A course for IB students at UWCSEA

International Baccalaureate course at UWCSEA

Students looking to study the International Baccalaureate will be interested to hear that United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) now offers the IB course Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change. There are also developments in the UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme, which has replaced the IGCSE. Here’s how the two programmes will help IB students to thrive.

Evolving education for life beyond school

Reflecting on how education as well as life beyond school is evolving, United World College of South East Asia (UWCSEA) is striving to equip students with the skills, knowledge and mindset to thrive, no matter what their futures hold. This is why the school’s educators continue to review and adapt their educational offerings, ensuring they are academically challenging and enriching for students from Kindergarten 1 through to Grade 12.

In the upcoming school year, there will be developments in two of UWCSEA’s unique offerings:

• the UWCSEA Grade 9/10 programme, which has replaced the IGCSE; and
• the International Baccalaureate (IB) course, Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change.

The school says that these programmes give students more flexibility and choice. For example, they’ll provide the opportunity for more real-world problem solving, interdisciplinary thinking and authentic assessment; this, in turn, will facilitate greater student agency and an ability to thrive amid complexity and uncertainty.

Hear from the Head of College:

“In enhancing our High School academic programme, we’re deepening and creating further possibilities for our entire holistic programme. We’re also celebrating all five elements of Academics, Activities, Outdoor Education, Personal and Social Education and Service. It’s a continuation of our proud tradition of curriculum innovation that will support the rapidly changing needs of our students.” – Nick Alchin

#1 Grade 9/10 programme for a future-ready education

UWCSEA says that the Grade 9/10 Programme prioritises academic excellence and future-ready skills while meeting each students’ distinct needs and aspirations.

Students can choose from more than 40 subjects, which are designed to help with developing critical thinking, inquiry and problem-solving skills, creativity and adaptability. They include:

• core subjects such as UWC Perspectives, and Wellbeing and Physical Education;
• compulsory courses in English, Humanities, Science, Math, Arts and Design, and Languages; and
• unique offerings such as the Social Entrepreneurship Programme and World of Learning internships where students gain hands-on experiences, and which cultivate transferable skills and business understanding that are essential for future careers.

This programme will be fully implemented at both the East and Dover campuses from August 2025.

Hear from a student:

“The French Language and Culture course is an excellent tool to dive deep into topics concerning the world. It allows you to be a changemaker in society through the means of field trips and activities in the class. For example, creating a podcast with my friend regarding sustainable practices allows me to dive deep into the topic and think about solutions. It was a great way to learn.” – Aashman, Student, UWCSEA Grade 9/10 Programme

Building a foundation for IB students and other pathways

The Grade 9/10 Programme reflects the teaching and learning principles of the International Baccalaureate in Singapore, providing an excellent foundation for the IB Diploma in Grades 11 and 12. It also ensures that IB students are well prepared for the academic expectations and assessment styles of the IB.

What’s more, while the curriculum offers both breadth and depth of learning, it also emphasises student wellbeing. The school says that replacing an over-reliance on exams with evidence-based assessment allows IB students to grow intellectually, emotionally and academically; it also aligns with its overall mission and holistic approach to learning.

For students transitioning out of Singapore for their senior years, the Grade 9/10 Programme equips them with academic skills, global perspectives and learning habits. All these support a smooth transition into other curricula abroad.

#2 A rare offering – IB Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change

IB Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change is a two-year course that was piloted in August 2024 on both campuses. It was developed by a team of UWCSEA educators in partnership with the IBO. The first cohort will graduate at the end of the 2025/2026 school year.

UWCSEA is the first school in Asia and among only four in the world – including its sister college, UWC Atlantic – to offer this International Baccalaureate course.

So, what does it involve? Through rigorous project-based experiences, students learn how to understand and navigate complex systems related to peace, sustainability and intercultural understanding. They collaborate with and lead others, and they learn resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges and failures. In the process, they benefit from real-world experience and acquire skillsets that are essential for navigating life beyond high school.

This new IB course teaches and assesses skills in five distinct areas:

1. Changemaker Mindset: What changemaking is, mindsets for effective changemaking, and the context in which changemakers currently operate
2. Design Thinking: How to problem solve and innovate in a human-centred way
3. Systems Thinking: What systems are, how systems work and interconnect, why systems thinking is a powerful lens for changemakers
4. Leadership: Strategies for leading others to effect positive change, communication and collaboration skills
5. Project and Change Management: How to plan, organise and implement positive change initiatives

Feedback from IB students:

“One of the UWC values that closely aligns with me is compassion. Having solidarity and being empathetic with others is important. The Systems Transformation course offers an opportunity to make a real change. Its objective is not just for the future, but for now.” – Jessi, Grade 11 IB student, UWCSEA Dover

Equipping a large cohort of International Baccalaureate students to become changemakers

UWCSEA has one of the largest IB cohorts in the world. The College saw 605 students sit exams in May 2025 for the International Baccalaureate in Singapore, while the global average cohort size was approximately 50 to 55 students.

For the International Baccalaureate in Singapore, the school had more than 30.4% of students achieve 40 points or more, representing 184 students across the College. The first 50 and 100 students across the College received an average score of 44 points and 43.2 points respectively. The average for the entire UWCSEA cohort was 36.3 points. The world average of IB students reported by the IB Organisation is 30.6 points.

Rather than resting on its laurels, though, the UWCSEA team says that it will continue to innovate in its curriculum development and remain responsive to changing times. This way, students will continue to be provided with the knowledge, skills, capabilities, qualities and values they need to be future-ready.

• Dover Campus: 1207 Dover Road | 6774 2653
• East Campus: 1 Tampines Street 73 | 6305 5353

uwcsea.edu.sg

If you liked this article on studying the International Baccalaureate in Singapore, learn more about the holistic educational experience at UWCSEA. You can also head to our Kids section for more about schools in Singapore and things to do with kids. And, to make the most of living in Singapore, read our latest City Guide here for free!