International curricula gaining momentum among Bangladeshi parents

Bangladesh faces a critical question. How can its education system change to meet the demands of the future while maintaining the rooted local values?

The Education Watch Report 2023 by Campaign for Popular Education found that Bangladeshi parents are seeking an education that can reshape classrooms, prepare their children for diverse challenges, and foster an interconnected world.

With an emphasis on lifelong learning, intercultural awareness, and critical thinking, the International Baccalaureate (IB) is gaining momentum as more schools in Bangladesh adopt it to meet the changing educational aspirations.

The shift represents a growing ambition among schools and families to nurture critical thinkers, socially aware citizens, and adaptable leaders. Such a vision could redefine the future of learning in the country.

As the Bangladesh economy continues to grow and more parents aspire to provide global opportunities for their children, the demand for high-quality learning will intensify. They are choosing international curricula to best prepare their children for university and their careers. According to the Education Watch Report, a new curriculum, especially a global one, can provide children with a stronger foundation for life skills and university, with added emotional and social growth.

This highlights how the education scene is transcending traditional academic achievement. 

The IB curriculum can help foster children to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills that will aid them in becoming lifelong learners. It has three programmes: the Primary Years Programme, the Middle Years Programme, and the Diploma Programme. Each programme focuses on building intercultural understanding and curiosity, in addition to critical thinking.

Unlike more traditional curricula, the IB emphasises real-world applications and inquiry-based learning while motivating students to actively engage with complicated challenges and establish a well-rounded worldview.

Leading global universities and employers seek applications from IB graduates for their analytical and research skills. 

The journey of the IB began in Bangladesh 20 years ago with only a handful of schools. Currently, 11 schools in the country provide one or more IB programmes. In our case, we have exemplified how IB curricula have successfully merged global academic standards with the local context of the nation and have been able to create well-rounded and socially conscious graduates.

For instance, one of IB's curriculum's strengths lies in its mission of making students adaptable. It allows schools to incorporate local culture, like values and language, into the system without compromising the international essence. Schools with IB curricula have integrated the Bangla language along with community services into the programme to develop a relevant experience for its students.

The blend of local and global values and language fosters a sense of identity while offering learners a broad worldview. It also aids students to become active participants in both Bangladeshi society and the global landscape. Community involvement plays a critical role in the successful implementation of the curriculum as it improves the educational experience and builds a more inclusive and community-centered society.

Incorporating international curricula, creates a unique opportunity for Bangladesh to reshape the educational landscape and nurture a generation of learners who are locally grounded and globally competent. By embracing IB or similar curricula, Bangladesh can move closer to a future where students will be academically accomplished and equipped to make a meaningful contributions to the ever-changing landscape.

Chris Boyle is Secondary School Principal at International School Dhaka (ISD)

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.