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More than just a curriculum International Baccalaureate curriculum cultivates strength in students to transform a potential obstacle into an opportunity, says Dr Chiara Tabet, IB DP Coordinator and Head of Senior School, Al Bateen Secondary School » By Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
A system that’s as dynamic as life A rigorous and off-the-shelf curriculum, International Baccalaureate is available in 36 schools in the UAE. Read on to find if IB is the right one for your child » By Suneeti Ahuja-Kohli
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ducation is the best gift you can give your child. But how do you go about choosing a curriculum considering a bewildering landscape of choices available in the UAE. Do you opt for a system that belongs to your country of origin, or settle for credentials from a foreign land? It is not that some curricula are frozen in time compared with the rest. But considering the fast pace of life, many students and parents prefer a dynamic curriculum that prepares them well for the future. International Baccalaureate (IB), as a lot of experts argue, prepares students well by promoting creative and critical way of thinking. A survey conducted by a group of schools in the UK claims that IB is the top passport to international education.
IB is broadly divided into three categories for children between the ages of 3 and 19 — the primary years programme, middle years programme, and diploma programme. IB students are largely responsible for their own learning, which makes it a rigorous and off-the-shelf curriculum. There is a lot of emphasis on research and writing, and students are encouraged to learn from their peers. Students actively critique one another’s work, which develops their critical thinking and prepares them for college-level work and beyond. In the UAE, 36 schools implement different elements of the IB curriculum (see table on page III for more details). Of this list, only seven schools are 100 per cent IB. For the rest, some schools offer IB curriculum at the elementary level, a few offer middle years programme, while others only the diploma programme. —suneeti@khaleejtimes.com
Al Bateen Secondary School’s International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) Coordinator and Head of Senior School, Dr Chiara Tabet, has a wealth of experience in the education sector. She has lived and worked in more than five countries and understands students and teaching methodologies like no one else. In an interview with Khaleej Times, she talks about the various aspects of the course and why she thinks it is one of the best ways to prepare your child for the future. Excerpts: Share your views on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. How does it compare with other curricula, especially A-levels and other national curricula? The IB DP is a unique curriculum for two main reasons. The first is its structure: The fact that students study six subjects doesn’t just mean that they will benefit from a holistic approach to education. It also means that they need to challenge themselves in some areas. They need to both cultivate their strengths and work on their areas for development. This is yet another respect in which the IB DP allows students to become critical, courageous, reflective (and self-reflective) thinkers: An IB student knows how to transform a potential obstacle into an actual opportunity. The second remarkable quality of the IB DP curriculum is, of course, its ethos. The IB DP, in this respect, is both a set of curriculum contents (for example, in Mathematics, Physics, English, Art, etc.) and a philosophy of education. IB students are independent learners, young
adults who understand that ultimately they are responsible for the choices they make, intellectually and ethically. They will need to make a contribution to the community around them through the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) component of the programme, and will need to challenge themselves to do well in their Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge course. They are young human beings who will not be afraid to recognise their mistakes and celebrate their achievements and other people’s achievements. I often find that IB DP students develop a kind of wisdom, an understanding of their place in the world and of the ways in which they want this world to be better, which is perhaps not as explicitly promoted by other curricula. There is a sense of personal ownership and of shared citizenship in IB students that never fails to impress me. The emphasis on acknowledging different perspectives in each subject, and in particular the Theory of Knowledge, leads to a deeper understanding of the importance of diversity for personal and social growth. The emphasis on the learner profile attributes (e.g. being courageous, reflective, caring, etc.) allows these students to develop as responsible citizens of a better world.
Dr Chiara Tabet
You are truly a global citizen having studied and worked in Norway, England, Scotland, Canada, France, and now the UAE. Give us a perspective on how IB teaching is imparted in the UAE and how does it compare with the rest of the world? Are we up to the mark or are there any grey areas that need to be filled?
journalist, once wrote that the true traveller understands that ‘you can never really own a home, a space in the infinite universe, but only pause there for one night or for your entire life, with respect and gratitude’. This respect and gratitude is what I find in IB students here in the UAE. They have the privilege of living in one of the most international and fastest growing societies in the world. Whether they are international students or citizens of this impressive nation, their sense of respect and gratitude comes from acknowledgment of the transient status of what is ‘given’, and the wealth of opportunities that the future carries with it. These students are true travellers in Magris’ sense. They understand and embrace traditions while celebrating change. They are proud of their own identity while acknowledging the different lives of others. In the UAE, perhaps more than anywhere else I have lived, the IB gives students an incredible opportunity to be
Claudio Magris, an Italian writer and
» Continued on page III
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Curriculum SCHOOLS
khaleej times | ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT | SunDay, JUNE 21, 2015
Meet the classroom of the future At the GEMS International School, Al Khail, students are ahead of the curve What will the classrooms of the future look like? Emerging technologies such as augmented reality and 3D printing are paving the way for learning experiences we can only imagine today. But at GEMS International School, Al Khail, the students are already ‘ahead of the curve’, working in classrooms that are student-centred, skill-based, and rooted in technology, focusing on youngsters’ own interests and passions in order to allow them to flourish.
Recently, a number of students at the school were asked: “How would you like to design a new city from scratch?” The suggestion was met with both excitement and immediate commitment, and soon they were designing their own cities using an online tool called Google SketchUp. This fascinating project was part of the school’s Primary Years Programme and related to the Unit of Inquiry entitled ‘How the World Works’. Getting straight to work, the students utilised the idea of a ‘flipped classroom’, which is a reversal of traditional teaching where stu-
dents first obtain exposure to innovative, new material outside of class, typically through reading or lecture videos. They then make use of class time to apply the concepts with guidance and feedback from the teacher. As students began to plan and explore, they quickly picked up the idea that using an island gave them the ability to contain their cities and give it natural boundaries. They experimented with a variety of applications and after an extended search, found an ambitious series of videos using the method of ‘speed building’ created by Justin Kreule, once a student at a GEMS managed school in Tripoli. “I spent a lot of time working on architectural projects on the SketchUp programme, and it was great to see kids getting engaged in it; a programme usually considered suitable for advanced designers,” says Justin. Collaborations with experts in different parts of the world are now a normal and enjoyable part of learning at GEMS International School. And while education must still revolve around relationships between pupil and teacher, when it comes to technology the possibilities are endless.
More than just a curriculum » Continued from page I who they want to be in life. Most of the schools in the UAE either offer IB curriculum at the primary level or a diploma programme. Only seven schools have fully adopted the IB programme. Do you think IB curriculum is more of a complementary course and needs a stronger foundation through other curriculum? I think the IB Diploma Programme needs strong foundations, whether through either IB curricula (the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme) or other curricula (e.g. GCSEs or IGCSEs). The fact that many schools have chosen to integrate an IB curriculum within other national or international curricula is strength of the IB rather than a weakness. It witnesses its flexibility and adaptability to different cultural and educational settings, provided that they share its ethos and its academic ambition. IB is more subjective in terms of learning and teaching. Since students are encouraged to develop independent ways of thinking, how do teachers evaluate students? I wouldn’t say that the IB is subjective. All the students’ work, whether it is course work or final exams, goes through a very rigorous process of marking and moderation by external examiners. It is precisely the standardisation of marking across IB world schools that allows for the rigour, transparency and international prestige of the programme. Guide our young readers studying IB on how they can improve their score. Hard work, personal ambition, and a sense of belonging to a community are key to do well and improve in the IB. It is very important not to underestimate the role played by a supportive school community. For example, here at Al Bateen we offer revision sessions, study clubs, one-to-one academic mentoring and advice,
dreamt to achieve a few years earlier, through the IB system.
The world belongs to our children and students. We have the moral responsibility to give them the best tools we can to succeed in life and make a difference in the lives of others. The IB DP is definitely one such tool. More than this, it is an experience that they will never forget, and of which they will be proud for their entire life. — Dr Chiara Tabet
and countless opportunities for self-reflection and self-improvement. My key advice to all students is to take advantage of the opportunities offered by your school community. Participate. Ask questions. Trust your teachers. Nobody should ever be alone in facing a challenge — a true IB world school is one that is always there for its students. Since the UAE offers a bewildering choice of curricula for students, can you advise parents, and possibly give a few pointers, on how to choose the right curriculum for their children? I would say listen to your children. Choose, by reasoning with them, a curriculum and an educational setting that will allow them not simply to learn some core subjects, but also and most of all to become happy, self-confident and courageous human beings, who feel that they can cultivate their talents, make mistakes, and learn from others. I certainly recommend a holistic education such as the one offered by IB curricula. In my career as an IB DP Coordinator in different national and cultural contexts, I have seen students thrive and achieve objectives that they would never have
Supporters of IB often argue that universities worldwide typically favour IB students and assessment results in the IB DP are a good predicator of academic performance in higher education. What are your views? I completely agree. In fact, this argument is supported by international statistics. A higher percentage of IB students achieve first class degrees than students with any other qualification. IB students are 33 per cent more likely to receive offers from top universities around the world than students with any other qualification. IB students, in my experience, are truly prepared for both study and life at university. They are independent learners with a clear vision about themselves and a readiness to discuss and review their ideas in light of others’ perspectives that is quite rare. Universities do value IB very much to the point that recently the UCAS tariffs have been updated in favour of the IB Diploma Programme, recognising the academic advantage that IB students have when they begin their university studies. Al Bateen Secondary School offers assistance to students in applying to foreign universities. Kindly share the experience of the school. On June 16, we had a great University Fair at Al Bateen, just for our students, hosting universities of the calibre of NYU and UBC. St Andrews and Melbourne joined us on Skype. This is one example of the kind of support that Al Bateen students receive. All applications are reviewed and finalised with the school before they are sent out — each of them as perfect as it can be. The AS students who graduated this year were all accepted by their first choice universities. We truly look forward to our first IB DP Cohort’s success next year. — suneeti@khaleejtimes.com
A FUTURE SHAPED BY OUR CHILDREN We can’t predict the future, but Al Bateen Secondary School can prepare your child to embrace it Al Bateen Secondary School is an Aldar Academies School where it aims to raise courageous children with the ability to apply critical thinking within a global view. Its holistic approach towards education sees students step out with an international edge whilst at the same time receive ample opportunities to develop individual abilities through creativity, sport, teamwork, leadership, performance and service. Its internationally qualified teachers help students to develop problem-solving skills and a love of learning. Al Bateen Secondary School’s unique approach provides challenges and progression delivered through high quality teaching, learning and assessment.
Facilities at the school are excellent and include a research laboratory, 850-seat auditorium, music recording studios, Astroturf field, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, basketball courts, sports hall and outdoor play areas — all combined with an enriched selection of extracurricular activities. When students walk out, they are equipped with the skills and attributes they need to succeed as lifelong learners in the 21st century world — information technology, creative thinking, critical analysis, problem solving and decision making. It all begins
Reasons to do IB Diploma at Al Bateen Secondary School —— It offers academic learning that is recognised by universities around the world —— Universities value students with meaningful experiences beyond the classroom —— It creates independent learners and strong writers —— It cultivates an international mindset —— At every step, the school prepares students to embrace the future —— IB students have proven time management skills —— It encourages critical thinking —— Subjects aren’t taught in isolation
by providing a caring and supportive environment in which students respect each other, feel safe and happy, and thrive. Al Bateen Secondary Schools offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, the perfect programme for students seeking a broad, challenging education with a global view. The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students aged 15 to 18 for success at university and life beyond. The Diploma Programme prepares students for effective participation in a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society as they develop physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically, and acquire breadth and depth of knowledge and understanding, studying courses from six subject groups. “The IB Diploma Programme is perfectly suited to conscientious and motivated students who wish to combine cooperative and inde-
pendent learning across a broad base of subjects,” says Dr Chiara Tabet, who heads the IB programme at Al Bateen. “It is highly regarded by leading universities and is excellent preparation for success at university level.” Students of the IB Diploma Programme have an increased advantage of being accepted into the most prestigious universities worldwide, including Harvard, Yale and Princeton. AL BATEEN SECONDARY SCHOOL Tel: + 971 2 8132000 Email: admissions@albateen.sch.ae Web: www.albateen.sch.ae Street No.28, Al Manaseer Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
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Fostering healthy minds Ajman Academy strives to inspire every student to reach their full potential Ajman Academy, an IB World School, offers a high-quality international programme to Emirati and expatriate children in the region and boasts a demographic of 625 students from over 47 different nationalities. Ajman Academy was developed with a vision of providing a 21st century educational platform. It offers a completely integrated IT experience with a 1:1 iPad programme, wireless configuration of shared learning with real-time commentary. With an IT-enabled state-of-the-art building, the school is quickly becoming a leader for IT integrated learning in the emirates and beyond. It offers a unique ≠Arabic programme with three streams of the language alongside a burgeoning Spanish programme. Ajman Academy is dedicated to empowering its students to become lifelong learners in an increasingly digital and globalised environment. Keeping up with trends, the academy offers Wi-Fi throughout the campus alongside high-spec Information and Communication Technology. The education base believes that healthy bodies mean healthy minds, which is why it encourages students to have a healthy diet and drink plenty of water. All meals provided in its cafeteria are Halal, nutritionally balanced and prepared using locally
Ajman Academy features —— Modern, well-appointed spacious classrooms —— Well-resourced library —— Wi-Fi throughout the campus —— High-spec Information and Communication Technology —— 240-seat auditorium —— Cafeteria/multi-purpose recreational area —— Indoor sports hall —— Indoor swimming pool —— Outdoor basketball and tennis courts —— Outdoor football field —— Separate nursery building —— Early childhood play area
Specialist classrooms ☛☛ ICT suites ☛☛ Art studio ☛☛ Music room ☛☛ Food and technology room ☛☛ Arabic and English language suites
sourced ingredients and produce wherever possible. Ajman Academy helps each student be the best that they can be, while fostering internationalmindedness, mutual respect and understanding. Open for admissions from FS1 to IGCSE, parents and students can contact Ajman Academy on +971 6 731 4444 or visit their website at www.ajmanacademy.com for more information.
Schools offering IB Curriculum Schools
Type of course offered
◗◗ Abu Dhabi International Private School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Ajman Academy
Primary Years Programme
◗◗ Al Bateen Secondary School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Al Najah Private School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ American Community School, Abu Dhabi
Diploma Programme
◗◗ American International School, Abu Dhabi
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Australian International School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Australian School of Abu Dhabi
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Dar al Marefa Private School
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Deira International School
Primary Years Programme
◗◗ Dubai American Academy
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Dubai International Academy
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Emirates International School, Jumeirah
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Emirates International School – Meadows
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Emirates National School - Abu Dhabi City Campus Primary Years Programme, and Diploma Programme ◗◗ Emirates National School – Mohammed Bin Zayed Campus
Primary Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Emirates National School Al Ain City Campus
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS American Academy - Abu Dhabi
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS Modern Academy
Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS Wellington Academy - Silicon Oasis
Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS Wellington International School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS World Academy – Dubai
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi
Primary Years Programme
◗◗ German International School Sharjah
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Greenfield Community School
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Jumeira Baccalaureate School
Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Jumeirah English Speaking School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Raffles World Academy
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Raha International School
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Ras Al Khaimah English Speaking School
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Repton School, Dubai
Diploma Programme
◗◗ The British International School Abu Dhabi
Diploma Programme
◗◗ The Universal American School – Dubai
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Towheed Iranian School
Diploma Programme
◗◗ Uptown School
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
◗◗ Victoria International School of Sharjah
Diploma Programme Source: IBO website
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ﺷﺎرع اﻟﺨﻴﻞ- ﻣﺪرﺳﺔ ﺟﻴﻤﺲ اﻟﺪوﻟﻴﺔ
GEMS International School AL KHAIL
“We develop our students as engaged, confident and successful selfmotivated learners.” Christopher McDermott Principal/CEO GEMS International School - Al Khail
EDUCATING TODAY’S LEARNERS FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD GEMS International School encourages ambition, acknowledges potential and provides all of the tools necessary to allow students to attain academic distinction in a creative and questioning environment. Offering the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Primary Years Program educational Christopher McDermott curriculum, which educates young Principal/CEO GEMS International people to be critical thinkers and School - Al Khail compassionate citizens, GEMS Education has enjoyed outstanding success in the UAE, with the student pass rate for 2014 being 86.00%, compared to 78.50% worldwide; this equates to an IB average score of 31.40% in GEMS’ schools, as against 29.81% globally.
A Parent’s Perspective
WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE?
WHO CAN BENEFIT?
The IB exhibits every facet of an ideal system of standards, curriculum and assessments. It is a passport to the finest universities in the world, and is a qualification that challenges and inspires students to become caring, meticulous and disciplined thinkers.
The IB is the fastest growing, most respected qualification in the world today; a coherent program designed by leading educationalists, giving students the skills and know-how required to make an effective contribution to a rapidly evolving and increasingly global society. Consequently, the IB is beneficial to all young people who want to develop robust academic and social abilities; who want to think independently and drive their own education.
Jeffrey Beard, Group Director for Innovation, GEMS Education
Jeffrey Beard, Group Director for Innovation, GEMS Education, and previously Director General of the International Baccalaureate, explains: “Today’s IB students know how to collaborate and the value of teamwork. Through the IB syllabus, they develop their analytical ability, versatility, and critical thinking – all traits that are highly regarded by employers and universities.”
Indeed, the IB mission mirrors that of GEMS International School, with students enjoying the freedom to think while striving for academic excellence. A Parent’s Perspective
UNLEASH YOUR CHILD’S POTENTIAL
Agnès and Peter Cooke, who moved to Dubai with their sevenyear-old twins, Oscar and Charlotte, after six years in Singapore, have clearly been impressed with what they have found, stating: “We love the interactive nature of the IB curriculum, which gives our children a broad range of questioning and curiosity skills about the world around them in partnership with academic capability.” Students at GEMS International School consistently achieve outstanding results, a trend that will continue thanks to the school’s unparalleled understanding of the IB, led by its highly experienced IB teachers plus a team of experts collaborating with Christopher McDermott in their quest to ensure that the school is ideally placed to help youngsters reach their desired goals.
Currently accepting students for KG - Grade 9, (4-14 years) and expanding to Grade 12 in the coming years, GEMS International School is currently an IB candidate school and will become one of only a small number of schools within the UAE that offers the IB system throughout a student’s entire education. Limited places are available for the academic year 2015/2016, and parents are invited to apply to enroll their children into what is an engaging, rewarding and life-enhancing process – the International Baccalaureate. IB Average Score
GEMS Students
Worldwide Average
The school is committed to a curriculum that is broad and ambitious, enabling each student to develop their voice, talents and abilities. To support this commitment, it offers an IB education from the seminal years through to the end of Grade 9, which is only offered by a handful of schools in the UAE. Jeffrey Beard comments: “By providing the IB system from the very beginning of a child’s education, GEMS International School is able to deliver a consistent and holistic educational approach, developing future leaders for the workplace of tomorrow.” Christopher McDermott, Principal, GEMS International School, adds: “Within each of our IB program subjects we develop our students as confident and successful, self-motivated learners. Our purpose-built facilities support a wide range of learning activities, as well as providing dedicated sports, fitness and recreational opportunities. Digital learning is also a key area of focus.”
ADMISSION OPEN FOR KG - GRADE 9 +9714 339 6200 / 600 56 7771 www.gemsis-alkhail.com
• Have an international outlook; critically appreciating their own heritage and culture, in addition to the values and traditions of others. • Learn to move beyond conventional subjects by nurturing inquisitiveness and developing skills for inquiry and research. • Show empathy, compassion and respect to both people and the environment. • Develop critical and creative thinking skills to analyse and take responsible action on complex problems. • Understand the importance of balancing diverse aspects of their lives, including intellectual, physical and emotional, to achieve wellbeing for themselves and others.
THE GEMS DIFFERENCE
GEMS IB STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY OUTPERFORM THE IB WORLDWIDE AVERAGE
100% PROGRAMS FOR PARENTAL ENGAGEMENT IN ALL SCHOOLS
200+ 200+ COURSES FOR TEACHER TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Charlotte Dahlman-Larsen, a mother of two young children, chose GEMS International School because it offered the IB curriculum, explaining: “There is a big diversity in terms of nationalities, and the IB system is the one that is best when it comes to individual learning styles for students.”
WHY GEMS INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL – AL KHAIL?
International Baccalaureate students are taught by highly experienced IB teachers who make use of the most effective learning technologies. Therefore, students learn far more than just a collection of facts, preparing them for ongoing education and encouraging them to:
BYOD 2012
2013
2014
30.20 Points
30.60 Points
31.40 Points
29.83 Points
29.81 Points
29.81 Points
■ GEMS data source ■ Source from www.ibo.org
OUR SCHOOLS ARE BYOD (BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE) ENABLED
100% OUR STUDENTS ARE GIVEN OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
IB Average Pass Rate
GEMS Students
Worldwide Average
1,550+ OVER 1,550 AWARDS FOR ACADEMIC, SPORTS AND THE ARTS
2012
2013
2014
75.60%
82.90%
86.00%
78.48%
78.54%
78.50%
■ GEMS data source ■ Source from www.ibo.org
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UNIVERSITIES
OUR IB STUDENTS HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED TO SOME OF THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS UNIVERSITIES AROUND THE WORLD
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