Moving to Singapore opens the door for your child’s education. The international schools offer a wide range of curriculums and frameworks. Two well known curriculums include the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the American (US) Curriculum. We will break it down as IB vs US Curriculum. Our team will explain what each curriculum is and what the differences and similarities are.
What is International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate is an education framework that covers a more diverse and global education, therefore helping students understand different languages and cultures.
“A curriculum is developed and delivered within subject specific domains, this includes specific content and learning goals. A curriculum often has a framework attached to it. A framework is a structure that shows teachers\students how to work through information in all subjects, no specific content is provided but a guideline specific to skill building is used.”
Lauren Scott, ED-SG.
The framework is divided into four programmes: Primary Years Programme (3-12 years old), Middle Years Programme (11-16 years old), IB Diploma (16-19 years old) and Career related (16-19 years old). The IB framework is internationally transferable, meaning that the content taught is based on international knowledge and information, hence not country specific. How does this translate to the classroom? Each child will be given the opportunity to inquire, act and reflect around a topic of interest. This allows a student to obtain a mastery of skills in a specific subject matter. Its holistic approach means that students engage in thinking and discussion, alongside independent research and community service.
As stated by the IB: “at the heart of all IB programmes is the IB learner profile. Each programme is designed to match the educational needs of students today and tomorrow, and to nurture the skills and attitudes they need to excel at their careers of choice and lead meaningful lives.”
What is the American (US) Curriculum
The American (US) Curriculum in Singapore is a balanced curriculum that is directly aligned with the AERO World Organization and the US Common Core standards, allowing easy transition or comparison to any other similar American curriculum school globally. The alignment allows for flexibility in the curriculum and allows schools to tailor to individual student needs.This is seen in the United States as the common standards give individual states a great deal of flexibility over what students in their districts learn and how they are taught.
“The United States Common Core is a set of academic standards and benchmarks in Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts/Literacy (ELA). The Common Core is the most rigorous and effective set of standards that are used across the United States and many countries around the world.”
XCL American Academy Singapore
Project AERO is supported by the United States Department of Education’s Office of Overseas Schools. Aligned with the Common Core standards and Next Generation Science Standards, AERO is considered to be “Common Core Plus”, providing an “enduring understanding, essential questions and learning progression.”
XCL American Academy Singapore
All students who are enrolled in the US curriculum are offered a wide range of co-curricular activities that ensure that they have the opportunity to develop fully as individuals. Each teacher will ensure that personalized instruction is aimed towards inquiry-based, hands-on teaching methods, and solid learning strategies. The American (US) curriculum is praised for its ability to prepare students for university by promoting creativity, critical thinking and social skills in students.
Three schools in Singapore that have adopted the US curriculum are: XCL American America, Singapore American School and Stamford American International School.
IB vs US Curriculum Similarities
Both the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the American (US) Curriculum excel in producing well rounded students that achieve competitive academic results. Students from both curriculums are accepted into the top universities globally. As an example: Stamford American International School offers a US curriculum with an IB framework as one of their programmes. Their students have gone to universities such as University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, Georgia Institute of Technology, University of Nottingham and University of Arts London, Emily Carr University of Arts, amongst others.”
IB vs US Curriculum Differences
Difference 1
The main difference between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and US Curriculum is the country association. The IB framework is associated with a global system whereas the US curriculum is heavily associated with America. Therefore if you are moving to/from the US or if your child is planning on applying to an American University, the US curriculum is a good choice. Especially as it allows for curriculum continuity. Alternatively if you are moving to Singapore and seeking a more global and diverse education for your child the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework is strongly recommended. This is a personal choice, however both IB and US are good programmes that are international recognised.
Difference 2
The second noteworthy difference is in the high school level: International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the US Advanced Placement (AP) Program. The IBDP is a holistic 2 year program where students engage with subject matter across six different subjects – also known as a Theory of Knowledge course. This program aims to help students understand the process of knowledge and to develop critical thinking skills with global awareness at the forefront. The US AP Program is an academically rigorous assessment method of the coursework that offers a mix of high school and college level curricula to students. The course is focused on a smaller subject range with more in depth knowledge. The AP Program is normally completed in addition to regular high school courses. Both programs require higher level thinking skills from students to prepare them for University.
Navigating the Singapore academic world is a tricky challenge however the ED-SG team is ready to assist you with your specific needs. Book a consultation today to find out more about the curriculums, school options and more.
