If you’re relocating to Singapore and looking for an international school for your child, the wide variety of educational options here can seem overwhelming. Singapore boasts more than forty international schools, and there are considerable variations in the curricula they follow. The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a popular choice for many families, especially those who expect to relocate frequently or are seeking an alternative to traditional pedagogy.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right curriculum for your child, and why the IB framework offers several advantages over other approaches.
National versus International Curricula
Some international schools in Singapore offer country-specific curricula. While parents have traditionally chosen this option if they planned to live in Singapore only for a short time and then return to their country of origin, increasing numbers of today’s parents are enrolling their children in schools that offer an international curriculum. This approach prepares students for academic and career success anywhere in the world. Students who complete IB programmes are especially likely to be accepted at prestigious universities across the globe.
Traditional versus Inquiry-Based Learning
Traditional learning typically consists of memorising facts and studying subjects in isolation, whilst the IB programme empowers students to take ownership of their learning through inquiry. By asking questions, students can delve more deeply into topics than they might not otherwise. They also have the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge across subject areas in real-world contexts. A unit on “Sharing the Planet”, for instance, may include science lessons on how living things co-exist and social studies lessons on how communities evolve.
The Importance of Globally Recognised Curricula
Parents can find IB World Schools in 156 countries. Whilst there are slight variations in the curriculum, it always aligns with the same general framework. This approach is ideal for parents who expect to relocate frequently. Children who have to change schools every few years won’t lose ground academically if they consistently follow the IB curriculum.
At One World International School, we offer quality education for children between the ages of 3-18 through the IB PYP (International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme), the Cambridge IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) and the IB DP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme). These programmes offer an inquiry-based framework which encourages our students to explore issues in the context of their local community and the world-at-large.
Nurturing all aspects of students’ development and skills (academic, personal and social) One World International School (OWIS) lays a solid foundation for international-mindedness, dynamic leadership and lifelong learning. To learn more about OWIS, contact us today.
