...The question of curriculum


“The first usually depends on what curriculum the family or student may be transitioning from,” he explains. “The second commonly is in preparation for where the family or student may be moving to next. Both of these reasons relate to making smooth transitions. The third reason often has to do with the type of education the parents have received and their knowledge of the current educational landscape. “The last variable that impacts this decision is the educational availability in the city or country they will be relocating to.”


POPULAR CURRICULUM CHOICES ISC Research says the most common curriculum choices in international schools today are the National Curriculum


of England,


new experiences and challenges that living in a new country brings with it,” says Eamonn Mullally.


“British expats accessing schools which follow the National Curriculum of England during their overseas postings are ensuring an easier re-entry for their children when they return home. As a result, a clear and fully understood dialogue about individual learning journeys, skills and content coverage can take place between the parents and the receiving school.”


The choice to follow the National Curriculum of England is also considered by many students and their parents from a range of nationalities to be an effective route to university in the UK.


a US-oriented curriculum,


and the International Baccalaureate programmes. Increasingly popular, too, are international curriculum options such as the International Primary Curriculum and International Middle Years Curriculum, which deliver the requirements of the National Curriculum of England in an internationally oriented way.


Almost half of all international schools (45 per cent, according to ISC Research) offer the National Curriculum of England (entirely or as part of their curriculum offerings), 22 per cent of international schools offer a US-style curriculum, and 17 per cent offer one or more of the International Baccalaureate programmes.


Knowing the global accessibility of a curriculum can help a family to decide what options to take when it comes to school selection. For example, although the Reggio Emilia learning approach is highly valued by some, it is only available in 2 per cent of English-medium international schools. That equates to 105 international schools around the world, but if these schools are not located within possible future placements for an expatriate family, it can influence their choice.


NATIONAL CURRICULUM OF ENGLAND British expatriates often select an international school that follows the National Curriculum of England. With so many British schools overseas, it is relatively easy to find a suitable school when moving from country to country. “Many British


parents find the familiarity of the


National Curriculum of England, its terminology, and its structure of subjects a welcome comfort amongst the host of


In 2014, 92 per cent of graduates from the 237 schools in 70 countries that are members of the Council of British International Schools (COBIS) went on to study at university. Of those, 61 per cent went to university in the UK. Colin Bell, CEO of COBIS, says, “At any stage during the educational journey, the continuity of quality education is of significant importance, especially for mobile students and families who find themselves moving from one location to another. For those students who are working towards transitioning to the UK for a university place, the continuity of curriculum is paramount, and never more so than in the competitive global race for top university places.”


AN AMERICAN CURRICULUM


Families relocating from the US are likely to choose an international school offering an American curriculum, or with an American orientation.


“Families choose the American curriculum for a number of reasons,” says Robin Appleby, former superintendent of Dubai American Academy, in the United Arab Emirates, who is now director of the University of Chicago Laboratory Schools. “Those coming abroad from the US generally choose an American curriculum, as the teaching methodology, curriculum content, and co-curricular programmes are familiar to them.”


These families, too, are increasingly taking into account the future higher-education options for their child. “It basically comes down to where the students intend to study after their high-school graduation,” says Deidree Dino, director of admissions at the American International School Vienna, in Austria.


“Students may not know which degree they will be


22 | relocateglobal.com | Keep Informed


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