The one-year Foundation Programme (FP) offers a rigorous curriculum based on the UWC experiential education model that aims to develop the competencies needed to become independent lifelong learners who can make a positive impact in the world. The holistic nature of the programme provides the essential building blocks required for a smooth and seamless transition into the IB Diploma Programme (DP).

The Foundation Programme offers a carefully curated range of prescribed and free choice subjects. These are designed to build upon students’ funds of knowledge while cultivating key transferrable skills, from critical thinking to research and collaboration, to succeed in the IB Diploma Programme. In each subject, learning is driven by inquiry, focused on concepts, and grounded in real-world local and global contexts to develop globally minded students with an appreciation of the complexity and diversity of human interactions.

Of equal value to the academics is the extensive learning that takes place beyond the classroom. Students have full access to the UWC Changshu China community and its diverse members. Students will also actively engage in residential life, including the pastoral education and pastoral care program which support them in developing into healthy, self-regulated individuals. Meanwhile, students are also encouraged to participate in a vast array of activities under the co-curricular Zhi Xing programme. These experiential learning opportunities allow students to apply their knowledge in hands-on, student-centred and faculty-supervised Zhi Xing activities and, in the process, develop competencies that enable them to take positive action towards peace and sustainability.

The UWC educational philosophy is driven by the belief that we prepare students to recognize the possibility of change in this world through courageous action, personal example and selfless leadership. At UWC Changshu China, we are committed to deliver a holistic Foundation Programme that develops the whole person for the Diploma Programme and beyond.

Curriculum Framework

Curriculum Structure

The Foundation Programme, aligned to both the structure and approaches to teaching and learning of the IB Diploma Programme, gives students exposure to a wide range of subjects. It takes into account students’ prior knowledge to provide the appropriate level of depth and challenge. At the heart of the academic curriculum is the FP Core“Peace & Sustainability” course, where students develop transdisciplinary skills through collaborative, interdisciplinary projects in which they apply what they learn in authentic contexts and in support of the UWC Mission and Values.

The chart below lists all courses offered in the Foundation Programme. To learn more about these courses, click on the embedded links.