Deep Dive into ISB Curriculum
From the very earliest years of learning all the way through High School, ISB offers a premium, international education, rooted in a US curriculum with the most relevant, challenging international curricula woven throughout. This 'best of the world' approach results in exceptional outcomes for our students. Our joyful, vibrant and modern school is purpose built with the very best facilities and opportunities for learning. Our programs are accredited by WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges) and in the High School, AP (Advanced Placement) and IB (International Baccalaureate).
We define the learning that takes place at ISB as meaningful and transferable, where understanding is constructed by developing and applying knowledge, skills and attitudes.The curriculum at International School Bangkok (ISB) is multi-faceted and is based on ongoing educational research and global best practice. Our curriculum is made up of rigorous learning standards, inspiring pedagogical practices informed by meaningful and authentic assessments. It is driven by the broader goals of our school to see every Panther embody ISB’s Vision and Mission, Definition of Learning, Attributes and Values when they leave whether it be for a new school or they are off to university.
But how does this style of teaching and learning, and these broader goals, translate into the curriculum we use in each subject and classroom?
"A guaranteed and viable curriculum is the number one school level factor impacting student achievement”
- Marzano: What Works in Schools
What do we mean by “curriculum”?
You'll hear us talking about our 'Standards Based Curriculum'. Simply put, these are the “what” of our student learning. The standards articulate the knowledge, skills, and understandings that we want every student to master.
Standards are systems of instruction, assessment, grading, and academic reporting that are based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education.
Standards-based instruction guides planning and instruction and helps teachers keep their focus on the learning target.
The Curriculum: The Building, meets the code (standards) and beyond Curriculum is designed using a specific blueprint created to the needs of the learners and the school (Mission, Vision, Values, Learner Attributes, Definition of Learning)
Instruction: The Building Activity; The construction work meets the minimum code (standards), follows the blueprint (curriculum) and is timely, responsive and flexible.
In this section, we will share our blueprint curriculum for our educational program, which, in its essence, is coherent, challenging, engaging, transferrable and standards-based.
Removing Barriers to Education
At ISB, we go even further with our educational philosophy. We have adopted the 'Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework to integrate into our curriculum. UDL is a framework for designing learning experiences that proactively meet the needs of all learners. For educators, this is a great reminder that students require a variety of approaches to access their learning. A great example of this is embracing the idea that there may need to be multiple avenues for students to submit work for assignments - instead of an essay, perhaps a student could create their own video, podcast or oral presentation. There are many possibilities for meeting the goals of a lesson.