International School Curricula Explained: IB vs British vs American vs Australian

Choosing the right international school curriculum for your child is one of the most important educational decisions you'll make. With dozens of international schools in every major city offering different curricula, understanding the differences can feel overwhelming.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down the four most popular international curricula—International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American, and Australian—so you can make an informed decision for your family.

Why Curriculum Choice Matters

Before diving into specifics, let's understand why curriculum choice is so crucial:

• University admissions: Different curricula are recognized differently by universities worldwide
• Learning style: Each curriculum has a distinct approach to teaching and assessment
• Flexibility: Some curricula offer more subject flexibility than others
• Portability: If your family might relocate, some curricula transfer more easily
• Career preparation: The skills emphasized vary significantly between curricula

Quick Comparison

Now let's explore each curriculum in detail.

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International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate is perhaps the most truly "international" of all curricula, designed specifically for globally mobile families.

Overview

Founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland, the IB offers four programmes:

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

Teaching Philosophy

The IB emphasizes:

• Inquiry-based learning: Students learn by questioning and discovering
• International-mindedness: Global perspectives are woven throughout
• Holistic development: Academic, social, and emotional growth
• The Learner Profile: 10 attributes schools aim to develop

Assessment Approach

IB assessment is a mix of internal and external components:

• Coursework and projects assessed by teachers (internally moderated)
• Final examinations marked externally by IB examiners
• Extended essay (4,000 words on a topic of choice)
• Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essay and presentation
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirement

Strengths

1. Excellent university recognition globally
2. Develops critical thinking and research skills
3. Broad, balanced curriculum
4. Strong emphasis on community service
5. Highly portable between IB schools worldwide

Considerations

1. Higher workload than many other curricula
2. Limited subject specialization until DP
3. Can be challenging for students who prefer structured learning
4. Requires strong English proficiency

Best For

Families who:

• Value holistic education over pure academics
• May relocate internationally
• Want strong university preparation globally
• Have children who are self-motivated learners

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British Curriculum

The British curriculum, based on the National Curriculum of England, is one of the most widely offered curricula in international schools worldwide.

Overview

The British system is structured into Key Stages:

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): Ages 3-5
• Key Stage 1: Ages 5-7 (Years 1-2)
• Key Stage 2: Ages 7-11 (Years 3-6)
• Key Stage 3: Ages 11-14 (Years 7-9)
• Key Stage 4 (IGCSE): Ages 14-16 (Years 10-11)
• Key Stage 5 (A-Levels): Ages 16-18 (Years 12-13)

Teaching Philosophy

British curriculum emphasizes:

• Subject mastery: Deep understanding of individual subjects
• Academic rigor: High expectations and challenging content
• Specialization: Narrowing focus as students progress
• Examination excellence: Strong exam preparation

Assessment Approach

• IGCSEs (Year 11): 8-10 subjects, externally examined
• A-Levels (Years 12-13): 3-4 subjects, externally examined
• Multiple exam boards (Cambridge, Edexcel, AQA)
• External examinations are the primary assessment method

Strengths

1. Highly recognized by UK and many international universities
2. Clear structure and progression
3. Allows early specialization for focused students
4. Long track record and well-understood standards
5. Many resources and past papers available

Considerations

1. Narrower focus at A-Level (typically 3 subjects)
2. Heavy reliance on final examinations
3. Less emphasis on coursework and projects
4. May not suit students who need broader exposure

Best For

Families who:

• Are targeting UK universities
• Have children who thrive with clear structure
• Want their children to specialize early
• Value traditional academic rigor

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American Curriculum

The American curriculum varies by state but generally follows a similar structure, with many international schools using accredited US programmes.

Overview

The American system is structured as:

• Elementary School: Grades K-5 (Ages 5-11)
• Middle School: Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-14)
• High School: Grades 9-12 (Ages 14-18)

High school students earn credits through:

• Regular courses
• Honors courses (advanced level)
• Advanced Placement (AP) courses (college-level)

Teaching Philosophy

American curriculum emphasizes:

• Holistic development: Academics, sports, arts, and extracurriculars
• Continuous assessment: GPA based on ongoing performance
• Flexibility: Students choose many of their courses
• College preparation: Focus on building a well-rounded profile

Assessment Approach

• GPA (Grade Point Average): Cumulative measure of all grades
• SAT or ACT: Standardized tests for university admission
• AP exams: College-level exams for advanced courses
• Continuous assessment: Projects, tests, participation

Strengths

1. Flexibility in course selection
2. Values extracurricular activities alongside academics
3. Less pressure from single high-stakes exams
4. Strong pathway to US universities
5. Develops well-rounded students

Considerations

1. Standards can vary between schools
2. SAT/ACT preparation often needed separately
3. May not be as well-recognized outside the US
4. College application process is complex

Best For

Families who:

• Are targeting US universities
• Want flexibility in subject choices
• Value extracurricular development
• Prefer continuous assessment over final exams

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Australian Curriculum

The Australian curriculum is gaining popularity in Asia-Pacific, offering a balanced approach between British structure and American flexibility.

Overview

The Australian system follows:

• Primary School: Years 1-6 (Ages 5-12)
• Secondary School: Years 7-12 (Ages 12-18)
• Senior Secondary: Years 11-12 with state-based certificates

Final qualifications include:

• HSC (New South Wales)
• VCE (Victoria)
• QCE (Queensland)
• All contribute to the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

Teaching Philosophy

Australian curriculum emphasizes:

• General capabilities: Literacy, numeracy, ICT, critical thinking
• Cross-curriculum priorities: Sustainability, Asia engagement, Indigenous perspectives
• Balanced assessment: Mix of exams and coursework
• Practical skills: Preparation for both university and work

Assessment Approach

• ATAR: Calculated from Year 12 results
• Internal assessments: School-based projects and tests
• External examinations: State-based final exams
• Multiple pathways: Academic and vocational options

Strengths

1. Good balance of breadth and depth
2. Strong recognition in Asia-Pacific
3. Practical, skills-based focus
4. Clear progression and structure
5. Multiple pathways for different students

Considerations

1. Less recognized in Europe and Americas
2. State variations can be confusing
3. ATAR calculation is complex
4. Fewer Australian schools outside APAC region

Best For

Families who:

• Are targeting Australian universities
• Live in or plan to move within Asia-Pacific
• Want balance between structure and flexibility
• Value practical skills alongside academics

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Making Your Decision

Questions to Ask Yourself

1. Where might your child attend university?

   • US → American or IB
   • UK → British or IB
   • Australia → Australian
   • Multiple options → IB

2. How does your child learn best?

   • Inquiry-based → IB
   • Structured → British
   • Flexible → American
   • Balanced → Australian

3. Will you relocate during their schooling?

   • High likelihood → IB (most portable)
   • Medium likelihood → British (widely available)
   • Low likelihood → Any that fits

4. What are your child's strengths?

   • All-rounder → IB or Australian
   • Specialist → British
   • Extra-curricular focused → American

Visit Schools, Not Just Curricula

Remember that curriculum is just one factor. The quality of teaching, school culture, facilities, and community matter enormously. A well-implemented curriculum at a good school will serve your child better than a prestigious curriculum at a mediocre school.

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Ready to Start Your Search?

Now that you understand the major curricula, it's time to explore schools that offer them in your area.

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Summary

Curriculum	Best For	University Target	Learning Style
IB	Globally mobile families	Worldwide	Inquiry-based
British	UK-focused, specialist students	UK, Commonwealth	Structured
American	US-focused, well-rounded students	USA	Flexible
Australian	APAC-based families	Australia, APAC	Balanced

Each curriculum has its merits, and there's no universally "best" option—only the best option for your family's unique circumstances.

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Last updated: January 2025

Have questions about choosing the right curriculum? Contact us and we'll help guide you through the decision.