Empowering Students for University, Career, and Life
At AIA, students in Years 11 and 12 can choose from two and respected senior school pathways: the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) or the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC). Both programs reflect our commitment to academic excellence, faith, and global citizenship—preparing students for life beyond school, both in Australia and internationally.
The IB Diploma Programme (IB DP)
The IB DP is a globally recognised pre-university program for academically motivated students who want a challenging and well-rounded education. It encourages depth and breadth of study, along with strong research and time management skills.
- Study 6 subjects across Languages, Sciences, Humanities, Maths, and the Arts
- 3 IB subjects need to be taken at “standard level” (SL) and 3 at “higher level” (HL).
- Complete 3 Core components:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – critical thinking and epistemology
- Extended Essay (EE) – a 4,000-word independent research paper
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – holistic, real-world experiences
- Global curriculum delivered with Islamic values
- Final score out of 45, converted to ATAR for Australian entry
- Aspire to study at top universities in Australia or overseas
- Enjoy independent learning and academic challenge
- Want a global perspective grounded in Islamic values
- Provides flexibility for Year 12 graduates in terms of global university admissions.
- Interdisciplinary approach promotes skills such as critical thinking, independent research, and a global perspective.
- Recognised by universities worldwide, often streamlining the admission process for IBDP graduates.
| Subject |
| Group 1: Studies in language and literature: Language A: language and literature |
| Group 2: Language acquisition: Arabic B Ab initio |
| Group 3: Individuals and Societies: Business Management |
| Group 4: Sciences: Biology |
| Group 5: Mathematics: Mathematics: Analysis and approaches |
| Group 6: The Arts: Visual Arts / Or Chemistry / Or World Religion |
NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC)
The NSW HSC, administered by NESA, is a traditional pathway that prepares students for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment within the Australian context.
- Study a combination of ATAR and non-ATAR courses
- Flexibility to choose subjects based on strengths and goals
- Students must complete a minimum of 12 ‘units of study’ in year 11 and at least 10 units in year 12.
- HSC students may choose from 27,000 course combinations and are required to take 2 units of English.
- Islamic Studies and Qur’an offered as part of our school’s values program
- Internal assessment + external HSC exams
- Full ATAR support and early offer planning
- Aspire to study at top universities in Australia or overseas
- Enjoy independent learning and academic challenge
- Want a global perspective grounded in Islamic values
- Familiar and established curriculum recognised nationally.
- Allows specialisation in subjects based on student interests.
- School-based assessments used for internal ranking and final exams for ATAR
| Subject | Units |
| English: Advanced, Standard | 2 |
| Mathematics: Advanced, Standard & Ext. 1 | 2 |
| Sciences: Biology, Chemistry & Physics | 2 |
| Humanities: Business Studies & Economics | 2 |
| Humanities: Studies of Religion II & Legal Studies | 2 |
| Design/Art: Visual Arts & Enterprise Computing | 2 |
| PDHPE | 2 |
| Languages Other Than English (LOTE): Arabic Continuers | 2 |
Your Choice: IB or HSC
We guide each student and their family to choose the pathway that best suits their goals, interests, and learning style. Both programs:
✔ Meet NESA and Australian tertiary entrance requirements
✔ Are recognised by universities in Australia and abroad
✔ Develop critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills
✔ Are supported by a strong Islamic learning environment
Making the Choice – IB or HSC
Choosing the Right Path for Your Future