Lower Secondary, where ambition takes shape.
Years 7 to 9 at SBS Bangkok: the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, our own SBS Innovate subjects, and a clear path to IGCSE from 2027/28.
- Ages 11 to 14 Years 7 to 9
- Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum
- Specialists teach every subject
- IGCSE Year 10 opens in 2027/28
We promote academic rigour and the rewards of endeavour.
Through a Design Thinking approach, Year 9 students work directly with our industry partners. This unique experience introduces students to the world of work and challenges them to tackle real-world problems.
Gary Crumbie
Secondary Principal
Three years that build toward IGCSE
Every lesson is taught by a specialist, in mixed-ability classes or groups set by language choice, with independence growing each year.
Year 7
Ages 11 to 12, Cambridge Stage 7
New subjects, new teachers and the tools to work independently. Students read Harry Potter in English, learn formal drawing and 3D printing in Design Innovation, and discover the actor’s tools in Drama.
- First steps in CAD and 3D printing
- Humanities enquiries into hazards, settlements and consumer choices
- Thai Studies, from Loy Krathong to the Rattanakosin period
Year 8
Ages 12 to 13, Cambridge Stage 8
Projects grow more ambitious. Students analyse The Outsiders, build electronic systems and solder circuits, and use lighting, sound and costume to tell a story on stage.
- Electronics, soldering, wood, metal and plastics
- Climate, migration and sustainability in Humanities
- Leadership opportunities in Physical Education
Year 9
Ages 13 to 14, Cambridge Stage 9
The Checkpoint year. Students debate The Merchant of Venice, work with industry partners on real problems, and build a full production concept in Drama.
- Design Thinking with Marriott Hotel Group, The Purple Community Fund and Sansiri in 2026/27
- Accelerated Mathematics towards early IGCSE
- Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint
SBS Innovate, taught by specialists
Alongside the Cambridge curriculum, SBS Innovate adds Design Innovation, Drama, Physical Education, Thai Studies, Wellbeing and language pathways of our own.
Design Innovation
Technical drawing, CAD, 3D printing, laser cutting and electronics in the workshop.
Science
Cambridge Lower Secondary Science, with practical work in our labs.
Art and Design
Weekly lessons with a specialist art teacher.
Physical Education
Games, dance, gymnastics, athletics and aquatics, with growing leadership roles.
Computing
Cambridge Computing with a specialist teacher.
Humanities
Enquiries into climate, migration, poverty and places of heritage.
Wellbeing
A weekly myMindcoach lesson, building a toolkit for school and life.
The road to IGCSE
Lower Secondary prepares students for IGCSE courses, which start in Year 10 from 2027/28. High-achieving mathematicians can move faster.
- Years 7 to 9
Progression Tests
Cambridge tests in English, Maths and Science track learning every year.
- Year 9
Accelerated Maths
A fast-tracked course for high-achieving students begins.
- End of Year 9
Checkpoint
Cambridge Lower Secondary Checkpoint in English, Maths and Science.
- Year 10
IGCSE courses begin
From 2027/28, with the International Duke of Edinburgh Award alongside.
- April, Year 10
IGCSE Mathematics
Accelerated students can complete IGCSE Maths and be considered for early entry.
- Then
Additional Maths
The Cambridge Additional Mathematics course follows.
Two languages, often three
All lessons are taught in English. Our goal is for every student to leave with fluency or strong proficiency in at least two languages, and often three.
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Eng
First-language English or English as a Second Language, with targeted support where needed. Year 9 prepares for First Language IGCSE. We also offer an Intensive English Course for students in Years 7 to 9 who are new to English.
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ไทย
Thai follows the Ministry of Education curriculum, adapted for an international school, and every student takes Thai Studies.
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中文
Characters are learned through meaning, not rote memorisation. Year 9 is the bridge to Cambridge IGCSE Mandarin.
Life in Lower Secondary
Active8 brings a wide range of after-school activities and an extensive Service Learning Programme, with trips, visiting speakers and residentials through the year.
See our school
Close to their progress
Baseline tests to start the year, three written reports, two parent conferences and end-of-year exams.
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Start of year
CEM baseline tests
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October
First progress report
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November
Parent conference
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February
Second progress report
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March
Parent conference
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May
Exams and end-of-year report
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Google Classroom
Weekly Google Classroom summaries keep you up to date with your child’s learning.
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Independent study
Students build the habits of self-led study, research, reading and homework.
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Wellbeing
A weekly myMindcoach lesson on health, relationships and living in the wider world.
Questions parents ask
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What curriculum do Years 7 to 9 follow?
The Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum, with our own SBS Innovate subjects alongside. It prepares students for IGCSE courses, which start in Year 10.
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Who teaches my child?
Specialist teachers teach every subject, in mixed-ability classes or groups set by language choice. There are 30 lessons a week.
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Which languages will my child study?
Every student studies English. Thai students take Thai, plus Mandarin or Applied English. Other students take Thai Culture, choose Thai or Mandarin, and then Mandarin or Applied English.
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Is there extra challenge for strong mathematicians?
Yes. Accelerated Mathematics begins in Year 9, with the chance to complete Cambridge IGCSE Mathematics by April of Year 10 and then begin Additional Mathematics.
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How does learning connect to the real world?
In Year 9, students work in teams on Design Thinking projects set by industry partners. For 2026/27 they are Marriott Hotel Group, The Purple Community Fund and Sansiri.
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How is progress measured?
Baseline tests at the start of the year, Cambridge Progression Tests, Checkpoint at the end of Year 9, and exams in May, with three reports and two parent conferences a year.
Come and see Lower Secondary for yourself
Visit on a school day, meet our specialist teachers and see the labs and workshop in action.
