Choosing an early years programme for your child is the first step on their exciting educational journey. In your research, you’ve probably encountered both local preschools and international schools as possible options for your little one. One thing is for certain – you want a place where your child will thrive and build a strong foundation for the future.
International schools can be a great choice as they offer a unique and enriching experience for young learners. With diverse communities, specialised teachers and holistic curriculums, they offer a nurturing and engaging environment where learners develop a lifelong love of learning.
Here are 5 reasons to enrol your child in an Early Years curriculum at an international school:
1. Big School Facilities and Opportunities
Unlike a traditional preschool, an early years education at international schools often offer more extensive opportunities, including amazing facilities and opportunities that only a larger school can offer. Not only will your child benefit from the intimate and nurturing environment in their classroom, they will also have access to larger campus facilities like a pool, library, art studios, auditorium and more. This allows our young learners to get the best of both worlds – the familiarity and comfort of a dedicated learning space with age-appropriate amenities and extended opportunities in the larger school.
Beyond the classroom, international schools may also offer your child opportunities, including co-curricular activities (CCAs) that may not be available at a small daycare. At Nexus, we provide a range of CCAs specifically for Early Years learners, including a Kindy Drama club, ballet, and others. These opportunities expose learners to new activities within the campus and help them discover new passions. From music to art, sports to STEAM, your child will develop new skills and build friendships.
2. Play-Based, Best Practice Curriculum
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As you explore different schools, you will notice that many of them offer different curricula that are based on different schools of thought and approaches – some even create their own curriculum. Other examples include: Reggio Emilia, Montessori, Waldorf Steiner and many more amongst others. In international schools, you may encounter the IB programme or a national curriculum of the school’s affiliated nation.
In international schools like Nexus, they use the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) that is an internationally recognised programme known for its academic rigour and holistic approach. Nexus uses a play-based approach to learning which leans into a child’s natural curiosity and inclination to play as a learning experience. Coupled with a strong focus on learner agency, Nexus’ curriculum develops learners who are independent and confident with well developed self-regulation skills.
Play-based learning emphasises exploration, creativity and problem-solving and offers numerous benefits including:
- Cognitive Growth: Exploring new ideas and thinking outside of the box.
- Social Development: Sharing, cooperating and resolving conflicts with their peers.
- Emotional Maturity: Regulating their emotions and working through tricky scenarios through play.
- Physical Health: Actively learning by doing and moving around.
3. A Smooth Educational Transition
One of the biggest advantages of staying at a single school from early years to high school is the consistent environment it provides. Research has shown that the traditional transition between schools can cost a learner up to six months of progress as they settle into their new environment. As such, continuity of routines, relationships, and academic standards will greatly benefit your child’s growth and development. It reduces the stress and uncertainty while allowing them to feel comfortable taking risks, make long-lasting connections, and focus on their learning.
Learners also develop a deeper understanding and association with the school’s culture, values, and traditions. They gain a sense of belonging, leading to greater engagement and academic achievement. This arrangement also greatly benefits families with siblings of varying ages as it combines the commute.
4. Exposure to Different Cultures
With cultural diversity being a cornerstone of international schools, your child will gain the opportunity to learn from a myriad of cultures and perspectives. International schools often have a diverse faculty and student body, representing a wide range of countries and cultures. This exposes your child to different cultures, perspectives, and identities from a young age, equipping them with a rich understanding and appreciation for the world and its citizens. In today’s increasingly interconnected world, the ability to work effectively with cross-cultural teams has become an essential skill set. International schools provide the ideal environment to develop these crucial perspectives and skills. When children learn to value and celebrate differences, they are more likely to treat everyone with kindness and understanding.
The IB PYP and Diversity
Diversity and inclusion are core tenets of the IB PYP programme and are woven into the curriculum. For example, Early Years learners may explore their own identities and share them with others as a part of their learning. These activities cultivate open-mindedness, respect and compassion at a young age.
5. Cost Effectiveness
While an early years education at an international school may have marginally higher tuition fees compared to traditional preschools, it is important to consider the value-added benefits they offer. From world-class facilities such as learn-to-swim swimming pools, art and music studios, libraries, gyms and large fields and resources to best-practice educational standards and specialist teachers, learners who begin their education journey at an international school benefit greatly from their experiences. You should also consider the additional advantage of extracurriculars on campus while attending an international school as this option is both efficient by saving time travelling to other locations and potentially cost saving too While exact figures can vary depending on location and specific schools, it is worth considering the investment into your child’s development and the long-term benefits of experiencing all an international school offers in its early years programme.
