How Parents Can Support Their Children Studying IB in Singapore

Known for its challenging curriculum and emphasis on critical thinking, research, and personal growth, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous, globally recognised curriculum that fosters well-rounded students.

What is IB? 

Founded in 1968, the IB provides high quality and challenging educational programmes at every stage of the child’s academic journey while offering a holistic educational environment.

 It is known for its high academic standards and mission to develop global citizens of the 21st century, with a curriculum that places great emphasis on cultivating creativity and imagination.

 IB Singapore schools offer there are different levels of programmes:

•   IB Primary Years Programme (for students from Grades 1 – 5)
•   IB Middle Years Programme (for students from Grades 6 – 8)
•   IGCSE or CBSE (for students from Grades 9 – 10)
•   IB Diploma (for students from Grades 11 – 12)

While the IB opens doors to global opportunities, it can also be demanding for students.

As a parent, you would play a vital role in supporting your child’s IB journey by balancing guidance with independence. From managing time and stress to encouraging a balanced lifestyle, the right support can make all the difference.

Here are practical ways you can help your child to thrive in the IB programme.

5 ways parents can support their child studying for IB

1. Creating a supportive home environment

Your child spends a significant portion of their time at home, making it crucial to create a neat, nurturing and stimulating learning environment that complements their educational journey.

 A supportive home environment not only fosters curiosity and creativity but also helps instil positive habits that contribute to long-term academic and personal growth.

 It is important to provide access to diverse resources like books, art supplies, and online materials, and set up a dedicated, distraction-free space for activities such as reading, writing, and creative exploration.

2. Develop a time & stress management plan

As the IB curriculum is demanding, it is important to manage the workload by creating a structured yet flexible time management plan to encourage your child to prioritise tasks, break large projects into smaller, manageable steps as well as set realistic deadlines.

To avoid last minute stress and monitor progress, you can tap into tools such as planners, digital calendars or project management apps.

Additionally, teaching healthy stress management techniques such as mindfulness practices, regular physical activity and relaxation methods can equip your child with the skills to cope with academic pressure.

In the event you start to see signs of burnout such as (some symptoms here), you should also make it a point to encourage breaks when needed, reinforcing that maintaining mental well-being is just as important as academic success.

3. Active communication with the school & teachers 

Building a strong partnership with the school is key to understanding how your child is progressing within the IB framework.

 Thus, it is important to actively engage with teachers and school counsellors by attending parent-teacher conferences, participating in school events, as well as staying informed through newsletters or school portals.

Regular communication would also enable you to stay updated on academic expectations, upcoming deadlines and any areas where your child might be struggling.

 Should challenges arise, working collaboratively with teachers can be useful for identifying solutions, such as additional resources or study strategies. This would then help you to better understand how to support your child’s academic journey while respecting their growing independence.

4. Encouraging a balanced lifestyle

While it is crucial to study hard and meet submission deadlines, it is equally important to foster a balanced lifestyle for your child’s overall well-being and long-term success.

After all, productivity goes down when stress levels get high or escalate to a state of burnout. It would also become more and more challenging to absorb new information and make sense of study material.

On top of dedicating time to academics, it helps to encourage your child to spend some time engaging in activities that support their physical, emotional and social health – whether it’s a sport or creative art – to reduce stress and promote well-rounded development.

Teaching your child how to set healthy boundaries, such as limiting screen time or knowing when to say no to extra commitments could also help them to better manage their workload while being able to relax and grow.

5. Understand the IB curriculum itself

Parents who have a clear understanding of the IB curriculum are better positioned to offer meaningful support. Hence, you should take the time to familiarise yourself with the program’s structure, including its six subject groups and core components: the Extended Essay (EE), Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Understanding how these elements contribute to your child’s academic development allows you to provide informed guidance and encouragement. For instance, recognising the significance of the EE can help you support your child in managing deadlines and conducting independent research.

Understanding the TOK framework allows you to engage in discussions that challenge their critical thinking. Familiarity with CAS can enable you to suggest creative and meaningful activities that fulfil the program’s experiential learning goals.

By grasping the curriculum’s demands and philosophy, you can encourage your child to develop essential skills like inquiry, reflection and self-management, empowering them to navigate the IB with confidence.

Shape your child’s lifelong love for learning at AIS

The IB is a challenging journey, but with your encouragement and our guidance, your child is poised to thrive every step of the way.

At AIS, we go beyond the classroom, cultivating curiosity, confidence and a drive for excellence. Our IB program inspires a love for exploration and learning, equipping children with the tools to excel both personally and academically.

Take the first step toward unlocking your child’s potential – schedule a tour with us today!