International schools which prepare students for IGCSE qualification adopt the Cambridge Assessment International Examinations (CIE) board’s flexible framework. The goal of school education is to develop kids into remarkable, independent, and well-rounded individuals ready to make a difference in the world. Schools tweak the CIE syllabus to accommodate our culture and tailor it to students’ needs to teach them the tactics needed for lifelong learning. A school with a well-thought-out curriculum achieves academic excellence and nurtures students’ skills essential for college success. Unleashing their full potential, it enables them to lead an accomplished life.

Why Is Curriculum Important?

Curriculum refers not only to the courses taught in school but also to the interlinking of subjects. The teaching methods followed, and the other educational activities that support learning apart from the core subjects are also part of the curriculum. Children learn through experience, and education is more than just the qualifications. Realising the importance of this, international schools give careful attention to curriculum design and implementation.  The content, teaching method, school environment and the evaluation process all need to work together to provide an enriched learning experience. 

Characteristics Of A Developed Curriculum

Each school has its unique curriculum that will lead them towards their vision. The design and development of a curriculum is a tedious task. It is a continuous process, and a well-designed curriculum will have the following attributes: Sequential The curriculum should be continuous and build on the skills and knowledge from one year to another, rendering a comprehensive development.  Consistent Each stage should align with the other and provide challenging tasks to motivate the student. Students should be able to progress from one level to another smoothly.  Flexible  The teaching approach should consider the student’s maturity and be customisable based on the learner’s ability. Balanced The curriculum should focus on the spiritual, moral, physical and mental aspects of child development in addition to academic excellence. Updated School leaders should reevaluate their curriculum periodically to optimise student learning experience and update based on current trends. 

The Cambridge Pathway

International schools follow the Cambridge Pathway program built through global research and reflect the latest thinking in each subject area. The CIE provides a curriculum framework grouped by age for four developmental stages. They are: 

• Primary for 5 to 11-year-olds, 
• Lower Secondary for 11 to 14-year-olds, 
• Upper Secondary for 14 to 16-year-olds and 
• Advanced for 16 to 19-year-olds. 

The four stages seamlessly guide the kids from early to middle and higher secondary levels. The CIE board develops syllabus, support materials, and assessments for each group, keeping in mind all the above characteristics. They also assist the teachers with professional development courses to successfully implement the curriculum. The Cambridge community is also an excellent source of information for teachers to learn from others and apply best practices.  A strategically developed curriculum inspires students to be inquisitive,  lifelong learners through relevant and challenging coursework. International schools guide their students in a path of success in the classroom and beyond. 

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