Why parents should explore the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

One of the most important roles a parent can play is to ensure their child has the skills needed to thrive in today’s fast-paced world. As parents, we look for a school where the curriculum encourages critical thinking by immersing students in a relevant environment. Inquiry and intellectual risk-taking are essential to this focus rather than just memorizing facts and figures.

At The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL), The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a cornerstone of the academic experience at the school, providing a challenging two-year pre-university curriculum that leads to a certification recognized by the world's leading universities. The IBDP requires students to study six subjects – three at the higher level and three at the standard level. Students are also required to do the DP Core, which are:

• Theory of Knowledge: Students reflect on the nature of knowledge

• The Extended Essay: An independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word essay

• Creativity, Action, Service: Students complete a project related to those three concepts 

The IBDP offers many advantages that entice parents to enroll their children in the program. Read more to learn the benefits of IBDP and why it is the education program of choice.

A world-class curriculum

When your child is enrolled in the IBDP, they are part of an academically rigorous curriculum recognized worldwide. With 5,500 schools in 159 countries offering the program as of May 2022, it is recognized by schools and renowned universities all over the world.

"My IB journey at ISKL has genuinely been an increasing learning curve. Throughout my two years here, I have been able to grow both academically and on a personal level." - Yogita C. ('22) 

ISKL is the longest-running IB World school in Malaysia. This year, it continued its tradition of outperforming worldwide IB Diploma averages with a 98% pass rate, surpassing this year's worldwide pass rate of 86%. 

Develop future-ready skills

One of the most significant benefits of taking the IB for students that a parent can see in real-time is the increased development of future-ready skills. According to the IB website, students in the IBDP are:

• Inspired to think critically and solve complex problems

• More culturally aware through the development of a second language 

• Able to connect with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world 

This is in line with the ISKL's IBDP program that broadens the learning experience for its students as they are constantly absorbed in genuine and challenging academic work such as historical investigations, mathematical explorations, world languages, and more. Through IBDP, students can apply their learning and develop critical skills that last a lifetime.

Enhance language acquisition 

Early language learning is crucial to the IB and has both immediate and long-term advantages. There are various benefits to studying multiple languages, such as a strengthened memory, increased multitasking abilities, and aids in the elasticity of brains compared to monolinguals.

Understanding that this sets students apart in the future, ISKL's language program is designed to support students who want to pursue a bilingual IBDP. Students have the opportunity to take language and literature courses in Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and Spanish. 

Cultivate a global mindset

Learning to adapt and cope with change is crucial in your child's development, no matter their future career path. Through a focus on creativity, innovation, and skills like communication and critical thinking, IB students are learning transferable 21st-century skills and how to be flexible and adaptable to the world's fast-paced and ever-changing demands.

The IBDP, particularly the curriculum at ISKL, incorporates diverse cross-cultural experiences that foster global awareness and an international mindset. It requires curiosity and taking intellectual risks, hence why ISKL students are in demand by universities around the world.

The importance of ensuring your children are internationally minded cannot be overstated – this is the skill that inspires and sparks positive transformation. With this perspective, students are open-minded, empathetic, and reflective.

In a world that faces a multitude of challenges, we need a future generation that is globally aware, highly educated, empathetic, and creative. For this reason, ISKL strongly believes in the value of IBDP. The program not only challenges students with its high academic rigor but also teaches students how to think, analyze, and reflect in the ways that universities expect and in the ways that life demands.  

To understand more about ISKL's learning approach and how it can help your child, click the link below and read the interactive eBook Unpacking ISKL's Curriculum: Learning Stories. Find Yourself at ISKL today!

About ISKL

Established in 1965, The International School of Kuala Lumpur (ISKL) has become known as a center of excellence in the world of international education. ISKL is a co-educational, private, non-profit school responsible for the learning journey of over 1,600 students aged 3-18 years representing more than 65 nationalities at its campus in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

ISKL offers a robust international curriculum which combines leading North American educational frameworks with global best practice. The curriculum recognizes that students are on a lifelong learning journey and is driven by ISKL’s purpose to prepare our students for life itself, as we believe in the importance of helping students to shape their own paths, supporting them in discovering their passions, developing their competencies, and having an ethical impact on the world.

ISKL is accredited internationally through the Council of International Schools (CIS), and in the United States through the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). There is a strong focus on service and sustainability across its divisions and is a member of the Eco-Schools organization and the Green Schools Alliance.

This content is provided by The Society of the International School of Kuala Lumpur.

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