There has been an exponential growth in the number of international schools over the past two decades. International schools used to cater to a few expatriate children worldwide. Now children of locals and people moving to town according to their job requirements go to international schools.
International school means different things to different people. To some, it represents schools that have an international curriculum. To others, it means that the school has faculty and students from multiple nations. To some people, it may be all about how the school is financed. None of these definitions describes an international school.
What is an international school?
An international school is a school that follows the philosophy of international mindedness and equips its students with 21st-century skills. A school doesn’t become international by its curriculum or population, or reputation, although these can be contributing factors.
What makes a school an international school?
Academic excellence: The schools follow an international curriculum that assures academic excellence. The teachers build a bridge between the traditional subjects and the real world. The teachers connect theory and real-life experiences while teaching.
Facilities: The schools provide the latest infrastructure, state of the art libraries and laboratories, indoor and outdoor sports spaces. The campus design is such that it boosts interaction and collaboration. The environment inspires students to learn and gives them a world-class experience.
Admission: The school admission process is made transparent and straightforward as students from all over the globe seek admissions. There are admission counsellors to walk you through the process.
Faculty: The staff and teachers are professionally qualified and receive training periodically.
Global-mindedness: More than any other factor, what sets these schools apart is the global vision they pursue relentlessly. It begins with the method of teaching by the teachers and the way of learning by the students. The schools know that students need more than academic success to be successful in University and employment. Curiosity is encouraged, and students are taught to question everything. Caring for the world and being sensitive to their surroundings is embedded.
Personalised learning: Students from multiple nationalities take admissions at various stages throughout the year and leave to pursue higher education or career. It, therefore, becomes imperative for the school to be ready to fit the child instead of expecting the child to fit in. The schools are learner-centric. The children are encouraged to dream big and have ambitions. It makes them aware of the various opportunities that the school offers to make them future leaders.
Global citizens: These schools provide children with the necessary academic, personal and social skills to prepare them to be global citizens. The schools offer opportunities for students to connect and collaborate with students from other parts of the world. Students are provided with inter-school or online activities as part of their curriculum. Through a tie-up with organisations like UNICEF, some of the schools give students the experience to do social work across borders. Students become sensitive to global problems and can also make a positive difference to the world. The method of education throws open the doors of the future for the students.
Takeaways: International school prepares your child to feel that the universe is their home and become a global citizen.
