Why Choose a British Curriculum School?

When it comes to international education, the British curriculum has earned a reputation for its excellence and effectiveness, and at NAIS Pudong we are proud to be the longest running British curriculum school in Shanghai, entering our 22nd of operation this year. From the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) through to the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) programmes (and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for our Sixth Form), our students are well prepared for life beyond compulsory education.

Renowned for its broad approach and rigorous standards, the British curriculum offers several key advantages over other international education models. It provides a comprehensive and balanced education that nurtures students' intellectual, social, and emotional growth. From early years to secondary education, the curriculum is designed to develop a wide range of skills and knowledge across various subjects. This holistic approach ensures that students receive a well-rounded education and prepares them for future academic and professional pursuits.

Head of Primary at NAIS Pudong, Richard Thompson, is keen to highlight the benefits of the EYFS portion of the British system for the students in his care:

“The EYFS is a vital component of study within a British school system, focusing on children from birth to the age of five. This stage recognises the significance of early childhood education in laying the groundwork for future learning. Through creative activities and interactive experiences, we use the EYFS curriculum at NAIS Pudong to promote the development of essential skills, including communication, problem-solving, and social-emotional competence, creating a solid foundation for lifelong learning.”

The Key Stages of the English National Curriculum are structured as follows, with each built around key academic objectives on which students are assessed in order to check on progress.

The IGCSE programme is a cornerstone of the British curriculum and is recognised globally for its rigorous assessment methods. IGCSE examinations evaluate students' understanding, critical thinking abilities, and application of knowledge. This emphasis on examinations cultivates discipline, resilience, and effective study habits, providing students with a strong foundation for further education or entry into the workforce.

Greg Siccardi, Head of Secondary School explains why he firmly believe in the British education system:

“A British education offers flexibility and personalisation to meet the diverse needs and aspirations of students. The breadth of IGCSE subject choices allows students to pursue their interests and tailor their educational path accordingly. This flexibility fosters engagement, motivation, and a sense of ownership over their learning journey, empowering students to explore their passions and maximise their potential.”

The NAIS Pudong British curriculum provision places a strong emphasis on core skills that are essential for success in the modern world. English and mathematics form the foundation of study, ensuring that students develop strong literacy and numeracy. These core skills are integrated throughout all subject areas, equipping students with the fundamental abilities needed for effective communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving.  All of this builds into our core aim of developing creative, confident and considerate learners who are prepared for their futures beyond school and university.

A British education is grounded in research-based pedagogy that takes into account the latest educational practices and advancements. Educational institutions and teachers regularly collaborate to update and refine teaching methodologies to ensure they align with current best practices. 

At NAIS Pudong we go much further to ensure our teachers are at the pinnacle of pedagogical best practice, including through a variety of professional development opportunities both within our teaching community network of 80+ schools, online through our Nord Anglia University, and externally through a range of collaborations with some of the world’s most prestigious organisations such as MIT, Juilliard, UNICEF and IMG Academy. This commitment to personal and professional development of our teachers ensures that students are guaranteed to benefit from high-quality instruction that is effective, engaging, and responsive to their needs.

The British curriculum enjoys global recognition, making it highly valued by universities and colleges worldwide. Its rigorous standards and reputation for academic excellence make it a preferred choice for university admissions. The curriculum's structure, assessment methods, and focus on critical thinking and independent research prepare students for the demands of higher education, facilitating smooth transitions to universities and opening doors to diverse academic and career pathways.  Our students are accepted into universities across the globe every single year, including to some of the world’s most elite, such as Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, King’s College, Duke, Berklee, Erasmus (Rotterdam), Hong Kong University, KAIST (Korea), Seoul National, NUS (Singapore) and many, many more.

A British education stands as an exemplary international model, with a comprehensive and balanced approach, rigorous assessment methods in the IGCSE programme, and emphasis on core skills. Through initiatives like the EYFS, the British curriculum recognises the importance of early childhood education and sets a solid foundation for lifelong learning. By combining research-based pedagogy, flexibility, and global recognition, it provides students with a high-quality education that prepares them for a successful future in an ever-evolving world.