in our parallel provision. Interventions are designed to equip students with strategies to overcome challenges, build independence, and achieve their full potential.
Primary Provision – The Learning Centre (TLC)
At the primary level, students with significant needs attend The Learning Centre (TLC), where they are grouped according to their individual learning profiles. Here, they focus on developing pre-academic skills that prepare them to access a structured curriculum.
The TLC curriculum balances academics with a strong emphasis on independence, communication, motor skills, and social development. Many students who begin in full-time TLC successfully transition into mainstream classes, either partially or fully, benefiting from inclusion while progressing at their own pace.
Secondary Provision – Pathways of Progress
In secondary school, students follow Pathways of Progress, a structured programme designed to prepare them for independent life beyond school. MISY is proud to be one of the few schools worldwide to hold international accreditation from both NCFE and ASDAN, alongside CIS accreditation.
At Key Stages 3 and 4, the curriculum prepares students for Functional Skills qualifications through NCFE, with successful completion at Level 1 or 2 providing a qualification equivalent in value to GCSE. The programme is enriched with ASDAN short courses and International Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards, integrated into the NCFE framework.
Beyond the Curriculum
For our older students, MISY extends learning opportunities beyond the classroom. We provide access to vocational training through trusted external providers, equipping students with practical skills for real-world readiness and future employability.
In addition, MISY runs a specialised sports training programme with the vision of preparing students to participate in the Special Olympics, proudly aspiring to represent Myanmar at the global level.