The approach of mathematics is widely different in the IB, British, and American curricula. It becomes increasingly complex if you’re looking to transition between any of them. Choosing a curriculum is a critical decision that can shape your child’s academic journey and future opportunities. It is essential to understand the differences between them to grasp the unique learning approaches in Mathematics.
Let’s see key features and distinctions between each curriculum, the mathematical approach in each, how you can choose a curriculum according to your child’s academic goals, and six strategies to bridge the gap between IB, British, and American curricula.
Comparing IB, British & American Math Curricula
IB Curriculum
The IB (International Baccalaureate) Curriculum is a globally recognized and fastest-growing educational framework in the world. It is structured for students aged 3-19. Over 60 schools in the UAE are authorized to offer one IB program, and 12 schools are authorized to provide the complete IB Curriculum from the primary year program (PYP) to the Career-related program (IBCP).
Structure
It is globally recognized. The curriculum offers four programs:
- Primary Years Program (PYP) - includes Grades 1-6 for the age group 3-12. It focuses on cultivating care and grooming culturally aware children.
- Middle Years Program (MYP) - includes Grades 7-11 for the age group 11-16. It focuses on building a strong academic foundation, concept-building, and self-directed learning.
- Diploma Program (IBDP) - includes Grades 12-13 for the age group 16-19. It prioritizes developing a curious mindset, building a passion to learn, and questions are very appreciated. Students have to take six subjects in the IBDP and equip themselves for success in their careers.
- Career-related Program (IBCP) - prepares you for specialization in a specific field of your choice.
Approach
It focuses on the holistic development of a child. The approach is significantly towards research, practical, and research-based learning. The IB curriculum prioritizes developing independent thought and critical thinking in a child.
Core elements in IBDP
- A course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK) focuses on developing critical thinking.
- Extended Essay (EE) - a 4000-word research project, part of the internal assessment
- Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) - a practical and community-based learning course
Assessment
In primary years, two assessments are performed: formative assessment, an in-class integrated assessment, and summative assessment, in the form of quizzes, by the end of topic completion. In secondary years, two evaluations are performed: internal assessment in the form of a research paper, and external evaluation in the form of an annual examination conducted twice a year.
Key Focus in Mathematics:
Math is included in the DP program. It offers two different pathways: Analysis and Approaches (AA) pathway caters to theoretical learning, while Applications and Interpretations (AI) pathway caters to practical mathematical applications.
The IB curriculum puts heavy emphasis on conceptual understanding of mathematical formulas and their applications in real-life scenarios. Instead of an exam-driven approach like every other curriculum, IB focuses on assessing students’ practical approach to mathematics during internal assessments and extended essays.
British Curriculum
The British curriculum is widely adopted in UAE schools, coming second only to the UK. According to the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), 37% of private schools in Dubai follow the British Curriculum, being the most adopted curriculum in the emirates.
The National Curriculum of England (NCE) is well known for its comprehensive subject range, in-depth expertise, and structured approach. It provides a well-rounded, highly competitive education to students across the UAE.
Structure
The British Curriculum is divided into five stages:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) - This stage includes children aged between 0 and 5. It focuses on solidifying the educational foundation of kids through physical activities, communication and social skills, and mathematics. EYFS especially prioritizes play-based learning and teaching early literacy skills.
- Key Stage 1 (KS1) & Key Stage 2 (KS2) - Primary education includes two stages: KS1 and KS2. Students enroll between the ages of 5-7 (Years 1-2) and 7-11 (Years 3-6). Core subjects taught are: English, Science, Mathematics, and Computer, along with foundational subjects like history, geography, and art.
- Key Stage 3 (KS3) - Middle school enrolls students aged 11-14 in Years 7-9. More specialized subjects are introduced, like geography, history, design and technology, and foreign language.
- Key Stage 4 (KS4) - This stage includes GCSE/IGCSE. It includes students aged 14-16 who enroll in Year 10-11. Students start preparing for GCSE in Year 9. The core subjects include English, Math, and Science, and chosen electives to qualify for GCSE.
- A-Levels: Students pursue A-Levels, paving the way to universities and specific specialization careers. The education Year is 12-13. Exams are conducted at the end of Year 13 and graded from A to E*.
Approach
The English National Curriculum is well-known for its progressive and structured approach. It prioritizes a broad but balanced education, enhancing both knowledge and the necessary skillset.
Assessment
The external exams in the British curriculum are conducted at two levels: GCSE/IGCSE and A-Levels. GCSE/IGCSE exams are conducted at the end of Year 11, and A-Level exams are conducted at the end of Year 13. IGCSE exams are popularly conducted by boards like Cambridge and EdExcel. These two are the most popular boards in the UAE. AQA and EdExcel conduct GCSE exams.
Key Focus in Mathematics:
The British Mathematics curriculum is focused on fluency and reasoning. While some other education systems might emphasize rote memorization, the British curriculum builds conceptual learning and how mathematics is applied in different scenarios.
Algebra is introduced early, building a foundation for complex work later. The curriculum especially prioritizes problem-solving and critical thinking. Apart from external assessments, internal classroom activities, practical activities, and projects are also a significant part of the British Math Curriculum in Dubai.
American Curriculum
American Curriculum, also known as SABIS (School and Academics for Basic Instruction System), is another popular choice for students in Dubai. It offers more flexibility than other curricula and a wider range of electives. SABIS allows students to explore their interests and build critical thinking skills. Credits in SABIS are built throughout the education system, unlike other curricula that rely on external exams to provide final certifications for graduation.
Structure
- Early childhood education - includes Nursery, Pre-Kindergarten, and Kindergarten. Levels. The goal is to build foundational skills in students, foster their social development, and prepare them for primary education. The focus is on building early literacy and numeracy skills. The basic concepts in language, mathematics, and the arts are introduced. This level is vital for building students’ motor skills and building positive attitudes towards learning.
- Primary school - This stage includes Grades 1-5. The focus is on building strong academic foundations in reading, writing, and subjects like English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Additional subjects like music, art, and physical education are also introduced. This level prioritizes the development of study skills and a structured approach to learning
- Middle School or Junior High - This stage includes Grades 5-8. It is a challenging and well-rounded program that emphasizes academic and personal growth. This stage is more specialized than primary school, and concepts are more deeply explored. The focus is on core subjects like Advanced Mathematics and Sciences. This stage builds critical thinking, problem-solving and independent learning in students.
- High School or Secondary School - This stage includes Grades 9-12. A specialized and in-depth curriculum is introduced, and advanced academic skills are developed. High School prepares students for university and vocational pathways. Core subjects include English, Math, Sciences, and Humanities, but students can choose elective subjects based on their interests and career goals for specialization. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are also introduced that prepare students for colleges and universities. Students also start preparing for standardized exams.
- Post-Secondary Education - Students pursue further education at colleges, universities, technical schools, and vocational institutions.
Approach
The American curriculum focuses on building critical thinking and emotional intelligence. It provides more personalized support to students. The curriculum is known for a broad range of subjects and elective options, offering great flexibility. Recent technology developments are widely taught, keeping students up-to-date with the latest trends.
SABIS prioritizes nurturing students not only academically but also socially, emotionally, and physically. It focuses on the holistic development of students. Extra-curricular activities such as sports, arts, music, and community service develop students holistically.
Assessment
American curriculum exams include:
- SAT Exam - Scholastic Assessment Test is a standardized test required for admission to many universities in the US and abroad, and is taken in the final year of high school. It assesses English reading, writing, and Math.
- AP Exam - The College Board conducts it. AP exams are more complex and require thorough preparation.
- ACT Exam - This exam is administered by the ACT organization. It assesses the English reading, Mathematics, and Science for admission to US universities.
Key Focus in Mathematics:
In the American curriculum, there is a strong emphasis on foundational arithmetic skills in early grades and on advanced concepts like calculus, algebra, and geometry in higher grades. Math in SABIS emphasizes building procedural fluency and conceptual understanding. It integrates mathematics in real-world applications and problem-solving.
6 Strategies for Bridging the Gap Between IB, British & American Math Curricula in Dubai
Curriculum Mapping and Gap Analysis
Curriculum Mapping is the process of outlining a curriculum’s components, including learning objectives, teaching process, and assessment styles. It involves creating a visual representation of the curriculum so educators can differentiate key elements, analyze potential gaps, and identify areas of similarity and differences.
A gap analysis identifies curriculum similarities and differences for students moving between semesters. Educators examine topics and identify opportunities that match a desired objective. The goal is to illuminate the gaps between curricula, point out any unmet standards, and spot faults in instructional foundations so students can build their skills and knowledge accordingly.
Here’s how educators can use curriculum mapping and gap analysis to bridge the math curriculum gap:
- They can recognize gaps and overlaps between math syllabi of all three curricula.
- They can identify common topics, contrasts in teaching sequence, and the depth of different topics.
- They can create bridging units. Bridging units are concise but intensive bridging modules developed to cover major knowledge gaps for students who are transitioning from one curriculum to another.
- They can focus on specific problem-solving approaches, mathematical concepts, and assessment styles.
Individualized Learning Plan and Support
Educators can develop
personalized learning plans for a transitioning student. They can formulate an individualized plan based on the student’s previous curriculum learning. This involves target support for supplementary topics, online education, and
extra tutoring.For catering to students transitioning to a different curriculum, teachers should adopt different teaching strategies, conduct differentiated activities, provide distinct challenges and assignments to observe their understanding and depth of prior knowledge. They should offer workshops on specific mathematical concepts, terminologies, and assessment criteria relevant to their new curriculum.
Teacher’s Professional Training
Math teachers should go through cross-curricular training. They should be trained on the nuances of each curriculum so they can understand and differentiate between teaching methodologies and assessment styles within each.
Math departments of a school can collaborate to share best practices, strategies, and resources for helping transitioning students.
Counselling and Flexibility in Course
Educators can offer transitioning counselling and guidance to students and parents to help them understand the whole process and choose a pathway most suitable to their goals. They should also allow flexibility in course options, especially during early transition years, to help students catch up at a good pace.
Building Core Mathematical Skills
Emphasizing teaching core mathematical skills like algebra, arithmetic, geometry, logical reasoning, and problem solving. It is crucial because these skills overlap across all curricula. Teachers should prioritize conceptual learning and not rote memorization to help students adapt to various problem-solving strategies across all curricula.
Incorporating Technology
Online resources, such as educational software, that guide content across various curricula should be utilized to facilitate learning. Any adaptive learning tools that can assess students’ current knowledge, identify gaps, and provide personalized guidance and tailored content should be developed and utilized.
Which Curriculum is Right for Your Child?
Choose the IB Curriculum if:
- Your child is an all-rounder.
- They plan on applying to global universities in Europe, the USA, and Canada.
- They are self-motivated and thrive on research tasks and independent learning.
- You want your child to grow holistically, developing essential skills in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Choose the British Curriculum if:
- They aim to study in the UK.
- They want a career path offering early specialization.
- Your child prefers focus and mastery in specific subjects.
- You prefer a structured education style and exam-based assessments.
Choose the American Curriculum if:
- Your child is unsure of their career and wants flexibility in future career options.
- You want your child to develop holistically, both academically and through extracurricular activities.
- Your child loves flexibility, enjoys exploring a variety of subjects, and prefers diverse learning experiences.
All three systems have their individual strengths; choosing either one depends on your child’s learning preferences and future goals.
Need Personalized Help From a Math Tutor in Dubai?
Transitioning between curricula can be a challenging process, especially when there is little available guidance and support. Plus, the subject gap in Mathematics is a major hurdle in transition.
My Tutor Source (MTS) provides you with access to expert Math tutors in Dubai who are familiar with the transition process between IB, British, and American curricula. Our tutors are familiar with the subject gap and the strategies to bridge it, making the transition process easier for you. Our mission is to provide you with personalized support based on your needs and academic goals so your child can achieve the success that they deserve. You can
book a free consultation call with a tutor of your choice and proceed only if you are satisfied.
Find Top Tutors in Your Area
Find A Tutor
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)