IB or HSC? Inside Canberra’s school offering both senior pathways
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Choosing the right senior school for your child can feel like a big decision. But what if choosing the right path didn’t mean compromising on anything?
At Canberra Grammar School, Years 11 and 12 students are given the freedom and support to shape their own futures.
As a school in Canberra offering both the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the NSW Higher School Certificate, CGS provides families with genuine choice: they can make decisions that best suit their child’s strengths and ambitions, ensuring that every student can find a route that matches their interests, learning style, and goals.
And with both pathways recognised for academic excellence and their ability to prepare students for life beyond school (whether that means university, travel, work experience, or global opportunities), along with expert teachers and a dedicated pastoral network, they’re equally capable of opening doors to remarkable futures.
Here are three things you need to know about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and the NSW Higher School Certificate – and how CGS is helping young people discover their talents and build confidence in their choices.
A world of learning with the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma Programme is perfect for students who thrive on broad, constructionist learning. With six subjects spanning literature, languages, sciences, humanities, mathematics, and the arts, through this pathway students gain a balanced education while developing critical thinking and intercultural understanding. The programme’s core, Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service, helps students reflect on knowledge, conduct university-style research, and engage in community initiatives that deepens their learning and develops supported independence.
For Victor Ni – who completed the IB at CGS – the programme provided him with valuable skills that extended beyond the classroom, helping him to become a thoughtful, globally-minded citizen.
“The rigour of the IB programme challenged me to be independent and resilient, and to take pride in intellectual curiosity. It was in subjects like Economics and Global Politics where I learned the importance of questioning assumptions and developing a logical, coherent voice,” he says.
Flexibility and focus with the HSC
For students who prefer to specialise, the HSC pathway offers students the flexibility to craft a senior experience that’s uniquely theirs.
Allowing students to tailor their studies to their passions – whether engaging in rigorous extension courses in traditional fields like English, Maths and the sciences; thriving in the performing arts; or exploring vocational and applied learning option- it gives young people permission to become genuine experts in the areas they love.
It’s something Amelia Dermatis found invaluable.
“At the end of Year 10, the pinnacle choice of my high school life at Canberra Grammar School came around, whether I would complete the HSC or the IB. It was a very difficult choice, but the school was incredibly supportive, offering advice and guiding me in my decision,” she says.
“Ultimately, I chose the HSC and while the last two years have been challenging, they have allowed me to grow so much as a person. CGS has allowed me to foster a deep curiosity for learning.”
And with expert guidance, in this pathway students can refine their expertise in subjects they love, take on extension studies, and pursue a path that truly reflects their goals.
Guided every step of the way
Whichever pathway your child chooses, they’re supported by CGS’s Careers and Vocational Guidance Team.
From subject selection to university applications, mentoring, and work experience, students receive personalised guidance to help them make informed decisions about their next steps. Because that’s really what the senior years should be: a launchpad.
For families still weighing up options and wanting to learn more about how these pathways work in practice, CGS is hosting an information session on Thursday, 27 November.
It’s a chance to ask questions, meet the team, and get a real sense of what senior years at CGS look like for students and families alike.
To register for the information session, visit the Canberra Grammar School open days page.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: CGS IB Diploma and HSC Information Session
Where: 40 Monaro Crescent, Red Hill
When: Thursday 27 November, 9 am
Web: cgs.act.edu.au
Images supplied.
