The Secondary School continues with the unique AHIS curriculum that integrates the Cambodian National Curriculum with the English National Curriculum. The Inquiry based learning of the Primary School is extended to incorporate aspects of Project Based Learning which involves students in creative planning, collaboration and critical thinking. The flexibility of PBL encourages open-ended and thought provoking research by students in areas of interest.
In covering all areas of both curricular students develop deeper awareness and experience of Art, Music, Technology and Design. They create and admire the work of others.
During many projects the students cook special Cambodian dishes to share and are reminded of the importance of cultural traditions. Students are able to enjoy the beauty of Cambodia, not just out of the window but by visiting places within Phnom Penh and beyond on educational trips such as to Kep National Park, Bokor Mountain and Mondulkiri. They are exposed to the country’s long, and at times, painful history through projects on Ancient Civilisations and visits to Tuol Sleng and the Killing Fields.
Teaching and learning continue to be from a Christian Worldview but an understanding of the other major world religions is also added in Secondary as projects facilitate investigation of people’s actions, values and beliefs. Students are able to articulate their questions, develop their own Biblical Christian Worldview and prepare to thrive in a world that is ever changing.
As a bilingual school AHIS values students’ first language: Khmer, and English as an additional language. By the time students are in the Secondary School it is expected that they will be fluent in speaking, reading and writing both languages. In this way the language and the culture of Cambodia are valued and at the same time students are enabled to take their place on the world stage. They have the opportunity to flourish as tomorrow’s leaders, workers, and citizens in Cambodia and beyond.
As Secondary students continue to excel in both Khmer and English they will have the opportunity to take examinations and gain qualifications; recognised both nationally and internationally. In Years 9 and 12 students will take the Cambodian national exams. Passing the Year 12 exam ensures access to the top Cambodian Universities for higher education.
From Year 10 onwards students will have the opportunity to take IGCSE exams with Cambridge. Passes [A – C] in these qualifications enable students to access some US Universities as well as providing the foundation for further study to ‘A’ level standard which ensures access to any UK university. Many Australian universities accept A level passes for entrance to degree courses.
These qualifications also provide an excellent foundation for further lifelong learning. Not all students will continue in formal higher education as they enter the world of work and business after school and ensure ongoing innovation in the economy and a healthy democracy in their home country, Cambodia.
Secondary comprises Years 7 – 12. The integrated curriculum continues and students develop their inquiry learning through a Project Based Learning approach. Khmer and English Literacy and Numeracy skills support all learning and the curriculum is extended to include practical skills and IGCSE subjects. Teaching and learning continue from a Biblical Christian Worldview but an understanding of other major world religions is added.