There are growing numbers of international schools in India, home to 400 international schools as reported by FICCI (2014) and the fourth country in the world to have the highest number of international schools (Source: CIA World Factbook 2014).
Traditionally, international schools have served the children of expatriate workers for whom local education was not considered appropriate. The curriculum was typically American or British, as opposed to the more common internationally focused curricula that dominate today.
Nowadays, the aspiration and growth of middle class are the drivers for booming of international schools in India. Internationalization of labour and rapid growth of academic mobility for higher education level, perhaps have played the most significant role in driving growth of international school in India. Although in India more than 95% international schools offer a dual curriculum (international curriculum and national curriculum such as CBSE, State Board or CISCE.)
Types of International Boards
A large number of Indian schools tying up with the international boards and there are different types of the international curriculum being followed by international schools. Most prevalent amongst those are CIE (University of Cambridge International Examinations); IGCSE or IB program,
Some other - Boards in England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Island include, Edexcel (Pearson Edexcel as of April 2013); CCEA, ICAAE, OCR, WJEC, SQA and AQA.
Curriculum
In India, international schools usually follow IGCSE or IB program.
IB (International Baccalaureate)
In India, there are 103 schools offering one of the three IB programs. It offers four educational programs namely:
PYP (Primary Years Program)
This curriculum is for children in the age group 3 to 12. This curriculum includes three main components- how students learn, how teachers/educators teach and the effective assessment practices. There 44 schools in India offering PYP program.
MYP (Middle Years Program)
The curriculum comprises eight subject groups namely, language acquisition, language and literature, individual and societies, science, mathematics, arts, design, physical and health education. It is for students in the age group of 11 to 16. There 11schools in India offering MYP program.
IBDP (Diploma Program)
It is for students in the age group 16-19. Its curriculum is made up of six subject groups namely, studies in language and literature, language acquisition, science, mathematics, arts, Individuals and societies. IBDP is offered by 91 schools in India.
CP (Career-related Program)
It is designed for students in the age group 16-19. This program leads to higher education, employment or apprenticeships. CP curriculum includes opting for minimum two courses of Diploma Program, a core consisting of four components and a career-related study.
IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education)
There are 300 schools in India are affiliated to University of Cambridge Local Examination Syndicate UCLES (CIE). In India, CIE provides globally recognized qualifications to 5-19 year olds that include Cambridge ‘O’ level, Cambridge International ‘AS’ & ‘A’ Level and Cambridge IGCSE.
It provides a flexible study program and includes subjects from Languages, Humanities, Social Sciences, Mathematics, Creative, Technical and Vocational. Most of the IGCSE subjects offer a choice of tiered examinations, Core and Foundation papers, making it suitable for students with varying levels of ability. It also allows teaching in a localized context for students whose first language is not English.
Grading and Assessments
There are no formal examinations set or marked by the IB. Teachers administer and select assessment tasks for each subject group in the form of:
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Oral Assessment
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Written Assessment
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Practical Assessment.
And as per:
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Resources available in the school
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Subjects of assessment
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Objectives being measured
Grades range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), for each subject. For personal projects, grades are based on the skill levels a student has achieved.
On the other hand, IGCSE is graded on an 8-point scale from A* to G with a 9th grade "U" signifying "Ungraded". Initially, "A*" grade did not exist, it was added later to recognize the top of achievement. International schools normally allow students to study subjects anywhere ranging from 5 to 14. The Cambridge examination board offers an ICE (International Certificate of Education) group qualification for candidates who achieve 7 A*-C across the following groups:
Group I: Languages
Group II: Humanities and Social Sciences
Group III: Sciences
Group IV: Mathematics
Group V: Creative, Technical and Vocational
The ICE is awarded in three grade categories: Distinction, Merit and Pass. In addition, Cambridge also awards "Outstanding Achievement Awards" in the categories of "top in the country,” and "top in the world" for each subject.
Tips for Parents
The number of takers for the international curriculum is increasing due to ease with the student can transfer his/her education from one school to another regardless of location in the world, particularly useful for families who move a lot for work.
The qualification obtained by these schools is recognized by higher education institutes or universities all around the world, so the student has a wide range of possibilities when they finish their high school education. This is especially helpful when you have plans to send your child for higher studies in foreign universities.
Lastly, an international schooling opens a world of understanding across borders and friendship that will help your child for life.