Choosing the ideal educational path for a child entails consideration of available learning models. When families explore am international school Thailand, they find themselves in world of set curricula each driven by different pedagogical priorities. Knowing the differences in structure of each of these curricula can be beneficial for matching a school choice to a particular child as they relate to their learning style and long term goals.

International Baccalaureate (IB) framework

AI covered the major stages of the International Baccalaureate framework: a continuum of international education the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Far removed from rote or isolated learning of drudgery and discipline, the IB incorporates an inquiry-based approach that unites traditional disciplines into transdisciplinary global themes. Assessment consists mostly of independent study, essays and internal projects in addition to final written exams. Students who can adapt well to this structure include independent students, those that do well with open-ended assignments, and those want broad analytical skills.

British curriculum and A-Levels

The British Curriculum aka National Curriculum of England against which Progression is structured in Key Stages. As a result, students begin working towards their International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) qualifications at age 16 and then pursue Advanced Level (A-Level) studies in the last two years leading up to college. In contrast to the broad-spectrum diplomas available, A-levels provide students with in-depth exposure to 3 or 4 subjects. It ideally suits students who signal their academic interests early (medicine, engineering or law) and will perform better with boundaries around the subjects and preparation for standardised exams.

American curriculum and AP courses

The American Curriculum : The American system has a flexible assessment pattern with continuous evaluation followed by the awarding of credits based on each module that a student pursues. Over four years, students gain credits towards a High School Diploma and can take some Advanced Placement (AP) courses to accrue college-level credit. Performance assessment weighs classroom tests, quizzes, group projects and participation in class instead of assessing students almost solely on the basis of performance on one or two terminal exams. This framework allows for students to be assessed continuously across the school year and for students who wish to continue taking a wide range of academic subjects through to the end of high school.

Matching curriculum with learning style

Why International School Thailand SchoolsChoose The Best Economics of The IndividualEvery one child is special. A student that does well with deep study on limited subjects might fit well into the British model, while a student who thrives with regular assessment over many classes might get more out of the American system. This informs your decision on their approach to independent research, structured testing and daily coursework when observed directly.