IB Schools In Singapore – Why To Choose An Australian Curriculum

From global recognition to the holistic approach to learning, there’s no denying the value that an IB education can bring to a child. 

But why stop there when you can take a step further and consider adopting an Australian curriculum? If that’s something that’s been sitting on your mind for a while now, this is the sign you’re looking for. 

From a focus on real-world relevance and problem-solving to gaining a global outlook, here are the top 5 reasons to choose an Australian Curriculum. 

5 Reasons To Choose An Australian Curriculum

1. Well-Rounded Academics & Assessment

In other curriculums such as the American and British ones, there is a prominent focus on academic performance, often focusing more on examinations and traditional subjects. 

However, the Australian curriculum provides clear academic standards with the added benefit of having a balanced approach to academic, social, emotional, and even physical development. This can be seen in their curriculum structure. 

For instance, the National Curriculum of England is more subject-based, focusing on core subjects like English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. 

On the other hand, the Australian curriculum concentrates on developing knowledge and skills in eight core learning areas: English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, the Arts, Languages, Health and Physical Education, and technologies. Quite clearly, an all-encompassing curriculum.  The approach to assessment also reflects a holistic approach that balances external assessments with project work and practical tasks to promote greater knowledge retention and application.

With that, it’s safe to say that the Australian approach encourages students to use their creativity and critical thinking skills, and achieve academic growth while ensuring they receive a well-rounded education. 

2. Seamless Transition for Expatriate Families From All Nationalities

For expat families moving from one place to another, one of their main priorities is to ensure their child has the most seamless possible transition, especially to their new schools. 

While it’s important to facilitate this adjustment by finding the right school and learning environment, it’s also crucial to prioritise curriculum continuity so that your child quickly adapts and maintains consistency, no matter where they came from prior to moving. 

Fortunately, the Australian curriculum was designed in a way that ensures a smooth transition for expatriate families all across the globe. 

Both parents and children alike can enjoy a myriad of benefits including a comprehensive world language program, where students are encouraged to develop cultural awareness; an internationally recognised International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP); as well as the integration of a Southern Hemisphere school year, where AIS is the only international school in Singapore that operates under this calendar. 

Instead of worrying about the transition, this ensures that newly transferred students can put their focus more on their studies and co-curricular activities. 

3. Holistic Development Beyond Academic Education

As mentioned earlier, the Australian curriculum places an equal emphasis on academic excellence and holistic development as students need both in order to thrive in school and beyond. 

While academic development is essential in acquiring the necessary technical skills, it’s equally important for schools to provide well-rounded enrichment for their students to prepare them for the varying complexities of life. 

Specifically in the Australian International School, there’s a wide variety of resources available relating to student wellbeing including data dashboards and regular check-ins that help students manage their stress levels, together with a committed faculty of educators who are there to support and guide them along the way. 

4. Focus on Real-World Relevance and Problem Solving

Students should be able to take whatever they’ve learned in the classroom outside into the real world, and that includes being able to solve real-world problems using critical thinking skills. 

Gone are the days when soft skills were a nice-to-have. In today’s day and age, they are far more essential than ever before. From active listening and creative thinking to oral communication and time management, soft skills will not only guide students throughout their education but also throughout their lives.

Through discussion-based approaches within an Australian curriculum, many teachers develop learning experiences that encourage inquiry-based learning and critical thinking, allowing students to apply the skills and concepts they have learned in real-world situations. 

This has been proven more effective compared to simply spoonfeeding students with all the necessary information, as being able to apply their learnings into practice helps immensely.

With this framework in mind, students will then be more empowered to take on the world around them.

5. Immerse In Cultural Diversity and Global Perspective

Just like Singapore, Australia is also known to be a melting pot of cultures. This even extends into how their curriculum is structured and is better known as ‘international mindedness’. 

This concept is all about gaining a better understanding of different cultures and embracing diversity, which is essential in an increasingly globalised world. 

The IB and Australian Curriculum champions this construct on all fronts and enables harmony amongst people of different cultures and backgrounds. This not only benefits students as they move on to University, but also prepares them for the workforce and life in general. 

For those who wish to immerse themselves in cultural diversity even further by learning a new language, there are opportunities to do this through the world language program, where students can choose from the likes of Mandarin, Spanish, and French, depending on the school and level.

Your Child Deserves Only The Best Quality Education

Whether it’s from their pre-school years up until pre-university, AIS is committed to supporting your child’s educational journey at every step of the way.  

When you choose AIS, you are choosing the best quality education for your child. 

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