The choice of a school and curriculum have a big influence on one’s course of life. The right choice can be made only when one is fully aware of all the facts about different educational approaches. With international curricula like the IB ( international baccalaureate) and Cambridge IGCSE now gaining more relevance than ever, it pays to be aware of some of the most prevalent myths surrounding international schools and the curriculum that they offer. Do not miss out on a world-class education for your child on the basis of a myth! Let us dispel some of the most common ones:
-An international school curriculum does not help with competitive examinations
Many people believe that only traditional Indian curricula provide in-depth understanding of subjects and problem solving skills required for cracking competitive exams like CET, COMED-K, AIEEE and so on. However, this is completely untrue. The Cambridge curriculum exams include Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) that can help students with their competitive exam preparation. International schools provide as much rigorous training in academics as traditional curricula, but with a more holistic approach. They also explore the realm of a student’s inherent strengths and interests and help them chart a perfect career path. That path can be towards anything the child can dream and work towards: photography, fine arts, entrepreneurship, humanities, law, even engineering and medicine!
Recognition of IB in India – http://www.ibo.org/contentassets/d883e8b8f46446079f14679a9a6971c3/india-recognition-guide-2016.pdf
Recognition of Cambridge in India – www.cie.org.uk/images/122860-india-recognition-statements.pdf
-But wait. My child should have more options!
Success happens when one finds the right combination of interests and talents. An international school student is on a continuous journey of discovery. They discover their passions, limitations and strengths starting from a very early age. This helps them find the skills and activities that bring them happiness, success and a deep sense of accomplishment.
The curriculum offers a wide range of subject choices and combinations depending on which university and country they are applying student guidance counselor helps them selection of subjects. So your child can even choose to be specific or be an all-rounder! They can then direct a laser sharp focus on a set of realistic and motivating goals for their future. Teachers can help them plan and select subjects based on their preferences. The school can guide them right up to their university placement in a prestigious college and major of their choice.
-The international school examination schedule interferes with the competitive exam schedule
The Cambridge curriculum exam can be undertaken in March, giving students ample time to prepare for and face their entrance examinations. The results will be declared in May, similar to the CBSE and ICSE schedule, when colleges start their admission process.
-A student who has passed out of an international school may face difficulties during job interviews
An international school hones each student’s personality, skills and character and prepares them to conquer any real world challenge. As opposed to mere extrinsic achievements like grades and certifications, an international school steadily inculcates confidence, an innate knowing of one’s strengths and a clear purpose. They possess utmost clarity about what they can offer at their job, which is a huge determinant of career success.
-International curriculum is tougher than CBSE / ICSE and other Indian curricula
On a certain level, comparing an international curriculum like Cambridge with CBSE or ICSE is not as simple as it seems. They both offer comprehensive yet different approaches to education. India curricula are thorough, knowledge enhancing, in-depth and are academically challenging. International curricula are equally thorough in development of practical thinking, problem solving skills and facing life in general. Each student may respond differently to each of these curricula. However, the international curriculum honours these differences. Students can choose their goals and pace themselves based on their own unique qualities. One may conclude that the international curriculum is not necessarily tougher. It does require qualities like discipline, time-management, commitment, confidence and independent thinking to succeed. However, understanding your child well may be the more important factor that drives this choice
-The international curriculum is only for NRIs and foreign nationals
In a globally interconnected world, a curriculum that is accepted and recognized world over definitely puts the ahead of the competition. Practical skills like the ability to connect with people beyond boundaries, leadership, innovation, and initiative can put children ahead on the world platform. Any child would deserve to benefit from the advanced teaching methodologies of the international curriculum. This becomes more important than ever, if they want to beat the global competition and get into universities of other countries. Thus, anyone can benefit from studying an international curriculum.
-Content of the international curricula are different from the Indian ones.
International curricula like Cambridge impart the same knowledge as the Indian curricula in an age appropriate manner. The approach may involve many more hands-on activities, outdoor activities, interaction with experts, exploratory activities and so on. A student who studies at an international school will be as proficient as a student from the CBSE or ICSE curriculum when they pass out of school.
If you have any doubts about international curriculum, do share it with us in the comments so that we can help you out with them.
