Dubai offers an education system that includes both public and private education, with 90% of education provided through private schools. These schools offer a range of curricula, including American, French, British and the International Baccalaureate (IB). But which school curriculum is the best in Dubai for your child?

With the increasing growth of google, the Director for Education and skills at the OECD says “The world no longer rewards people for what they know” with google knowing everything, independent thinking, creativity, and decision making is highly rewarded.

So, let’s look at the main curriculum offered in Dubai private schools.

British Curriculum

The British curriculum consists of GCSES (General Certificate of Education) up to the ages of 16 then the Advanced level qualification, which are also known as A-levels from the ages of 16 to 18.

This Curriculum has a wide range of subjects that provide students with a broad and balanced level of knowledge, taught in a structured delivery of information. A-levels allow a student to choose 3 to 4 subjects to study and each subject is highly specialized and independent, so if you are studying biology for example this will be the sole topic of the lesson. Each subject is also graded independently on a letter basis.

Due to the level of structure of this curriculum, extracurricular activities are usually optional and dependent on the school or college and what they provide.

French Curriculum

A theoretical based curriculum, the French curriculum consists of four cycles. The first cycle is the basic learning cycle, from the age of 3 to 6 years old. The second cycle is the fundamental learning stage which focuses on elementary education prioritizing the French language and Mathematics. The third cycle (the consolidation cycle) is a continuation of the second cycle with new disciplines introduced. The fourth cycle is the further learning stage where students have a broad curriculum of all fundamental subjects.

The French curriculum is heavy on the traditional methods of learning with teachers being considered with the highest level of authority, and textbook learning with less room for creative freedom.

The conclusion of the French curriculum is that the student will be highly qualified and prepared for acceptance to French universities.

American Curriculum

The American curriculum is taught across the US, which concludes with Advanced Placement exams (AP) which are accepted in most universities in America and schools across the world.  The AP program consists of college-like courses in numerous advanced subjects, with multiple choice tests and essay exams. Through textbook learning and teachers organizing exams class by class, this curriculum is seen as a preparation for students who wish to study further in the US.

Swiss Curriculum

The Swiss curriculum and the IB were both created in Switzerland, meaning that they are fairly similar. The Swiss curriculum offers a flexible way of learning to students by breaking up the curriculum in secondary school so students can choose vocational studies or tertiary studies.

Swiss curriculum emphasizes highly on languages with most people in Switzerland speaking at least two languages. Importance is also given to the natural sciences with Mathematics, Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Geography being some of the main subjects.

With the Swiss curriculum ending with the Swiss Maturite, a lesser-known qualification outside of Switzerland due to fewer students leaving Switzerland to study at university therefore the Maturite isn’t known and is considered less valuable.

The Swiss curriculum is beneficial for those who wish to return to Switzerland for further studies.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate benefits students by encouraging them to solve complex problems and critically think to drive their own learning.  The IB allows pupils to achieve an internationally recognized diploma impressing universities and employers across the globe.

The IB is unique with 6 courses to study, with the Creativity, Action, Service requirement taking learning outside of the classroom and allowing students to take action and learn through experience.  Students have time to nurture their own interests and skills through clubs, sports, community service and more co-curricular activities.  In the classroom two-way communication and discussions with teachers are highly encouraged, developing confidence and willingness to listen to others.

Studying the IB encourages innovation through MYP eAssesments a dynamic form of examination that is stimulating, academically rigorous and inspiring.

This thought-provoking, highly stimulating curriculum fully prepares children for the future of their academic and working careers.

So which school curriculum is the best in Dubai?

The International Baccalaureate is accepted in over 2,000 schools across over 75 countries. A highly recognized diploma across the globe truly prepares your child for their academic future.

Swiss International Scientific School is authorized by the IB organization as an IB Continuum World School that offers and teaches IB Primary Years Program, IB Middle Years Program, the IB Diploma Program and the IB Career-related Program.

Studies show that IB students are accepted into Ivy League universities at an 18% higher rate than other curriculum graduates. Other top-ranked universities accept IB students at a 22% higher than average rate.

To conclude, the International Baccalaureate is a huge benefit to your child, by providing quality academic opportunities while allowing freedom to pursue their personal interests providing an internationally recognized diploma, therefore allowing them to travel from Dubai and study anywhere in the world.