Singapore is a hub for world-class education both in school and university level. The large expatriate community, which resides in the country, look for good international school for their children’s education. Which is why you will find many international schools have a campus in Singapore, offering many different curricula. 

Expat community, who are on the move due to job compulsions, prefer the International Baccalaureate which gives them the flexibility to immigrate multiple times to various destinations without hindering their children’s education. 

But, apart from the parents, students also seek to study the IB course for a number of reasons. Here’s an overview of the many benefits of this highly-renowned framework:

What is IB

International Baccalaureate is a much-sought after curricula by the IB Organisation which is headquartered in Switzerland. It provides a balanced exposure to academics and extracurricular activities, encourages students to be inquirers, does not believe in stringent assessments and helps students lay a great foundation for a successful university life.

 Benefits of IB

Right from the word go, IB curricula ensures that students under its umbrella enjoy the learning experience through play, questioning the status quo, being inquisitive and thinking critically even as they show kindness and respect to everyone and everything around them. This is the core concept behind the IB curriculum and the basis on which it stands in good stead among the world community. 

The concepts

Whether its primary, middle school or secondary education, students of IB are given the opportunity to be flexible in their study material and intake. They are encouraged to reflect on the knowledge they gain throughout the programme, but being self-learners, asking plenty of questions and being curious about the world around them. They are also encouraged to be creative and innovative problem solvers who think out of the box to have new-age solutions to age-old problems.  

Besides the academic experience, students get used to social interactions and get life experiences by being aware of the world around them, being mindful of the environment – both cultural and natural, and by being of service to the larger community. Inculcating such habits and behaviours among students make them more aware of the traditions and cultures other than their own, and teach them respect for everything and everyone around. 

This is a stepping stone to become a global citizen in future. 

The assessments

Self-learning and awareness mean that students are assessed on the basis of their contributions to the learning process rather than on rote learning and examinations that determine the grades of the students. 

Research, inquiry, analysis and logical arguments are the basis of a good IB programme. Formative and summative assessments allows teachers to observe the students learning journey, make them part of this observation process, make them understand their strengths and weaknesses and in the end, help them reach their own potential. 

In-class discussions, fun quizzes, reflective writing etc give students the understanding of their subjects by encouraging them to question their knowledge and then reflect on it. In final years, submission of projects, essays and presentations etc determine their overall grade which only shows their prowess of overall growth due to the curriculum. 

Community connect

Through CAS – or Creativity, Action and Service – students are encouraged to concentrate on things outside of academics. Students have to reach out to the community, offer their services and bring about meaningful change in the society. They are encouraged to interact with every strata of society to understand the culture, the traditions, learn languages, participate in social events and be kind and compassionate towards all including the natural environment.

By understanding the history, background,  experience etc, students learn to appreciate everyone around them and think of ways to improve those things which do not resonate, for the better. This makes them dynamic and deeply cultured individuals with strong character.

At the end of the programme, students are not just holistically proficient in not just academic subjects but also around issues and events around the world which help them develop as well-rounded citizens. 

IB graduates, usually find it easier to gel with the rigours of university life, especially because most universities look for students who are not bookish in their approach to education. The IB programme makes them well-rounded individuals with a balanced outlook and learned opinion of the world around them.

Most IB students have gone to excel in higher education, and find a strong footing in the world of futuristic careers and economies. It is a good pathway to success if your child is cut out to be a thinker and hard-working student who is curious about the things unfolding around him/her.