New Horizons Programme – Now Open!

The academic mainstream isn’t always for everyone, and may not work for a lot of students for a variety of reasons. To help offer new opportunities to students, NAIS Pudong is thrilled to announce the launch of a groundbreaking academic course, the New Horizons programme.

This unique offering, designed specifically for students who wish to explore alternative academic pathways, for those who have lower levels of English than usually required at this level of study, or for those looking to enrol at NAIS Pudong part way through the IGCSE or IB Diploma programmes, will open a new set of academic options for study.

At NAIS Pudong we have traditionally offered the 2-year IGCSE programme which covers Years 10 and 11 in the British system (or Grade 9 and Grade 10 in the Chinese and American education systems).  The IB Diploma then usually follows in Years 12 and 13 (Grades 11 and 12 in China/US).  However, we understand that sometimes families relocate part-way through these courses, making standard entry very difficult, if not impossible.  For students in this situation, we can offer a personalised pathway based on each student’s situation and needs.  This may mean a temporary timetable until the start of the IB Diploma, or a more customised, long-term plan.

We also understand that not every student wants or needs to complete iGCSEs or the IB Diploma qualification, perhaps because they are not suited to the full Diploma programme or because they can’t commit to a full Diploma schedule.  In these instances, we can discuss an adapted timetable covering selected subjects, IB Courses, or an even more specific pathway.

While most of our student at this level of study need to have strong English language skills, we know that this isn’t always possible.  As such, we can offer a preparatory pathway which intensively builds English language skills in school, while also offering access to subjects and classes where fluent English isn’t essential, such as sports or music.  Our aim would be to help raise English levels quickly and comprehensively to allow the student to ultimately gain access to the IB Diploma programme if they wish to.

New Horizons offers personalised pathways for all students aged 14+, with a 1-on-1 meeting with our Secondary leadership team to identify academic goals, and how we can customise our provision to suit that need.

“This is going to be a unique opportunity for so many students who have traditionally found themselves lost at this stage of their academic journey,” said Mr Hari Raye, Head of the IB Academy. “The New Horizons programme is going to open doors which many thought were closed to them and will be delivered by an outstanding academic team here at NAIS Pudong.  The IB Diploma is a rigorous academic programme, but with New Horizons helping students settle into a tailored pathway, they will be very well prepared to succeed and to graduate into universities across the world.”

At NAIS Pudong, we understand the importance of providing diverse educational options that prepare students for success in a globalised world. With the new course, we aim to empower students to broaden their horizons, embracing international perspectives and fostering their academic and personal growth. By offering this new pathway, students will be equipped with the skills, knowledge, and mindset necessary to thrive in today's interconnected society.

One of the primary advantages of this unique course is its ability to open doors to international university options for students. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is highly regarded by universities worldwide, providing students with a competitive edge when applying to institutions abroad. By completing this programme, students will be well-positioned to gain admission to leading universities around the globe, unlocking a myriad of exciting academic and career opportunities.  For those not completing the Diploma, our Courses options will still allow access to a wide range of universities and programmes.

Moreover, the course's international focus will expose students to a broad range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, and the arts. Through an interdisciplinary approach to learning, students will develop critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

NAIS Pudong encourages students to become well-rounded individuals, fostering creativity, empathy, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.  Students will also be actively exposed to the unique and outstanding collaborations that NAIS Pudong has with Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), The Juilliard School, UNICEF and IMG Academy.  You can learn more about these incredible opportunities on our website.

NAIS Pudong's excellent facilities and experienced faculty will provide an exceptional learning environment for students embarking on this transformative journey. Our dedicated teachers, equipped with extensive knowledge and experience in delivering the IBDP, will guide and support students every step of the way.

This groundbreaking academic course is a testament to our commitment to educational innovation and student-centred learning. We believe in nurturing the unique potential within each student and empowering them to become globally minded, lifelong learners. By providing this opportunity, we are confident that students will not only excel academically but also develop the skills and mindset necessary to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Enrolment for the new course at NAIS Pudong is now open, and we encourage interested students and parents to visit our school to learn more about this incredible opportunity. Together, let us embark on a journey of international education, opening doors to endless possibilities and shaping a brighter future for all of our students.

For more information, please click here or message us on WeChat by adding our account NAISPudong.