Choosing the Right Curriculum for Your Child in the UAE: A Guide for Parents

Shahba Mayyeri -

When it comes to selecting a school for your child, one of the most crucial decisions parents in the UAE face is choosing the right curriculum. With a wide range of international educational systems available, this choice can be overwhelming.

If you're wondering how to choose the best fit for your child, a comparison of the most popular curriculums—British, International Baccalaureate (IB), American, and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE)—can help you make an informed decision.

Schooling Structure

Each curriculum offers a different structure designed to cater to students’ educational needs at various stages:

  • British Curriculum: The British system is divided into Key Stages (KS1 to KS4) for students aged 5 to 16. After completing their General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams, students move on to A-Levels for advanced studies, typically focusing on a few chosen subjects.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): The IB curriculum spans from ages 3 to 19, divided into three parts. It culminates with the IB Diploma Programme (DP), where students earn an internationally recognized qualification, emphasizing a holistic learning experience.
  • American Curriculum: Structured in three stages—Elementary (K-5), Middle (6-8), and High School (9-12)—students in the American system receive a high school diploma after completing their studies.
  • CBSE: The CBSE curriculum divides grades into primary and senior secondary stages (Grades 1-12), focusing on preparing students for board exams at the end of Grades 10 and 12.

Subject Curriculum

The approach to subject specialization varies across each system:

  • British Curriculum: Initially broad, the curriculum narrows at the A-Level stage, where students select three or four subjects to specialize in.
  • IB: The IB emphasizes a well-rounded education, requiring students to study six subjects, each chosen from one of six subject groups. This structure aims to foster a balanced academic experience.
  • American Curriculum: Students enjoy flexibility, with a combination of compulsory and elective courses. This allows for a personalized education tailored to students’ interests and needs.
  • CBSE: Offering a centralized curriculum, CBSE prepares students with a blend of theoretical and practical knowledge, essential for success in Indian standardised tests.

Assessments and Exams

Each curriculum employs different assessment methods:

  • British Curriculum: Assessment focuses on GCSEs and A-Levels, with external exams and occasional coursework contributing to final grades.
  • IB: In addition to internal projects and regular assessments, IB students must submit a Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay, engage in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), and write an extended essay for the Diploma.
  • American Curriculum: Standardized tests, regular assessments, and projects are common, with a strong emphasis on students' Grade Point Average (GPA), which plays a significant role in academic progression.
  • CBSE: In CBSE schools, assessments are continuous, with a focus on practical examinations. Major exams are held at the end of Grades 10 and 12.

Global Recognition

When considering future academic opportunities, the global recognition of each curriculum is important:

  • British Curriculum: A-Levels are widely recognized around the world, especially in Europe and Commonwealth countries.
  • IB: The IB Diploma enjoys global recognition, particularly for promoting an international mindset and opening doors to universities worldwide.
  • American Curriculum: Primarily recognized in the US, the American curriculum is also accepted by many international universities, depending on accreditation and subjects.
  • CBSE: While most recognized in India, CBSE certification is gaining ground internationally, particularly in Asia and the Middle East, with many universities accepting CBSE scores for admission.

News Source: Khaleej Times