How We Built Bina's Curriculum

Overview

The article opens with the story of Asher, whose family relocates frequently. Through enrollment at bina, he gained consistent, high-quality education delivered at home by an experienced English-speaking teacher, alongside five stable classmates--benefits of a transnational curriculum model.

What Ingredients Went Into Bina's Curriculum?

Bina developed an international curriculum drawing from multiple global standards. The foundation combines "UK standards with elements of the US Common Core, International Baccalaureate (IB PYP) and the Australian curriculum woven in."

The curriculum uses micro-credentials as building blocks--small, manageable targets that break complex skills into simpler components. These organize into three categories:

• Skills ("I can")
• Knowledge ("I understand")
• Disposition ("I exhibit")

This structure enables objective assessment of student progress.

What Subjects Are Taught?

The program encompasses holistic development across multiple domains:

Academic Knowledge: literacy, numeracy, technical sciences, social sciences, digital technology, design technology, and the arts

Social-Emotional Learning: Students develop intercultural and emotional intelligence while learning to navigate conflict, express themselves, make difficult decisions, and act empathetically. Mental health support and coping strategies are prioritized.

Engagement Strategies: Learning is grounded in biome-themed units (such as "Marine") where content across subjects connects to real-world contexts, making abstract concepts more accessible.

How It Actually Works

Assessment occurs continuously through natural, non-intrusive methods--projects, games, and conversations. Small class sizes enable constant teacher observation and timely feedback. Teachers provide specific input while the education team crafts adaptive learning paths in real time, maintaining the balance between standardization and personalization.