IB Programs in Singapore | Basics, Unique Benefits, And Top Schools

For parents and expats moving to Singapore, the International Baccalaureate Diploma is a desirable goal that your children can aspire for as early as 6 years old. With its international curriculum, IB shapes open-minded, well-rounded individuals ready to tackle the world.

You can learn more details about what’s involved in the IB programme and its value to international universities from our article and find a full list of Singapore’s top schools that offer the IB program. Let’s get started.

What Is IB Program?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme was founded in 1968 to provide an international curriculum for families that travel and want their children to attend good universities. The programme is now offered by over 5000 schools in 150 countries, aiming to educate knowledgeable, inquisitive and empathetic global citizens to improve the world.

The IB curriculum is divided into three levels in Singapore: PYP for ages 6-10, MYP for ages 11-16, and DP for ages 16-19. The IB curriculum focuses on making practical connections between subjects and the real world, developing critical thinking and intercultural understanding, and providing a well-rounded education with six subjects, leading to unparalleled international opportunities for students with an International Baccalaureate diploma programme.

Why Is IB Popular in Singapore?

With 39 IB schools, 28 offering the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), and tens of thousands of students benefiting from its education in Singapore, it’s no surprise that the IB is highly sought after.

In 2021, among the 2228 students who sat the International Baccalaureate exam, an impressive 97.73 % passed – significantly higher than the global average of 76.68 %. Additionally, Singaporean IB schools had 55 perfect scores in 2021, more than any other country. According to 2020 statistics, 11 of the top 100 global IB schools were in Singapore.

Unique Benefits of The IB Program

• International Recognition: You can take your IB qualifications anywhere in the world.
• Focus On Critical Thinking: The program teaches students to think logically and analytically, research effectively, and communicate their thoughts and ideas.
• Holistic Learning: Emphasis is on understanding all topics rather than just focusing on one subject.
• Personal and Academic Achievement: The programme encourages IB students to strive for academic excellence and personal development.
• Memorisation Is Not Required: Students are required to develop critical thinking skills instead of relying on memorisation.
• Local and Global Contexts: IB curriculum provides a balanced view between local and global contexts.
• Multilingualism: The program aims to develop students’ multilingual skills.
• Unaffiliated With Government: IB is independent of any government or national system.

IB Vs. A-Levels

Usually, A-Levels were thought of as the highest standard of examination. However, many universities are now considering both IB and A-Level performances when making admissions decisions.

• A score of 38 out of 45 in the IB exam is equivalent to five A grades at A Level.
• Universities like Oxford and Cambridge require an IB score of 40, the same as five and a half A grades at A-Level.
• Obtaining 35 points out of 45 is still impressive and equates to four and a half A grades – enough to enter a good university.

However, the IB programme takes work. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication to master all six subjects and the extras that come along with them.

10 Best IB Schools In Singapore

1, Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) International

ACS International is a prestigious international school in Singapore that instils Christian values and builds strong characters in students. The school offers state-of-the-art facilities and boasts fantastic academic achievements, including scoring an average of 42 points in the International Baccalaureate. The school also provides boarding options and pastoral care to ensure students feel loved and cared for, contributing to their international open-mindedness.

2. Overseas Family School

Overseas Family School offers the IB Middle Years Programme for Grades 6 to 10 and the IBDP for Grades 11 to 12. The experienced faculty guides students through the IB’s unique challenges, providing stimulating course offerings that help students make practical connections between their education and the outside world.

3. Dulwich College

Dulwich College Singapore is a fully authorised IB Diploma school that offers both the IBDP and the IB Career-Related Programme. The school provides a personalised pathway for students, enriched by over 300 CCAs, industry partnerships, and mentoring programmes. The IBCP programme addresses the needs of students who wish to develop professional skills in an academic context and offers six career pathways.

4. Canadian International School

It offers IB PYP, IB MYP, and IBDP, using a concept-based curriculum that promotes in-depth thinking, understanding, and the application of knowledge. The school provides bilingual programmes, daily language acquisition classes in French or Chinese (and Spanish in secondary), and a STEAM-based approach integrating science, technology, environmental studies, arts, and math.

5. Global Indian International School (GIIS)

The school provides IB PYP for foundational education and Cambridge curriculum for secondary students. Their unique performance-measuring system, 7S, tracks and monitors student progress, enabling teachers to develop a systematic improvement plan for each student. GIIS offers a range of facilities, including digital classrooms, video conferencing, collaborative learning spaces, and skill-based studios.

6. Chatsworth International School

Chatsworth International School offers IB PYP, IB MYP, and IBDP, catering to students from kindergarten up to Year 13. The diverse school community, with 50 nationalities, emphasises service learning and individualised IB education. Graduates receive a wide range of university offers from around the world, and the school offers a broad range of languages.

7. Tanglin Trust School

Tanglin Trust School is a not-for-profit institution in Singapore that offers a dual learning pathway with the A-Levels and IB Diploma for Sixth Form students. It has a student body of 2,800 from Nursery to Sixth Form and provides a tailored programme to suit each student. The school has been recognised as one of the top 100 schools globally and the top 15 international schools in China and Southeast Asia

8. UWCSEA (United World College of South East Asia)

UWCSEA is a top international school in Singapore focusing on merging academics, outdoor education, personal and social education, and service to prepare students for real-life situations. Despite many students, UWCSEA boasts impressive academic achievements, with an average IB score of 38.0 in 2020.

9. St. Joseph’s Institution

St. Joseph’s Institution International in Singapore offers the IBDP for Grades 11 and 12, focusing on active learning through discussions, problem-solving, and case studies. The school aims to develop independent and curious lifelong learners with a holistic approach to learning, including values and character education, sports, outdoor learning, and service activities.

10. XCL World Academy

The IB school in Singapore offers a range of IB programmes, including the PYP, MYP, IBDP, and the IB career-related programme. With a diverse IB student body, experienced teachers, and a personalised learning approach, XCL World Academy aims to prepare students for the future and help them become changemakers and leaders.

What Does it Cost to Study the IB in Singapore?

The least expensive options for IBDP studies include GIIS SMART Campus and NPS International School, with $25,000 or less yearly fees.

At the other end of the spectrum, Tanglin Trust School, UWCSEA, Overseas Family School, Canadian International School, and Dulwich College, Singapore, demand tuition fees upwards of $40,000 yearly.

It is needless to say that properties that are near to these schools are tend to be more popular. They will prefer to stay near to the school to minimise travelling time. For instance, families whose children are studied in Canadian International School will prefer Lakeville as their first option of accommodation as it is just right next to it.

Renting property in Singapore as a foreigner can be quit daunting if you aren’t familiar with the process. Nonetheless, the procedure is pretty standard and straightforward.

Pursuing education in Singapore for your children doesn’t take just one year or two. Rather, it can take quite a few years to complete the IB programs. Renting property in Singapore may not be a feasible option in the long run in this case as rental may keep increases as time goes by.

Should you consider to buy instead?

Conclusion

With this comprehensive guide, you should know better understand what makes the best IB schools in Singapore stand out. By selecting one of these institutions, you will be providing your child with an international education platform that nurtures their curiosity and ability to think critically, as well as their sense of community and intercultural understanding.

The foundation built from a good IB school will help set your child up for success, as PYP and MYP are essential for a successful two-year IBDP. So, choose the best school for your child and watch them soar!