International Baccalaureate was first introduced in 1968 by the International school of Geneva to its students. From there on it has been spread all throughout the world due to its success. So there must be something that is different about the diploma that so many people want to do it. As a parent you might be considering the option of sending your child to an IB Singapore international school. This article will first tell you what the curriculum is all about, it will delve into it’s pros and cons and then end it with some good school options to choose from in Singapore.

What is International Baccalaureate?

The IB diploma  is quite similar to any high school diploma but stresses on preparing students better for their university years. It is different from others as it chooses to focus on a child’s kill set or the chosen career or field the student wants to go into in the future. It can be a bit tough on students which would be one of its biggest drawbacks but people argue that you reap the rewards later. Below is a list of the pros and cons of international baccalaureate.

Pros of IBDP

• International Recognition

This curriculum is recognised by all the leading universities all across the globe, thus significantly widening the number of colleges for the future. Studies have also shown that students in IB schools have a better chance of getting into a good college later on. Being in such a program also helps create a pool of contacts in the global world at a young age. No matter which country you end up in you might find a fellow IB student.

• A well rounded and structured curriculum

It is a must for students to take up science, math, a foreign language, literature, a social science subject and a sixth subject that they can choose themselves. So it offers a high amount of breadth, the depth of the subjects can vary according to your interests. There is a lot of emphasis on interdisciplinary study.

• Emphasis on critical thinking and independent projects

Unlike other curriculums where students are graded on certain exams and tests, the IB curriculum is focused on projects and papers. There is a lot of emphasis on independent study, research and presentation. Exactly like you would do in an undergraduate course. Students have to take up a topin of their choosing for each subject, research and write papers accordingly.

• Social Responsibility

Community Action Services or CAS is an integral part of the curriculum. All students must complete 150 hours of social service. How they fill in these hours is entirely up to them. The students also need to write reflections on what they learned from the activities they participated in.

Cons of IBDP

• Heavy coursework

This must be one of the biggest negatives for IB and what most parents cite when they decide not to send their children to an IB school. With multiple internal assessments, papers and academic as well as social service hours to fill in, the workload can get quite cumbersome. The research and writing is also focused on a more independent basis rather than how other schools function. It is similar to the working of a college than a regular school. The pressure might be a lot for students to take.

• Value might vary across the globe

Not all countries see IB in the same light. The United States might be the one that gives it the heaviest weightage across the globe. Other countries such as some places in Europe and Asia would still give their local boards and curriculums a higher weightage.

While IB can be a great program, it won’t be a great program for everyone. Despite the success shown by IB students, it is not necessary that it would hold the same value for your child. It can be a rigorous course, thus please keep in mind the capabilities and extent to which your child can go without pressuring them. Here are a few Singapore International Schools that provide IB as an option.

• Global Indian International School
• Hwa Chong International School
• GEMS World Academy
• Stamford American International School
• One World International School
• Nexus International School
• United World College of South East Asia
• Anglo-Chinese International School