High School overview
In Grades 9–12 students aged 14 to 18 years old complete the UWCSEA High School Diploma. This equips UWCSEA graduates
with a valued transcript, reflective of the depth, breadth, and challenge of our holistic learning programme. In Grade 9-10
students enrol in UWCSEA’s unique Grade 9 and 10 Programme designed to meet each students’ distinct needs and aspirations,
while prioritising academic excellence and future-ready skills. It provides an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma Programme
(IBDP). In Grade 11 and 12 students may choose to complete the IBDP, or a selection of IB courses based on their interests.
Grade 12 students who meet our graduation requirements will be awarded a UWCSEA High School Diploma certificate
upon graduation.
In the High School at UWCSEA Dover and East, students enjoy a high level of independence, they develop mature relationships
with teachers and peers and they take the lead on issues that matter to them, equipped to work through barriers to
find success.
There are exceptional opportunities for students to develop leadership skills while further developing the skills and qualities
embodied in the UWCSEA profile.
Underpinning our programme are regular opportunities for self-development and reflection through the supportive personal
and social education programme. This focus on wellbeing assists our students in developing as self aware, resilient individuals
who are well prepared for life after school, including for university.
Part of the unique nature of a UWCSEA education is that students enrolling in the High School are joined by scholars—students
from a range of countries and backgrounds who have been awarded a scholarship based on their commitment to the ideals of
the UWC movement.
Grade
Programme on entry
Age of students*
Number of students
Dover Campus
Number of students
East Campus
UWCSEA Programme
14–15 years
312
264
10
UWCSEA Programme
15–16 years
335**
292**
11
IB Diploma programme or IB courses
16–17 years
345
300
12***
—
17–18 years
337
282
Total
1329
1138
* Students must be born on or between 1 September and 31 August. Refer to the age-grade boundary chart on our website for guidance, or
contact Admissions.
** Total cohort includes already enrolled Grade 9 students who progress into Grade 10 and new students who enrol in Grade 10.
*** We do not admit students into Grade 12.
High School capacity (August 2026)
About the UWCSEA curriculum
At UWCSEA, we offer a wide range of opportunities to help your child grow through our holistic Learning Programme. This
programme includes five key areas: Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal Social Education (PSE), and Service.
Each of these elements are equally important, recognising that all will play a part in helping to achieve our educational goal and
enable our students to develop mission competency.
UWCSEA is dedicated to providing a written curriculum that is both challenging and age-appropriate. Our curriculum is
carefully structured to ensure that your child’s learning experience is meaningful and aligned with our mission, no matter their
age or educational background when they join the College.
Our written curriculum is organised by six domains, which align closely to broad academic disciplines. Some courses will pull
curriculum from multiple domains (e.g., Environmental Systems and Societies draws from both Science and Humanities). The six
curriculum domains can be seen below with discipline curriculum examples:
Sciences and
Technology
Arts and
Design
UWCSEA
Curriculum
Domains
Humanities
Mathematics
Languages
Wellbeing
The design of the curriculum is informed by the UWCSEA
mission statement, educational goal, College values, the
needs of our students, and research-based practice.
At UWCSEA, we use a concept-based curriculum which
organises learning using concepts and conceptual
understandings, rather than simply listing topics or facts.
The written curriculum explicitly articulates learning goals
through three key areas:
• Conceptual Understandings (what students should
understand)
• Knowledge (what students should know)
• Skills (what students should be able to do)
This approach ensures that learning is deep, transferable,
and prepares students to connect their understanding to real
world contexts.
Academic programmes
There are two entry points into our High School, depending on the age of the student. Regardless of the entry point, we offer all
students support and preparation to ensure success at the end of High School and into the next stage of schooling.
Grade 9/10 Programme
The UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme is unique to the
UWCSEA High School Diploma, drawing on the very best of
international education and research to provide a bespoke
experience for our students. This programme has been
crafted by our experienced educators to meet the distinct
needs and aspirations of learners at this important stage of
their development, while providing an excellent foundation
for Grades 11 and 12—whatever their futures might hold.
The UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme is driven by the
singular ambition of the UWCSEA Mission, and encompasses
all five elements of our holistic learning programme. Our
students benefit from additional choice and agency in
their learning, as they create their individual pathway to
graduation and life beyond school.
Learning is assessed internally against UWCSEA’s concept-
based standards and benchmarks, and is informed by the
assessment model for the IB Diploma.
Languages
At UWCSEA, the language of instruction is English. In
addition to English or English as an Additional Language (EAL)
lessons, almost all students take another language. This can
be a First Language, (which includes a language learned as
a child, other languages spoken at home and/or in previous
school setting, as well as ‘heritage languages’, which are
languages spoken by a parent, grandparent or ancestor).
Alternatively, students can take a Foreign language—
also known as Language Acquisition. For more detailed
information, please refer to our Languages factsheets or
contact Admissions.
Grade 11: IB Diploma Programme
Students who meet the requirements, which are based
on criteria linked with the UWCSEA Learning Programme,
graduate with a UWCSEA High School Diploma at the end
of Grade 12. The vast majority of students also undertake
the two-year IB Diploma which is respected by universities
throughout the world. In 1977 UWCSEA was the first school
in Asia to introduce the IB, and our Diploma Programme has
been developed in close collaboration with the IB since then.
While the majority of students enrol in the full IB Diploma,
UWCSEA also offers certificates in individual IB Courses for
students who meet our entrance criteria.
Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change
UWCSEA is the only school in Asia (and the second globally,
alongside UWC Atlantic) to offer this innovative new course
as part of a pilot programme with the IB. This bold new
undertaking gives students greater flexibility to pursue their
interests in complex, interdisciplinary, UWC Mission-aligned
areas, such as sustainable development, peacebuilding and
intercultural understanding.
UWCSEA Careers Programme
The UWCSEA Careers Programme supports High School
students in gaining the knowledge and understanding to
navigate their future career paths. Students gain first-hand
exposure to professional environments, building their
confidence, and expanding their networks. Built on four
core pillars—Company Visits, Internships, Major Events
and Mentorships—the programme is designed to bridge
education and the world of work giving our students a head
start in preparing for their futures.
More details can be found on this webpage:
https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/careers-programme
Activities
Our comprehensive Activities programme presents students
with opportunities to try new things, discover new talents
and further develop their passions, as well as make new
friends through the sharing of common interests.
A wide range of activities in the Arts, sports, leadership
and special interests is offered each week in four activity
and service ‘seasons’ throughout the year. All students are
required to participate in activities as part of the Grade 9/10
programme, usually about three to four hours per week
during lunchtime and after school.
The programme is structured so that students develop
self management skills and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
Activities also contribute towards Creativity, Activity and
Service (CAS) requirements for the IB Diploma.
Drama, Dance, Music
and Instrumental Teaching
We have a full annual calendar of drama, dance and music
productions and extensive programmes in instrumental
teaching. Student musicians have the opportunity to
participate in a number of musical and vocal ensembles
and perform in several concerts per year. Ensembles include
Symphonic and Jazz bands, Singing, Percussion and Pamberi
All Stars African music ensembles, Chamber and Symphony
orchestras and more. The instrumental teaching programme
offers music lessons on a vast range of instruments.
Instrument hire is also available.
Performance opportunities include the annual UN Night
and CultuRama in Term 1, which celebrate the diversity of
cultures in our community. Throughout the year, students
are invited to audition for a number of drama and dance
productions. They do not need to be taking Arts subjects
to be involved—nor do they need to be on stage, as there
are opportunities for costume, set design, art direction
and more.
Sports, Health, Fitness, and Wellness
UWCSEA’s strong sports programme under the Phoenix
banner at Dover Campus and Dragons at East Campus
includes representative opportunities in badminton,
basketball, climbing, cross country, football, golf, gymnastics
(girls), hockey, netball (girls), rugby (boys), sailing, softball,
swimming, tennis, touch football and volleyball. A number of
other sports, such as martial arts and rock climbing, fencing
and ultimate (Frisbee), are offered on a recreational basis
as are general fitness and wellbeing activities such as yoga,
dance and meditation and mindfulness.
Leadership, Innovation and Creativity
A diverse group of activities nurture creativity, problem
solving skills and artistic talents. They are taken from the
fields of technology, fine and visual art, writing, design, food
science, construction and engineering.
Students also have ample opportunity to develop leadership
skills through participation in the Student, Arts or Sports
Councils, and the Service Executive Committee. They
can take part in Model United Nations conferences (in
Singapore and overseas); the National Youth Achievement
Award (NYAA) (similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award);
and an array of student leadership groups. Other
leadership activities include coaching sports for Primary
School students.
Special interests groups such as inter-school debating;
and groups exploring economics, history, mathematics
and philosophy are available. Students can explore their
creativity through creative writing, journalism and student
publications; digital arts, music technology and photography;
cooking, robotics and more. In addition, subject-based
‘clinics’ are available for students who want to further focus
on some academic areas via the activities programme.
Initiative for Peace (IfP)
In Grade 11, students have the opportunity to take part
in UWCSEA’s unique IfP programme which draws on their
leadership skills and creativity. Students spend one year
exploring conflict and peace through different lenses and
activities. The programme culminates in a weeklong student-
led peace conference in a post-conflict or conflict-affected
area engaging other youth.
Dedicated innovation spaces
The IDEAS Hub (Dover Campus) and Innovation@East
(East Campus) are dedicated spaces equipped with tools
and technology to guide and inspire students to explore,
innovate, collaborate and create sustainable solutions
addressing real-world problems and needs within
their community.
Students can experiment with activities such as filmmaking,
woodworking, 3D printing, crafting, coding, prototyping,
DIY repairs, painting, sewing, cardboard construction
and robotics.
Students are encouraged to adopt interdisciplinary thinking,
to ruminate on solutions, tinker with ideas and develop
an innovator’s mindset. They are empowered to create
products, services and systems while keeping the UWC
Mission at the forefront of their thinking.
Outdoor Education
High School offers outdoor education expeditions that develop students across all aspects of our learner profile. All students
must participate in at least one expedition in Grade 9 or 10, as the personal and social development opportunities are
impossible to replicate in the classroom. UWCSEA’s overseas travel operates in accordance with the College’s robust health and
safety guidelines and sustainable trips framework.
Grade 9 adventure programme
Grade 9 students are offered a variety of challenging
expeditions during the March/April and June/July holidays.
These 7-19 day expeditions, run by our in-country partners,
are not with their mentor groups, but with other Grade 9
students from both Dover and East campuses. Destinations
include India, Indonesia, Maldives, Malaysia, Thailand,
Australia, and Japan, and activities include trekking, rafting,
sailing, mountain biking, and kayaking. Locations can be
remote, accommodation is often basic and the food will
reflect the local culture of the host country.
Grade 10 adventure programme
for new students
Students who join UWCSEA in Grade 10 are expected to
participate in a Grade 10 expedition, which takes place
during the March/April and June/July school breaks. They
include students from both campuses and offer a choice of
destinations with varying outdoor challenges and durations.
The expeditions help new students deepen friendships, build
a sense of belonging, and cultivate key skills and mindsets
that prepare them for Project Week which takes place in May
of Grade 11.
For returning Grade 10 students who have already completed
an expedition in Grade 9, they are able to apply to join a
Grade 9 or Grade 10 expedition if spots become available.
Grade 11 Project Week
Project Week is a unique experiential trip-based educational
programme that allows Grade 11 students to plan and
undertake meaningful activities aligned with the IBDP
CAS programme and College mission. Students are guided
through preparation steps that incorporate skills such as
first aid, risk assessment, and itinerary planning before
receiving approval to travel. While students may complete
their IBDP CAS project within Singapore, most choose
overseas projects that include adventurous, creative, and/or
service activities. Project Week develops skills like leadership,
collaboration, and cultural awareness, preparing students for
post-school challenges.
Optional trips
In the past these have included:
• Cultural immersion trips for students of Chinese, Dutch,
French and Spanish language
• Multi-day course-based fieldwork and study tours for
those enrolled in academic subjects such as Biology,
Drama, Economics, Environmental Systems and Societies,
Geography and History
• Trips for students competing in sports, maths, MUN and
other representative competitions
• Visits to Service programme partners in destinations such
as Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Kenya and Nepal
Personal and Social Education
At UWCSEA, our dedicated Personal and Social Education (PSE) programme provides a supportive, safe and nurturing
environment that recognises the unique developmental needs of adolescents. The programme helps students navigate the
Middle School years and prepare for the greater demands of High School.
Our PSE curriculum draws on key concepts including:
• Social Emotional Learning
• Intercultural Understanding
• Physical Wellbeing
• Life Skills
Student wellbeing
Students are assigned a mentor and mentor group, and the
PSE curriculum is delivered through daily meetings with the
mentor, mentor group and regular grade-level assemblies.
The mentor is central to the care of students and works with
the Head of Grade to help students make the most of their
time in High School.
To ensure that every student has the opportunity to reach
their full potential, the Principal, Vice Principals, Head of PSE,
Heads of Grade and mentors work with subject teachers to
support all students in their care.
Workshops and professional guidance from the High School
counsellor in the counselling and wellness centre on each
campus is also available for students and families.
Technology
Appropriate use of technology is integrated as a tool to
facilitate learning. All students are required to have an
Apple laptop which is then equipped with College-supplied
software, and have access to on-campus helpdesk and
support centre. Staff are supported by a digital literacy coach
and a network of technology mentors in implementing
effective use of technology in teaching and learning.
Students are supported in the responsible use of technology
through our learning design to support digital safety
and digital wellbeing. This provides them with the skills
and knowledge to become responsible, independent and
organised digital citizens.
A series of information evenings and workshops for parents
ensure that good habits around technology are reinforced at
home and parents are equipped to help students navigate
the online world.
University and career guidance
In Grade 10, students are provided with tools and assistance
to assess further learning and career pathways. These are
explored as part of the PSE programme in mentor time and
during grade-level assemblies. University Advisors provide
advice on subject selection in preparation for Grade 11.
From Grade 11, an individualised programme of advising
sees our team of experienced University Advisors work with
students to ensure they are supported in making choices and
applications to best-fit courses and universities around the
world. Supporting workshops and presentations for students
and parents help in planning and making decisions around
university choice.
Our University Advising Centres create numerous
opportunities for our students to connect with universities
from around the world each year.
Service
Our Service model provides opportunities for students
to become involved in three areas: College, Singapore
and Global Service. All students are expected to commit
fully to a service, and to show initiative by planning and
leading activities.
College Service
Students support and lead undertaking their own service
projects, in areas such as sports leadership or coaching,
or they work alongside their peers and younger students
on projects to enhance the campus and support our
environmental sustainability goals.
Local Service
UWCSEA has long standing partnerships with many
Singapore-based community organisations such as MINDS,
Apex Harmony Lodge, Happy Lodge, Singapore Special
Olympics, Riding for the Disabled, ACRES, SUN-DAC,
Lighthouse School, Singapore Downs Syndrome Association,
Beyond Social Services and H.O.M.E. Most students join
one or more projects volunteering once a week after school
for at least half the school year in Grades 9 and 10, and
for the entire school year in Grade 11. It provides valuable
connections with our community, while also assisting IB
students in fulfilling their CAS requirement.
Global Concerns
We call initiatives outside of Singapore Global Concerns
(GC). This dynamic programme enables students to put their
ideals into action through GC groups which actively address
specific development and environmental issues. Students
can join an existing group or pitch to the student-led GC
Executive to approve a new group. Many GCs are linked
with grassroots NGOs in developing countries, providing
students with the opportunity to gain unique insight into the
challenges faced by these organisations. Project Week groups
in Grade 11 often visit these NGO partners.
Grade 11 students can also join the Initiative for Peace,
spending a year planning and organising a conference that
promotes international understanding and reconciliation
between youths in Singapore, Timor Leste and Thailand.
UWCSEA IB Diploma results
For many parents IB results are an important consideration when selecting a school and UWCSEA has one of the largest IBDP
cohorts in the world. Some schools have graduating IBDP cohorts of just 50 to 100 students.
Class of 2025’s IB cohort of 605 students had a pass rate of 98.7%. The world average pass rate was 81.3%.
For more information, please contact Admissions
+65 6774 2653 | admissionsdover@uwcsea.edu.sg | www.uwcsea.edu.sg/admissions
605
UWCSEA
cohort
55
*Approximate worldwide
average cohort
2025 average IB Diploma score
Dover 338
267 East
30.5
Worldwide cohort
36.4
Entire UWCSEA cohort
43.3
100 UWCSEA students
44.1
50 UWCSEA students
2025
2024
2023
World wide cohort
30.5
30.3
30.2
Entire UWCSEA cohort
36.4
36.3
36.8
100 UWCSEA students
43.3
42.9
42.9
50 UWCSEA students
44.1
43.8
43.8
It’s important to consider cohort size when comparing IB
score averages across different schools. To help you make
more meaningful comparisons, we’ve included the average of
our most high-achieving 50 and 100 UWCSEA students, over
the past three years.
Average IB Diploma scores
151
Students awarded bilingual diploma
25
25%
Languages
Amharic • Bemba • Burmese • Chichewa • Chinese •
Danish • Dutch • English • Estonian • French • German •
Hindi • Indonesian • Japanese • Khmer • Kinyarw •
Kiswahili/Swahili • Korean • Portuguese • Russian •
Serbian • Shona • Spanish • Ukrainian • Vietnamese
ADM-2526
*Source: ibo.org
Snapshot of data as at 3 September 2025
At UWCSEA, academic results really matter, but they are
only part of the story. We are immensely proud of all our
students, whether their achievements are in academics,
on the stage, on the sports field, or through service
and leadership.
What truly defines a UWCSEA education is our commitment
to preparing students not just for university, but for life.
Alongside academic success, we focus on developing
principled, resilient and compassionate young people,
students who collaborate, lead, and care deeply about those
around them, and who take responsibility for shaping a
better world. This is our educational goal.
University Placement
On average, 99% of UWCSEA students enrol at universities
around the world. Each year a number of our students are
admitted to highly selective universities and courses around
the world. Below is a list of universities that UWCSEA
students were accepted to between 2023 and 2025.
For more information please visit our IB Diploma
Results Page: https://www.uwcsea.edu.sg/
learning/ib-diploma/ib-diploma-results