The Educational program

The curriculum concentrates on character and intellectual development. At the primary level, about 70% of the time is devoted to English medium education, while the other 30% is devoted to the study of Mandarin Chinese. At the secondary level, the proportion changes to about 80% and 20% respectively. Approximately 85% of the students are from local Macau families. The remaining 15% are expatriate students. 

The English medium curriculum has been adapted from materials coming from Singapore, United Kingdom, United States, Australia and Hong Kong, while the Chinese curriculum comes from Hong Kong and the United States. However, the program culminates in the students sitting for the internationally recognized I.G.C.S.E. certificate. 

Academically the program is directed towards the necessary preparation for the presentation of the Cambridge I.G.C.S.E. exams in Form 5 (year 11). The program for Forms 1 - 5, focuses on the major subject areas of English, Mandarin, English Literature, World History, Information and Communication Technologies, Geography, Combined Science (integrating Biology, Chemistry and Physics), Math (through pre-calculus),  Physical Education and Art. 

The teaching materials and methods represent a blending of East and West. This blending process is on going at the School of the Nations, as staff is recruited from all of the major English and Chinese speaking countries. Currently the 35 teachers represent about 15 countries. Due to limitations of space and time no significant extra-curricular activities are offered. 

To over come some of the limitations inherent in this situation, the School of the Nations is breaking new ground. With a strong emphasis on developing a spirit of social service and cooperation it is the only school in Macau that is seeking out opportunities for students to give of themselves for the benefit of others. At the moment these opportunities, incorporated into the regular schedule, include: in-school cross-age tutoring, collaboration in homes for the elderly, participating in a government sponsored program for home help, working in government sponsored nurseries serving the needs of working mothers, assisting in programs for the mentally challenged and raising awareness of environmental concerns. These experiences greatly enrich and broaden the student's intellectual development overcoming the limited possibilities for extra-curricular activities. All secondary students are required to devote almost two hours a week to these activities. 

Academic marks are reported on a percentage scale. For the calculation of marks greater emphasis is placed on class work, projects, presentations and quizzes and short tests, rather than on major exams. The progress of the student is reported four times a year. As stipulated by the Macau government, diplomas are offered for the completion of Intermediate Secondary Education (Form 3), General Secondary Education (Form 5) and Pre-university Secondary Education (Form 6). These certificates are recognized and validated by the Department of Educational Services in Macau. Students leaving Macau have readily transferred to primary or secondary schools as well as universities in many countries around the world including: England, Canada, United States, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, China and Hong Kong.

Teaching Methods

Class sizes at the School of the Nations are limited to a maximum of 26 students in order to facilitate greater interaction between the students and teachers. In order to apply the most modern educational research of personality types, learning styles, and brain function, teachers use a variety of methods to stimulate thinking and learning. These include, discussion, hands on manipulative, puppet plays, assignments, reports, projects, questions and answers, work with small groups and pairs, cooperative learning techniques, films, role plays, and so forth. While class lectures are used to some extent they are generally discouraged. 

The emotional relationship between teachers and students is very important. The use of fear and humiliation is not acceptable while intimidation and corporal punishment is not permitted. To enhance learning, teachers and administrators establish a very caring and loving relationship with their students. It is recognized that the children are growing not only intellectually but also emotionally and socially. When necessary students are assisted in small groups or even individually.

Curriculum Development

The School of the Nations is also a center for curriculum development. To date, significant progress has been made in the kindergarten and secondary levels. At the kindergarten level, the school has produced its own program which integrates language, math and science with character development. The secondary character development program was awarded first prize in 1997 for innovation in curriculum by the Department of Education and Youth Services of Macau. This same program was awarded 3rd prize by the International Schools Services in their worldwide competition for community service programs.