The benefits of joining an international school when transitioning from the US Adapting to the education system in the UK Transitioning to the UK from the US poses some unique challenges for young people, especially considering the differences between the two national education systems. It is therefore important for parents to consider schools based on their curriculum’s international transferability. At Southbank International School, we believe that schools which offer the International Baccalaureate curriculum provide the best platform to ensure a seamless transition. The IB is taught at over 5000 schools around the world and, as a globally recognised education system, it ensures minimal disruption for children when transitioning from one country to another. With a broader range of subjects studied instead of the three traditionally studied at A Level, for example, students are able to develop a more well-rounded knowledge base and experience. What’s more, the IB Diploma Program (IBDP) is recognised in US colleges, with the breadth of the program being wellsuited to the college system where students are able to study a wider
variety of subjects. At our school, like with many international schools, we have specialised US college counsellors to help students with those applications. Our IB Diploma students all take part in organised Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) activities throughout their time at the school, which provides a refreshing counterbalance to studies, helping students connect with life outside of school and developing skills which will serve them well for the rest of their lives. As part of this, we place a high level of importance on charity and community service, all of which are beneficial to US college applications, as these are all activities that university admissions managers are looking for in applications. One of the main anxieties that students from the US and their families often feel is around
the misperception that the US academic standards are more rigorous than that of the UK, particularly when it comes to maths. There is also a concern among parents that, should they return to the US, their child will find the transition back to the US system difficult. IB international schools can help to ease this process, by providing a similar academic experience to students and ensuring they are equipped with the right skills and capabilities for a smooth transition should they return. Above all, the IB is designed to nurture inquisitive minds, to foster independent learning and to instil self-belief, giving students the courage to take risks. It is these skills which best equip young people with the tools to flourish in the real world. www.southbank.org
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