It goes without saying that every parent wants to give their child the best possible start in adult life. Above all, this includes a future job, but also further education prospects and the necessary skills and competences. The choice of the first educational institution – the primary school – is therefore of key importance, as it affects all further stages of education. International schools are an excellent alternative to Polish schools, differing significantly from them, especially in terms of curriculum and teaching approach. So what educational opportunities does an international school offer your child?
Why are parents choosing international schools more often?
According to data from the end of 2023, there are already more than 55,000 pupils enrolled in non-public schools (and, therefore, also in international ones)[1] and a so-called “upward trend” is visible. In the capital city alone, this number is around 8,000 higher than in 2022. Why are more and more parents choosing to send their children to those institutions? The main reasons given are:
- higher level of teaching,
- small class sizes,
- no randomness in the recruitment of pupils,
- greater teacher involvement.
In addition to providing a high level of education and better learning conditions, these schools truly focus on the formation of tolerance, openness to other cultures and the development of soft skills, which are extremely important in the labour market. It is also not insignificant that graduates of international schools can more easily continue their studies at foreign universities, which increases their chances of an international career.
Differences between traditional Polish and international education
Learning at an international school usually takes place in a chosen, leading foreign language. In Poland, this is most often English. Students at these schools are not subject to the Polish curriculum or grading system. These establishments are based on the guidelines of foreign ministries of education, not the Polish MEN regulations. For example, in the international British school Thames British School Warsaw, all classes are conducted in English and the school follows the guidelines of the National Curriculum for England.
How do international schools support student development?
Readers who have already been educated at a Polish school will certainly remember the main disadvantages of the Polish education system, including “cramming” or programmed learning to just pass an exam and memorising answers according to existing keys. This is somewhat different at international schools – these establishments place emphasis not only on imparting knowledge, but also on developing the maximum potential of their students. Thames British School Warsaw is committed to creating a safe environment in which students can develop their talents and passions, and the teachers themselves, in addition to imparting knowledge, develop the ability to think critically and with open minds – qualities much in demand in today’s job market.
International school as a stepping stone to a career abroad
An international school – first and foremost a good start for further education and work abroad, primarily in English-speaking countries. Many international schools, including Thames British School Warsaw, participate in the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme, which is recognised by global universities and thousands of current employers. The IB programme enables you to gain an International Baccalaureate, which opens up further study at the world’s top universities.
What values do international schools promote?
The mission of the international schools is to educate competent, bilaterally thinking people who take responsibility for their actions and want to change the world around them for the better. Graduates of these schools are empathetic, tolerant and excel in teamwork. Many graduates of these institutions hold management positions or run their own businesses.
Why choose an international school now?
By choosing to enrol your child in an international school, you are giving them an advantage from an early age. By learning in English, students at Thames British School Warsaw are not only fluent in the language (arguably hardly a more important skill in today’s world), but they also think in it, which makes it much easier to function abroad. A diploma from an international school testifies to a high level of knowledge, but also to rich soft skills, which are highly valued on the job market today, and whose learning is very important at international schools.
If you would like to know more about studying at such a school, contact Thames British School Warsaw today or come to an open day at your chosen facility.
[1] https://warszawa.wyborcza.pl/warszawa/7,54420,30321444,ucieczka-bez-konca-juz-55-4-tys-uczniow-w-szkolach-niepublicznych.html
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