The International Baccalaureate


A GLOBAL SUCCESS STORY


Thanks to its international transferability, rigour and breadth of study, the highly regarded International Baccalaureate (widely referred to as the IB) is becoming a popular choice for globally mobile families seeking an internationally transferable curriculum for their children.


he International Baccalaureate (IB) offers programmes for pupils aged from three to 19. It is taught in thousands of international schools in popular relocation destinations worldwide, including many independent and international schools and some state schools in the UK. The IB is probably best known for its two-year Diploma Programme (DP), which is studied internationally by students between the ages of 16 and 19. Since its inception in 1968, however, awarding body the IB Organisation (IBO) has increased its offering to span the early years via the Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the recently developed Career-related Programme (CP). Some schools, such as Brunei’s Jerudong International School, have only recently added the IB to their curricula. This has been done to cater for the diverse needs of the international community, says principal Barnaby Sandow. “Families are more mobile than ever,” explains Tim Jones, deputy head of Sevenoaks School, a coeducational independent school in Kent. “Curricula need to change quickly, too, to reflect the changing ideas, interests and viewpoints of the teachers and pupils. The IB has experience in not underselling the capability of young minds.”


T Newman Boston, a coeducational private school in Boston’s


Back Bay, has offered the IB since 2009. Head of school Harry Lynch says, “In our experience, students who pursue the IB Diploma do indeed achieve both breadth and depth of knowledge, rather than simply accumulating facts in order to pass examinations. “We believe that the process of pursuing the IB Diploma


provides a degree of personal and intellectual challenge that is not only a ‘transportable credential’ – although it certainly is that – but also is superior preparation for success in university studies.” Focusing on each student as a whole person, IB programmes address not only children’s intellectual development but also their social, emotional and physical progress.


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DEVELOPING GLOBAL CITIZENS The IB mission statement demonstrates the IBO’s commitment to the development of an all-round, internationally educated global citizen. “The International Baccalaureate,” it says, “aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” Alongside the DP, the PYP and the MYP have grown


in popularity. Over 4,000 schools across the world, in both the state and the independent sector, now teach the IB. In order to teach one or more of the IB programmes,


a school must complete an authorisation process administered by the IBO; only then is it allowed to call itself an IB World School. This rigorous process can take anything from two to three years, and can be a helpful indicator of quality for families looking for a school for their child. Sotogrande International School, an IB World School in Cadiz, Spain, teaches the DP, the PYP and the MP. Head James Kearney says, “Each programme is flexible and adaptable to learners’ needs, and allows us to fulfil our mission of helping our learners find their unique gifts and talents. “The curriculum allows for the development of the whole person. It helps students to develop as effective learners and people.”


The DP offers a wide range of subjects. It is known for encouraging students to develop independent study and critical thought, but can be quite challenging for students who are not all-rounders. Some consider it too broad for students who wish to specialise. However, the DP is highly regarded by university admissions officers and is one of the few international curricula that are truly globally transferable.


“Due to the high standards and rigorous coursework, the IB curriculum may not be suitable for all children,” explains Peter Kotrc, director of Berlin Brandenburg International


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