Shanghai Zeolym High School offers a diverse and rigorous curriculum designed to foster comprehensive academic development and prepare students for higher education and future careers. The following overview outlines the curriculum structure for the 2024-2025 academic year, catering to students in Grades 9 to 11 (G9-G11).

Grade Levels

The curriculum spans Grades 9 to 11, with students selecting courses tailored to their academic interests and abilities at each level, ensuring personalised learning pathways.

Language Courses

English:

• G9: IGCSE English as a Second Language

• G10: IGCSE English as a Second Language or IGCSE English as a First Language

• G11: IGCSE English as a First Language or Advanced English

  
  

Chinese:

• G9: IGCSE Chinese as a First Language

• G10: IGCSE Chinese as a First Language

• G11: A-Level Chinese Language and Literature

Core Courses

• G9: Higher Project Qualification

• G10: Higher Project Qualification

• G11: Extended Project Qualification

Mathematics Courses

• G9: IGCSE Mathematics

• G10: AS Pure Mathematics and Statistics

• G11: A-Level Pure Mathematics and Mechanics, with optional AS Further Pure Mathematics and Statistics

Elective IGCSE and A-Level Courses

Students may select elective courses to align with their personal interests and career aspirations:

• G9: Choose four to six courses from: IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry, IGCSE Physics,  IGCSE Art and Design,  IGCSE Economics,  IGCSE Computer Science,  IGCSE Psychology,  IGCSE Business

• G10: Choose three to four courses from: IGCSE Biology, IGCSE Chemistry, IGCSE Physics, IGCSE Art and Design, IGCSE Economics, IGCSE Computer Science, IGCSE Psychology, IGCSE Business

• G11: Choose three to four courses from: AS Biology, AS Chemistry, AS Physics, AS Economics, AS Computer Science,  AS Psychology, AS Business

Additional Courses

• Physical Education (PE): Mandatory at all grade levels, PE promotes physical well-being, teamwork, and leadership skills.

• University Guidance and Career Readiness:  These courses support students in planning their academic and professional futures,  offering guidance on university applications,  career exploration,  interview preparation, and the development of essential skills for higher education and the workforce.

CORE Programme Overview & Content

The CORE Programme is a distinctive cornerstone of the curriculum at Shanghai Zeolym High School, designed to enhance students, comprehensive skills and competitiveness    for higher education while fostering a global perspective. Anchored in problem-solving, the programme cultivates independent thinking, innovation, and social responsibility, preparing students to excel in a dynamic world.

The CORE Programme comprises two mandatory components: the Higher Project Qualification (HPQ) and the Extended   Project Qualification (EPQ). These projects are structured to develop students, research skills, independent learning, critical thinking, and public speaking abilities.

• Higher Project Qualification (HPQ): Targeted at students in Grades 9 and 10, the HPQ focuses on building foundational  research and project management skills. Students select a topic of interest, conduct in-depth research and analysis, and  present their findings to demonstrate their academic and organisational capabilities.

  
  

• Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): Designed for students in Grades 11 and 12, the EPQ requires advanced academic research and independent inquiry. Under mentor guidance, students undertake a multidisciplinary research project,   emphasising innovation and critical analysis, and deliver a public presentation of their results.

Academic and Career Development

Through participation in the HPQ and EPQ, students develop  a robust foundation in their chosen fields and acquire essential skills for academic and professional success, including time management, problem-solving, teamwork, and  effective  communication. Each project is submitted to an external examination board for rigorous assessment, ensuring students meet the high standards required for higher education and future endeavours. By engaging in these projects, students embody Zeolym, s motto, “One World One Beauty”, by contributing thoughtfully to global knowledge and society.