Students at Chatsworth International School presenting their projects at the PYP Exhibition

IB Programmes

The IB Programmes are designed to develop well-rounded students with a global mindset, preparing them for future challenges.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme is a globally recognised educational framework. Originally developed by a nonprofit foundation in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968, it is now one of the most popular curricula with around 5,600 schools worldwide offering it.

The IB programme aims to foster intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills, nurturing inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. It consists of four educational programmes:

IB Primary Years Programme for children aged 3 to 12
IB Middle Years Programme for students aged 11 to 16
IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 18

The IB Programmes at Chatsworth

In Singapore, our IB programme is designed to develop well-rounded students with a global mindset by:

Nurturing intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills
Encouraging the application of academic knowledge to the global context
Promoting international relevance and multilingual teaching
Maintaining a cohesive and consistent structure across all levels of IB programmes

IB Subjects and Curriculum

At Chatsworth, we offer a comprehensive range of IB subjects across our three IB programmes, catering to diverse interests and learning styles. For a more detailed list of IB subjects offered at each level, please refer to our respective programme pages.

IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP)

Our IB Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) is for students aged 3 to 12. It generally does not require any formal academic prerequisites for admission. The programme's subjects include:

English / English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Mandarin or French or EAL (Years 1 to 6)
Mathematics
Science
Social Studies
Arts (Drama, Music and Visual Art)
Personal, Social and Physical Education
Library (Literacy and Research Skills)
Digital Citizenship/ Keeping Safe Curriculum

Students engage in transdisciplinary units of inquiry that foster connections between subjects and develop a global perspective. This integrated approach encourages students to see the interconnectedness of knowledge and apply their learning in meaningful ways.

The IBPYP curriculum culminates in the PYP Exhibition, a showcase and celebration of their learning journey and development through the primary years.

IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP)

Our IB Middle Years Programme (IBMYP) for students aged 11 to 16 follows the completion of the IBPYP. However, students do not need to have completed the primary programme specifically; they can enter with relevant academic prerequisites subject to the school's assessment.

Internationally, the IBMYP is considered equivalent to the IGCSE curriculum. The programme's subject groups include:

Language and Literature
Language Acquisition (2nd Language)
Individuals and Societies
Sciences
Mathematics
Arts
Physical and Health Education
Design

To prepare for the transition to the IB Diploma Programme and other higher-level studies, students also undertake the Personal Project, an independent research project that allows them to explore their passions and develop valuable skills, along with mandatory participation in Service as Action to make a positive impact in their communities.

IB Diploma Programme (IBDP)

Our IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) offers a wide range of subjects for students aged 16 to 18. Admission typically requires successful completion of the IBMYP or an equivalent secondary qualification, ensuring students possess the necessary academic foundation

This rigorous programme prepares students for success in university and life beyond, fostering critical thinking and global competitiveness. The programme's subject groups include:

Studies in Language and Literature
Language Acquisition
Individuals and Societies
Experimental Science
Mathematics
The Arts

This allows students to tailor their studies to their interests and future aspirations, while ensuring a broad and balanced education. Students also complete core components like the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), all of which support the IBDP's globally-recognised rigour and holistic excellence.

Why Choose an IB Education at Chatsworth

Opting for an IB education at Chatsworth International School means more than just embracing an internationally recognised curriculum; it involves integrating into a rich, holistic educational experience deeply rooted in both local and global contexts.

As an IB World School, Chatsworth takes pride in our non-selective approach centred on the holistic development of each student. On the academic front, our students consistently perform above world average scores in their IB examinations, validating their learning across a broad and balanced curriculum and preparing them for further academic studies. At the MYP level, students at Chatsworth sit for the full IB MYP e-Assessment, thereby getting a chance to earn a formal, internationally-recognised MYP certificate if they meet the success criteria. Chatsworth graduates are recognised worldwide, receiving university offers from over 200 institutions globally.

Frequently Asked Questions About the IB Programmes

1. How are students assessed in the IB programmes?

At Chatsworth International School, assessment in our IB programmes goes beyond academic scores, focusing on both knowledge application and understanding. Students receive semester grades for each subject based on the IB's 1-7 scale, communicated through end-of-semester reports on Managebac, our academic portal. Additionally, mid-semester progress reports are provided before Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences (PTSCs).

Our assessment also encompasses the IB Approaches to Learning (ATLs), covering five skill categories: Communication, Social, Self-Management, Research, and Thinking. These ATL skills are assessed and self-assessed across various subjects, with the results communicated through teachers' written comments and students' reflections on their ATL goals in semester reports. This holistic approach ensures a comprehensive understanding of each student's progress and development.

2. What are the benefits of completing the IB programme for future university admissions and careers?

Completing the IB programme at Chatsworth International School sets students on a path to success in both university admissions and future career endeavours. This rigorous programme equips students with critical thinking skills, a comprehensive global outlook, and a robust academic foundation, which are highly valued in higher education and the professional world.

The IB diploma is also recognised by universities in Singapore and globally, which often translates into a competitive edge in university applications.

3. Is IB challenging?

Yes, the IB programme is academically rigorous. However, it is designed to be rewarding rather than simply difficult. It challenges students to think critically and manage their time effectively. At Chatsworth International School, our highly experienced teachers provide a nurturing environment, ensuring every child is supported to excel throughout this holistic journey.

4. What is the admission process for the IB Programme?

The admission process for the IB Programme at Chatsworth is straightforward. Parents can apply for their child via the OpenApply portal. Do make sure you have all the necessary supporting documents and information ready on hand.

5. How does Chatsworth support IB students in their academic and personal growth?

At Chatsworth International School, we are committed to supporting our IB students in their academic and personal growth. Our nurturing environment, combined with individualised attention, ensures that each student's unique needs and aspirations are met. We offer a diverse range of co-curricular and extracurricular programmes that aid in developing the whole person. These programmes focus on enhancing intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development, facilitating a well-rounded education. Our approach ensures that students are not just academically prepared but also equipped with the skills and qualities necessary for personal success and well-being.