Demystifying International Curricula

David EstebanAustralian International School, MG International School

Asian Institute for Transnational Education

Trends in International Education

Enrollments in International SchoolsWhat is driving this growth?• Globalized Economy• Best practices in

academics and student experience

• Affordability• Recognition of

qualifications

$60 billion by 2020 – ICEF Monitor

What is an international curriculum anyway?An international school is a school that promotes international education, in an international environment, either by adopting a curriculum such as that of the International Baccalaureate,Edexcel or Cambridge International Examinations, or by following a national curriculum different from that of the school's country of residence. - Wikipedia…  one common thread that runs through these schools is the desire to create global citizens who have an understanding of other countries, cultures and histories beyond their own national perspective and/or system.  - The International Educator Online

Steiner / Waldorf Schools▪ A global education movement with over 1,000 schools in over 60

countries.▪ Each school is autonomous, yet linked by a shared philosophy and

curriculum.▪ Grows from the work of Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925)▪ Independent thinking and imagination▪ Empathy for others▪ Strength of will

▪ Teachers receive specialized training▪ Early Childhood through to High School

Montessori Education"Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potentialities.” - Dr. Maria Montessori▪ Student led learning ▪ The Montessori Curriculum and materials▪ Teachers create an environment of discovery▪ Active learning at their own pace and rhythm▪ Montessori environments are offered from birth to adulthood:

Assistants to Infancy (0-3)Casa dei Bambini (3-6)Elementary (6-12)Adolescence (12-18)

Homeschooling▪ A fast-growing trend, influenced by ▪ Dissatisfaction with school environments▪ Availability of various curricula, international and national▪ Internet tools which support learning▪ Computer based learning programs▪ Access to groups and activities which engage students with peers▪ Engaged parents or access to homeschool tutors

▪ New models in homeschooling▪ Very student centered▪ Flexible for families on the move

International Baccalaureate (IB)▪ What was once seen as a system designed to provide uniformity for the children of

expats living and working abroad, (primarily in Europe), has grown since its founding in 1968, into a premiere worldwide educational system in 141 countries servicing nearly a million students aged 3-19. 

▪ A recent survey of university admissions officers in some of the 141 countries that offer the credential, found that it is the "the top passport to international education." 

▪ Holistic and student centered approach▪ Faculty development is continuous▪ Primary Years Program, Middle Years Program, Diploma Program▪ The Diploma Program has a high rate of acceptance into

top global universities▪ IB Score – 75 (external) + 25 (Internal)

Advanced Placement (AP)▪ Started in the USA and Canada by the College Board▪ Offers college level curricula in high schools▪ Course oriented program, though schools may be student oriented▪ Placement and course credit is usually granted by American colleges▪ Courses are audited by the College Board▪ An exam at the end of the course of study determines 100% of the AP

score▪ Currently 37 courses may be taken through the AP program

International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) and AS & A Levels▪ The international version of the GCSE and the GSE▪ Focus is on a deep understanding of the subject and independent

thinking skills▪ Recognized internationally▪ Most popular international secondary qualification ▪ IGCSE is equivalent to O- Levels (14- 16 Year Olds)▪ AS & A Levels are for 18 Year Olds▪ Up to 100% of the score is based on external assessments

Western Australia Certificate of Education (WACE)▪ The WACE is recognized anywhere in the world.▪ Focus is on developing the potential of each student through breadth and

depth of study▪ Features various forms of assessment▪ Students earn an Australian Tertiary Acceptance Rank (ATAR)▪ Allows for earning vocational qualification is high school▪ Includes English competency ▪ Approximately 100 schools offer an

Australian HS Certificate internationally▪ 50% Internal Assessment, 50% External Assessment

Q & APanel Discussion