Modified Cambridge Curriculum for Secondary Grades 6 to 8
Secondary school is a time of transition for our learners, where they have to learn to navigate new classes, teachers and social situations, exercise greater responsibility, enjoy more independence, and gradually prepare for the academic rigour of the Cambridge IGCSE Grades 9 and 10.
To ease this transition into Lower Secondary and support our students, we have implemented the Modified Cambridge curriculum for Grades 6 to 8. This is based on the Cambridge Lower Secondary framework provided by Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) and has been adapted to suit our international context. In this programme, we continue to leverage the learner profile and the inquiry-based learning approach of our IB programmes and have balanced it with the Cambridge syllabus and skill-set.
This programme is offered at both our campuses – OWIS Nanyang in Jurong and OWIS Digital Campus in Punggol.
Secondary School Subjects
The Modified Cambridge curriculum in our Lower Secondary Grades 6 to 8 is designed as a bridge to the Cambridge IGCSEs in Grades 9 and 10. Through this programme, students are academically prepared for the demands of the Cambridge IGCSE (Grades 9–10). More importantly, they hone the curiosity, independence, and IB learner profile attributes that will carry them through to the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) and beyond.
At OWIS, we provide the following subjects for your child as part of our Modified version of the Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme:
Subjects in Modified Cambridge Curriculum for Grades 6 to 8
English
Maths
Science
Chinese / French / Spanish
Computing
Global Perspectives
Art
Drama
Music
PE
PHSE Education
Our students hone their knowledge through different learning tools, including digital devices. We focus on honing their writing skills and their digital skills as we recognise there is a strong need for both in the world our learners live in.
Learning Approach in the Modified Cambridge Programme at OWIS
Balanced academic rigour and inquiry
Our Modified Cambridge framework combines the academic strength of the Cambridge syllabus with the inquiry-led philosophy of the IB. Students engage with challenging content across English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, Languages, and the Arts, developing both depth of knowledge and the ability to connect ideas across disciplines.
Interdisciplinary and skills-based learning
Through project-based tasks and collaborative investigations, students explore real-world issues from multiple perspectives. This helps them develop critical thinking, research, communication, and teamwork skills — key attributes of future-ready learners.
Language acquisition and global awareness
Students strengthen their proficiency in English and may pursue additional languages such as Chinese, French, or Spanish, enhancing their cross-cultural understanding and communication abilities.
Technology-enabled classrooms
Our digital learning environment encourages students to use technology responsibly and creatively. With access to digital tools and research platforms, they develop digital literacy and media analysis skills, preparing them for the modern academic and professional world.
Social-emotional wellbeing
Kindness, respect, and safety continue to anchor our school culture. Through PSHE (Personal, Social, Health, and Economic) sessions and form tutor interactions, students reflect on their personal growth, wellbeing, and interpersonal relationships.
Beyond the Classroom: Building Leadership, Confidence, and Community
- Student Leadership Opportunities
Leadership development is woven into the OWIS experience. Students can be elected to the Student Council or take on roles as House Captains of our four Houses — Acacia, Wisteria, Flame, and Willow. These roles build communication, collaboration, and empathy as students lead initiatives, organise school events, and represent their peers. - Model United Nations (MUN)
Our learners participate in Model United Nations conferences, where they research global issues, develop policy proposals, and debate solutions. This experience nurtures diplomacy, analytical thinking, and global citizenship — qualities that prepare students for future leadership roles. - ACSIS Sports and Exta-Curricular Activities
Through participation in ACSIS inter-school sports and a wide range of Extra-Curricular Activities (ECAs), including the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, students cultivate teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship. Whether on the football field, in music ensembles, or coding clubs, every learner discovers their potential and passion beyond academics. - Clubs, Competitions, and Service
Students are encouraged to take initiative through clubs, academic competitions, and service projects, developing creativity, responsibility, and confidence. These experiences reinforce the importance of agency, collaboration, and action — all hallmarks of OWIS learning - Exhibitions and Events
OWIS students engage in a rich calendar of exhibitions, fairs and showcase events that deepen learning beyond the classroom. Events such as the Science Fair, Art showcases, Middle School Theatre Productions and the Career Day give learners authentic opportunities to present their work, share their passions and interact with industry professionals or the wider community. - Field trips and Residentials
Field trips and residentials extend learning beyond the classroom, bringing learning and values to life through real-world experiences. Students collaborate, explore new environments and build independence while developing communication and teamwork skills. These meaningful experiences deepen understanding, strengthen relationships and create lasting memories that enrich the learning journey.
Student Wellbeing at OWIS
Pastoral Care
We establish a strong rapport with our Secondary School students through our Pastoral Care Programme. Our students begin the school day meeting with their form tutors, who set the tone for the day by modelling our school’s core values of kindness and respect for others. They provide a listening ear and create an atmosphere in which students feel safe.
During this time, they conduct sessions on PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) education and wellness-related activities. They also discuss issues related to stress, identity, friendships and students’ overall well-being.
Student-Centric Approach
Our small class sizes allow teachers to support Secondary students with a personalised approach, so they are able to expand their knowledge at their own pace. This is particularly useful for students who join in the middle of the year or from another curriculum in another country.
Learning is student-driven and technology-enabled, and your child will be encouraged to exercise their own agency in choosing topics that interest them and are aligned with their future goals. Through this approach, we are also able to hone the life skills associated with the IB Learner Profile.
Secondary Student Council and House Captains
The OWIS Student Council is composed of elected Secondary students. They are encouraged to lead school events, conceptualise and undertake service projects, and act as role models within the school.
Selected Secondary students are also given leadership roles as House Captains of our four houses – Acacia, Wisteria, Flame and Willow. As House Captains, they organise house meetings, motivate other members of the house and lead by example. They hone leadership skills that last them a lifetime.
Engaging Student Life
Our focus is on the holistic development of our Secondary students and not just academic outcomes. We offer an exciting programme of Co-Curricular Activities (CCAs) and residentials, where our learners can develop new interests, talents and passions. Our House Competitions are adrenaline-filled events, and students learn the values of sportsmanship and teamwork. We also encourage student agency through clubs and societies, where learners who share common interests with others can hone their skills in a collaborative environment.
Supporting Learners New to English
For students who are still developing proficiency in English, OWIS provides two structured pathways to ensure they can access our Cambridge curriculum with confidence. Our English as an Additional Language (EAL) programme offers small-group sessions and targeted language development tailored to each learner’s needs. For students who require a more intensive foundation before joining mainstream Cambridge classes, the Academic English Prep Programme builds essential vocabulary, comprehension and communication skills for school success. Together, these programmes help learners gain fluency, participate meaningfully in inquiry, and transition smoothly into the wider academic environment.
Why Choose OWIS for Lower Secondary Cambridge Education
Emphasis on small class sizes allowing for personalised care and attention
Kindness-led approach for students to feel a sense of belonging
Holistic curriculum and Extracurricular Activities for well-rounded education
Inquiry-led learning that inspires curiosity and critical thinking
Seamless academic progression from Lower Secondary School to Cambridge IGCSE and IBDP
Nurturing IB Learner Profile attributes through our diverse community and balanced time-table