17/10/2024
Why choose an IB school for your child – a parent’s perspective
Choosing the right school for your child is a monumental decision, and after much deliberation, ACS International School Egham stood out for us. Here are the top five reasons why we chose it for our son…
The IB System
ACS Egham offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is a perfect fit for our son. He has a broad range of interests, and the IB’s diverse curriculum allows him to explore all of them. Moreover, the student-led learning approach encourages his curiosity and independent thinking, enabling him to figure things out on his own—a learning style he thrives on.
Outstanding Teaching
The quality of teaching at ACS Egham is exceptional. Every year, a few students achieve high grades in their Diploma Programme (DP) exams, and the school’s average scores are consistently impressive. This shows that the teaching staff are not only working wonders with the most gifted students but are also supporting everyone to achieve their best.
Developing Good Character
ACS Egham doesn’t just focus on academics; they produce well-rounded individuals. When I was invited to the school to give career advice to Grade 11 and 12 students, I was struck by how polite, engaged, and confident they all were—without being arrogant. It’s a testament to the nurturing environment the school provides.
A Global Perspective
One of the great advantages of ACS Egham is the diversity of the student body. My son is constantly interacting with peers from different countries and cultures, exposing him to perspectives far beyond those he would encounter elsewhere.
A Warm, Inviting Campus
The campus itself is just the right size. It’s spacious enough to feel open and comfortable but not so large that it lacks a sense of community. The homely, inclusive atmosphere has been a key factor in making my son feel happy and secure.
What Are Your Impressions of the IB PYP and Its Benefits?
My son joined ACS Egham in Grade 5 (Year 6), so he only had one year in the Primary Years Programme (IBPYP), but what a year it was! The highlight was undoubtedly the IBPYP Exhibition (PYPX). The students pick a topic they are passionate about and spend eight weeks researching it, guided by the school’s fantastic staff.
At the end of the process, there’s a big exhibition where the children present their findings. I was blown away by how much they had learned and how confidently they communicated their discoveries. Walking around the exhibition, I found myself thinking, “I didn’t know that” more than once! Every child had found something intriguing to share, and the presentations were thoughtful and professional. It was clear how much effort the school puts into making learning a deeply engaging experience.
For me, the most telling moment came months later. Over the summer, my son attended an art course at a London university. The task was to create a brand, complete with a logo and marketing plan, and then present the work to the parents at the end of the week. When I walked in, it was like PYPX all over again! He had a stall with market research, charts, and presentations. His art wasn’t the best, but the tutors remarked that his approach to the project was better than many undergraduates’. It was a moment of pure validation for the IBPYP and IB education.
What Is the Community Like at ACS Egham?
In one word: welcoming. A lot of the parents at ACS Egham are expats, new to the UK and looking to make connections. The school acts as a hub for social activities—BBQs, international fairs, walks, exercise classes—you name it. Everyone is included, and the community spirit is strong.
This openness extends to the students as well. No one is ever labelled as “the new kid”; it’s simply not an issue here. The children are welcoming and quick to integrate new classmates, creating a supportive environment from the outset.
What Was Your Child’s Experience in Lower School at ACS Egham?
My son only spent a year in Lower School, but it was packed with memorable experiences. He performed at the O2 Arena, wrote for the school’s weekly newspaper, served on the student council, and, of course, participated in PYPX. He left Lower School with a wealth of happy memories and valuable experiences.
How Has the Transition to Upper School Been for Your Child?
Smooth, to say the least. The transition was so well-managed that it was practically seamless. From Easter, Grade 6 students from Upper School started visiting Grade 5 classes to talk about what to expect. Then Grade 5s went up to Upper School for taster lessons in different subjects. Some Grade 6 teachers even attended the Grade 5 residential trip, giving the students another opportunity to get to know the staff. By the time my son officially moved up to Upper School, it was as though he had already been there for months.
How Does International Education Compare to the National System?
My wife and I both went through the UK school system, so shifting away from GCSEs and A-Levels was a significant decision. When it comes to your child’s future, moving to a completely new educational framework isn’t something you do lightly.
I’ll admit, I spent a lot of time researching the IB system. But what I found reassured me that this was the right choice. The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) really is a global passport, opening doors to universities and career paths across the world. And the IB Career Programme (IBCP) provides alternative routes into employment or further study.
Take maths, for example. The UK system focuses heavily on skills—solving specific types of problems. IB, on the other hand, divides the focus between learning those skills, applying them to real-world issues, and explaining the process clearly. With the IB, students may learn slightly less pure mathematics, but they leave with a far stronger ability to apply and communicate what they know. That holistic approach to education has benefits that go far beyond the classroom.
How Does ACS Egham Prepare Students for the Future?
There’s an old saying: “Give a person a fish, and you feed them for a day. Teach them to fish, and you feed them for life.” That’s exactly what ACS Egham and the IB programme are doing. It’s not just about teaching facts; it’s about teaching students how to learn, how to think critically, and how to approach unfamiliar problems with confidence. They’re learning how to fish.
Beyond academics, ACS Egham students learn to work and play with peers from different cultures and perspectives, fostering open-mindedness and preparing them to navigate an ever-evolving global landscape.