Are you an expatriate parent, or just seeking the best possible education for your child? If so, you’ve likely considered private schooling as an option. After all, private schools have numerous advantages in terms of student experience, educational outcomes, and freedom of curriculum. And speaking of curriculum, you may have noticed that more than a few of the schools you’ve considered are employing international curricula – but why?
International curricula have become a staple of the private school field, with more and more international schools and local private schools alike adopting them as part of their offerings. There are multiple reasons for this, from the desire to create a more globally-minded student body to appeasing expatriate families with plenty of educational options. Regardless of why an individual school chooses one or more of these curricula, though, it is clear that they are in demand around the world.
Here, we’ll break down everything you need to know about these popular private school curricula, including where to find them, which ones are most likely to work for your child or family, international school fees in Pune, and much more. You’ll start the school year prepared for success – and ready to reap the benefits of the international curricula of your choice.
English National Curriculum
The English national curriculum is the most popular choice around the world. This is perhaps no surprise, given Europe’s centrality in all things centered around the English language – the primary one used in these schools. While students are usually encouraged to continue studies in their native language while attending schools adhering to this curriculum, they learn in English in the classroom setting. This encourages the fluent use of multiple languages, an asset to any student in the modern world.
The English national curriculum focuses on four key stages of development, as well as what are seen as key elements of education. These include mathematics, science, reading, writing, and social or cultural studies. In addition to these, students typically enjoy arts education, foreign language or peripheral cultural studies, technological education, and more. It’s a great starting point for a lifetime of learning and achievement.
US National Curriculum
The United States is well-known for excellence in education. As such, their national curriculum is one that has gained tremendously in popularity in international schools over the last few decades. There are now over 2,000 schools worldwide that are using the US national curriculum as their primary approach to instruction, making it one of the top three most popular choices for international curricula globally!
Perhaps one of the biggest benefits of these programmes is that they are easily scaled. Of the many schools utilizing this curriculum, there is a wide range of student body and facility sizes. They may include only a few dozen students or many thousand. The same curriculum works for all of them, combining today’s best technology with foundational instruction in core subjects, plus a focus on physical activity and arts education. Taken together, it creates a great educational environment – and one that parents around the world love.
Cambridge (CIPP)
Based on ideas and schools of educational thought gathered from around the world, the CIPP curriculum is geared toward students ages five to eleven, or approximately grades one-five. During these years, the CIPP focuses on core subjects as well as integrating national and international studies, foreign language, arts and technological education, and more. Students are guided toward competency in mathematics, scientific understanding and research, literacy, number sense, and overall curiosity about the world around them. The approach combines traditional and more holistic approaches to give students at this critical point of development a chance to become well-rounded global citizens.
International Baccalaureate
Perhaps the most diverse and most adaptable international curriculum, the IB programme – or international baccalaureate – is one that is employed in schools around the world. This programme is a popular choice for schools across Asia, particularly in India. It combines some of the best educational approaches from around the world to create a system that benefits students and families and creates a learning environment that prepares students for life in an increasingly globalized world while maintaining a focus on the importance of local culture and heritage.
This curriculum is adaptable to a number of school settings and student body makeups, making it a great choice for expatriate families looking to send their child to a great school in India or the surrounding areas. These programs are typically used in private schools, so costs can be an issue. However, schools in this area typically range from $300-$500 per year – in the local currency equivalent – and may offer scholarship or waiver programs for eligible students. To learn more about your options for affording an education that offers your child one or more of these stellar international curricula, consult with the administrative staff of your preferred school.