School Day

The school day at NOVA attempts to incorporate multiple aspects of the learner profile.

Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers

The school day in the Secondary division at NOVA is a varied and engaging experience with an emphasis on inquiry-based learning. The day begins at 8:15 am, while the classes last for 65 minutes. The student schedule is divided into A and B days, where they attend four block classes each day. In the MYP programme (Middle Years Programme), students explore eight subject groups over two days through interdisciplinary connections. All students are engaged in design thinking, arts, language acquisition, language and literature, mathematics, science, individuals and societies, and physical education throughout the year. In the DP programme (Diploma Programme), students follow classes representing an individual choice from the six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and Arts. Additionally, students have TOK (Theory of Knowledge) classes that encourage them to reflect on their learning and the learner. 

Communicators

NOVA students can purchase food from the school cafeteria or bring their lunch from home. Lunch breaks for MYP students are an essential part of the day, offering students the opportunity to socialize, meet with teachers or catch up on homework. Equally, DP students use their lunch breaks to spend time with their peers, talk to their teachers, and work on assignments, but also sometimes participate in or organize presentations, events or fairs. The short 10-minute break between classes are usually used for catching up with peers, getting from one class to the other, and preparing for the following class.

Principled, Risk-takers, Open-minded, and Reflective 

After lunch, students participate in the advisory and IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization) core elements program. In MYP, students participate in seminar-style Service as Action (SA) workshops, and in Year 5 of the MYP, the Personal Project. In Advisory classes, the students focus on social-emotional learning and practicing the Approaches to Learning (ATL) skills. Advisory activities often ask students to explore topics that challenge their internal biases. Students also use Advisory time to reflect on academic and personal progress and set goals. In DP, students, after lunch, have either Advisory, Core classes (Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), Extended Essay (EE), Foundations in Research Class (FIRC), or Social Emotional Learning (SEL), or Academic Counseling classes. The Core classes prepare students to pass the core elements of CAS and EE essential for receiving the IB Diploma. At the same time, academic counseling is dedicated to preparing students for the whole process of applying to university, as well as working on their choices for a future career path. 

Balanced

The after-school activity offered at NOVA is varied and rich. The students can participate in clubs, SuperNOVA sports, and activities or contribute towards CAS. The school day ends at 2:40 pm, allowing students time to participate in sports, enrichment, or family life. 

Sample Secondary School Timetable