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Secondary Programmes
From Grade 7, students follow one of two internationally recognised routes: the Cambridge IGCSE or the IVYAN Australian High School Programme. Both build deep subject knowledge, independent thinking and a clear path to what comes next.
A globally recognised qualification for secondary school
The Cambridge Assessment International Education IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) develops subject knowledge, analytical skills and independent learning.
It prepares students for higher education pathways including A Levels, IB, foundation programmes and universities worldwide.
Duration
A 3 to 4 year programme.
Starting point
Typically offered from Grades 7 and 8.
Final examinations
Pakistan Studies and Islamiyat in IG3; the other six subjects in IG4.
Awarding body
Cambridge Assessment International Education.
Why IGCSE
Globally recognised
Accepted by leading universities and institutions worldwide, opening doors to international higher education.
Strong academic foundation
Deep subject understanding, analytical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning.
Student-centred learning
Students explore concepts, ask questions, think critically and apply knowledge beyond textbooks.
Wide subject choice
Subjects chosen to match each student’s interests, strengths and career goals.
Where it leads
Future pathways
A strong foundation for A Levels, IB, foundation programmes and university study around the world.
Skills beyond academics
Communication, research, creativity, collaboration and decision-making.
International benchmarking
Students are assessed against global standards, building a competitive academic profile.
Confident global citizens
Responsible, adaptable and well-rounded young people, ready for a changing world.
Subjects
Every student takes the core subjects, then chooses a combination according to their interests, strengths and future career goals.
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Urdu
- Pakistan Studies
- Islamiyat
For students heading towards medicine and the life sciences.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
For students heading towards engineering and computing.
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
For students heading towards business, economics and the social sciences.
- Economics
- Business Studies
- Accounting
Extra subjects students can add.
- Commerce
- ICT
- Additional Mathematics
- Combined Sciences
- Environmental Management
Exact papers vary with the Cambridge syllabus and the options selected.
| Subject | Syllabus code | Papers |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 1123 | 1123/12 Reading, 1123/22 Writing |
| Urdu as a Second Language | 0539 | 0539/01 Writing, 0539/02 Listening |
| Mathematics | 0580 | Usually 2 written papers (Core or Extended route): 0580/22 non-calculator, 0580/42 calculator |
| Pakistan Studies | 0448 | 0448/01 History, 0448/02 Geography |
| Islamiyat | 0493 | 0493/12, 0493/22 |
| Physics | 0625 | Theory, Practical or Alternative to Practical, Multiple Choice |
| Chemistry | 0620 | Theory, Practical or Alternative to Practical, Multiple Choice |
| Biology | 0610 | Theory, Practical or Alternative to Practical, Multiple Choice |
| Computer Science | 0478 | 0478/12 Theory, 0478/22 Programming |
| Business Studies | 0264 | 0450/12 Short answer, 0450/22 Case study (the code is now 0264) |
| Economics | 0455 | 0455/12 Multiple choice, 0455/22 Theory |
| Accounting | 0452 | 0452/12 Multiple choice, 0452/22 Structured questions |
A future-ready senior school model
The Australian curriculum is developed by the School Curriculum and Standards Authority of Western Australia (SCSA) and leads to the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE), an internationally recognised pathway.
It is structured like Cambridge, skills-focused like the IB and assessment-balanced like AQA. Learning means less cramming and more thinking: inquiry and projects, real-world problems, work alone and in teams, and assessment that is ongoing rather than one big test.
The critical transition after Grade 8
Adolescence is a key stage for academic, personal and emotional growth, yet many systems become heavily exam-focused after Grade 8. That can limit confidence, wellbeing, independence and skill development.
- Rising exam pressure
- Narrow focus on marks
- Less skill development
- Limited student wellbeing
- Balanced academic and personal growth
- Confidence and independence
- Real-world skills
- Stronger wellbeing and engagement
Foundation stage
Strong literacy, numeracy, organisation, confidence and wellbeing, with broad exposure to core subjects.
Exploration and consolidation
Deeper understanding, independence and responsibility, with more subject choice.
Senior secondary and specialisation
Subjects chosen to match interests, strengths and future goals, with pathway planning.
Pathways beyond school
University, VET or TAFE, employment or traineeships, and foundation or diploma pathways.
Years 9 and 10
Internal assessments that focus on application, analysis and extended responses.
Years 11 and 12
External exams moderate and validate the school’s own assessment.
Assessment for learning
Teachers use evidence regularly to adjust teaching and give support.
Assessment as learning
Students reflect, set goals and take ownership of their progress.
Assessment of learning
Students show their understanding through tasks that record achievement over time.
How evidence is gathered
Classroom observations, discussions and questioning, written tasks, projects and investigations, presentations and performances, quizzes, tests and portfolios.
English
Reading, writing, speaking and listening.
Mathematics
Mathematical concepts and problem-solving in real-life and abstract situations.
Science
Exploring the world through inquiry and evidence-based reasoning.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Past and present societies, environments, cultures and Pakistan Studies contexts.
Health and Physical Education
Knowledge and skills for healthy choices and active lives.
The Arts
Exploring and expressing ideas, feelings and experiences creatively.
Technologies
Designing and evaluating solutions with materials, systems and digital technologies.
Languages
Communicating and understanding others in different languages and cultures.
Islamiat and Pakistan Studies
Included for Pakistani students.
Thinking skills
Develops critical thinking, innovation and creativity.
Australian standards
Maintains a high Australian standard of education.
Global citizenship
Builds intercultural understanding.
Ready for a diverse world
Prepares students for success in a diverse society.
Lifelong learning
Sets a strong foundation for learning after school.
Authentic learning
For example, students investigate water wastage at school: they collect data, compare use, find patterns and present practical solutions, using science, mathematics, humanities and English.
Regular feedback
Teachers share feedback on progress and next steps.
Reports
Reports highlight achievement, growth and areas for development.
Conferences
Parent-teacher meetings support discussion and partnership.
Student voice
Reflection and goal-setting help students talk about their learning.
What parents can do
Discuss learning at home, celebrate effort and progress, and stay in touch with the school.
Lower secondary and OISA in Year 9
The Oxford International Curriculum continues into Lower Secondary, building critical and creative thinking for later study such as OxfordAQA International GCSEs, AS and A Levels. At the end of Year 9, students take the Oxford International Standardised Assessments.
When
End of Year 9, marking the move from lower to upper secondary.
Subjects
English, English as a Second Language, Mathematics and Science.
Format
Digital, standardised assessments fully aligned to the Oxford International Curriculum.
Results
A standardised score and proficiency rating, with digital reports for teachers, students and parents.
Recognition
Endorsed and certified by the University of Oxford Department for Continuing Education from 2026.
Find the right secondary route for your child
Talk to our admissions team about the Cambridge IGCSE and the Australian High School Programme, or find the IVY campus nearest to you.
IVY Academic Network offers a top-tier education from early years to college, prioritising quality instruction, independent learning and diverse partnerships for unique learner paths.
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