Choosing the Best Curriculum: Factors That Matter

Choosing the right curriculum is one of the most impactful decisions for a child’s educational journey. Each pathway offers a distinct philosophy and purpose. Quite often we meet parents who seem to be a bit perplexed with curriculum choices. Before you even think of which board would choose, most important point to ask yourself is what is my child’s learning style. Here are some curricula that we are proud to offer at Shantiniketan International School, Bowrampet.

The IB (International Baccalaureate) nurtures inquiry, global citizenship, and holistic development. It encourages students to think critically, reflect deeply, and connect learning to real-world contexts. In IB, the PYP framework is given by the board and a school gets an opportunity to develop it further keeping in mind six Transdisciplinary themes in every grade. Our team of well-trained and experienced PYP teachers collaborate, plan and reflect on the Central ideas and lines of inquiry under every theme. The concept that is taught and learnt should be of global significance, challenging, relevant and engaging for all age groups. Every theme is explored for good 6 to 8 weeks with integrating subject knowledge and skills from Art, Music, Dance and PSPE.

Students are regularly assessed throughout the theme, ideally teachers design some formatives and summative assessments to assess students learning which is then recorded in the portfolios and anecdotal records. After every 5 years team of experts from IB visit the school for a quality check which speaks about the authenticity and quality of the programme. IB aims to foster International minded global citizens which aligns with our values and mission as a school.

The Cambridge curriculum emphasizes academic rigor with flexibility. It builds strong subject foundations while allowing students to tailor their learning through a wide range of subjects and assessment styles. Students benefit from a globally recognized framework that promotes critical thinking, independent research, and analytical skills. The curriculum is structured across progressive stages—Cambridge Primary, Lower Secondary, IGCSE, AS & A Levels—each designed to deepen understanding and prepare learners for higher education or professional pathways.

When it comes to assessment, Cambridge offers a mix of written exams, oral tests, practicals, and coursework, allowing students to demonstrate their strengths in different formats. This inclusive approach supports varied learning styles and reduces reliance on rote memorization.

Most asked questions by parents- Is it globally accredited or recognised? Yes, Cambridge qualifications are accepted by universities and employers worldwide.

The CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) is structured, widely recognized across India, and focuses on core knowledge and standardized assessments—ideal for competitive exam preparation. CBSE prioritizes conceptual clarity in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies, ensuring students build a strong academic base. It follows a uniform pattern of assessments, including periodic test, term exams and board examinations.This standardization helps students prepare effectively for national-level competitive exams.

In recent years, CBSE has embraced reforms aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP), introducing skill-based subjects, experiential learning, and competency-based assessments to foster holistic development.

Finally, your choice of curricula depends on your child’s learning style, future aspirations, and the values you prioritize as a family. Each curriculum opens doors—what matters is choosing the one that aligns with your goal and vision.