Students in their graduation dress on graduation day

Preparing well rounded young-adults, ready for future success

With a rigorous IB-based curriculum and focus on character and skill development, we provide a holistic education where high school students learn to balance their responsibilities and passions.

Following completion of the IB Middle Years program, Grade 11 FIS students transition to the IB Diploma Program: an academically challenging and balanced program with an integral community service theme. Most of our high school students will work towards attaining a full IB Diploma, however as an inclusive school, we also offer alternate diploma options for students who may wish to follow a different diploma pathway.

Alongside a curriculum that focuses on a holistic education, our extra curricular programs, student-led committees, community initiatives and homeroom and house systems provide an excellent foundation for high school students to develop important leadership skills and discover their passions.

As they navigate through high school and make their final preparations for life beyond FIS, our students are supported by our robust Wellbeing Program and guided by our caring teaching staff and College Counsellor.

Grades 9 & 10

During Grades 9 & 10, FIS students complete the final two years of the Middle Years Program.

They take the full MYP course load, which includes: English/Japanese Language and Literature, Japanese/English Language Acquisition, Mathematics, Science, Individuals & Societies, Physical Health Education, Design, Service as Action and one chosen Arts subject (either Music, Art or Drama). Courses are taught with an MYP approach and are designed to prepare students for the next challenging phase in their learning, the IB Diploma. Please see our Middle School page for the full MYP course descriptions.

During Grade 10 (the final year of the MYP), students complete a Personal Project. This is a capstone project designed to celebrate the skills developed in the MYP, whilst providing an opportunity to develop important skills needed in further education and life beyond the classroom. The Personal Project involves exploring an area of personal interest over an extended period of time. Students will set a goal, research, plan and develop a product (or work towards an outcome) in response to this goal - and eventually present their findings to the FIS community through an exhibition.

Grades 11 & 12

FIS students have three options for pursuing a high school level diploma.

Students will work with their teachers, the Careers Counsellor and IB Coordinator to select the most suitable diploma pathway for them. Where possible, we encourage all of our students to pursue a full IB Diploma. Over the past 5 years, 100% of our full IB Diploma candidates have been successful in attaining their IB Diplomas. Where students are unable to commit to the requirements of the full IB Diploma, they are encouraged to pursue IB certificates in individual courses.

Regardless of their chosen diploma pathway, all FIS graduating students receive an FIS Diploma - a qualification accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and recognized globally by colleges and universities. All high school students are required to take six courses and will attend the same classes as their peers of the same grade level, although the requirements and expectations of their courses will differ (according to the student’s chosen diploma pathway). All of our FIS classes are delivered within the IB framework.

Diploma Pathways

We have three diploma pathways for students to select from:

1. IB Diploma & FIS Diploma

The IB DP is a two-year program, with IB examinations held near the end of Grade 12. FIS high school students who choose to pursue a full IB Diploma must study six courses - one course from each of Groups 1–5 and a sixth course from either Group 6 or any other course from Groups 1–4. Of the six courses chosen, at least three (but no more than four) must be studied at the higher level (HL) and the remaining two or three at the standard level (SL). In addition to these six courses, students must also complete the three requirements of the IB DP Core: an Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service).

2. IB Courses & FIS Diploma

Where students are unable to commit to taking six courses at the required IB level, or, due to a change in personal circumstances whilst pursuing the full diploma they become unable to satisfy all of the requirements involved; they may elect to pursue IB certificates in one of more of their courses only. IB Course students will be in the same classrooms as students pursuing IB Diplomas, and are required to take a total of six courses (one from each course group). IB Course students have more flexibility with the level at which they take their six courses - they can elect to take these at the higher level (HL), the standard level (SL), or the FIS level. To achieve an IB Course Certificate, students must complete all of the necessary internal assessments and/or pass any exams required for that particular course.

In addition to their courses, IB Course students are also required to fulfill the Theory of Knowledge and CAS aspects of the IB core. They are not required to submit an Extended Essay.

3. FIS Diploma

To meet the requirements of the FIS Diploma, students must take six courses - one from each of the course groups - and complete all of the relevant internal assessments plus achieve an 85% attendance rate across each of these. FIS Diploma only students will generally be in the same classrooms as students pursuing IB Diplomas and IB Course Certificates, although the requirements and expectations of these courses may be at a more achievable level.

FIS Diploma only students are also required to fulfill the Theory of Knowledge and CAS aspects of the IB core. They are not required to submit an Extended Essay.

FIS graduates go on to earn places in universities right around the world. Click here to view our college matriculation.

COURSE OVERVIEWS

Group 1: Language A (Language & Literature)

Available at FIS: English (HL/SL), Japanese (HL/SL) or Self-Taught Language (SL only)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) defines Language A as the mother tongue of the students or the language of the school. Since the language of instruction at FIS is English, English A: Literature is generally the most popular choice for our students. Japanese A: Language & Literature is also offered for those whose mother tongue is Japanese. For those who wish to study in their mother tongue other than either English or Japanese, there is a Self-Taught Language A course available. This course is only available at the standard level.

Students may choose to take two courses in Group 1 instead of taking one subject from Group 2.

Group 2: Language B (Language Acquisition)

Available at FIS: English B (HL/SL), Japanese B (HL/SL), Japanese ab initio (SL only)

Language B is an acquired language. This is a foreign language program focusing on language acquisition and development for students with previous experience learning the language.

Language ab-initio is designed for beginners of the target language who have no, or little previous experience with the language. This course is only available at standard level.

Group 3: Individuals & Societies (History, Economics, Psychology)

Available at FIS: History (HL/SL), Economics (HL/SL), Psychology (HL/SL)

Group 3 courses provide for the development of a critical appreciation of: human experience and behavior, the varieties of physical, economic and social environments that people inhabit, and, the history of social and cultural institutions. Each Group 3 course is also designed to foster in students the capacity to identify, critically analyze and evaluate theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature and activities of individuals and societies.

Group 4: Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems & Societies)

Group 5: Mathematics

Available at FIS: Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (HL/SL), Mathematic Applications and Interpretations (HL/SL)

The IB DP Mathematics: applications and interpretation course includes topics that are traditionally part of a pre-university mathematics course such as calculus and statistics. Students are encouraged to solve real-world problems, construct and communicate this mathematically and interpret the conclusions or generalizations.

The IB DP Mathematics: analysis and approaches course focuses on developing important mathematical concepts in a comprehensible, coherent and rigorous way, achieved by a carefully balanced approach. Students are encouraged to develop the skills needed to continue their mathematical growth in other learning environments with a strong emphasis on constructing, communicating and justifying correct mathematical arguments.

Group 6: The Arts*

*Students may substitute their Group 6 course for an additional course from any of Groups 1-4.

Available at FIS: Visual Arts (HL/SL), Music (HL/SL)

Visual Arts

Students in Visual Arts are offered the opportunity to explore the power of communication and self-expression using visual arts materials. The subject heightens visual awareness through participation in practical skills and relevant personal meanings. The course encourages an independent, inquiring and integrated approach to the Visual Arts.

Music

The IB DP music course offers a strengthened approach to student creativity through practical, informed and purposeful explorations of diverse musical forms, practices and contexts. The course ensures a holistic approach to learning, with the roles of performer, creator and researcher afforded equal importance in all course components. Throughout the course students will:

explore a range of musical contexts and make links to, and between, different musical practices, conventions and forms of expression;
acquire, develop and experiment with musical competencies through a range of musical practices, conventions and forms of expression, both individually and in collaboration with others; and
evaluate and develop critical perspectives on their own music and the work of others.

Core Elements: Theory of Knowledge, CAS (Creativity, Activities, Service), Extended Essay

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay, TOK asks students to reflect on the nature of knowledge, and on how we know what we claim to know.

Creativity, Activities & Service (CAS)
CAS helps promote education of the “world person.” The CAS program encourages students to participate in artistic pursuits, sports, and community service, fostering their appreciation of life outside of the academic arena. FIS students spend several hours a week (over 150 hours in total throughout the program) on CAS activities.

Extended Essay*
The Extended Essay, with a limit of 4,000 words (8,000 characters in Japanese), offers students the opportunity to investigate in depth a topic of individual interest and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. Students choose teachers as their supervisors and spend at least 40 hours, mostly during the Grade 11 spring and summer, to complete the essay.

*Only a requirement for IB Diploma students.

CAREERS COUNSELLING

Preparing for life after high school can be stressful for students and parents alike. Our careers counselling program helps to make the transition easier by helping our students discover and achieve their future goals. FIS has an established guidance curriculum with maia learning, a platform available for all of our Grade 10, 11 and 12 students. Our careers counselling program is inclusive to all our students at FIS; empowering students to use their voices to make informed decisions and take ownership of their own choices.

HOMEROOM & ADVISORY

Each High School student is a member of a homeroom class (called “Advisory”) with two or more Advisory teachers. Students meet with their Advisory class for 10 minutes at the beginning of every day as well as scheduled 55 minute Advisory lessons throughout the year. Advisory classes provide another avenue of support and pastoral care for our students. Our Advisory program and extended Advisory lessons are designed to equip our students with the skills necessary to become self-empowered, socially-adaptable, responsible decision-makers.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

As part of our focus on a balanced education at FIS, all of our students are encouraged to take part in our extensive after-school activities and athletics programs. Many of our high school students elect to join various student-led committees and clubs where they have the opportunity to develop and grow as mentors, organizers and contributors. Classroom learning at FIS is supplemented by various field trips throughout the year, as well as our Week Without Walls program - a week long class trip dedicated to inquiry learning outside of the classroom.

ACADEMIC PROFILE

The Academic Profile at Fukuoka International School carries significant value due to the school's commitment to high academic standards and its international orientation. The profile is instrumental in college and university admissions, both locally and internationally, enhancing your prospects for higher education. Moreover, it instills a global perspective, fostering adaptability and cultural competence, which are vital skills in our interconnected world. In addition, the prestige of attending a high-quality international school can signal to future educational institutions that you have received an education of distinction. Thus, the profile at Fukuoka International School sets the stage for a successful and well-rounded education with the potential for a promising future in an increasingly globalized society.

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