Following SSBS’ philosophy of “Chinese Identity with a Global Perspective,” we aim to instill and develop positive traits within our students, so that they can become astute, studious, virtuous and promising.

The SSBS curriculum from grades 1-9 strictly adheres to the Chinese Compulsory Education Curriculum. We also absorb certain beneficial elements from international curricula. We teach some subjects bilingually, which demonstrates that this high level of integration is a unique feature of SSBS.

At our school, primary and middle school curricula are divided into the lower primary curriculum, the upper primary curriculum and the middle school curriculum. According to the Shanghai Education Commission, all of our middle school graduates must participate in and pass all required national exams.

The high school curriculum is based on the Chinese national curriculum framework, according to the Chinese curriculum standards, integrated with the beneficial elements from international education systems. The Chinese course includes, Chinese Politics, Chinese History and Chinese Geography. All high school students must participate in and pass four national subject tests.

Targeting students in grades 1-4, Foundation Course I focuses on four dimensions: ethics and behavior, Chinese and English, quantity and space, and interests and hobbies. Given the diverse English language proficiency of students, personalized guidance is provided to help students quickly adapt to our bilingual learning environment, laying a solid foundation for their learning and development during the compulsory education stage.

Foundation Course II is for students in grades 5-7. Based on student needs and building on Foundation Course I, it emphasizes the transition from elementary to junior high, focusing on core subject competencies, enhancing self-awareness and individual development, and comprehensively cultivating bilingual learning abilities, gradually forming interdisciplinary and cross-cultural thinking and perspectives.

The Basic Course is for students in grades 8-9. Through a rational curriculum design, it highlights personal forte, inspires individual potential, and cultivates areas of advantage. Our basic curriculum system lays a solid foundation for students entering high school and exhibits significant advantages in English and subject-specific English. Students’ interests begin to take shape, and their unique strengths start to emerge. All junior high students participate in compulsory academic proficiency exams for each subject, achieving average scores comparable to district-level experimental demonstrative schools. 

The high school curriculum, developing coursework designed for grades 10-12, is built upon the national new curriculum framework, focusing on national standards and integrating advanced international educational elements. Our Chinese curriculum covers language, politics, history, and geography, with all high school students participating in and passing Academic Achievement Examinations in these four subjects. Under the aegis of the College Board, we offer a range of over 30 AP courses, including Capstone, English Literature, Physics, Biology, Economics, Calculus, Statistics, Psychology, and Computer Science. Students have the freedom to choose courses that suit their individual needs, reflecting the diverse, and highly selective nature of our high school curriculum. Our primary aim is to help students develop a deep sense of national identity, a knowledge structure that accentuates their professional strengths, and a broad international perspective.