High School
The Keystone educational model finds extended expression in high school (Grades 10 to 12), where we cultivate global perspectives, inquiry-based learning, and character and community building in both academic and residential settings.
Grade 10 offers a challenging and innovative curriculum that prepares students for the rigors of the Keystone Diploma Programme, which we deliver in grades 11 and 12. As stated in our mission, we aim to graduate students who “will possess the intellectual, cultural, and ecological fluency to navigate gracefully the colleges, careers, and communities of their choice. They will know how to apply their emotional intelligence, character, and zest for learning to help develop and improve the communities in which they live.”
Keystone’s comprehensive residential life program is part of the experience of every high school student. Teachers serve as dorm parents, supporting the socio-emotional and leadership development of our students. Coupled with our academic and co-curricular program, our school supports the integral development of our students as scholars, as rounded young adults, as sports players, and as productive citizens of the world.
Through all three years of high school, Keystone educational practices help students deepen essential skills in critical reasoning and research capabilities. The camping and experiential learning trips in which all students take part every year provide them with opportunities to connect and expand their learning and personal development.
Keystone’s faculty is widely diverse and richly experienced. Our teachers involve students in engaging activities in the classroom during the school day and provide academic support and extension after regular school hours. Our faculty are all involved in the Keystone Activities Program, developing deeper bonds with students as they explore common interests.
Teachers encourage students to make interdisciplinary connections in order to understand and participate effectively in their natural, social, and cultural environments. Participation in service learning projects on and off campus puts learning into action.
The language program in the high school represents a full transition from the dual-language immersion model. In Keystone’s progressive model of language acquisition, affirmed by research and effective practice, high school students achieve linguistic competency and cultural understanding in both Chinese and English.
While most classes are in English, students continue to develop their Chinese language through Chinese language and literature classes. In grade 10, students also have the opportunity to choose elective courses taught in Chinese. In grades 11 and 12, students take the Theory of Knowledge course in a dual language format with two teachers, one Chinese speaking one English speaking, supporting learning.
Keystone offers a robust and thoughtful college counseling program which guides and supports students in the process of selecting and applying to colleges and universities. Our college counselors lead parent and student sessions and meet one-on-one with students and families to address the individual needs of each student. Keystone receives visits from many colleges and universities and holds information and admission fairs on site.
In 2022-24, Keystone Academy intends to offer the following IB Diploma Programme courses:
Studies in Language and Literature:
Chinese A: Language and Literature
Chinese A: Literature
English A: Language and Literature
Self - Taught Languages
Language Acquisition
Chinese B
English B
Language ab initio (Mandarin) SL only
Individuals & Societies
Business Management
Economics
History
Psychology
Geography
Environmental Systems and Societies SL only
(Interdisciplinary - satisfies the requirements of both group 3 and 4)
Sciences
Biology
Chemistry
Design Technology
Physics
Computer Science
Environmental Systems and Societies SL only
(Interdisciplinary - satisfies the requirements of both group 3 and 4)
Mathematics
Maths: Analysis and Approaches
Maths: Applications and Interpretation
Arts & Electives
Music
Theatre Arts
Visual Arts