Upper School (Grade 9 To Grade 10)

The foundation of our academic ethos at NLCS (Singapore) is a deeply rooted culture of scholarship that inspires both staff and students to pursue excellence in all areas of learning.

• Subject Passion: We encourage every student to identify and nurture their passions by delving deeply into the subjects they love. Under the guidance of highly qualified, specialist teachers, students are provided with the tools, resources, and freedom to go beyond the confines of a syllabus, cultivating a deep love for learning and an exceptional level of expertise.
• Intellectual Curiosity: Our students thrive in an environment that promotes exploration and discovery. They engage in a wide range of learning opportunities, including participation in academic societies, access to keynote speakers, and the use of our state-of-the-art library with extensive physical and digital resources.
• Independent Thought: We empower our students to think critically, approach challenges with creativity, and develop their own solutions to problems. Moving beyond rote memorisation, our teaching approach inspires students to be active participants in their education, building the skills necessary for lifelong learning.

The NLCS Middle Years Programme (MYP) is a dynamic framework for students aged 11–16, designed to foster academic excellence, personal growth, and global citizenship. Rooted in the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB), the MYP inspires students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, and engaged learners. A key feature of the MYP at NLCS (Singapore) is its focus on Approaches to Learning (ATL), a set of essential skills that empower students to learn effectively and independently. These skills are integrated across all subjects and include:

1. Thinking Skills: Fostering creativity, critical analysis, and innovative problem-solving.
2. Communication Skills: Building confidence in expressing ideas clearly and effectively.
3. Social Skills: Promoting collaboration and teamwork for meaningful group work.
4. Self-Management Skills: Developing organisation, time management, and resilience.
5. Research Skills: Teaching students to gather, evaluate, and synthesise information.

The MYP at NLCS (Singapore) provides a rich and varied curriculum offering students the opportunity to explore a broad range of disciplines while progressively tailoring their education to suit their interests and aspirations. While core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Sciences remain mandatory. In Grades 9 and 10 students gain greater flexibility and can choose optional subjects that align with their individual interests and goals. Options include History, Economics, Music, Drama, and Design Technology, among others.

• Languages: English, Mandarin (in multiple pathways), and an additional language (French or Spanish).
• Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, and Physics taught as distinct disciplines to provide focused academic engagement.
• Individuals & Societies: Geography, History, and in later grades, Economics and World History & Politics.
• Mathematics: A structured progression designed to enhance analytical and problem-solving skills.
• The Arts: Music, Drama, and Art, encouraging creative expression and innovation.
• Design & Engineering and Computer Science: Practical courses that integrate technical skills with creative problem-solving.
• Physical Education & Health: Promoting physical fitness, mental well-being, and teamwork.
• Global Studies (Grades 9–10): A course focusing on global citizenship, critical thinking, and contemporary issues.

Language learning is a vital part of the MYP at NLCS (Singapore), fostering cultural awareness, communication skills, and academic excellence. All students study English language and literature, alongside tailored Mandarin courses and an additional language, with pathways customised to meet individual needs and proficiency levels.

• • Mandarin Pathways
    • Native Pathway: For native speakers with formal education in Mandarin, focusing on advanced language and literature skills.
    • Second Language Pathway: For students with a strong working knowledge of Mandarin, emphasising language development and literary analysis.
    • Language Acquisition Pathway: For non-native learners, offering beginner, intermediate, or advanced instruction to build functional fluency.
  • Additional Language Options
    • French or Spanish: Courses designed for beginners and experienced learners, blending language development with cultural exploration.
    • Mandarin (Extended): Advanced lessons for Native Pathway students to deepen their literary skills.

• Flexibility in Progression Students select their additional language from Grades 6–8, with opportunities to adjust choices in Grade 9. EAL students may transition to other languages as their proficiency improves.

The MYP recognises the importance of preserving and advancing proficiency in students' mother tongue languages. NLCS (Singapore) supports the continuation of mother tongue studies by offering bespoke paid tuition options for a wide array of languages. Families can coordinate with the Languages Coordinator to ensure their child maintains fluency in their native language while pursuing the rigorous demands of the MYP.

Personal & Social Education (PSE) is an essential component of the MYP at NLCS (Singapore). Through structured lessons, assemblies, and tutor time, students explore topics such as emotional well-being, ethical decision-making, and resilience. This programme provides a supportive space where students can reflect on personal values and navigate sensitive issues with guidance from experienced tutors. While not formally assessed, PSE is integral to students’ overall development and self-awareness.

The pursuit of knowledge lies at the heart of our enrichment programme. In Grades 9–12, students participate in university-style seminars designed to deepen their understanding of complex topics and expand their intellectual horizons. These seminars cover diverse subjects, such as astrophysics, postcolonial literature, and global economics, and are supported by independent reading and research. By engaging in these advanced discussions, students gain invaluable skills that prepare them for university study and future careers.