We as students are taught not only the information within the textbook, but also what can be done with that information.
As a student who had never studied the IB curriculum prior to NAIS Dublin, I noticed the benefits immediately. We as students are taught not only the information within the textbook, but also what can be done with that information. We constantly work on research projects, group projects and more, to understand how what we are learning can be used in a real-life scenario.
Along with this there is an emphasis on reflection. We learn to critically analyse our work in order see how we can improve. We are always given a criteria, which has been very helpful while revising for assessments, as we can look at our own work from an examiners point of view. In addtion, our assessments are mostly continual assessments, which helps us to stay on track and focused all year round.
The main benefit that really stands out to me is that we are encouraged to be independent learners. We usually don’t rely on textbooks for the answers to our questions and problems as we are encouraged to do some research of our own. This can help us to find multiple different ways of solving one problem or answering one question, which helps us to see it from many different perspectives.
We also develop information literacy skills, through practicing finding and organizing information relevant to the task. Because of the small class sizes, I find that I am always engaged, as classes often don’t feel like classes, and rather a very interesting and enjoyable conversation. Teachers facilitate this in a collaborative way, which means all participants in the discussion feel included and respected.
Written by: Ailbhe, Grade 9 Student
When it comes to finding the right school, there are countless data sources to explore. You can pore over the school’s test scores and university destinations, websites, and social media in search of signs that this could be the place.
But some soul-searching is also needed into your own aspirations. What is it, precisely, that you want for your child, beyond vague aims of them being “happy and successful”? It’s a daunting question, and requires reflection around your ideas about learning, community and perhaps even the nature of a meaningful life.
At Nord Anglia Education schools, we encourage our students not only to learn foreign languages but to think, feel, and experience the world through them. Many of our schools around the world, from the United States to Switzerland and from Vietnam to China, offer a world-class bilingual education.
Bilingualism—the ability to communicate fluently in two languages—helps children learn and grow. At our schools, we understand being bilingual helps students truly excel because it boosts their thinking skills, improves decision-making, and enhances communication. Plus, it helps them appreciate other cultures on a deeper level.
Read on for a closer look at all the benefits of bilingualism.
