What is the difference between IB, Cambridge CIE & IGCSE, and CBSE?

IB vs Cambridge vs CBSE?

Spoilt for choice? Given the choice that exists in international schools in Ahmedabad choosing between different curriculum can be quite a dilemma.
We break down the basic differences for you:

1.International Baccalaureate

 

The International Baccalaureate, is the curriculum of choice for more than one million students world-wide. The IB is based in Geneva, Switzerland and has been one of the most popular and recognized international curricula since 1968. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on students’ personal development.

The IB offers four programmes for students of various ages:

• PYP- Primary Years Programme (3-12 years)
• MYP- Middle Years Programme (11-16 years)
• DP- Diploma Programme (16-19 years)
• CP- Career-related Programme (16-19 years)


• Research proves that in many cases IB students outperform students pursuing other programmes
• Emphasis on inquiry-based learning
• Learner-centric or student centric approach
• Transdisciplinary approach to learning & teaching
• Emphasis on developing international-mindedness in students
• The IB learner profile that emphasizes developing a set of attributes in every child
• Action-orientedness: all learning eventually encourages students to take action
• Focus on play-based learning in the early or formative years
• Focus on research and critical thinking in the Diploma Programme
• Recognition by top-universities and world-wide such as Oxford, Harvard & Yale.

2. The Cambridge Curriculum ( offered since last 10 years at TIS)

Equally recognized and popular, across the world is Cambridge Assessment International Education (CAIE, formerly known as CIE). Part of the University of Cambridge, the CAIE’s approach to education is best defined by intellectual rigour.
Cambridge Assessment International Education offers the following programmes and qualifications, called the Cambridge Pathway, for students of various ages:

• Cambridge Primary
• Cambridge Lower Secondary
• Cambridge Upper Secondary
• Cambridge Advanced

At TSI we offer the Cambridge Lower Secondary and Cambridge Upper Secondary programmes, preparing students to qualify for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an internationally recognized qualification. The Cambridge Curriculum is known for its:

• International Curriculum
• Focus on Teaching & Learning practices
• Reliable and rigorous assessments
• International recognition by top universities and employers
• Global learning communities of teachers and learners
• Focus on developing creative thinking and problem solving

3. The CBSE Curriculum ( not offered at TSI)

The Central Board for Secondary Education is the national curriculum of choice for most Indian students. It provides robust and holistic education for students that aligns with the objective of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) of India. What makes it a popular choice is its:

• Focus on holistic development of the child
• Focus on stress-free learning
• Emphasis on skill-based education
• Inclusion of local issues, history and culture along with global ones
• Close alignment with National Curriculum Framework
• Foundation for competitive exams in India such as the IIT-JEE, NEET, UPSC, CLAT etc.

Q. What are the facilities at your school?
 
A. The School is operational since June, 2016, from Pre-primary to Grade XII. The facilities of the   school are:

Day care facility from the age 3 years to 12 years of age Wide variety of books in library as per the Age group Language, Mathematics and Creative Lab Outdoor and Indoor Sports Theater In Education Food facility Fleet of AC/ Non- AC buses for students Counseling for students and parents Assistance in University Admissions Foreign trips for educational workshops

Q. Being an Internationally affiliated school what is the benefit of curriculum approach?
 

A. TSI follows the international curriculum of Cambridge International Examination (CIE) this curriculum offers better benefits to the students in terms of:
 

No prescribed textbooks, freedom to learn No rote learning but application based learning Application oriented curriculum is focused on concept learning, analytical skills, language, art and humanities. Recognized Worldwide; opportunity to apply to foreign university where CBSE, State Board has other limitations IB and CIE student are not required to give TOEFL or IELTS while applying for under graduate program· Larger choice of subjects for students to opt for opens door for university admissions across the globe More emphasis is given on English and Vocational subjects which leads to career oriented education. Facility to prepare for University Examination like SAT, GRE, GMAT.

Q. What is the curriculum you follow in pre-primary in your School?

A. The pre-primary years are known as Early year Foundation stage with TSI, we work on the Montessori Approach, which is based on the five principle areas of life, Language, Arts, Numerical Skills, Sensory Stimulation and Practical Life. The philosophy works towards making learner more independents from foundation year only.

 
Q.  Is the school curriculum divided into programs?
 
A.  Yes, the school curriculum is divided into program as:
 
 
Primary Year Program (PYP): Grade 1 to Grade V
 
Middle School Program: Grade 6 to Grade 10
 
 Grade 11 and Grade 12:  AS and A Level
 

 

Q. What is the right age of Admission to the School?
 
A. The school is opened to take admissions from Nursery to Grade 12. The right age for admission in Nursery is the completion of 4 years during the time of admission.
 
Q. What is the process of Admission?
 

Submit the enquiry online or visit the Admission office.  Admission Counselor shall get back to you and assist you with further queries  Parents are requested to visit the school campus or in case of International student parent may email or speak to the academic coordinator on the date mentioned for counseling during tele-talk or email.  The decision shall be informed in 4 working days  Fee is to be paid in seven working days once counseling is done or confirmed decision is announced.

Q. How does the School address any student counseling issues?
 
A. Student life is mix of ups and downs, and it becomes the utmost duty of a school to counsel them to lead the life

with the balance of fun, competition, academics and good health. Selected teachers assisted by expert counselor

educate the student with the issues they come across in school life.
 
 
Q. How is discipline facilitated?
 
At TSI we believe that discipline is a value and should become a way of life, now it is daily habit and with a common

belief that one cannot become a leader or seek excellence unless one is self-disciplined.

Discipline is all about self-management. We avoid all corporal punishment and even harsh reproof. Self-discipline is

inculcated by embedding sound traditional values and social sensitivities.
 
Q. What is the Student Assessment pattern of the School?
 
A.  The Student Assessment pattern is as under:
 
Pre-primary Level: There is no assessment but done base on in class performance which lays emphasis on motor, oral and
creative skills.

Primary Level: Here the emphasis is laid on continuous assessment which includes project oriented studies – in class activities, research work, assignments, formative assessments in the form of activities or group activities, self-reflection sessions and School excursions based on multiple intelligences.

Middle School Level: At the middle school level, continuous assessment will be supplemented with summative assessments at the end of each term. This would include written, oral and practical tests.

Higher Secondary Level: Here both formative & summative assessments are made on the basis of presentation, reports, test papers, practical, projects and examinations.
 
 
Q. Do you admit students from Overseas?
 
 
A. Yes, we do admit the students from Overseas,