Dutch schools vs. international schools: A smarter way to assess learning
By Judith Meijer
In the Netherlands, students face intense pressure from constant testing. At Amity International School, the focus is different: on wellbeing, real-world skills, and holistic growth, rather than scores. This article examines how international schools provide a healthier and more meaningful approach to learning.
In the Netherlands, students are drowning in numbers. On average, a Dutch child in high school receives 102 grades per school year*. That’s a test every other day. While assessments are meant to measure progress, this relentless testing culture has led to stress, reduced motivation, and a narrow focus on scores rather than actual learning.
The problem with standardised testing in Dutch schools
Dutch schools rely heavily on standardised tests, particularly the Cito-toets, which plays a crucial role in determining a child's educational path at the age of 12. However, research suggests that this system does not create equal opportunities. Instead, it reinforces selection rather than fostering growth.
Educational researcher Karen Heij argues that the Dutch approach to assessment is flawed. She points out that testing has become something imposed by external institutions, rather than a tool for meaningful learning. The result? A rigid system that prioritises numbers over individual potential.
Beyond the pressure of constant grading, Dutch students face additional challenges:
- Mental health concerns: The intense focus on performance has contributed to rising stress levels among young children and adolescents.
- Limited skill development: Standardised tests often fail to assess creativity, problem-solving, and social skills - essential qualities for success in the modern world.
- Performance pressure (Prestatiedruk): Schools are increasingly recognising the negative impact of constant grading and are even experimenting with limiting parental access to student scores.
How international schools take a holistic approach
International schools do things differently. Instead of fixating on test scores, they focus on real-world skills, personal growth, and global awareness. Their holistic approach goes beyond preparing children for exams - it equips them for life.
There's plenty of debate in the international school world about the best ways to assess students and why approaches vary from one school to another. What’s clear, though, is that these schools favour authentic, holistic and criteria-based assessments, designed by subject specialists to ensure grading standards are maintained.
Rather than just ticking boxes on a rigid test, this means teachers, who know their students best, use tools and support materials to test a range of complex competencies, including Agency in Learning, Collaboration, Communication, Acting Ethically, Critical Thinking, Active Citizenship and Personal Development.
International schools use standardised assessments to help gauge students' abilities, alongside criteria-based evaluations and teachers' expert insights. But these standardised tests are just one piece of the puzzle - true student growth is a much broader, more holistic journey that goes beyond a single score.
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Why international school assessments work
So, why does this type of assessment work?
- Less stress, more learning: Teachers can focus on meaningful learning instead of teaching students how to ace a test.
- A clearer picture of student growth: Assessments like MAP Growth™ or the CAT4 test track progress over time and build on the children’s cognitive abilities rather than relying on a single test score.
- Confidence-building: Students are assessed based on their strengths, helping them develop a positive attitude toward learning.
- Adaptability for globally mobile students: Many international students move between schools, so skill-based assessments are far more useful than culturally specific tests.
Take the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, for example. Instead of ranking students against each other, it evaluates their skills based on a framework that measures individual growth and development. It’s not about who's best - it’s about how much each student improves against their own capabilities.
The future of education: Moving beyond numbers
Education should empower children, not burden them with pressure. International schools recognise that real success isn’t about memorising facts - it’s about applying knowledge to the real world. By balancing academic challenges with personal development, they offer a more sustainable and meaningful approach to learning.
Of course, this shift also calls for a rethink in university admissions. Many universities still rely solely on academic performance, but there’s so much more to a student’s abilities than grades. The international education landscape is evolving, and exciting developments in assessment methods are shaping the future.
For parents exploring alternatives to the Dutch standardised testing system, international schools provide an option that prioritises the whole child. So, the real question is: Do you want your child to be defined by numbers, or by the strength of their relevant skills?
If you are looking for an international school in Amsterdam, Amity International School Amsterdam offers a high-quality international education, equipping students with skills that will not only benefit them today but also prepare them for the future. Learn more about their school by contacting their admissions department.
Judith is Marketing and Communications Manager at Amity International School Amsterdam and has been with the school since November 2018. She is passionate about sharing Amity’s story with the Amsterdam community.Read more