Among the top priorities of most parents include choosing the best education possible for their child. For those who send their kids to international or private schools, deciding on a suitable curriculum is crucial.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is one of the most preferred curriculums available. It is a student-centred and enquiry-based approach that encourages students to be inquisitive, think critically, and engage in a lifelong learning process.
IB offers four educational programmes to those aged three to 19:
- The Primary Years Programme
This programme caters to children between the ages of three and 12, and focuses on six transdisciplinary subjects – language, mathematics, social studies, science, arts, and personal, social and physical education.
- The Middle Years Programme
Suitable for youths between 11 and 16 years old, this programme comprises eight subject groups – language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, design, and physical and health education.
Over five years, students play an active part in deciding what they want to learn. They have to complete a long-term project, known as the Personal Project, where they have to determine the topic they want to explore and research the subject to get a good result.
- The Diploma Programme
It is a pre-university programme equivalent to A-Levels, foundation programmes or Sixth Form. The subject groups available are language acquisition, sciences, arts, mathematics, individuals and societies, and studies in language and literature.
The two-year programme has the students enrol in theory-based courses, write a thesis, and complete a form of extracurricular activity known as the Creativity, Activity and Service Project.
- The Career-Related Programme
Designed for those who are interested in career-path learning, it involves a combination of courses from the Diploma Programme as well as service learning, personal and professional skills, language development, and a reflective project.
The programme ensures that students develop the interpersonal and communication skills required to succeed in their chosen career.
Why choose IB?
Here are the top answers from parents on why they selected this curriculum for their children.
1. International recognition
IB is accredited and recognised by top universities worldwide. Students can pursue an education from almost any part of the world.
2. Skills development
The programme promotes values and skills such as inquisitiveness, critical thinking and fluent communication. These aim to mould students into fully functional, self-sufficient members of society.
3. Holistic learning
An outstanding aspect of the curriculum is its holistic and well-rounded approach to education.
4. Efficient guidance
The programme is conducted by skilled and efficient educators who are well-versed in providing the best education for their students.
5. Wide range of study
Students are required to enrol in courses from six subject groups including languages, humanities and sciences. The structure of the programme helps them develop knowledge breadth and depth.
6. Freedom
Children are encouraged to make connections between their instincts and what they learn. They are given the freedom to discover what interests and inspires them.
7. Stimulation
The IB programme provides challenges by exposing students to a variety of stimulating classes and activities.
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