Secondary

QSI Zhuhai secondary students follow a block schedule with alternating A and B days. A typical schedule for secondary students includes six to eight courses with four class periods per day. The daily bell schedule can be seen below:

Diploma

• 220 Credits

Diploma with Honors

• 240 Credits
• 4 AP Courses 

AP Capstone

• AP Research (score of 3 or higher)
• AP Seminar (score of 3 or higher)
• 4 Additional AP Exams (score of 3 or higher)

Mastery learning is a driving force in our secondary program, and this is founded on high expectations and academic rigor. Our teachers are skilled at mastery learning, providing students the necessary support and individualization needed to be successful. At QSI schools, the mastery learning model defines rigor through the quality of work, which means:

• Depth of material over breadth of material. 
• Mastery of understanding as well as analytical thinking within specific competencies.
• High quality work on assignments that shows deep thinking and understanding. 
• Homework that is specific, purposeful, and relevant to the competencies being mastered rather than busy work.
• Mastery of the competencies in the curriculum rather than choosing an arbitrary percentage cutoff, such as a 60% or 70% passing grade, as the standard for passing.

QSI Zhuhai offers comprehensive academic support and personalized career planning to help students thrive today and build a strong foundation for tomorrow. Through our secondary counseling program, students develop healthy goals, positive attitudes, and responsible behaviors. A thoughtfully designed course sequence centers on the Academic Diploma and the prestigious AP Capstone Program—both widely recognized and highly valued by universities worldwide for admissions. Students also enjoy a diverse range of elective courses, empowering them to explore new passions and cultivate unique talents.

At QSI Zhuhai, secondary students are enthusiastically encouraged to participate in a vibrant array of extracurricular activities that span athletics, academics, arts, and leadership. Throughout the year, athletic teams train rigorously and compete in local leagues and prestigious regional events through ACAMIS (Association of China and Mongolia International Schools), including soccer, basketball, volleyball, cross-country, track and field, tennis, ultimate frisbee, and more. Complementing these are diverse academic and enrichment options, such as Model United Nations, Knowledge Bowl, speech and debate, drama, journalism, fine arts (painting, music, dance, plays, musicals, art shows, and talent shows), brain games, and student-led organizations including Student Council, Humanitarian Club, and service learning projects focused on community development and leadership. QSI Zhuhai believes that deep involvement in these pursuits enriches student life, fosters well-rounded personal growth, cultivates essential 21st-century skills such as leadership and collaboration, and helps build lasting, positive relationships among peers and the broader community.

Our dedicated Secondary Counselor plays a pivotal role in guiding QSI Zhuhai's secondary students toward successful futures through comprehensive college- and career-readiness support. Our counselor provides personalized assistance in exploring majors and career paths that align with each student's interests, strengths, and goals, while helping them investigate the world of work and make informed decisions. As students approach graduation, the counselor offers expert guidance through every step of the university application process—including academic planning, meeting entrance requirements, preparing for standardized tests like the SAT, requesting recommendation letters, and identifying scholarship opportunities—ensuring the students are well-prepared for admission to prestigious universities worldwide. By fostering self-awareness, goal-setting, and strategic planning, our counselor empowers students to transition confidently from secondary to higher education or rewarding careers.

At QSI Zhuhai, secondary students are required to complete a minimum of 30 hours of community service each academic year as part of their commitment to service learning and becoming responsible global citizens. Students have flexible options to fulfill these hours, including volunteering under the guidance of individual teachers or staff members, contributing to school events and initiatives, or partnering with local organizations in the Zhuhai community to support meaningful causes. The school carefully tracks all documented service hours through its administrative systems, and upon completion, students receive an official certificate that can be included in university applications or resumes. This structured service experience not only provides valuable real-world exposure and skill-building in areas such as leadership, empathy, and collaboration but also significantly strengthens students' profiles for higher education and future careers by demonstrating a well-rounded character and a proactive concern for others.