The Benefits of an IB Education for Children at Ambassador International Academy
An International Baccalaureate (IB).
Understanding the IB & National Curriculum of England
IB & The National Curriculum of England
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.
Philosophy
IB Curriculum
Inquiry-based learning, focused on teaching critical thinking, global awareness, and holistic development.
British National Curriculum
Structured, content-based learning, focused on subject matter mastery, academic rigor, with defined learning goals.
Educational Stages
IB Curriculum
- 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
British National Curriculum
- 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)
Breadth vs. Specialisation
IB Curriculum
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.
British National Curriculum
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.
Key Components
IB Curriculum
Includes three core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
British National Curriculum
Includes three core elements:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
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.
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