Choosing The Best International School Curriculum

Sending your children to an international school is worth investing in. It could be challenging at first due to many factors, like moving to a new place is not that easy. Finding an adequate school is manageable but understanding each curriculum can be confusing. International schools have to offer a wide range of curricula to meet every student’s needs.

Well, this post will help you understand the sets of curriculums in most international schools around the world.

Main Categories of International School Curriculum

The truth is that international schools only have two categories of curriculums that you should know, including:

1. State Curriculums

This category is designed by a particular country with the help of the national board. It aims to provide a concrete education system to satisfy the needs and values of the state. A few of the countries that implemented this curriculum include the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and India. It is more straightforward that would benefit the goals of the states mentioned.

2. Non-Country Curriculums

Here is the total opposite of state curriculums wherein it is not associated with a specific country. This is set by an international body, like IBO or the International Baccalaureate Organization.

Each curriculum is offered in separate programs from primary years toward career-related programs. It is more detailed compared to state curriculums but is not affiliated with any national board. Nonetheless, international schools that adhere to this curriculum reach over 5,000 worldwide. They are all well-recognized and deliver high-quality education.

3. Mixed Curriculum

Some international schools offer students an option between the two curriculums above. This is a good opportunity to allow parents to pick which is best for their children and the budget. Thus, having thorough research before you enroll a child in an international school is crucial with all the possible options.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Curriculum

Discovering the right curriculum for your kids is tough. They appear the same, especially on the subjects offered. The difference would be in the content and emphasis of each course at any international school.

The following ideas will help you assess which curriculum best suits your child. Picking the wrong one could be burdensome, so you better start wisely.

1. Identify Learning Approaches

Regular schools would prefer using textbooks to fulfill a curriculum. It seems like the traditional way of learning begins by understanding what is in the textbook and then taking examinations afterward. Some international schools consider this approach but they are more likely to focus on self-directed learning than textbook learning. This simply means that they emphasize hands-on activities to develop group work as well.

Parents should select a learning approach that matches their children’s interests to easily pick a certain curriculum. Experiential learning, for instance, won’t work for everyone, unlike textbook learning.

Each one of the curricula has pros and cons that you should weigh down to carefully choose what is best for your children.

2. Religious Teachings 

The role of religion to students varies based on their culture and values. Talking about faith-based lessons in class can help to retain the good character of each student.

International schools may include religious elements directly in the curriculum or separate classes. Either way agrees on the positive impact of the subject on the school grounds and students. Thus, it is possible to focus on religious courses in the particular curriculum of some international schools.

3. Availability of Special Education

Children with special needs can go to international schools like normal kids. Know the scope of the curriculum if it covers students with disabilities and unique needs. The staff is skilled to handle students that require special care while providing them the high-standard education that they deserve.

The accessibility of international schools that cater to children with special needs differs from one country to another. Other schools might turn them down. Those children are either gifted or challenged physically, and mentally, and their behavior requires special learning methods. To search for an international school for them really matters for better protection.

4. Level of Transferability

Going back home is possible after many school years. This results in transferring your kid once again to another school which can be a hassle. Thus, consider an international school with a curriculum that can be transmitted easily to a local school.

If your child had a plan to get another course when returning home, some subjects must be prerequisites of the other. Go over the school’s curriculum if that is possible so that students may continue pursuing a dream in their home countries. In addition to that, transferability is a crucial factor for older students moving forward in their careers.

Final Thoughts

Although international schools offer high-standard education, there are many factors to consider to find the right one for your kids. The school curriculum plays a vital role in each student’s journey which requires thorough research to be fully understood. Apart from the curriculum are the nature of courses the school has to offer that best fit a student. Luckily, some facilities accommodate children with special requirements which is a great comfort for parents.

After a long search of possible international schools where you can send your child, Bangkok Prep International School in Bangkok could be a good choice. It has the best amenities and educational system that can prepare a kid to face the real world. Contact the staff to better understand their curriculum.