VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Diploma Programmes

VISS Senior School provides a welcoming and challenging environment that nurtures knowledgeable, confident, and reflective learners. Committed to excellence, our GC Diploma Programme prepares respectful and responsible global citizens ready to thrive in a rapidly changing world. VISS offers a wide range of subjects and extra-curricular opportunities for Senior School students so they can tailor their education to suit their aspirations, interests, abilities and university prerequisites.

The GC Diploma is a two-year program that has the VISS learner at the center and prepares our students for post-school opportunities through:

  • Academically rigorous, pre-university courses
  • Social and Emotional learning, including engagement and wellbeing support from dedicated staff
  • Opportunities for experiential learning through the Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and Curriculum Enrichment Program (CEP)
  • Critical thinking and research skill development the Extended Research & Investigation Project
  • Promotion of student voice and agency through Student Leadership roles
  • Recognition of the GC Diploma from universities in both the UAE and internationally

Grade 10 students and their families receive tailored, individualized support to ensure that the transition to the GC Diploma is successful.  Students’ academic results, attendance, positive behavior and contribution to the school community during Grade 10 are considered when students apply for the GC Diploma for Grade 11 and 12.  They receive guidance and support from the senior school team, to make informed subject choices, to plan career pathways and to gain valuable future focused life skills.  Assessment practices prepare students for the rigor of university, emphasizing both creativity through research and resilience through regular testing.

VISS CR recognizes the importance of family participation in these final years at school for students to have the most successful outcomes.  Parents are encouraged to be part of their child’s learning journey and planning for their future studies and careers.  For the most up-to-date information and subject offering and progression requirements in the GC Diploma, please contact our Administration team who will put you in contact with the Head of Secondary. 

Careers and Pathways

At VISS we place a strong emphasis on preparing students for life after school. Our dedicated Careers Programme offers targeted support for post-school pathways, beginning with a comprehensive Work Experience programme in Grade 10. Students benefit from structured academic tracking, individualised careers advice, and tailored support for university applications. We also guide students through the scholarship application process, helping them to access opportunities that align with their potential. The success of our holistic approach is evident in VISS Alumni securing places at prestigious universities around the world in fields as diverse as Medicine, Engineering, Law, Media and Communications, Fine Arts, Architecture and many more. A VISS education ensures that every individual is empowered to take the next step in their life journey with confidence and clarity.

 

Global Citizen Diploma Programme (GCDP)

The VISS Global Citizen Diploma is an American style General High School Diploma qualification accredited by Cognia. Cognia has awarded VISS with the 2024 School of Distinction Award. The Schools of Distinction program recognises 60 schools and systems across the world that truly stand out in their service to learners, as demonstrated in meeting the Cognia Performance Standards.

The GCDP qualification is a two-year programme of study. At the heart of this program is the aim to provide accessible yet academically rigorous courses of study for VISS senior students. GC students must take the Core subjects English, Mathematics & Additional Language (Arabic or French) but have flexibility in their elective subjects which enables them to tailor the programme to suit their interests. Students wanting to study a specific discipline of Science or Humanities subjects or wishing to pursue their interest in Arts, Design and Technology will certainly find this pathway in the senior school attractive.

 

Students must fulfil the following conditions to achieve a VISS Global Citizen Diploma:

  • A minimum 21 credits from study in Grades 10, 11 and 12.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 11 must come from English, Mathematics & Science.
  • 3 credits at the end of Grade 12 must come from English Mathematics & Science
  • If applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Arabic Language Exam.
  • If Applicable, students must pass the Ministry of Education Islamic Studies Exam.
  • Pass Approaches to Knowledge (ATK), a critical thinking course
  • Satisfactory completion of Curriculum Enrichment Programme (CEP).