DPS International Gurugram principal Rima Singh discussed the growing demand for curricula beyond rote learning. Singh highlighted the International Baccalaureate (IB) program’s focus on application and critical thinking as a key differentiator from traditional boards like CBSE.
School Growth and Learning Experience
DPS International Gurugram, founded in 2014 with 40 students, now serves over a thousand learners in its IB continuum program. The school maintains a 1:12 student-teacher ratio for individual attention. It offers all four IB programs: Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP), and Career-related Programme (CP). Teacher development, global exposure, and continuous training are central to the school’s growth. The learning experience integrates academics with arts, music, dance, and sports.
Curriculum Differences: CBSE vs. IB
Transitioning from a CBSE background, Singh noted the IB’s absence of a single prescribed textbook. IB education utilizes multiple resources, including books, videos, guest speakers, and field trips. Teachers curate teaching materials. Unlike CBSE’s structured format of fixed question-answer patterns and exams based on classroom content, IB emphasizes student engagement. Lessons often begin with real-world hooks like videos, experiences, or field trips to foster deeper learning.
Application-Based Learning
The IB approach focuses on applying concepts to real-life situations. For example, negative numbers are explained using an elevator context rather than just a number line. This method connects learning to daily experiences, making it more relevant. Teachers plan lessons by first establishing real-world relevance, integrating subjects like math with science through graphs or teaching percentages through shopping discounts. This interdisciplinary approach enhances skill-building, teaching students how to apply knowledge across subjects.
Parental Choice and IB Popularity
Parents choose DPS International for two primary reasons: the strong DPS legacy and the contemporary IB curriculum. Many parents are DPS alumni seeking a more global education. While other international schools offer IGCSE or A Levels, DPS International is the first DPS to provide the full IB continuum. This combination builds on the trust in the DPS name while offering a curriculum that moves beyond rote learning. The popularity of the IB curriculum has risen, aligning with the National Education Policy’s (NEP) focus on practices inspired by international curricula. IB schools have a head start in implementing these approaches.
Adapting to Student Needs and AI Integration
The school invests heavily in teacher training to adapt to evolving student needs. IB mandates regular professional development for educators. Regarding Artificial Intelligence (AI), Singh stated that AI is a supporting tool, not a replacement for thinking. DPS International has implemented clear policies and extensive teacher training on AI usage. Teachers use AI to reduce administrative tasks and aid lesson planning. Academic integrity is maintained through teaching proper citation and using plagiarism detection software. Students sign a responsible-use undertaking.
Addressing Affordability and Accessibility
International programs like IB are positioned at a premium due to the investment in quality delivery. While DPS International has an EWS category, few students utilize it. Factors like the mandatory use of laptops from Grade 6 and participation in overseas trips pose challenges for economically weaker sections. Fully subsidized admissions remain difficult within the structure of international programs, requiring significant parental investment.
Balancing Technology and Traditional Learning
Technology is integrated into learning but is carefully structured. Laptops are introduced gradually, with Grade 10 assessments conducted online. Handwriting remains important, with mandatory handwritten journals for students to maintain the skill. The IB system is expected to transition fully online by 2030 for Grade 11 and 12 assessments.
Digital Safety
Digital safety is a priority. The school has cyber safety and digital citizenship policies. Secure firewalls, monitored IP systems, and regular checks for unusual online activity are in place. Parent awareness sessions on digital safety are conducted frequently.