International Curriculum Options
A look into the different options.
When it comes to choosing the best international curriculum for your school, it's important to consider the local context and the specific needs and goals of your school. All curricula are good, but it's the people implementing them and the students and families they serve who ultimately drive the success of the curriculum.
There are several different international curricula to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics and approach to education. Here is a brief overview of some of the most popular options:
International Baccalaureate (IB) : The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) offers three programs: the Primary Years Program (PYP) for ages 3-19, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for ages 11-16, and the Diploma Program (DP) for ages 16-19. IB programs are designed to be flexible enough to accommodate local curriculum requirements, and they focus on a philosophy of interactive, inquiry-based learning with an emphasis on cross-disciplinary connections and international awareness.
PYP: The PYP is a transdisciplinary curriculum that aims to make learning authentic and relevant to the real world. It encourages students to be active participants in their learning through an inquiry-led approach and adopts a learner profile that promotes important character traits for global citizenship.
MYP: The MYP covers eight subject groups: Language A (English or mother tongue), Language B (a learned language or English as an Additional Language), Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities (History, Geography, Economics, Global Issues), Technology (Information, Design), the Arts (Visual Art, Music and Drama), and Physical Education.
DP: The DP includes six subject groups and a compulsory core consisting of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service. Students choose six subjects, three at Higher Level and three at Standard Level, and are graded on a scale of 1-7 with an additional three points awarded for the core elements of the program. A total of 45 points is available, with a minimum of 24 points needed to earn the full IB Diploma.
UK Schools: There are three main providers of UK curriculum internationally: Cambridge, Pearson/EdExcel, and Oxford. The UK curriculum is internationalized for overseas schools and covers Early Years (from age 5) through IGCSE (ages 14-16) and A Levels (ages 16-18). While opinions may vary on which provider is the best, all three are equally credible and of the same accepted standard.
IGCSE: The IGCSE is a qualification based on exams in individual subjects, with IGCSE qualifications and grades issued for each subject taken. Core subjects typically include a first language, second language, mathematics, and one or more sciences. As with the A Levels, students can choose to take some subjects at a higher level of difficulty.
A Levels: The A Levels are a series of subject-based qualifications that are typically studied over two years, with exams at the end of each year. Students choose three or more subjects to study, and can opt to take some subjects at a higher level of difficulty. A Levels are widely recognized by universities and employers as a measure of academic ability.
US Schools: The US curriculum is based on the Common Core State Standards (CCSS), which outline the skills and knowledge students should have in each grade level in math and English language arts. The curriculum is designed to be flexible and adaptable to local needs, and it is implemented in schools across the US. There are many other international curricula available, including the French curriculum, the German curriculum, and the Australian curriculum, to name just a few. It's important to carefully consider the unique needs and goals of your requirements.
So to sum up:
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an international education program offered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and consists of three levels: Primary Years Program (3-19), Middle Years Program (11-16), and Diploma Program (16-19).
The Primary Years Program (PYP) adopts a transdisciplinary approach to learning and encourages students to be active participants in their own learning through inquiry and exploration.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) is designed for students aged 11-16 and covers eight subject groups: Language A, Language B, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, Technology, the Arts, and Physical Education.
The IB Diploma Program (DP) consists of six subject groups and a compulsory core made up of Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service. Students choose six subjects and study three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL).
UK schools follow the UK curriculum, which is internationalized for overseas schools and covers Early Years (from 5 years) through to IGCSE (14-16 years) and A Levels (16-18 years). There are three main providers of UK curriculum internationally: Cambridge, Pearson/EdExcel, and Oxford.
The International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) is a qualification based on exams in individual subjects. Core subjects typically include a first language, second language, mathematics, and one or more sciences.
A Levels are designed for learners aged 16-19 and are typically two years in length for the full International A-Level and one year for the International AS. Students choose specific subjects to study.