The education system in India is one of the largest in the world, with over 1.5 million schools and over 40,000 higher education institutions as of January 2023. Over the years, there has been a growing recognition of the need for investment in the education sector. The quality of and access to education is seeing major reformations with the need to equip students with the skills required for the twenty-first-century workforce. Here is where international curricula step in with the potential to redefine the paradigm of education in India.
Why is an international curriculum important?
The world is now one big global village and India is emerging as a global superpower. From watching television shows from the other side of the globe in real-time to plans of pursuing education in another country, children are, quite literally, in sync with the world. Travel has become easier, faster, and more convenient, which allows the younger generation easy access to various parts of the world. In a world that is constantly evolving and becoming more accessible in all aspects, international education makes learning for the current and future generations diverse and innovative.
What does an international curriculum do for students in India?
Contrary to the conventional education system of our country, international education in India augments the future of learning, providing students with access to world-class facilities, resources, and research opportunities.
International curricula in Indian education are designed to meet global standards of quality and rigour. These standards ensure that children receive a well-rounded and comprehensive education that prepares them for success.
International curriculum in India exposes students to diverse cultures and ways of thinking, fostering a deep appreciation for cultural differences and promoting cross-cultural understanding. This exposure helps children develop a global mindset, making them better equipped to navigate and succeed in a rapidly globalizing world.
International curricula help Indian students develop a global perspective by exposing them to diverse cultures, languages, and global issues while promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and community engagement, preparing them to become empathetic and committed global citizens.
Small class sizes, typically ranging from 10-15 students, provide a more intimate and personalized learning experience in international education. Studies have shown that students in small classes consistently perform better academically, with higher grades and test scores, than their peers in larger classes. According to a meta-analysis of over 100 studies, students in small classes (typically around 15 students) have an average of 12-13% higher test scores compared to students in larger classes (typically around 25 students).
International schools in India attract a diverse mix of students from different cultural backgrounds, which can provide a rich learning environment where students can learn from each other’s experiences and perspectives. By providing a supportive and stimulating environment, international curricula can help to unlock the creative potential of children and prepare them for a rapidly changing world.
International education in India is more personalised and focused on student-centred learning and individualised instruction based on students’ interests, strengths, and weaknesses. Imagine your child being accessible to a plethora of co-curricular activities to engage in and a variety of subjects to understand the areas they would like to pursue in the long term.
Twenty-first-century learners need to develop soft skills, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication. This has led to a shift towards hands-on, project-based learning, allowing children to apply their knowledge in real-world settings which is exactly what an international curriculum in India provides.
Technology has dramatically changed the way children learn, with online resources and virtual classrooms becoming increasingly common. There is a greater emphasis on STEM education, preparing students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. In January 2023, the International Baccalaureate (IB) joined hands with Microsoft to become an official Career-related Studies (CRS) strategic partner.
Busting the myths on international curriculum in India
While international education is gradually being accepted in the Indian education system, there are misconceptions doing the rounds in the general audience. Here are the top five, clarified:
The most common misconception that a majority of parents have is that international schools are for children who want to study abroad. This is not true. While international schools offer students the opportunity to seek a career outside their native country, they are also recognized by Indian universities for students who wish to pursue a career in India itself.
The Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE) has been in India since 1931, while the International Baccalaureate (IB) conducted its first set of official examinations in 1976. Although these curricula have been prevalent for quite a few years, they are now gaining popularity in India considering the growing need for international mindedness and social-emotional learning.
The general outlook that quite a few parents have about international education is that it lacks rigour and fails to give children a firm academic foundation. On the contrary, an international curriculum ensures and promotes children’s holistic development, making them ambitious, multi-faceted, and lifelong learners.
In recent years, many schools in India have adopted international curricula like IB and Cambridge and have successfully implemented them, producing global citizens who are well-equipped to navigate the challenges of an increasingly interconnected world. At Universal Wisdom School, our teachers have been trained and students are provided with the necessary resources to implement international curricula effectively.
The world has changed significantly in recent years. Providing students with exposure to a global perspective can greatly enhance their abilities to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. International schools provide students with the liberty to choose and customise their line of education in an attempt to navigate them to landing their dream careers, without being limited to the country’s borders.
In conclusion
International curricula have the potential to broaden your child’s horizons, enabling them to develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures, traditions, and ways of thinking. It also provides opportunities to engage in community service and experiential learning. International education greatly enriches the lives of Indian students and prepares them for success in an interconnected world.
Are you looking for the best international school in Pune? Universal Wisdom School is the place to be! Click here to know more or reach out to us at 9168220020 or 9168220030 to speak to our team.
