Relocation with Dependents: Choosing the Right Curriculum

A new job can be a fantastic opportunity, especially if it involves relocating to an exciting destination. But when you are relocating with dependents to an entirely new home, there are a lot of separate issues to be considered and resolved. At EER we assist individuals and families with relocation services across the Middle East in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the UAE. For those with young children, one of the most common questions we get asked is about education. Parents want to know they are choosing the right school for their child and that it will help them with future plans; all too often this comes down to curriculum. If you are considering a move to the Middle East or your children are approaching school age and you want to know more, here is our guide on how to select the right curriculum for your child.

What is in a Curriculum?

If you have come from a country with its own established curriculum, like the US or the UK, you may not be aware of the different options that are available or what their potential benefits might be. Some countries already have a variety of curriculums and teaching methodologies available for children at every stage of schooling, so assignees from these places will be more familiar with having to select the right one for your child. There are a range of pros and cons for each curriculum, so selecting the right one is essentially down to what best suits your child, their development and their preferred learning and testing processes. There isn’t a definitive answer to which one gets the best results, it really does depend on the child and they may even thrive under multiple curriculums at different stages of their school career. While there might be other curriculum options available in the country you move to, the most common three used across the Middle East are the American, the British and the International Baccalaureate.

The American Curriculum

The US curriculum is a rigorous, standards-based system that takes a holistic approach to learning. Students are encouraged to explore their environment and study a wide range of subjects, right up to university level. Importance is given to the appropriate development of each child, so that subjects that are not mastered the first-time round can be repeated until the student feels proficient. The emphasis of study is therefore on breadth rather than depth. Students are required to think critically and demonstrate creativity, preparing them well for university or the working world.

THE PROS OF THE US CURRICULUM

PROS:

• Regular assessment testing in place of one-chance end of term or year exams
• Consistent performance is encouraged throughout
• Broad subject range and flexible learning system that could suit neuro a-typical students

The British Curriculum

The British Curriculum is a broad and balanced curriculum that prepares students to succeed in life and is well respected worldwide. Children at the foundation stage are taught basic numeracy and literacy skills. In contrast, children at primary school levels learn Mathematics, Science, English and various other subjects across four key stages. The focus is on developing complex reasoning skills, rather than recall alone, to encourage examination success for students.

THE PROS OF THE BRITISH CURRICULUM

PROS:

• Generally recognised as one of the best curriculums in the world
• Provides an assessment focused structure style of learning
• Graduates can apply to study at higher learning institutions all over the world
• All examinations are verified by UK accredited examiners

The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate, commonly known as the IB, aims to encourage students to have enquiring minds and a knowledgeable and caring attitude, helping to create a better world through intercultural understanding and respect. There are four programmes of study:

• Early years (PYP) concentrates on varied learning styles
• Middle years (MYP) focuses on holistic learning and critical thinking
• Students then choose either the IBCP (Careers Programme) or in the IBDP (Diploma Programme)
• You can visit ibo.org for more details on each of the programmes

THE PROS OF THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

PROS:

• It is a standardised curriculum so it is transferrable between IB schools in different countries
• It is well recognised internationally by all universities
• The large amount of writing and research will prepare students well for higher education
• There are multiple chances to repeat vital exams
• Promotes good organisational and time management skills

Relocating with Dependents: How EER Can Help

At EER we know how important it is for the whole family to feel secure and supported in their new home. As education is such a huge part of this for your kids, we want to make sure to provide you with all the guidance and answers you need in order to find the right fit. We can advise you on potential schools and curriculums, streamlining the list to suit proximity to your home or office. We can also arrange for school visits, take you through the registration process and assist with securing all of the necessary documentation and attestations you might need.

If you want to talk to one of our expert relocation consultants about schools and curriculums in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar or the UAE or would like more advice about relocating with dependents, please get in touch today on info@eerme.com or +971 (0)4 421 1819.