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How to Choose the Right Curriculum
When choosing the right school for their child, parents have a wide range of options, especially in international schools. Options can include the Cambridge International Examinations (CIE), the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), a standard American High School Diploma or Advanced Placement (AP) Program.
At AIA, we are primarily an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School, and integrated elements of the British National Curriculum (BNC) where it adds to learning.
Here, we'll help you understand this approach better.
Key Strengths & Differences
In the next section, we'll explore various facets of the IB and British National Curricula, to give you a holistic overview of the approaches.
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Philosophy -
Educational Stages
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Breadth vs. Specialisation
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Key Components
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Vocational Pathway
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Assessment
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Grading System
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Recognition
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Global Mobility
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Focus on Personal Development
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University Preparation
Inquiry-based learning, focused on teaching critical thinking, global awareness, and holistic development.
Structured, content-based learning, focused on subject matter mastery, academic rigor, with defined learning goals.
- Early Years Programme (EYP): 3-5 years
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): 6-10 years
- Middle Years Programme (MYP):11-15 years
- Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-Related Programme (CP): 16-18 years
- Key Stage 1: 5-6 years
- Key Stage 2: 7-10 years
- Key Stage 3: 11-13 years
- Key Stage 4: 14-15 years (GCSE)
- Key Stage 5: 15-18 years (A-Levels, optional)
Broad curriculum from EYP to MYP, with students studying across six areas including languages, sciences, and arts. In DP and CP, there is an element of specialisation in the two different streams.
Broad from Key Stage 1 to 3, with teaching focused on subject mastery at each level. Specialisation begins at Key Stage 4 where students choose a few from a range of subjects, and more specialised in Key Stage 5. This is A-Levels, where students choose just 3-4 subjects to focus on.
Includes three core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Includes three core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Offers the CP (Career-Related Programme) as a school leaving option for students interested in more vocational careers.
Offers BTec Extended Diplomas and other vocational qualifications alongside A-Levels.5.
Uses a combination of internal assessments in the form of projects and coursework as well as external exams. Focus is on applying knowledge and critical analysis, not rote learning.
Primarily exam-based assessments, with some coursework components especially at GCSE and A-Levels.
Uses a number grading system ranging from 1 to 7 for each subject with a total of 45 points available.
GCSEs and IGCSEs are graded on a number system ranging from 9-1, and A-Levels on a letter system ranging from A to E.
Highly valued by universities worldwide for its rigor and holistic approach to education.
Widely well-recognised globally, but especially in the UK, the US, and other Commonwealth countries.
Designed to be used internationally, students in families that move frequently will find it easy to adapt and continue their education from one school to the next.
Offered in many international schools worldwide, making it familiar to those who have experienced it, there is more flexibility for delivery from school to school.
Emphasis on personal growth through Community, Activity, Service (CAS) principles, as well as a focus on leadership skills and community service.
Encourages personal development through extracurricular activities and involvement in school events, but less formally structured.
Prepares students for university with a focus on research, critical thinking, and independent learning.
Prepares students for university with a focus on subject depth and specialisation in GCSEs and A-Levels.
Key Strengths of the IB Curriculum
Holistic Development: Focuses on nurturing well-rounded individuals by integrating academic, personal, and social development into the curriculum itself.
Global Perspective: Designed to foster international awareness, preparing students for a globalised world by emphasising intercultural understanding and respect.
Broad Learning Spectrum: With a wide range of subjects, students develop critical skills across multiple disciplines giving them a well-rounded education.
Critical Thinking & Research: Core components, like the Extended Essay (EE) and the Theory of Knowledge (TK) hone students' research and analytical skills, which are highly valued by top universities.
Key Strengths of the British National Curriculum
Structured & Clear Progression: Features a well-defined academic pathway with clear benchmarks at every stage.
Specialisation at A-Levels: Opportunity to focus on a few specific subjects of special interest, allowing for a deeper knowledge and expertise in these chosen fields.
Globally Recognised Qualification: GCSEs and A-Levels are internationally recognised and accepted by universities, making it a reliable pathway for accessing higher education worldwide.
Flexibility with Vocational Options: With vocational options available at A-Level and in the BTec, students preferring a vocational pathway are given a more practical, career-focused, hands-on education.