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As their interests take shape, how can students explore the subjects they love while preparing for university-level study?

ISA Liwan’s AP programme recognises each student’s starting point, interests, strengths and pace of development. Flexible subject choices, differentiated teaching, small-group seminars and research-based learning help students discover their potential and develop expertise through progressive challenges.

Through a progressive pathway across Grades 9–12, students move from foundational learning to in-depth study, and from asking questions to researching and presenting ideas—turning interests into capabilities and gaining a clearer sense of direction.

 

01 | Why AP?

University-Level Learning in High School

Developed by College Board, Advanced Placement (AP) gives high school students access to university-level study. Universities worldwide recognise AP results for admissions, credit or advanced placement, depending on their policies.

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AP develops the knowledge and skills needed for university. Qualifying scores may also earn credit or allow students to skip introductory courses, creating greater flexibility and potentially reducing study time and costs. AP course authorisation confirms that courses meet College Board’s curricular and resource requirements.

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  • A Strong US Focus, with Global Recognition

AP is widely recognised in US university admissions and by institutions in the UK, Canada, Australia and Hong Kong, China, supporting applications across multiple destinations.

  • American Liberal Education, Strong Academic Foundations

AP combines an emphasis on critical thinking and communication with students’ strong foundations in mathematics and science, connecting subject knowledge with analytical skills.

  • Flexible Choices for Academic Strengths and Future Goals

Within school offerings and course prerequisites, students can combine AP subjects around their interests and strengths, from exploring STEM to studying literature and history in depth.

 

02 | Why Us?

A Student-Centred Approach to Academic and Personal Growth

  • Authorised Courses | Aligned with AP Requirements

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College Board is a US not-for-profit organisation with more than 6,000 member institutions, including schools, school districts, universities and other educational organisations, working to expand educational opportunity and access to higher education.

AP authorisation confirms that courses meet College Board’s curricular and resource requirements, giving students access to university-level learning and supporting their academic development.

  • Broader Opportunities | Connected to ISA Group Resources

With support from ISA’s University Guidance Centre, Language and Standardised Test Preparation Centre, MIT Fab Lab and the International Academy’s eight specialist centres, AP students explore their interests through competitions, research, community service and the arts.

  • Combining Educational Strengths | Knowledge, Critical Thinking and Communication

Chinese and international teachers work together to develop students’ subject knowledge and academic communication skills.

Lessons centre on questions and concepts, encouraging students to explain their reasoning, compare perspectives and apply their knowledge in new contexts. In-depth subject study develops independent thinking.

  • Recognising Individual Differences | The Right Level of Challenge
Differentiated teaching and flexible subject groupings respond to students’ starting points, interests and progress, providing appropriate challenge and support.Academic specialisation and holistic development go hand in hand, helping students understand themselves through their choices and build confidence through learning and research.

  • Tutor Support | Caring for the Whole Student

Academic and pastoral tutors support students’ learning, wellbeing, daily life and social adjustment, working alongside university counsellors.

Student development records and holistic assessments help the school monitor progress and changing needs, informing more targeted learning plans and pastoral care.

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03 | AP in Practice at ISA Liwan

A Clear Pathway from Foundations to Advanced Study

  • Diverse Subject Options | Build an Individual Academic Pathway

The school offers over 20 AP and AP preparatory courses across mathematics, science, technology, the humanities, social sciences and the arts.

With teacher guidance, students plan their course sequence and workload around their academic foundations, interests and intended university studies, gradually building an individual subject combination.

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Grade 9 Foundational Year
Build Strong Foundations and Habits of Inquiry

  • Teaching informed by Pre-AP principles strengthens foundations in mathematics, science, languages and the humanities through learning in students’ first language and English.
  • Language and test preparation courses develop academic English across listening, speaking, reading and writing, preparing students for the demands of AP study
  • Project-based learning and interdisciplinary inquiry develop questioning and independent research skills, helping students take an active role in constructing understanding.
  • University guidance begins with exploration: student profiles, interest assessments and early career awareness help identify emerging academic interests.

Grade 10 Pre-AP / Honors Year

Differentiated Courses for the Transition to AP

  • Honors and AP preparatory courses provide differentiated teaching, giving students appropriate challenge and support at their current level.
  • Progressive TOEFL, IELTS and SAT preparation helps students work towards their target scores ahead of the application season.
  • Preparatory seminars introduce university-level reading, structured argument and academic communication, helping students adapt to AP expectations.
  • University guidance becomes more focused: academic progress and extracurricular experience inform potential degree choices and plans for competitions and research.
Grade 11 AP Core Year
Focused Study and Preparation for May AP Exams

  • Students select three to five AP courses aligned with their intended field of study and take the relevant AP examinations in May.
  • Courses introduce university-level rigour through conceptual reasoning, experimental evidence and academic writing, helping students demonstrate independent learning and academic readiness.
  • With support from subject teams and competition centres, students develop their abilities through competitions such as AMC, USACO, BPhO and the S.-T. Yau High School Science Award.
  • University guidance moves into application planning, with university shortlists, application strategies, material for personal statements and essays, and preparation for Early Decision (ED) and Early Action (EA).
Grade 12 Capstone & Application YearDeepen Research and Pursue University Goals

  • Subject to prerequisites, students take relevant AP Capstone and advanced AP courses, deepening their learning through original research, academic writing and in-depth discussion.
  • One-to-one university guidance supports application submissions, interview preparation, and scholarship applications and enquiries.
  • Students plan their university studies in light of their AP results and the institution’s credit and placement policies, supporting the transition to higher education.