International education is a broad term that encompasses a variety of educational practices and models that are internationally recognised and often implemented in schools around the world. This article will delve into the concept of international education, with a particular focus on international schools, and provide a comprehensive glossary of key terms and concepts related to this topic.
International schools are educational institutions that follow an international curriculum, or a school curriculum that is different from the country’s national curriculum. These schools are often attended by students from various nationalities, fostering a multicultural learning environment. This article will explore the various aspects of international schools and international education, providing a detailed glossary for each term and concept.
International Education
International education refers to a comprehensive approach to education that intentionally prepares students to be active and engaged participants in an interconnected world. It involves a broad range of learning experiences designed to facilitate students’ understanding and appreciation of different cultures, systems and societies, as well as their own.
International education can occur in various forms and settings, including international schools, exchange programs, and international curricula in local schools. It is characterised by its global perspective, emphasis on learning about different cultures and global issues, and focus on developing skills needed for life in a globalised world.
Global Perspective
A global perspective in education refers to the inclusion of global and international orientations in education. This perspective allows students to understand the interconnectedness of the world and to appreciate the diversity of cultures, traditions, and perspectives that exist globally.
Developing a global perspective involves learning about global issues, understanding the world’s interconnectedness and interdependence, and developing skills and attitudes that promote an active and engaged global citizenship. It is a key aspect of international education.
International Curriculum
An international curriculum is a school curriculum that is internationally recognised and often implemented in international schools. It is designed to facilitate students’ understanding and appreciation of different cultures, systems and societies, and to prepare them for life in a globalised world.
There are various types of international curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge International, and the International Primary Curriculum (IPC), among others. Each of these curricula has its own unique features and approaches to teaching and learning, but all share a common emphasis on global perspective and intercultural understanding.
International Schools
International schools are educational institutions that follow an international curriculum, or a school curriculum that is different from the country’s national curriculum. These schools cater to students from various nationalities, fostering a multicultural learning environment.
International schools offer a variety of benefits, including exposure to different cultures, development of global perspective, and preparation for higher education in international settings. They also often provide a high standard of education, with a focus on holistic development and critical thinking skills.
Types of International Schools
There are various types of international schools, each with its own unique features and characteristics. Some international schools follow a specific international curriculum, such as the IB or Cambridge International, while others may offer a combination of different curricula.
International schools can also be categorised based on their governance model. For example, there are private international schools, which are funded by private entities or individuals, and public international schools, which are funded by the government. There are also non-profit international schools, which are often run by a board of trustees and reinvest any surplus funds back into the school.
Benefits of International Schools
International schools offer a variety of benefits for students. One of the key benefits is the exposure to different cultures and perspectives, which can foster a global perspective and intercultural understanding. This can be particularly beneficial in a globalised world, where understanding and appreciating cultural diversity is increasingly important.
Another key benefit of international schools is the high standard of education they often provide. International schools typically have a strong focus on holistic development, critical thinking skills, and preparation for higher education in international settings. They also often offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, providing opportunities for students to develop their talents and interests outside of the classroom.
International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognised curriculum that is often implemented in international schools. It is known for its rigorous academic standards, holistic approach to education, and emphasis on developing students’ intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills.
The IB offers four educational programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme (DP), and the Career-related Programme (CP). Each of these programmes has its own unique features and approaches to teaching and learning, but all share a common emphasis on inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding, and global engagement.
Primary Years Programme (PYP)
The PYP is designed for students aged 3 to 12. It focuses on the development of the whole child, both in the classroom and in the world outside. The PYP aims to create a stimulating, challenging learning environment that encourages students to ask questions, make connections, and explore the world around them.
The PYP curriculum framework is centred around six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, under which students explore knowledge in a holistic way. These themes are: Who we are; Where we are in place and time; How we express ourselves; How the world works; How we organise ourselves; and Sharing the planet.
Middle Years Programme (MYP)
The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills, achieved through embracing and transcending traditional school subjects. The MYP encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world, preparing them for success in further study and in life.
The MYP curriculum framework consists of eight subject groups: Language acquisition; Language and literature; Individuals and societies; Sciences; Mathematics; Arts; Physical and health education; and Design. The MYP also includes a unique feature, the Personal Project, which is a student-centred and age-appropriate practical exploration in which students consolidate their learning throughout the programme.
Cambridge International
Cambridge International, also known as Cambridge Assessment International Education, is a provider of international qualifications and education programmes that are recognised worldwide. It offers a broad range of programmes and qualifications, including Cambridge Primary, Cambridge Lower Secondary, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge O Level, Cambridge International AS & A Level, and Cambridge Pre-U.
Cambridge International’s programmes and qualifications are known for their rigorous academic standards, focus on developing learners’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving, and preparation for success in education and life. They are designed to be culturally sensitive, with the flexibility to suit a wide range of schools and contexts.
Cambridge Primary
Cambridge Primary is an education programme for learners aged 5 to 11. It provides a curriculum framework of learning objectives for English, mathematics and science, which are designed to be relevant to students worldwide. Cambridge Primary also offers optional assessments, which can be used to monitor learners’ progress and to identify strengths and weaknesses.
Cambridge Primary aims to develop learners’ skills and understanding in these core subjects, as well as their personal development and their understanding of the world around them. It provides a solid foundation for learners to progress to the next stage of education.
Cambridge IGCSE
Cambridge IGCSE is an internationally recognised qualification for students aged 14 to 16. It offers a broad and flexible curriculum, with over 70 subjects available, including more than 30 languages. Cambridge IGCSE encourages learner-centred and enquiry-based approaches to learning.
Cambridge IGCSE is known for its rigorous academic standards and its focus on developing learners’ skills in creative thinking, enquiry and problem solving. It is a popular choice for students preparing for the International Baccalaureate, A Levels, and other advanced study programmes.
International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) is a comprehensive, thematic, creative curriculum for children aged 5 to 12, with a clear process of learning and specific learning goals for every subject. It is designed to be internationally minded, and to help young children start the move towards an increasingly sophisticated national, international, global and intercultural perspective.
The IPC’s learning process takes students through three stages: the Entry Point, the Knowledge Harvest, and the Exit Point. The Entry Point is an activity that introduces the theme of the unit; the Knowledge Harvest allows students to share what they already know about the theme; and the Exit Point allows students to reflect on what they have learned.
IPC Learning Goals
The IPC has specific learning goals for every subject, for personal learning, and for international mindedness. The subject goals cover the knowledge, skills and understandings that children need to acquire in each subject. The personal goals refer to the individual qualities and dispositions that children will find essential in the 21st century. And the international goals help children begin the move towards an increasingly sophisticated national, international, global and intercultural perspective.
Each unit of the IPC is designed around a theme, which helps children to see how subjects are both ‘independent’ and ‘interdependent’. This enables them to see the big picture of their learning, make connections across different subjects, and talk about a theme from multiple perspectives.
Benefits of the IPC
The IPC offers a variety of benefits for students. One of the key benefits is its thematic approach, which helps children to see how subjects are interconnected. This can foster a deeper understanding of the content, and can make learning more engaging and relevant for students.
Another key benefit of the IPC is its focus on international mindedness and personal learning. The IPC helps children to develop a sense of their own nationality and culture, at the same time as developing a profound respect for the nationalities and cultures of others. It also helps children to develop the skills and attitudes necessary for them to take an active and responsible role in their learning.
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