What is the difference between IB, Cambridge CIE & IGCSE, and CBSE?

IB vs Cambridge vs CBSE? Spoilt for choice? Given the choice that exists in international schools in Hyderabad, choosing between different curriculum can be quite a dilemma. We break down the basic differences for you:

1.International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate, is the curriculum of choice for more than one million studentsworld-wide. The IB is based in Geneva, Switzerland and has been one of the most popular and recognized international curricula since 1968. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on students’ personal development.

The IB offers four programmes for students of various ages:

PYP- Primary Years Programme (3-12 years)

MYP- Middle Years Programme (11-16 years)

DP- Diploma Programme (16-19 years)

CP- Career-related Programme (16-19 years)

DRS International School is one of the few schools in Hyderabad that offer both the Primary Years Programme (PYP) as well as the Diploma Programme (DP). We are one of the oldest IB schools in the city. What makes the IB curriculum unique and effective, in our opinion is its:

Research proves that in many cases IB students outperform students pursuing other programmes

Emphasis on inquiry-based learning

Learner-centric or student centric approach

Transdisciplinary approach to learning & teaching

Emphasis on developing international-mindedness in students

The IB learner profile that emphasizes developing a set of attributes in every child

Action-orientedness: all learning eventually encourages students to take action

Focus on play-based learning in the early or formative years

Focus on research and critical thinking in the Diploma Programme

Recognition by top-universities and world-wide such as Oxford, Harvard & Yale.

2. The Cambridge Curriculum

Equally recognized and popular, across the world is Cambridge Assessment International Education(CAIE, formerly known as CIE). Part of the University of Cambridge, the CAIE’s approach to education is best defined by intellectual rigour.

Cambridge Assessment International Education offers the following programmes and qualifications, called the Cambridge Pathway, for students of various ages:

Cambridge Primary

Cambridge Lower Secondary

Cambridge Upper Secondary

Cambridge Advanced

At DRS International School, we offer the Cambridge Lower Secondary and Cambridge Upper Secondary programmes, preparing students to qualify for the Cambridge International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), an internationally recognized qualification. The Cambridge Curriculum is known for its:

International Curriculum

Focus on Teaching & Learning practices

Reliable and rigorous assessments

International recognition by top universities and employers

Global learning communities of teachers and learners

Focus on developing creative thinking and problem solving

3. The CBSE Curriculum

The Central Board for Secondary Education is the national curriculum of choice for most Indian students. It provides robust and holistic education for students that aligns with the objective of the National Curriculum Framework (NCF) of India. What makes it a popular choice is its:

Focus on holistic development of the child

Focus on stress-free learning

Emphasis on skill-based education

Inclusion of local issues, history and culture along with global ones

Close alignment with National Curriculum Framework

Foundation for competitive exams in India such as the IIT-JEE, NEET, UPSC, CLAT etc.

Here at DRS International School, we offer the C.B.S.E. curriculum at the middle school, secondary school and senior secondary school levels.