Choosing the right curriculum for your child’s education is an important decision, especially if your family is moving overseas. With many different education systems around the world, it can be a challenge to find a suitable one for your child. One popular choice for international families is the International Baccalaureate (IB programme), a recognised and respected curriculum that is used worldwide and widely accessible in many countries as a premium choice for education. To understand why it is a desired curriculum and diploma, we delve into 10 reasons why families choose to enrol their children in the International Baccalaureate.
What is the IB Programme?
The IB programme is offered in over 150 countries at a variety of educational establishments, including our international school in Singapore. The IB has a reputation for high quality, best practice teaching methods as well as producing well-rounded, lifelong learners. There are IB programmes available to children between the ages of 3-18, but their availability will depend on each school’s offerings. This future-focused curriculum builds upon and applies conceptual understanding throughout the programmes.
The International Baccalaureate’s programmes include:
PYP – Primary Years Programme
The PYP is a child-centred, transdisciplinary framework for learners aged 3-12. From the outset, learners are agents of their own learning and partners in the learning process. This is underpinned by the three pillars of school life: the learner, learning and teaching, and the learning community.
MYP – Middle Years Programme
Building upon the foundational skills from the Primary Years Programme, learners studying the MYP (aged 11-16) work to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. The broad and balanced curriculum continues to develop well-rounded learners who, in completion of this programme, are prepared to undertake the diploma.
IBDP – International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
For learners aged 16-19, the IBDP is a successful pathway to university and employment. The comprehensive curriculum is made up of 6 subject groups and the Diploma Programme core which includes Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).
Why Should My Child Study the IB Programme?
1. It goes beyond academics
In addition to a robust academic curriculum, the International Baccalaureate equips learners with a holistic education that nurtures crucial soft skills and life skills including communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.
Starting from Nursery and Kindergarten, there is an emphasis on developing well-rounded learners through Attitudes to Learning (ATLs). An example of this at Nexus International School (Singapore) was when its youngest learners were inspired by Van Gogh’s Starry Night so they asked their teachers if they could have the original painting in their classroom. The teachers made this request into an opportunity for their learners to practise ATLs like independence, appreciation and enthusiasm. As a class, the learners crafted and delivered a letter to the Principal to request for the painting. The Principal responded to the letter earnestly, sharing that while it was not possible to get the original, they could definitely get a replica for the learners. This heartwarming anecdote shows how the International Baccalaureate curriculum encourages learners to take initiative and daringly ask questions, fostering these important soft skills from a very young age.
2. It provides personalised learning opportunities
The IB programme aims to help learners explore and construct their own personal and cultural identities. This is achieved through various projects and activities in each stage of the programme. Empowering learners with agency over their learning fuels passion, motivation, and a deeper connection to their learning journey. Most importantly, it makes learners understand that they can learn anything.
At Nexus, we prioritise personalised learning, making it a cornerstone of our educational philosophy. Teachers are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support diverse learning styles, ensuring each learner thrives. The PYP Exhibition is a testament to this approach, showcasing what is truly possible when learners are given the freedom to explore their interests. At Nexus, learners are encouraged to select topics they are personally passionate about and relating it to the PYP theme of the year. Not only do the learners become experts in their topics, this agency to choose, research and share with their peers develops confident, self-assured learners.
3. It broadens learners’ horizons
In today’s interconnected world, the IB programme strives to cultivate learners who are globally minded. This goes above and beyond studying and celebrating different cultures – learners develop an understanding of the world and gain a sense of responsibility within it.
The IBDP exposes learners to a diverse range of perspectives through core components of the programme, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). For TOK, learners are encouraged to question everything, from their own beliefs to the way the world works. By digging deeper than the obvious facts, TOK helps learners see the bigger picture, appreciate different points of view and develop broad critical thinking skills. CAS puts the learning into action, fosters global citizenship and encourages learners to engage with their communities both locally and internationally. Through volunteering for social causes and undertaking environmental projects, learners gain firsthand experience in making a difference and understanding the interconnectedness of challenges we face.
Studying the IB programme at a diverse international school, sets learners up with the soft skills required to collaborate effectively with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. They gain a global perspective and sense of social responsibility for the global concerns they advocate for. These qualities help them stay relevant and be highly employable in the globalised workforce.
4. It is a globally recognised diploma
The International Baccalaureate Programme Diploma is a globally recognised achievement of academic excellence, often viewed as a premium high school graduation certificate. Accepted by leading universities around the world, the IBDP signifies a rigorous and well-rounded educational experience that sets graduates apart. It really gives learners an edge on their university applications as the comprehensive curriculum ensures that they have depth and breadth of knowledge, experience, and skills. University admissions teams know that graduates from the IB programme are university-ready and an ideal candidate to join their establishment.
5. It develops university study skills
From the start of the IB programme, learners start to build the skills and knowledge that will benefit them beyond school. From learner agency to teamwork to critical thinking, the PYP and MYP cultivate these foundational skills and develop hard-working, determined individuals ready to embrace the intensive IB diploma programme.
Studying the IBDP is a huge advantage for learners when they transition to university. Thanks to the rigorous programme and in-depth study elements, they are prepared to tackle the university workload with confidence.The IB programme also instils time management skills, organisational skills and independence.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay are requirements of the IB that empower learners to become independent, free-thinkers with intellectual curiosity, skills that will serve them well in university and beyond. TOK develops key academic skills by encouraging learners to question assumptions, analyse evidence from different perspectives and sources, and develop a sound argument into a refined essay. The Extended Essay provides learners with the invaluable experience of writing a college level research paper before they enter university. These experiences give learners a head-start in understanding the expectations and various elements required in larger papers, narrowing the learning curve when they enter university.
6. It is ideal for relocating families
For families who move overseas, it can be challenging to navigate many different education systems and curriculums which vary from country to country. The IB programme is a seamless solution that provides a smooth transition for learners with minimal disruption to their education as it is available in international schools globally, with a curriculum that aligns at the various IB schools. This will be especially important if your family moves regularly. It should be easy to find an international school that offers the IB programme since it is available in over 5,800 schools in over 150 countries. The majority of these schools are international schools who accept learners at different year groups and are supportive of relocating families.
7. It encourages inquiry-based learning
The IB programme employs inquiry-based learning, an approach that places the learner at the centre of their learning journey. This approach fosters their natural curiosity, encourages them to ask questions, conduct research, and solve problems independently and collaboratively. These skills are essential to the mission of the IB in developing learners who are driven and independent in their learning. Throughout the programme, teachers act as facilitators and guide their learners to find answers for themselves.
Some key benefits to inquiry-based learning include:
- A deep understanding through critical thinking and making connections between different concepts
- Problem solving skills through hands-on activities, experiments and research projects
- A love of learning through the skills, exploration and curiosity developed in the IB
- Effective communication skills through teamwork and collaborations when working towards a common goal
The International Baccalaureate integrates inquiry-based learning into various subjects and interdisciplinary concepts through practical investigations and real-world projects.
8. It fosters lifelong learners
The benefits of the IB programme extend past its completion. It fosters a lifelong love of learning that empowers learners to thrive in university and into their adult lives. Alongside acquiring knowledge and skills, the IB encourages a growth mindset. This attitude to learning is created through embracing mistakes as opportunities to learn and grow. Learners understand that persistence is key.
The IB programme also nurtures learner’s passions and interests which, in turn, builds determination, innovation and creativity. Through finding joy in learning, they thrive when being challenged. This ‘can-do’ attitude becomes a part of their identity and will benefit them greatly throughout their lives.
9. It creates interdisciplinary connections
Subjects are not taught in isolation in the International Baccalaureate. Learning transcends subject boundaries and connections are made between different disciplines, creating a more holistic understanding of the world. When it comes to success in their future careers, learners will find that problems often require solutions drawn from knowledge and understanding of multiple disciplines. By embracing interdisciplinary learning, the IB programme equips learners with deeper understanding, real-world application, and innovative thinking.
As the job market becomes increasingly diverse, this next generation will find more careers expecting expertise across multiple disciplines. Whether they become engineers applying physics to solve real-world problems, educators integrating technology into the classroom, or entrepreneurs combining creativity with a business background, IB graduates have the well-rounded skill set to tackle and thrive in multi-disciplinary fields.
10. It has real-world relevance
Throughout the IB programme, theoretical learning is applied to real-life contexts, often through service learning which is a key component of the IB. Learners are motivated to take ownership of their learning, fosters social responsibility and empathy, and inspires a lasting love of learning.
As learners apply their knowledge and skills to address global issues, they choose causes that they are passionate about and find ways to make a positive difference. For example, Nexus learners who were interested in coding came together to create NexWell, a wellbeing app by learners for learners, to provide their peers with easily accessible mental health resources. They discovered connections between concepts and application, making their learning more relevant, meaningful, and engaging. In this instance, the learners who created NexWell are inspired to continue working on similar projects in the future.
At Nexus, learners also often create their own opportunities to collaborate with businesses and organisations across Singapore. This not only benefits the local community, but also encourages learners to become active participants in creating a better world.
Interested in Studying the IB Programme at Nexus?
The success of the IB programme at Nexus International School (Singapore) is evident in the joy, passion and achievements our learners experience throughout their studies and beyond. If you’d like to hear more about the IB programme at Nexus, we invite you to get in touch with our admissions team at admissions@nexus.edu.sg. They will be more than happy to assist you in arranging a personalised tour, either in-person or online. Exploring Nexus through a guided tour will provide you with a valuable firsthand experience of our campus facilities, programs, and vibrant learning environment. Get in contact and take the first step towards becoming part of our dynamic educational community.
Nexus International School (Singapore)
As a school for learners aged 3 - 18 years old, we love sharing our insights on education, learner wellbeing and learning in general.
