Singapore is a melting pot, bringing together people from different cultures and communities. Korean families who are relocating to Singapore may be looking for an educational facility where their child can seamlessly transition from the Korean National Curriculum to an international curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate.
At One World International School Nanyang, we offer both the IB Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), which are ideal international curricula for expatriate students. With multiculturalism at the centre of its framework, this is an inclusive and inviting curriculum that supports all learners and allows them to build upon their existing educational foundation.
Bridging Educational Philosophies
Education has long been a priority in Korea, and its National Curriculum reflects a commitment to academic growth and development, as well as a tradition of morality. The values that are emphasised as part of the Korean National Curriculum translate to other international programmes around the world, including the International Baccalaureate.
OWIS Nanyang bridges these educational philosophies, supports Korean students who are relocating to Singapore and provides them with every opportunity to be successful in their new home.
Understanding the Korean Curriculum
In Korea, the educational structure can be broken down into three distinct phases:
- 6 Years of Primary School
- 3 Years of Middle School
- 3 Years of High School
During Primary 3 to 6, students typically study nine to ten subjects. Practical arts are introduced in Primary 5 and 6. In Middle School, learners study around 11 to 15 subjects.
Here is an overview of the subjects:
- Moral Education
- Korean Language
- History and Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Practical Arts
- Science
- Physical Education
- Music
- Fine Arts
The curriculum emphasises a skills-based approach to education, and it weaves morality into most subject areas to help students develop into conscientious, productive and educated citizens. In general, the Korean National Curriculum has been shown to produce excellent results, with many students excelling in reading, mathematics and even foreign languages.
Getting to Know the IB Educational Philosophies
The International Baccalaureate programme, which is commonly referred to as the IB, is an international curriculum that is designed to help students become curious and empathetic global citizens.
The IB curriculum is broken down into the following segments:
- Primary Years Programme
- Middle Years Programme
- Diploma Programme
As such, students who are transferring from a school that relies on the Korean National Curriculum will easily be able to find their place within the IB structure. For instance, a primary school student in Korea will be able to enrol in the relevant grade within the IB PYP.
The IB programme is implemented at many different schools around the world, including coeducational facilities and those that are segregated based on gender. OWIS Nanyang, however, is a coeducational school that strives to provide male and female students with engaging and immersive experiences throughout their education.
The IB PYP covers six subject areas:
- Language
- Social Studies
- Mathematics
- Arts
- Science
- Personal, Social and Physical Education
The IBDP, which is designed for learners in the final two years of secondary school, is a transdisciplinary curriculum that focuses on the following subject groups:
- Studies in Language and Literature
- Language Acquisition
- Individuals and Societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- Arts
In addition, the IBDP requires students to complete the following aspects of the curriculum:
- Creativity, Activity, Service
- Extended Essay
- Theory of Knowledge
Being inquiry-led and skills-based, the IB programmes provide students with an opportunity to use voice and choice throughout their education, ultimately giving them the ability to direct and personalise their learning experience. IB programmes are known for helping students develop lasting connections with the material that they learn, and recognising how their newfound information applies to the real world. Not only do they promote academic growth and development, but they also allow students to grow into conscientious, responsible and culturally aware leaders.
Developing a Global Perspective Through the IB PYP and IBDP
Described as a multicultural curriculum, the IB PYP and IBDP emphasise the importance of a global perspective within every subject area. Students are introduced to global current events and the different perspectives of various cultures and communities. As a result, they become naturally aware of and empathetic to the needs of others. Ultimately, this global perspective allows students to effortlessly collaborate with people from various cultures and backgrounds, allowing them to become global citizens.
Language Proficiency and Multilingualism
Language proficiency and multilingualism play an important role in both the Korean National Curriculum and the IB programme. Within the Korean National Curriculum, students are taught most of their courses in Korean, however, English language instruction does begin in third grade in Primary School. By taking a conversational approach to instruction, this curriculum helps students become naturally proficient in the English language.
The IB curriculum, on the other hand, is taught in English. For students who are transferring from a Korean school, this may feel challenging and intimidating.
Navigating Language Challenges in an English Curriculum
Whether a Korean student is beginning their studies in Singapore in primary school, or they are working toward graduation in secondary school, they may find it challenging to adapt to the IB curriculum, which is taught in English. Fortunately, the inquiry-based approach that anchors the IB curriculum at OWIS allows students to receive the support they need to speak, read and write in English. The teachers at OWIS are trained to identify the individual needs of students and to differentiate the learning experience accordingly. English language learners will receive additional support and instruction in our English as an Additional Language programme as they adapt to this English-based curriculum.
The Benefits of Learning an Additional Language
In addition to offering an English-based curriculum, we also provide students with opportunities to learn additional languages at OWIS Nanyang. There are numerous benefits associated with learning an additional language, such as:
- It improves your active listening skills.
- It improves your memory, and allows you to make longer, deeper connections with new material learned.
- Knowing that you can speak, read and write in another language boosts your confidence.
- It allows you to develop a well-rounded worldview and have a deeper respect for other cultures and communities.
Students who learn more than one language find it easier to become culturally aware leaders in a global economy. By being able to interact and converse with people from a variety of cultures, students are poised for success in whichever field or industry they choose to pursue professionally.
Social and Cultural Adjustments
When students are relocating from one country to another, they will need to navigate social and cultural adjustments. This can be stressful and overwhelming. By choosing an international school that offers a multicultural community and a kindness-based approach to education, you can ease the burden of this transition and help them adjust to their new surroundings.
Navigating Cultural Differences in the IB Community
The IB is a multicultural curriculum that emphasises the importance of a global perspective, which makes it much easier for students from Korea to adapt to cultural differences in Singapore. In many cases, they feel seen and heard in the various lessons throughout the curriculum, and they appreciate that their peers hail from a wide range of cultures and backgrounds.
Students who are relocating from a Korean school to an international school in Singapore can navigate cultural differences by:
- Asking questions. The IB curriculum is an inquiry-led curriculum, and discussion plays a central role in classroom life. No question is off limits in the classroom setting, which helps students more easily adapt to cultural differences.
- Actively listen to classmates and instructors who are offering insight into local cultures and traditions. Trying a new meal or participating in a sport that is celebrated in that region will help you become more aware and more familiar with the local culture.
How OWIS Nanyang Fosters a Sense of Belonging and Inclusivity for All Students
Offering an inclusive atmosphere and a welcoming campus, we are proud of our multicultural community and actively work to foster a sense of belonging in our students. We do this by:
- Offering a comprehensive Pastoral Care programme, which meets the students’ social, emotional and physical needs.
- Encouraging students to participate in extracurricular activities, which allows them to develop deeper bonds with their classmates while exploring new interests.
- Prioritising cultural diversity and representation in every classroom. When students walk around the OWIS Nanyang campus, they see themselves represented as well as recognise the cultures and backgrounds of their classmates in displays, photographs, learning materials and more.
Discover the Kindness-Based Approach at OWIS Nanyang
At OWIS Nanyang, we are proud to offer students a holistic approach to education — one that is rooted in kindness, empathy and respect for others. As a result, Korean students who are relocating to Singapore feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive on campus.
The IB PYP and IBDP are structured in a way that allows students to easily transition from the Korean National Curriculum, giving them every opportunity for success, regardless of where they are on their educational journeys.
For more information about how our administrators and staff support Korean students who are transitioning to an international school in Singapore, schedule your OWIS Nanyang campus tour today.
