Syllabus and Subject Specifications

Overview

The WISE Syllabus is the authoritative statement of the content, learning outcomes, and assessment requirements for each subject at each qualification level. The syllabus is published by the Secretariat and is revised not less than once every three years.

The syllabus specifies, for each subject and each qualification level:

• The learning outcomes to be demonstrated by the end of the level;
• The topics to be covered;
• The assessment instruments to be used, and their weighting;
• The rubrics against which Internal Assessment is to be conducted;
• The practical experiments to be performed, where applicable;
• The prescribed textbooks and reference materials;
• Sample papers and marking schemes.

Structure of the Syllabus

The syllabus is structured by:

• Qualification Level (L0–L7);
• Stream (Science, Humanities, Commerce);
• Subject (e.g., Physics, Chemistry, Biology, History, Geography, Economics);
• Learning Outcome (expressed as a demonstrable competency).

Learning Outcomes

Each learning outcome in the syllabus is expressed as a demonstrable competency and is mapped to:

• A qualification level;
• An ISCED level;
• An ISCED competency category — knowledge, skills, or attitudes and values;
• An assessment instrument within the Internal Assessment or WISE Examination.

There is no learning outcome that is not assessed, and no assessment that does not test a stated outcome.

Streams at Upper Qualification Levels

At upper qualification levels, the syllabus recognises three streams:

• Science Stream — Physics, Chemistry, Biology (or Mathematics in lieu of Biology), English, and one elective;
• Humanities Stream — History, Geography, Economics, English, and one elective;
• Commerce Stream — Economics, Business Studies, Accountancy, English, and Mathematics or an approved alternative.

The elective offerings within each stream are specified in the WISE Curriculum Framework. A school may propose additional electives for approval; approval is granted where the elective meets the qualification level learning outcome standard and can be assessed against a WEQSC marking scheme.

Prescribed Textbooks and Learning Resources

Core subjects must be taught using textbooks and reference materials from the WEQSC Approved List, published by the Secretariat and revised not less than once every three years.

The school must maintain sufficient copies of the approved textbooks for classroom use, and must ensure that students who cannot afford to purchase copies have access to them through the school library or a lending scheme.

Sample Papers and Marking Schemes

Sample papers and marking schemes for each subject and each qualification level are published by the Secretariat and are made available to accredited schools through the Institution Management Portal.

Conclusion

The WISE Syllabus is the authoritative statement of the content and assessment requirements for each subject. All syllabus procedures not expressly set out in this portal must follow the Secretariat's official bylaws.