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Types of
Curricula

The U.S.

Curriculum
Elementary School in their journey to get a diploma. Throughout high
Students who are around age 4 to 11 are in school, students have access to academic advising
Kindergarten through 5th grade. These years are and university counseling. These counselors help
designed for the youngest students to build a strong students in their application to universities and
foundation of knowledge, critical thinking skills, and assist with organising testing for the PSAT, SAT, ACT
leadership ability. – assessments that measure the knowledge and
skills that students learn in high school and need for
Middle School academic success at university. Schools using the
Students who are typically age 11 to 14 are in 6th to U.S. syllabus also often offer Advanced Placement
8th grade. These three vital years, 6th to 8th grade, (AP) courses to provide students with university-level
Dr Jessica Mrs Sarah equip students as they prepare for high school. academic courses that give them an advantage when
Hale Anderson Developed specifically for young adolescents, middle applying to universities and for scholarships around
Dr Jessica Hale, Middle & school builds on students’ content knowledge and the world.
social skills.
High School Principal, and A Culture of Sports and Activities
Mrs Sarah Anderson, Middle High School While academics are important, U.S. syllabus schools
also offer all students the chance to participate in
Students who are about age 14 to 18 are in 9th
& High School Language to 12th grade. Students work to complete a a variety of sports and activities that pique their
Arts Teacher from Oasis certain number of credits (based on the school’s interests, develop skills, and extend learning beyond
requirements) to earn a high school diploma and
the classroom walls. As part of a holistic approach,
International School - Kuala to be prepared for universities in English speaking sports and activities create opportunities for social
Lumpur provide an overview countries around the world. and physical growth, so all students can become
more well-rounded and better prepared for success
of the U.S. curriculum. Assessment & Evaluation in the future. Through visual and performing arts
Another aspect that sets U.S. education apart is activities, like music, chorus, and drama, students
how students are graded in classes. Assessments have the opportunity to express themselves through
that observe student progress daily are most various artistic mediums.
s no two children are the same, they often do A Holistic Approach valuable for determining students’ understanding.
not learn the same way. The U.S. curriculum Another important aspect of the U.S. curriculum In a single week, teachers monitor student learning Why Choose The U.S. Curriculum?
Auniquely values a personalised learning is its holistic approach. By focusing on educating in a variety of informal, low-pressure ways such as The U.S. curriculum offers the full package to help
approach. In class, teachers strive to differentiate the whole child, teachers ensure that the child’s class discussions, group work, graphic organisers, every student become an educated,
and scaffold instruction; electives and after-school intellectual needs are met while also providing writing assignments, peer assessments, quizzes, well-rounded graduate ready for university. It is
activities allow students to pursue subjects that opportunities for social development, promoting reflections, and projects. These assessments integral to have a curriculum that is aligned to
pique their interests and talents. Additionally, the students’ physical health, and investing into students’ allow teachers to quickly realise when students standards and to have certified teachers who are
teaching environment can often be adapted to moral growth. understand or are struggling. These assessments trained in content, how to incorporate the standards
accommodate a student’s learning style. are also used to create a learning portfolio which into instruction, how to personalise instruction to
Overall School Structure encourages students to reflect on their strengths best meet all students’ needs, and how to design a
Standards Hold Schools Accountable Typically, the academic year at U.S. schools is broken and weaknesses. In fact, portfolios can even help diverse range of assessments that show students’
Whether at a school in the United States or at an down into two semesters, each consisting of two students get into elite universities since many are progress.
international school with an American curriculum, quarters; formal reports are distributed quarterly, adopting a holistic admissions process to include
there are commonalities that guide instruction and credits are earned each semester. Students a portfolio. Finally, parents have online access to Equally important is having a holistic approach
which include the U.S. standards as well as a holistic in the U.S. curriculum typically spend 13 years of grades for all assessments, giving them a complete through the implementation of courses, sports, and
and personalised learning approach. Classes are study from pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade. At all picture of how their children are doing at any point activities that nurture the whole child. Choosing a
rooted in content that aligns with standards, such levels, English language, arts, Math, Science, and during the school year. school with the U.S. curriculum allows children to
as the Common Core State Standards or the AERO Social Studies are core subjects. In addition, as explore various interests, acquire critical thinking
Common Core Plus Standards for international part of having a holistic approach, schools provide Pathway to University skills, and gain the confidence needed to move
schools using the U.S. syllabus. Standards hold opportunities for students to take classes in visual After completing all required credits, students forward in our ever-changing world!
schools accountable to challenge students and performing arts, foreign languages, physical earn a U.S. diploma that can take them to leading
academically, encourage them to think critically and education, and technology. universities around the world. Students are not alone For more information, please visit www.ois.edu.my
demonstrate creativity, and, ultimately, make sure the
students are well prepared to attend university. 1 https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2015/09/29/80-colleges-and-universities-announce-plan-new-application-and-new-approach

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