Educational Curricula Guide
Discover the perfect educational pathway for your child with our comprehensive guide to international and national curricula
Understanding Educational Curricula
Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most important decisions in your child's educational journey. Each curriculum offers unique approaches to learning, assessment methods, and preparation for future academic pursuits.
Our comprehensive guide covers 40 different curricula available in international schools across Malaysia, helping you make an informed decision based on your child's needs, interests, and future goals.
International Curricula
9 curriculaGlobally recognized curricula designed for international mobility and university preparation.
IB Primary Years Programme
Key Features:
Inquiry-based, interdisciplinary, holistic development
IB Middle Years Programme
Key Features:
Interdisciplinary learning, global contexts
IB Diploma Programme
Key Features:
Six subjects + TOK, EE, CAS; university prep
IB Career-Related Programme
Key Features:
Combines IB courses + career study
Cambridge IGCSE
Key Features:
Subject-focused exams, global relevance
Cambridge A-Levels
Key Features:
Depth over breadth; modular assessments
International A-Levels
Key Features:
Updated A-Levels for international students
Malaysia International Schools
Key Features:
Offers IB, Cambridge, or American curriculum
Singapore International Schools
Key Features:
Includes IB World Schools, Cambridge, and AP curriculum
National Curricula
18 curriculaCountry-specific educational frameworks adapted for local and international students.
U.S. Common Core
Key Features:
Focus on critical thinking, math/ELA standards
UK National Curriculum
Key Features:
Structured by Key Stages; GCSEs (14–16), A-Levels (16–18)
GCSE (UK)
Key Features:
Final exams in core/optional subjects
UK A-Levels
Key Features:
Subject-specialized, university entrance
French Curriculum
Key Features:
Cyclical structure; Baccalauréat (general/technological/vocational)
German Abitur
Key Features:
Final exams + coursework; university entrance
Japanese Course of Study
Key Features:
Moral education focus; standardized testing
CBSE (India)
Key Features:
Science/math focus; Class 10/12 board exams
Australian Curriculum
Key Features:
ATAR for tertiary admission
Canadian Provincial Curricula
Key Features:
Bilingual emphasis in Quebec; OSSD in Ontario
Ontario Secondary School Diploma (Canada)
Key Features:
Credits-based; university/college prep
Malaysia National Curriculum (Primary)
Key Features:
Focus on Bahasa Malaysia, English, STEM; Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) at 17
Malaysia National Curriculum (Secondary)
Key Features:
Streams include science/math and vocational tracks
Singapore National Curriculum (Primary)
Key Features:
Ends with PSLE exam; determines secondary school placement
GCE O-Levels (Singapore)
Key Features:
Streamed into Express/Normals; leads to A-Levels or diplomas
GCE A-Levels (Singapore)
Key Features:
Pre-university pathway; ATAR-equivalent for universities
Integrated Programme (Singapore)
Key Features:
Skips O-Levels; direct to A-Levels (e.g., Raffles Institution)
Alternative Curricula
5 curriculaProgressive educational approaches focusing on holistic child development.
Montessori
Key Features:
Child-led, hands-on learning; mixed-age classrooms
Waldorf/Steiner
Key Features:
Arts/nature-focused; delayed tech use
Reggio Emilia
Key Features:
Project-based, collaborative learning
International Primary Curriculum
Key Features:
Thematic, cross-curricular; global awareness
Chinese Independent High Schools (Malaysia)
Key Features:
Bilingual (Chinese/Mandarin + English); emphasizes Chinese culture
Vocational Curricula
2 curriculaPractical, skill-based education preparing students for specific career paths.
BTEC
Key Features:
Practical qualifications in fields like IT/engineering
Germany’s Dual Education
Key Features:
Classroom + apprenticeships for skilled trades
Specialized Curricula
6 curriculaFocused curricula designed for specific educational goals or student populations.
STEM/STEAM
Key Features:
Interdisciplinary focus on science, tech, engineering, arts, math
Language Immersion
Key Features:
Instruction in a second language (e.g., French, Mandarin)
Religious-Based Curricula
Key Features:
Integrates religious studies (e.g., Islamic madrasahs, Catholic schools)
Online/Hybrid Curricula
Key Features:
Tech-driven (e.g., K12.com, Khan Academy)
Malaysia Religious Schools
Key Features:
Focuses on Islamic education alongside national curriculum
Singapore Special Assistance Plan (SAP)
Key Features:
Bilingual (English + Mandarin) education for top students
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