High School overview East Campus
At the heart of our educational philosophy is the belief that we prepare students not just for university, but for life. We believe that it is the skills and qualities students develop, as much as the knowledge and understanding they gain, that will define the quality of the life they live and the positive contribution they will go on to make.
In the High School, this is evident in the high level of independence students have, in their relationships with teachers and peers and in the expectation that they will take the lead on issues that matter to them and work through barriers to find success. It would be hard to find a more constructive, energetic and mission-focused community than our High School student body.
Our mission-aligned learning programme places equal value on learning across the five elements of our learning programme, and students are offered a holistic programme that allows each student to develop intellectual, physical and emotional maturity. We offer a balance of academics, access to a myriad of activities, numerous outdoor education and service learning opportunities, and a Personal and Social Education programme focused on student wellbeing. There are exceptional opportunities for students to develop independence and leadership skills while allowing them to further develop the fundamental skills and qualities embodied in the UWCSEA profile.
Underpinning our programme are regular opportunities for self-development and reflection through the supportive personal and social education programme. This focus on wellbeing assists our students in developing as self aware, resilient individuals who are well prepared for life after school, including for university.
Part of the unique nature of a UWCSEA education is that students enrolling in the High School are joined by ‘scholars’—students from a range of countries and backgrounds who have been awarded a scholarship based on their commitment to the ideals of the UWC movement.
Students who value themselves and others and who are willing to commit to the ideals of the UWC movement will gain enormously from our High School learning programme.
High School capacity (August 2025)
In Grades 9–12 students complete the UWCSEA High School Diploma. This equips UWCSEA graduates with a valued transcript, reflective of the depth, breadth, and challenge of our holistic learning programme. Grade 12 students who meet our graduation requirements will be awarded a UWCSEA High School Diploma certificate upon graduation.
In addition, students in Grades 11 and 12 may choose to complete the IB Diploma programme, or a selection of IB courses based on their interests.
* Students must be born on or between 1 September and 31 August. Refer to the age-grade boundary chart on our website for guidance, or contact Admissions.
** Total cohort includes already enrolled Grade 9 students who progress into Grade 10 and new students who enrol in Grade 10.
*** We do not admit students into Grade 12.
About the UWCSEA curriculum
At UWCSEA, we offer a wide range of opportunities to help your child grow through our holistic Learning Programme. This programme includes five key areas: Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal Social Education (PSE), and Service. Each of these elements are equally important, recognising that all will play a part in helping to achieve our educational goal and enable our students to develop mission competency.
UWCSEA is dedicated to providing a written curriculum that is both challenging and age-appropriate. Our curriculum is carefully structured to ensure that your child’s learning experience is meaningful and aligned with our mission, no matter their age or educational background when they join the College.
Our written curriculum is organised by six domains, which align closely to broad academic disciplines. Some courses will pull curriculum from multiple domains (e.g., Environmental Systems and Societies draws from both Science and Humanities). The six curriculum domains can be seen below with discipline curriculum examples:
The design of the written curriculum is informed by the UWCSEA mission statement, educational goal, values, the needs of our students and researchbased practice. Our concept-based written curriculum underpins the Learning Programme. At UWCSEA we use Domains, Strands and Sub-strands to structure the curriculum. A concept-based curriculum organises learning using concepts and conceptual understandings. The written curriculum explicitly articulates conceptbased learning goals for our students through Conceptual Understandings, and the Knowledge and Skills that are foundational to developing these understandings.
Academic programmes
There are three entry points into our High School, depending on the age of the student. Regardless of the entry point, we offer all students support and preparation to ensure success at the end of High School and into the next stage of schooling.
Grade 9/10 Programme
The UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme is unique to the UWCSEA High School Diploma, drawing on the very best of international education and research to provide a bespoke experience for our students. This programme has been crafted by our experienced educators to meet the distinct needs and aspirations of learners at this important stage of their development, while providing an excellent foundation for Grades 11 and 12—whatever their futures might hold.
The UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme is driven by the singular ambition of the UWCSEA Mission, and encompasses all five elements of our holistic learning programme. Our students benefit from additional choice and agency in their learning, as they create their individual pathway to graduation and life beyond school.
Learning is assessed internally against UWCSEA’s concept-based standards and benchmarks, and is informed by the assessment model for the IB Diploma.
Grade 11: IB Diploma Programme
Students who meet the requirements, which are based on criteria linked with the UWCSEA Learning Programme, graduate with a UWCSEA High School Diploma at the end of Grade 12. The vast majority of students also undertake the two-year IB Diploma which is respected by universities throughout the world. In 1977 UWCSEA was the first school in Asia to introduce the IB, and our Diploma Programme has been developed in close collaboration with the IB since then. UWCSEA is the only school in Asia (and the second globally, alongside UWC Atlantic) to offer an innovative new diploma course as part of a pilot programme with the IB. This bold new undertaking gives students greater flexibility to pursue their interests in complex, interdisciplinary, UWC Mission-aligned areas, such as sustainable development, peacebuilding and intercultural understanding. While the majority of students enrol in the full IB Diploma, UWCSEA also offers certificates in individual IB Courses for students who meet our entrance criteria.
Languages
In the academic programme, students have access to a wide range of language options, including English as an Additional Language. In addition to extensive options in Language B (a continuation course in a learned foreign language) and Language A (academic study of a home language/first language), we also offer beginner language courses.
Feedback and reporting
Students and parents are provided constructive feedback on all areas of the students progress and attainment with regular reports and opportunities for feedback at scheduled times throughout the course.
Activities
Our comprehensive activities programme presents students with opportunities to try new things, discover new talents and further develop their passions, as well as make new friends through the sharing of common interests.
A wide range of activities in the Arts, sports, leadership and special interests is offered each week in four activity and service ‘seasons’ throughout the year, providing students with many opportunities to develop new skills and explore their passions. All students are expected to participate in activities as part of the Grade 9/10 programme, usually about three to four hours per week during lunchtime and after school. The programme is structured so that students can successfully develop the self management skills in order to develop and maintain a balanced lifestyle, and can also contribute towards their CAS requirements for the IB Diploma.
Dragons Sports and Wellness for Life
The strong sports programme includes representative opportunities in athletics, badminton, basketball, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics, netball (girls), rugby (boys), sailing, softball, swimming, tennis, touch rugby (girls) and volleyball. A number of other sports, such as martial arts and rock climbing, are offered on a recreational basis, as are general fitness and wellbeing activities such as yoga, meditation and mindfulness.
Arts and Performance
Students have the opportunity to participate in a number of musical and vocal ensembles and perform in several concerts per year, even if they are not taking music as an elective subject. Some of the ensembles include High School Chamber Ensemble, Jazz Band, Jazz Combo and Orchestra and Symphonic Band, the Pamberi All Stars African music ensemble, and several percussion groups focusing on drumming, marimba, mbira and more. The instrumental teaching programme offers access to music lessons outside the academic curriculum on a wide variety of instruments. Instrument hire is also available. Dance performance opportunities include the annual CultuRama production in Term 1 which celebrates the ‘panorama of cultures’ on campus, and a Dance Showcase featuring genres such as Contemporary, Hip Hop, Jazz, Rock and Roll and Asian dance forms. Students are invited to audition for a number of drama productions throughout the year. They do not need to be taking drama as an elective subject to be involved—nor do they need to be on stage, as there are opportunities backstage such as costume and set design. The performances are supported by teachers from the Drama Department.
Mind Matters, Create and Innovate, Learn and Lead
Students have ample opportunity to develop leadership skills through participation in groups such as Student Council, Arts Council, Sports Council, the Service Executive Committee and Model United Nations (MUN). Other leadership activities available include coaching sports for Primary School students and leading activity groups. In addition, there is a Home Language Programme (HLP) available for students who want to maintain academic study in a language spoken at home but not studied at school.
Special interests are also supported, including inter-school debating; groups exploring subjects such as economics, history, mathematics and philosophy; creative writing, journalism and student publications; digital arts, music technology and photography; cooking, robotics and more.
Innovation@East
Innovation@East on our East Campus provides a place that inspires and supports our community to explore, innovate, collaborate and create sustainable solutions to shape a better world. Students are given opportunities to explore and develop an innovator’s mindset outside of the classroom, whilst keeping the UWC Mission at the forefront of their thinking. They are empowered to create innovative products, services and systems that provide solutions to real-world problems and needs within their community. This interdisciplinary way of thinking ruminates on problems, tinkers with ideas, and leads to enacting social impact with digital and physical ideas and a spirit of ethical imagination and resilience to solve local and global needs.Programmes cater to students from Junior School to High School.
Outdoor Education
The High School offers outdoor education expeditions that develop students across all aspects of our learner profile. The expeditions, offered in Grades 9 and 10, take place during school holidays and include activities such as trekking, rafting, and kayaking. All students must participate in at least one expedition, as the personal and social development opportunities are impossible to replicate in the classroom.
The overseas expedition programme offers High School students tremendous opportunities to develop across all aspects of our learner profile. It is designed to create learning opportunities in each of our four Outdoor Education curriculum standards through intentional participation in a range of age-appropriate activities.
Destinations have included Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan and Australia to undertake trekking, rafting, sailing, diving, kayaking and other outdoor challenges. Safety is a priority, and activities and venues are thoroughly checked. UWCSEA’s overseas travel operates in accordance with the College’s robust health and safety guidelines and sustainable trips framework.
Grade 9 adventure programme
Grade 9 students are offered a variety of challenging expeditions during the March/ April and June/July holidays. These 7-19 day expeditions, run by our in-country partners, will not be with their mentor group, but with other Grade 9 students from both campuses. Destinations include India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, and Japan, and activities include trekking, rafting, sailing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Locations can be remote, accommodation is often basic and the food will reflect the local culture of the host country.
New Grade 10 adventure programme
Students who join UWCSEA in Grade 10 are expected to participate in a Grade 10 expedition as a key part of the UWCSEA Learning Programme and High School diploma. These expeditions, which take place during the March/April and June/July school breaks, include students from both Dover and East Campuses and offer a choice of destinations with varying outdoor challenges and durations. The expeditions help new students deepen friendships, build a sense of belonging, and cultivate key skills and mindsets that prepare them for Project Week which takes place in May of Grade 11.
For returning Grade 10 students who have already gone on one of the adventure expeditions in grade 9, if spots become available in any of the grade 9 and new G10 adventure expeditions, they are able to apply to join the expedition either during the March/ April or June/July holiday.
Grade 11 Project Week
Project Week is a unique experiential trip-based educational programme that allows Grade 11 students to plan and undertake meaningful activities aligned with the CAS programme and College mission. Students are guided through preparation steps that incorporate skills such as first aid, risk assessment, and itinerary planning before receiving approval to travel. While students may complete their CAS project within Singapore, most choose overseas projects that include adventurous, creative, and/ or service activities. Project Week develops skills like leadership, collaboration, and cultural awareness, preparing students for post-school challenges.
Optional trips
In the past these have included:
• cultural immersion trips for students of Chinese, French and Spanish language
• multi-day course-based fieldwork and study tours are offered for those enrolled in academic subjects such as Biology, Drama, Economics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography and History
• trips for students competing in sports, maths, MUN and other representative competitions
• visits to Service programme partners in destinations such as Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal
Personal and Social Education
Our personal and social education (PSE) programme is designed to ensure all students feel valued and confident. It aims to develop self-awareness of the physical and emotional changes during these critical years, as well as equip students to deal with growing peer pressures. It endeavours to build resilience and self-confidence to empower them to make the right decisions.
Our PSE programme provides guidance and support that helps students to find their place within and beyond the school, by encouraging them to understand and appreciate the richness of the College’s diversity, challenge stereotypes and question generalisations. The programme offers opportunities for our students to become more socially, culturally and politically aware, and appreciative of being part of a global community.
Student wellbeing
Students are assigned a mentor teacher and the PSE curriculum is delivered through daily meetings with the mentor, mentor group and regular grade-level assemblies. The mentor is central to the care of students and works with the Head of Grade to help students make the most of their time in High School.
To ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential, the Principal, Vice Principals, Heads of Grade and mentors work with subject teachers to provide support for all students in their care.
Workshops and professional guidance from the High School Counsellor, located in the campus Wellness Centre is also available for students and families.
Students are encouraged to maintain an ePortfolio that reflects their learning throughout their time in the High School.
Technology
Appropriate use of technology is integrated as a tool to facilitate learning. All students are required to have an Apple laptop which is then equipped with Collegesupplied software, and have access to an on-campus helpdesk and AppleCare centre. Staff are supported by a digital literacy coach and a network of technology mentors in implementing effective uses of technology in their teaching.
Students are supported in the responsible use of technology through our digital citizenship programme. This provides them with the skills and knowledge to become responsible, independent and organised digital citizens.
A series of information evenings and workshops for parents ensure that good habits around technology are reinforced at home and parents are equipped to help students navigate the online world.
University and career guidance
In Grade 10, students are provided with access to tools that assist them to gauge potential for future studies and possible career paths that will best suit them. These are explored as part of the PSE programme in mentor time and during grade-level assemblies. University advisors provide advice on subject selection in preparation for Grade 11.
From Grade 11, an individualised programme of advising sees our team of six experienced University Advisors work with students to ensure they are supported in making choices and applications to best-fit courses and universities around the world. Supporting workshops and presentations for students and parents help in planning and making decisions around university choice.
Our University Advising Centre creates numerous opportunities for our students to connect with universities from around the world each year.
Service
Our tiered model provides opportunities for students to become involved in three areas: College, Local Singapore and Global Service. All students are expected to commit fully to a service, and to show initiative by planning and leading activities.
College Service
Students provide support to the College by taking a lead in projects that enhance the campus and support our environmental sustainability goals.
Local Service
UWCSEA has long standing partnerships with many Singapore-based community organisations such as MINDS, Apex Harmony Lodge, Happy Lodge, SUN-DAC, Lighthouse School and Singapore Downs Syndrome Association. Most students join one of these projects, volunteering once a week after school for at least half the school year in Grades 9 and 10, and for the entire school year in Grade 11. While this assists students to fulfil their IBDP CAS requirements in Grade 11, it also provides valuable connections with our community.
Some students travel off campus to our partner organisations; others welcome guests to the campus to make use of our facilities.
Global Concerns
We call initiatives outside of Singapore Global Concerns (GC). This dynamic programme enables students to put their ideals into action through project groups which actively address specific development and environmental issues. Students can join an existing group to support on-going efforts, or pitch to the student-led GC Executive to approve a new GC group. Many GCs are linked with grassroots NGOs in developing countries, providing students with the opportunity to gain unique insight into the challenges faced by these organisations. In the past, Project Week groups in Grade 11 often visited these NGO partners.
Grade 11 students can also join the Initiative for Peace, spending a year planning and organising a conference that promotes international understanding and reconciliation between youths in Singapore, Timor Leste and Thailand.
UWCSEA East IB Diploma results
For more information, please contact Admissions
+65 6305 5353 | admissionseast@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions