The Secondary Curriculum at LIST

The Lower Secondary Curriculum (Years 7–9) is based upon the British National Curriculum, Key Stage 3. The major core subjects studied in each of the three Lower Secondary years are English, Mathematics, Science, and Thai. In addition all students study Geography, History, Computing, Art, Physical Education, Music, Drama, Personal & Social Education, and French or Chinese (taught by native speakers).

A major change at Lanna is the adoption, since 2009, of The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme. This is a framework for educational success for students approximately 11-14 years old. It builds on the primary stage, and develops children’s knowledge and skills in the core subjects of Mathematics, English and Science. The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme also offers us a means of tracking student progress in these subject areas through the lower Secondary phase, with a package of standardised assessment materials.

At the end of Lower Secondary, students sit Cambridge Checkpoint tests which provide detailed feedback on students’ strengths and weaknesses before they move into the 14-16/IGCSE stage. All tests in the Lower Secondary Programme are standardised, providing an international benchmark of student achievement.

Click here to find out more about why The Cambridge Lower Secondary Programme is such a valued programme.

Lanna’s Upper Secondary programme (Years 10 & 11) is anchored by the curriculum of the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE). This balanced international curriculum is administered by Cambridge International Examinations, a part of the University of Cambridge. Click here to download an IGCSE Factsheet.

The IGCSE curriculum is academically rigorous and is designed to encourage high academic standards through a practical approach to teaching and learning. Lanna’s students sit IGCSE examinations in Year 11. In Years 12 and 13, students pursue more advanced coursework which prepares them for A/AS Level examinations and SATs. Click here to find out more about AS and A level qualifications.

Our programme of core and elective courses in the Upper Secondary (Years 10 -13), taught by specialists, enables students to follow individual interests deeply; focusing on their individual areas of interest and/or aptitude.

IGCSE Study During Years 10 & 11

The Secondary School curriculum is anchored by the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an external examination program designed for 14 to 16 year olds (Years 10 to 11) and based upon the British National Curriculum. The IGCSE provides a very broad program of study in areas such as languages, social studies, science, mathematics, creative arts and vocational subjects. In each subject there is a balance between practical and theoretical knowledge but the emphasis in almost all subjects is skills related to that subject. The curriculum is designed so that students can use examples related to their own experiences and residence. The nature of the program is such that students of different abilities can follow it. Further it is designed for students whose first language may not be English. Click here to download an IGCSE Factsheet.

 Students sit examinations at the end of the IGCSE course, usually Year 11. These examinations are marked by experienced external examiners appointed by CIE (Cambridge International Examinations). CIE is a division of the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate which in turn is part of the University of Cambridge. UCLES has developed and promoted qualifications at a variety of levels for at least 150 years.

IGCSE is recognised internationally and it is evidence of ability to academics and employers throughout the world. The program also prepares students for further academic courses which are followed in years 12 and 13.

During Years 10 & 11 our students study the following: 

Total = 43 periods per week.

To download the complete Y10 & 11 curriculum document in PDF format click here.

All classes are taught by subject specialists and all language teachers are native speakers. Lanna offers small class sizes ensuring personal attention and assistance for our students - something that very few schools can match.

A and AS levels in Years 12 & 13

Cambridge International A Level is the world's most popular international examination for 17–18 year olds (Click here to find out why AS/A levels may be the best choice for you). As one of the most recognised qualifications around the world, it is accepted as proof of academic ability for entry to universities worldwide. Cambridge International A Levels typically take two years to complete and offer a flexible course of study that gives students the freedom to select subjects that are right for them.

Click here to download an A/AS level Factsheet published by Cambridge international Examinations.

There are five passing grades (A–E). Minimum matriculation requirements are at least two pass grades. Good A Level grades can be a key to admission for all the world’s major Anglophone universities. University course credit and advanced standing is often available in countries such as the USA and Canada, and good grades in carefully chosen A Level subjects can result in up to one full year of credit.

Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Level represents the first half of a full A level course and gives students the opportunity of studying a broader range of subjects without committing to doing a full A Level. As with A Levels, these enable students to apply successfully to universities throughout the world.

Since 2009 we have offered a much more complete and comprehensive range of 'AS' and 'A' level qualifications to our Year 12 and 13 students.

Our students are being given the opportunity to study the following subjects to 'A' level: English Language and Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Management, Travel and Tourism, Geography, History, Business Studies, French, German, Art and Design, Applied ICT, Physical Education, and Thinking Skills.

To download the complete Y12 & 13 curriculum document in PDF format click here.

During Years 12 & 13 our students currently study the following:

Core Subjects (all students study these):

1. Thinking Skills AS/A level - 4 periods/week

2. Thai Language - 3 periods/week

3. PE or Community Service - 2 periods/week

4. College and Careers - 1 period/week

5. Activities (Selected Quarterly) - 1 period/week

6. Self Directed Study - 5 periods/week

AS/A level Choices:

In addition to the core subjects detailed above all students select their optional courses to create a course of study that meets their interests and career aspirations. Our programme of study in the Years 12 and 13, taught by specialists, enables students to follow individual interests deeply. Each of the optional A level courses occupies nine 40 minute teaching periods each week.

Students following a full A level programme will study four A level subjects (including Thinking Skills, which is not optional), although less academic students may opt to study fewer A levels along with other less demanding courses that will be assessed internally (see above for a list of A levels on offer).

Students have to choose between two main routes through Y12 and Y13:

Route 1: Full 4 AS/A level programme (well suited to academically very able students; those who get mostly A and B grades during Years 10 and 11): AS/A level Thinking Skills + 3 other AS/A levels

Route 2: A programme of 3 AS/A levels plus Maths and Language classes (well suited to many students; those who get mostly B and C grades during Years 10 and 11): AS/A level Thinking Skills + 2 other AS/A levels + additional Maths and Language classes ( to develop basic skills, prepare for IELTS, etc.)

All classes are taught by subject specialists and all language teachers are native speakers. Lanna offers small class sizes ensuring personal attention and assistance for our students - something that very few schools can match.

Why take 'A' levels? What are they? (see here)

*** Y12 & Y13 students click here to download a .pdf file giving details of international programmes available at universities in Thailand ***