GEMS World Academy uses the International Baccalaureate to inspire students

11 Jun 2018

Through an environment of mutual respect, transparency and engagement, GEMS World Academy (Singapore) brings the benefits of international education to life.

Subject to final authorisation by the IB of the IB career-related programme, GEMS in Singapore will be, potentially, the only school in Singapore to offer all four IB programmes. Providing opportunities for every child to develop into a career-ready global citizen.

IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Designed for students aged 3 to 12, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme (PYP) helps beginner learners progress into confident individuals. By following a specialised framework of study, the programme incorporates aspects of language acquisition, physical education, visual arts and more.

GEMS World Academy in Singapore acknowledges that during this crucial stage of life, young learners are finding their feet and establishing habits of learning. Therefore, the IB PYP considers students’ social and emotional wellbeing and encourages them to use their independent learning skills.

With incredible facilities on offer, such as the Olympic-sized swimming pool and the creative suite, the physical, mental and spiritual health of your child will be looked after, with the GEMS staff treating your child’s welfare as a priority.

As the IB PYP places a powerful emphasis on inquiry, learners gain a deep understanding of the world by allowing their curiosity to run free and their knowledge to thrive beyond boundaries.

IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Once your child connects to this purpose built five-year programme (Age 11-17), they’ll be introduced to these eight subjects; language acquisition, language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, arts, physical and health education and design.

With this broad balance of topics, students aren’t restricted by a rigid framework. At GEMS (Singapore), they have the chance to explore and experiment with their passions from the very start of their journey.

Alongside this selection of subjects, students are expected to complete at least one interdisciplinary unit. By combining two or more disciplines, it gives your child the opportunity to overlap skills and test them out in a collaborative environment.

Additionally, the IB MYP includes a long-term project where learners get to decide what they want to learn about and direct these ideas into a proposal. Once the project is finished, they’ll have acquired a strong sense of fulfilment and an appreciation for professional responsibility.

Cambridge Assessment Programmes (IGCSE)

For extra encouragement and practice, GEMS (Singapore) grants students aged 14-15 exclusive access to the Cambridge IGCSE examinations. This sought-after qualification has been tried and tested by schools worldwide and is globally-recognised as an outstanding achievement.

Otherwise known as a gateway into a multitude of established universities, the Cambridge IGCSE is often accepted as an equivalent to the UK GCSE.

As you may already know, whilst applying to universities in countries such as the US, Australia and the UK, it’s vital that students can communicate effectively in English. To ensure that your child graduates with excellent communication skills and gets into their dream university, GEMS provides the IGCSE to validate their English language proficiency.

Equipped with evidence of their exceptional reading, writing, listening and speaking skills, this high standard of assessment acts as an international passport to success. Not only will learners demonstrate flexible learning styles from the IB, they’ll also display their linguistic talents to future employers and universities.

IB Diploma Programme (DP)

If your child is aged 16-19, they can move onto the IB Diploma Programme at GEMS World Academy in Singapore.

Choosing the IB DP programme over other curriculum frameworks is incredibly beneficial, since research shows that students can cope with heavy and demanding workloads, on top of managing their time and resources effectively.

Unlike the MYP programme, the IB DP presents pupils with six subject groups instead of eight. Through studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics and the arts, many important concepts are unravelled. For the following academic year GEMS in SIngapore will also provide addition DP subjects including, Sports, exercise and health science, Design Technology and Theatre.

Essentially, GEMS (Singapore) aims to transform your child into a confident global citizen, therefore, the IB DP structure supports intellectual growth with an extensive range of tools and theories. That’s why in this two-year programme, all students must undertake an extended essay, participate in a Theory of Knowledge class and collaborate through Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) activities.

IB Career-related Programme (IB CP)

An exciting potential addition to the GEMS World Academy (Singapore) offering is the IB Career-related programme (IB CP). Run in partnership with the world leading Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), students will be able to spend 50 percent or more of their time at school working on art and design projects.

According to the Head of School, Richard Henry, “This unique educational opportunity provides the best of both worlds. A practical, university accredited course combined with the academic rigor of the IB Diploma. This globally recognized course will open many doors for any student interested in advertising, animation, fashion, graphic design and many more similar careers.”

With the potential arrival of the IB Career-related programme (IB CP), learners will enhance their knowledge through a flexible framework of personalised education. As the syllabus steers your child through practical and real-world approaches towards valuable apprenticeships and jobs, it’s a worthwhile initiative to join.

NOTE: GEMS World Academy (Singapore) is a candidate school* for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Career-related Programme and pursuing authorisation

So if you want your child to pursue their creative passions and to get the best pre-university preparation, then check out the incredible IB programmes that are on offer at the GEMS World Academy (Singapore)!

*Only schools authorized by the International Baccalaureate can offer any of its four academic programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Diploma Programme or the Career-related Programme (CP). Candidate status gives no guarantee that authorization will be granted.

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