International schools base their curricula on international systems like the International Baccalaureate (IB), or on different national schooling systems, not the national curriculum of the country hosting the school. Here is an overview of the curricula most commonly found in international schools.
International Primary School Curricula
Some international schools follow a National Curriculum for primary school aged children, but adapt the curriculum to the location of the school. For example, a British school located in Singapore will follow the UK curriculum but make the subject relevant to their Asian surroundings. The subjects are taught in English, but children also learn the local language.
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is an international and national curriculum with a thematic, holistic approach, aiming to provide primary school children with a solid foundation for future learning.
The IPC Early Years Programme is for three to five year olds and founded on four areas, defined as learning strands; Independence and Interdependence, Communicating, Exploring and Healthy Living.
Building on this, the IPC Main Programme targets children aged six to twelve, providing learning targets and a specialist programme incorporating physical education, ICT, art and music.
The curriculum framework has five elements to it: concepts, knowledge, skills, attitudes and action.
The PYP is available in English, Spanish and French but schools may offer the program in other languages too, after consultation with the IB. However, only schools authorised by the IB can teach the programme.
International Secondary School Curricula
Some international secondary schools offer a program in line with a National Curriculum, such as the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education curriculum or the American High School Diploma. The curricula may be adapted for an international education, but the principle aim is to provide children with recognised qualifications so they can gain entry to the university of their choice, either back in their base country, or overseas.
The Cambridge International Certificate of General Education (IGCSE) is a very popular international qualification that universities across the world also recognise; it is equivalent to the GCSE in the United Kingdom. The curriculum covers the core subjects of English, humanities, languages, mathematics, science, social sciences, arts and technology.
The International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme is designed for 11 to 16 year olds and is a curriculum based on eight subject groups: the mother tongue and one foreign language, arts, technology, humanities, mathematics, sciences and physical education.
The IB’s aim is to connect traditional subjects to the everyday world of
students living abroad, the goal being to increase the international-mindedness of pupils, whilst encouraging them to learn their own language and about their own culture.
Whilst international schools can teach the IB MYP without any adaptation, schools can also use the programme as a framework for other national curricula.
Teachers trained specifically in the IB assess students throughout the duration of the programme and the IB itself also carries out official certification for schools that require it.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a two-year programme resulting in a diploma, which leading universities across the world accept as part of their entry requirements. The IB targets 16 to 19 year olds and students follow the curriculum in English, French or Spanish. The programme’s goal is to prepare students for all aspects of life at university.
The curriculum comprises six subjects: two languages, individuals and societies, mathematics and computer science, the arts and experimental sciences. Students study at least three subjects at a higher level, and the others at a standard level.
Assessment is by means of a final examination at the end of the second year, and students are required to write a 4,000-word essay, preparing students for the kind of research project that universities require.
Whichever curriculum you choose, it is important to make sure it prepares your child for the next step of their education journey, whether that be in an international or local environment.
Compare international school advisory companies
Amanda van Mulligen
