Will the Lighthouse Secondary Curriculum set my Child up for Success?

Author: Mr Zach Mulert, Head of Secondary

Many parents ask about the Lighthouse secondary curriculum, particularly when imagining their child’s tertiary studies or future careers.  We all want the absolute best for our children, so it’s important to understand how a Lighthouse Secondary education caters to the needs of the individual learner, while also being globally relevant.

Lighthouse follows the Cambridge Lower Secondary curriculum in Grades 7–9 and then transitions to the IGCSE and AS/A-level curriculum in Grades 10–13. While this may look somewhat similar to Mauritian government schools, the decision to follow the international framework gives Lighthouse students tremendous flexibility – whether they transfer to another international school or pursue university studies anywhere in the world. 

The Cambridge curriculum is globally recognised as one of the three major curricula worldwide, alongside the IB and AP. This means that no matter where Lighthouse students may study one day, sitting for Cambridge exams ensures they are well-positioned to apply for universities around the globe with a globally accepted standard.  This should give parents peace of mind and students confidence in their academic journey.

One of the standout features of the Cambridge curriculum is that at AS and A-levels, students are able to specialise in subjects they are truly passionate about. Unlike the IB diploma, which requires six subjects, Lighthouse students typically sit for four subjects, allowing them to focus – whether that’s in the sciences, the humanities, or a thoughtful mix of both. For students who already have a sense of their future pathway, this kind of early specialisation is empowering. For those still exploring, the wide range of subject offerings ensures that they remain well-prepared for any direction they may choose later. Many of our students even share that their first year of university feels more manageable thanks to the rigour and depth of our senior curriculum.

In addition to Cambridge-assessed subjects, Lighthouse requires all of its students to take Physical Education and Biblical Studies. This reflects our unwavering commitment to holistic education – nurturing not just academic achievement, but physical wellness, character, and spiritual growth. We care deeply about shaping well-rounded individuals who are grounded, balanced, and ready to meet life’s challenges with integrity.

In short, while Lighthouse begins with a broad foundation in Grades 7–9 – where students engage with 11 different subjects – this gradually narrows in Grades 10–11 to 8 examinable subjects, and then to 4 in Grades 12–13. This thoughtful progression allows students to discover, define, and pursue their passions with growing clarity and confidence. 

This, in close collaboration with homeroom teachers and our curriculum team, supports each student in becoming the very best version of themselves.