International Curriculum Types

Montessori is an educational method founded by Dr. Maria Montessori, an Italian physician, educator, and innovator. This approach emphasizes independence, freedom within limits, and self-directed learning. Diverse concepts are presented in multiple ways throughout the curriculum, tailored to the appropriate age group. Montessori education fosters a collaborative atmosphere that encourages peer learning, particularly prevalent among children aged 3 to 6.

Foreign educators who choose to teach abroad often utilize a curriculum with which they are already familiar. Numerous English medium schools around the globe have adopted international or Western curricula, making it easier for these educators to find overseas teaching opportunities that align with established frameworks such as the IB, AP, U.S. Common Core, CIE/British, or Montessori curricula. This enables teachers to continue their practice using a familiar curriculum.

However, it is important to recognize that many schools may adapt these international curricula to align with local educational standards or to better meet the needs of their student populations. Unless you are working in a school with a 100% foreign student demographic, it is likely that the curriculum will differ from what you encounter in your home country.

In numerous instances, curricula are modified to incorporate courses mandated by local education authorities. These courses often focus on subjects such as history and social studies and are typically taught by local educators rather than foreign nationals.

For teachers seeking clarity on the integration of local curricula or strategies for lesson adaptation, collaboration with school administration and fellow foreign educators can be beneficial.

Globally, an increasing number of schools are opting to implement a variation of the American curriculum, which is advantageous for American teachers and beneficial for non-American educators as many institutions offer training prior to the start of the academic year.

Many parents abroad are keen for their children to be prepared for U.S. university admission, leading to the establishment of American-style high schools designed to equip students for success in the United States. Several of these schools have partnerships or exchange programs with institutions in the U.S., allowing students to study for one semester to two academic years in the States. Common courses offered in these schools include:

• Advanced Placement
• SAT preparation

The Advanced Placement (AP) program, developed by the College Board (the same organization that administers the SAT), provides high school students with college-level coursework and examinations. High scores on AP exams often result in college placement or credit at U.S. universities, which is why American-style high schools worldwide strive to offer these courses. Completing multiple AP classes can also be essential for admission to many European universities.

While not formally a high school course, many Chinese schools employ educators to prepare students for high SAT scores. Given that the SAT or its counterpart, the ACT, is a requirement for entry to competitive U.S. universities, achieving a strong performance on these exams is critical for students.

A notable difference between the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) lies in their governance. The IB mandates a curriculum that schools must follow to graduate students, while CIE administers assessments without strict curriculum requirements, allowing individual schools flexibility. The CIE offers four distinct programs:

1. Cambridge Primary: Designed for learners aged 5 to 11, often utilizing Checkpoint tests for development assessment.
2. Cambridge Secondary 1: For learners aged 11 to 14, where Checkpoint tests help identify strengths and weaknesses in key areas.
3. Cambridge Secondary 2: For learners aged 14 to 16, including Cambridge IGCSE and O Level, both of which are globally recognized qualifications.
4. Cambridge Advanced: For learners aged 16 to 19, providing advanced study opportunities and qualifications such as Cambridge Pre-U and AS/A Levels.

http://www.cie.org.uk/ 

– IGCSE: The International General Certificate of Secondary Education is a widely recognized English-language curriculum comparable to various international secondary qualifications.

– O Level: The Ordinary Level is an internationally recognized qualification equivalent to the GED or high school diploma.

– A Level: AS and A Levels are traditional qualifications offered by British schools for 16-19-year-olds, valued by universities and employers for their focus on academic subjects.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum is a globally recognized educational framework aimed at cultivating intellectually curious, culturally aware students prepared for lifelong learning. Managed by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), this curriculum is implemented in thousands of schools worldwide and consists of four main programs designed for specific age groups:

Core Attributes Across All Programs:

IB students are encouraged to embody the IB Learner Profile, which encompasses attributes such as being inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, principled, open-minded, caring, balanced, and reflective. The IB promotes international-mindedness, intercultural understanding, and a holistic educational approach, preparing students for success in an interconnected world.

Importance of the International Baccalaureate (IB):

In the rapidly growing landscape of international education, well-developed and rigorously monitored programs like the IB ensure that quality is maintained alongside growth. The IBO enforces stringent accreditation requirements, and schools seeking validation can undergo a lengthy approval process.

Overview of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum:

The IB program consists of four primary categories:

1. Primary Years Program (PYP): For ages 3-12, focusing on a wide range of subjects including language, arts, social studies, mathematics, science, technology, and physical education. Learning a second language is a requirement.

– Core Elements:

– Six transdisciplinary themes

– Inquiry-based learning

– Emphasis on holistic development

2. Middle Years Program (MYP): For ages 11-16, typically grades 6-10, linking traditional subjects with real-world applications.

– Core Features:

– Eight subject groups

– Personal Project

– Focus on global contexts and interdisciplinary learning

3. Diploma Program (DP): For ages 16-19, this two-year curriculum provides qualifications for acceptance into colleges and universities globally, recognized by many higher education institutions.

– Core Components:

– Six subject groups

– Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

– Extended Essay (EE)

– Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

4. Career-Related Program (CP): Tailored for students aged 16-19 seeking to develop career-related skills.

– Core Components:

– Diploma Programme (DP) subjects

– Career-related studies

– Personal and Professional Skills (PPS) course

– Reflective Project

Curriculums in Vietnam 

Vietnam offers four main types of curriculums: IB, U.S./AP, the local curriculum, and the National Curriculum for England. If you have experience teaching any of these, you’ll find many opportunities in Vietnam. Even without prior experience in these systems, there are still great teaching positions available.

Teaching International Baccalaureate (IB) in Vietnam

As of 2020, 13 schools in Vietnam offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. This creates hundreds of teaching opportunities, many of which are open to international teachers.

Teaching U.S./AP in Vietnam

Numerous schools in Vietnam provide Advanced Placement (AP) courses. To offer these, schools must have their curriculum approved by the AP program to meet required standards. Teachers are responsible for preparing students for AP exams, typically held during the first two weeks of May.

Teaching the Local Curriculum in Vietnam

Vietnam’s education system, overseen by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET), includes both public and private institutions. Known for its rigorous and evolving standards, the system is competitive, particularly at the secondary level. Subjects in the local curriculum include Vietnamese language and literature, mathematics, science, nature and society, arts (music and fine arts), technology, physical education, and foreign languages. The primary goals of education in Vietnam are to enhance general knowledge, train skilled professionals, and nurture talent.

Teaching the National Curriculum for England in Vietnam

The National Curriculum for England ensures a consistent standard of education for students aged 5–16 across England and Wales. It includes four required key stages, with an optional Key Stage 5 for students aged 17–18 (Years 12 and 13). Most international schools in Vietnam also include Key Stage 5, often referred to as “college” in the British context.

This curriculum outlines essential learning elements, including the subjects taught, the knowledge and skills to be developed, and expected achievement levels. It also specifies how students are assessed. Within this framework, schools have the flexibility to design lessons.

Accreditation for this curriculum is provided by the UK Department of Education, with a specialized program called British Schools Overseas (BSOs) to ensure international schools meet UK standards.