Benefits of International Education in Schools

In Russian international schools, two foreign educational programmes are particularly in demand today: the International Baccalaureate (IB) and Advanced Level (A-level). Let’s explore their features and determine which one best suits your child’s future goals.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is an educational programme established in Switzerland in the mid-20th century. Its aim is to prepare students for admission to top universities worldwide. It focuses on developing critical thinking, social responsibility, and intercultural competence.

Main Objectives of the IB Programme

IB programmes enable students to study subjects in depth, broaden their horizons, and prepare for academic success. They enhance:

• A desire to learn independently and solve problems.
• Understanding of other cultures and respect for diverse perspectives.
• The ability to study independently and manage their learning.
• Communication and teamwork skills.

Structure of IB Programmes

The International Baccalaureate consists of four educational stages, each with its own characteristics:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) is designed for children aged 3 to 12. During this stage, students cultivate curiosity, creativity, and respect for others through play-based learning.
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) targets adolescents aged 11 to 16. This stage is characterised by active research and practical activities, helping students develop analytical skills and problem-solving abilities.
• Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 19. It allows students to study chosen subjects in depth and enhance their communication skills.
• Career-related Programme (CP) is designed for teenagers who have chosen a career path. It provides practical skills and prepares them for further education or work.

The IB Primary Years Programme

The primary goal of the PYP is to develop foundational knowledge and skills in young students in subjects such as natural sciences, mathematics, literature, arts, and social studies. This is inquiry-based learning, which encourages children to engage with material creatively.

The PYP curriculum is divided into six interdisciplinary themes:

1. Who we are: A collaborative exploration of beliefs, values, relationships with family, friends, society, and culture, as well as discussions about rights and responsibilities.
2. Where we are in place and time: Students learn to navigate space and time, discuss their homes, share experiences from trips to other cities or countries, and explore how people in the past settled new territories and the impact on intercultural relations.
3. How we express ourselves: Learners discuss their feelings, ideas, and beliefs, learning to reflect, create, and appreciate beauty.
4. How the world works: Students explore natural laws and the impact of humans on the environment.
5. How we organise ourselves: This examines how people create social systems, how organisations function, how decisions are made in society, and how the economy affects individuals.
6. Sharing the planet: An exploration of Earth’s resources and ways to preserve them.

The IB Middle Years Programme

In the MYP, students refine previously acquired skills and explore new areas within their subjects. All subjects are studied holistically, allowing students to make connections between them and apply knowledge practically.

The MYP covers eight subject areas:

1. Languages
2. Literature
3. Individuals and Societies
4. Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. Arts
7. Design
8. Physical and Health Education

At the start of the programme, all subjects are compulsory. However, in the final two years, students can choose six out of the eight subjects based on their goals and interests.

Project work is a key component of the MYP curriculum, which can be undertaken individually or in groups.

IB Diploma Programme

This programme is designed for students aged 16 to 19 and prepares them for university entrance exams.

Students must choose one subject from each of six categories, with three or four studied at Higher Level (HL) and the rest at Standard Level (SL):

1. Mother tongue: For example, literature, language, or theatre.
2. Foreign languages: Options include modern or classical languages (e.g., Latin or Ancient Greek).
3. Individuals and Societies: Subjects like business and management, economics, geography, global politics, IT, philosophy, psychology, anthropology, or world religions.
4. Sciences: Biology, chemistry, design and technology, environmental systems and societies, physics, computer science, or sports, exercise, and health science.
5. Mathematics: Options include “Analysis and Approaches” or “Applications and Interpretation.”
6. Arts: Music, theatre, visual arts, dance, or film.

In addition to the core curriculum, the Diploma Programme includes three mandatory components:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Students explore knowledge itself as a product of intellectual activity.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): This component fosters well-rounded personal development. “Creativity” involves arts and creative thinking, “Activity” promotes a healthy lifestyle, and “Service” develops social skills and civic engagement.
• Extended Essay: Students conduct independent research, supported by three consultations with teachers who guide them on their essay topic and writing process.

The IB Career-related Programme

The CP consists of four components:

1. Two Diploma Programme (DP) courses: Students select two subjects of interest from the DP subject list.
2. Core components: These include Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) projects.
3. Career-related learning: Students focus on their future profession through educational programmes, internships, or work experience.
4. Reflective project: A substantial project where students analyse a professional issue in their chosen field and propose solutions.

A-level Programme

In addition to the IB, the globally recognised A-level programme is highly effective in preparing students for university admission. This two-year course, taken in the final years of secondary school in the UK, leads to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) Advanced Level.

A-levels are offered at the Cambridge International School, which provides a full educational cycle from ages 2.5 to 18.

Structure of Programmes at the Cambridge International School

• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS): For children aged 2.5 to 5, this programme enhances speech, physical activity, and social skills. Children are also introduced to basic mathematics, environmental awareness, and creative activities.
• Cambridge Primary Key Stage 1 & 2: For children aged 5 to 11, this focuses on three core subjects—English, mathematics, and science—alongside Information Technology and Global Perspectives, distinguishing it from other programmes.
• Cambridge Lower Secondary Key Stage 3: For students aged 11 to 14, this continues the study of English, mathematics, and science, with a strong emphasis on IT and understanding the world.
• Cambridge Upper Secondary Key Stage 4 (IGCSE): A two-year programme for students aged 14 to 16, where they select 6–7 subjects for in-depth study and take IGCSE exams. Upon completion, students receive a globally recognised secondary education certificate.
• Cambridge Advanced (A/AS Level): Designed for students aged 16 to 19 preparing for university, students focus on 3–4 subjects chosen based on their intended career path. The programme offers over 60 subjects. It concludes with A-level exams, enabling admission to nearly any university.

The A-level programme consists of two stages:

1. AS Level (Advanced Subsidiary): The foundational stage, culminating in interim exams (internal in some schools).
2. A2 Level: The advanced stage, where students take final exams in three (or sometimes four) subjects, with these grades used for university applications.

Subjects chosen for A-levels should align with the student’s future career. For example, chemistry and mathematics are required for medical universities, while humanities subjects like history, English, or a foreign language are needed for law.

Assessment in the A-level programme is graded on a scale from A* (highest) to E (pass). A grade of U (unclassified) indicates failure. Grades are based on final exams, with coursework or projects (e.g., in art or media) contributing in some cases. Universities specify required grades, such as AAA or A*AA, depending on the course and institution.

Differences Between IB and A-level Programmes

The A-level and IB programmes differ in their educational approach and the number of subjects studied. Both lead to admission to UK and international universities but have distinct features.

The IB programme offers a comprehensive approach, requiring engagement with a wide range of subjects. It fosters a broad academic perspective and is ideal for those seeking to develop critical thinking and academic flexibility, particularly in humanities.

In contrast, A-levels focus on fewer subjects, designed for students who have decided on their future specialisation, allowing deep exploration of preferred academic areas.

Conclusion

The choice between these two systems depends on the student’s individual preferences, career goals, and the requirements of the universities they plan to apply to. If you are interested in the A-level programme, we recommend reviewing the list of available subjects at the Cambridge International School for the 2025–2026 academic year.