LEARNING PROGRAMMES

Real-world Skills

At HiF, we know that academic achievement alone is no longer enough. The world students are stepping into demands adaptability, ethical awareness, strong communication, and the confidence to navigate ambiguity. That’s why the International Advanced Diploma places Real-World Skills at the heart of the curriculum.

Drawing on the University of Melbourne’s New Metrics for Success — a globally recognised framework for next-generation learning — the IAD intentionally develops seven core competencies – that prepare students not just for university, but for life.

Seven Real-world Skills

The IAD builds skills that shape how students think, act, and learn:

Personal Development

Understanding and improving oneself

Acting Ethically

Making principled decisions

Active Citizenship

Contributing positively to communities

Agency in Learning

Taking ownership of education

Communication

Expressing ideas effectively

Collaboration

Working well with others

Quality Thinking

Critical and creative problem-solving

These skills are assessed throughout a student’s IAD journey before being validated by the University of Melbourne and the Council for International Schools. Together, these skills form a foundation not just for academic success, but for a life of purpose, responsibility, and continuous growth.

How HiF Students Experience Real-world Skills

The IAD is lived across diverse settings, including classrooms, mountainsides, laboratories, studios, sports fields, and community projects.

Each environment invites different forms of thinking, judgement, and collaboration.

In academic study, students analyse information, build arguments, and learn to communicate with clarity and precision.
In outdoor and alpine learning, they make decisions in real conditions, manage risk, collaborate closely with others, and build resilience.
In leadership and community roles, they experience responsibility, ethical considerations, and the opportunity to contribute.
In co-curricular life, they create, perform, design, debate, and work in teams.
During wellbeing time, students learn to recognise when they feel well, and how to identify and manage their stress responses.
At events, such as Culture Week, we create a safe and respectful environment where students can be challenged. This increases their sense of self, confidence, and ability to problem-solve under pressure.

These varied contexts allow learners to understand how skills transfer, how to apply theory to practice, and how they grow through experience.

Digital Real-World Skills Profile

Throughout their IAD journey, HiF students can earn micro-credentials that reflect real progress and commitment. These can include achievements and qualifications gained through programmes with our global partners, to leadership qualifications, environmental systems training, First Aid and safety courses, the International Award, and Rescue 3 experiences.

Together with A levels, all achievements, whether academic, outdoor, community-based, or skills-focused, are securely stored in a personalised digital wallet.

This creates a dynamic Real-World Skills Profile that offers a clear, comprehensive view of each learner’s capabilities, achievements, and potential.

Courses/Programmes at HiF

Rescue 3

*Rescue 3 is an internationally recognised long course. In Year 10, we provide an introduction to the course, and upon turning 18, students can receive formal accreditation upon completion.

INTERNATIONAL AWARD IA

International Award IA (also known as the Duke of Edinburgh) is a global programme that encourages young people to develop essential life skills through adventurous activities, community service, and personal development challenges.

FOUNDATION LEADERSHIP ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS

Foundation Leadership Environmental Systems (Level 2): equips participants with essential leadership and management skills to effectively address environmental challenges and promote sustainability initiatives.

Students have 20 hours of tutor time over the programme, and it culminates in organising and running an event that positively impacts the community. This can be completed as the service component of the International Award.

Sports Training and Outdoor Education

Students have timetabled sports training classes, and those doing athletic training or attending our world-class Sports Academy will have additional training with coaches.

Outdoor Programme

Full-time boarders are included automatically in the Outdoor Programme, from which evidence can be used for the IA, culminating in the leadership certification. 5-day boarders can sign up for activities as needed. There are some additional costs for travel and activities.

Switzerland Culture Week

Students will travel to Central and Western Switzerland, participating in cultural, social, and economic activities that will enhance their learning and social connections.

Building Skills Year-on-year

In Year 10, HIF students ages 14-15 must undertake the Level 2 Environmental Skills Leadership Programme, Rescue 3*, and the Bronze IA (Duke of Edinburgh).

Our Year 11s – ages 15-16 – can opt in to prepare a Mini EPQ, plus work towards the Silver IA (Duke of Edinburgh) and a First Aid qualification.

Students in Years 12 -13 (ages 17-18) can opt in to undertake an EPQ (worth UCAS points), as well as Level 3 Leadership (also worth UCAS Points), plus Rescue 3* and the Gold IA (Duke of Edinburgh).

Start your IAD journey

Join our Online Information Session to meet HiF faculty, hear from current students, and discover how the IAD can transform your child’s learning journey