Get To Know Various International Curriculums Taught In Private Schools

Nowadays, many private schools are competing to offer the best facilities for prospective students. One important thing that made it interesting is the curriculum. In addition to the national curriculum, private schools also add a variety of local content that aims to hone the interests and talents of children. Not only the national curriculum, but some schools are also offer an international curriculum such as St Andrews Sathorn. The goal is clear so that children can compete more in the world later after graduated. The international curriculum is believed to be more effective than the national curriculum in various aspects. You can visit the website of the best international schools in Bangkok here https://www.standrewssathorn.com/.

The international curriculum taught at Thai private schools is divided into two, namely International Baccalaureate or IB, and Cambridge. What are the differences and similarities between the two international curriculums? Which international curriculum is superior? These two questions are mostly asked by parents who want to send their children to international private schools. Do you want to know the answer? Let’s look at the following article.

International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum

International Baccalaureate is a non-profit foundation located in Switzerland. As part of its work program, the foundation has curriculum programs that are taught in thousands of schools throughout the world. The curriculum has three stages and four branches, aimed at students aged 3 to 18 years. These stages are:

IB Primary Years Programme for children aged 3-12 years
IB Middle Years Programme for children aged 11-14 years
IB Diploma Programme for children aged 15-18 years
IB Career-related Programme for children aged 15-18 years

The general IB curriculum is taught in the United States. 60% of schools that adopt IB are in the US. The IB curriculum aims to encourage children to become responsible global citizens, as well as emphasizing cultural exchange. Besides, students are required to be able to conduct independent research. At the end of the IB study period, Diploma level, students are required to write 4,000-word essays with selected topics. However, to move from the Middle Years to the Diploma level, there is no standardized test.

Cambridge curriculum

Cambridge International Examination, or CIE, is part of Cambridge University based in the UK. This curriculum is taught in more than 10,000 schools worldwide, but more is taught in the UK and its commonwealth countries. One of the countries that have successfully implemented the Cambridge curriculum is Singapore, which adapted the CIE with its local wisdom. CIE consists of several levels, namely:

Cambridge Primary (5 to 11 years old, kindergarten / elementary school equivalent)
Cambridge Secondary 1 (11 to 14 years old, equivalent to junior high school)
Cambridge Secondary 2 (14 to 16 years old, equivalent to junior high/high school first year)
Cambridge Advanced (16 to 19 years old, high school equivalent)

Like the IB curriculum, the Cambridge curriculum also requires students to be active learners. However, the biggest difference is on the student’s exam that will take. Step up to the Cambridge Advanced level, students have to pass the IGCSE or O-level exam first. This exam has several levels, from A * to G. Students are also allowed to choose elective exams to be tested besides compulsory exams.
After knowing the differences between Cambridge and IB, it is hoped that you will be more steady to choose a private school with an international curriculum for your child. How is it? Are you ready on choosing the school?