adcote

Introduction to the Curriculum System

March 03, 2025

At Shanghai Adcote School, we offer a 1+X curriculum system, which consists of four main modules: core academic courses, quality development courses, school-based student development courses, and school-based scientific practice courses. In the academic courses section, our school offers a total of 30 IGCSE and A-Level courses, making us one of the schools in China with the most IGCSE and A-Level courses available, maximizing the options for students' specializations. The A-Level courses we offer are recognized by more than 11,000 universities in over 160 countries worldwide. The curriculum is based on the Cambridge International Examinations syllabus and requirements. Cambridge University provides two levels of qualifications for this age group: the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and the Advanced Level (A-Level).

In October 2018, our school was authorized by three major examination boards—Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE), Edexcel, and AQA—making us one of the few A-Level schools in China with authorization from all three boards.

1. Overview of IGCSE and A-Level

Cambridge Assessment International Education’s IGCSE curriculum offers a wide range of subjects for students to choose from. Most international school students typically complete studies in at least five subjects over two years. Cambridge strictly adheres to a global timetable for exams at the end of the two-year course, which serves as the final assessment of students' performance. Some students at Shanghai Adcote School enter the Pre-A and PPA grade levels, where the learning experience is expected to be very intense.

After completing IGCSE studies and exams (both in-school assessments and external exams organized by Cambridge), students move on to A-Level studies, which span two years, covering AS and A2 levels.

Universities evaluate applicants from multiple perspectives. In academics, performance in IGCSE and AS, along with predicted grades, are crucial indicators of a student’s ability to complete A2 and succeed in university studies.

2. School System at Shanghai Adcote School

3. Compulsory and Elective Courses

Students can choose courses based on their interests and strengths, and if they have already decided on their future direction, they can select courses that align with their intended university major.

In grades G1 and G2, the compulsory subjects are English (ESL), Mathematics, Physical Education, Chinese and Chinese Culture, STEAM, Physics, Global Perspectives, and IELTS. The courses are two years in length, and students are not allowed to drop any course during this period for any reason. Students can choose subjects from the following groups: Science (Group 1), Humanities (Group 2), and Innovation & Career (Group 3). (See the G1 course selection chart for details.)

Students entering the spring class will take a Pre-A Level preparatory course, which includes English, Mathematics, Physics, and Physical Education. In the Pre-A Level grades, students must take English (ESL), Mathematics, Physical Education, Chinese, and Physics. Additionally, they choose one subject from Economics, Chemistry, or Art and Design, and cannot drop any of these subjects for any reason.

In the AS year, English and Mathematics are compulsory subjects. Students can choose three to four courses from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, Business Studies, History, Geography, Psychology, Computer Science, and Art and Design. (See the AS course selection chart for details.)

In the A2 year, English is compulsory. Students must then choose at least three subjects from IELTS/Academic English, Advanced Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Economics, History, Geography, Psychology, Computer Science, and Art and Design.

*The interpretation rights of this curriculum arrangement are vested in the Academic Affairs Office. The subjects offered each year are determined according to the teaching arrangements for that year, with final interpretation rights reserved by the Academic Affairs Office.