PARTNERED CONTENT A critical advantage: The IB Diploma Programme I


n today’s rapidly changing world, schools


seek ways to teach students skills needed for success beyond the classroom. The answer to this? An adaptable framework of education tailored for the world of tomorrow. As we move into this uncertain future, skills such as critical thinking, research analysis and the ability to communicate as part of a global network will all have crucial roles to play. Research recently conducted by the University of Oxford finds that


International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) students demonstrate stronger critical thinking skills over non-IB peers. Over 560 students from eight schools in England, Norway and


Australia participated in the study, which looks at the impact of the DP on students’ critical thinking abilities; highlighting elements of the DP curriculum, such as the theory of knowledge (TOK) course and extended essay, as opportunities for developing this important skill. The IB’s approach in developing critical thinking is consistent with


evidence-based best practice, with students and educators commenting on the advantage that the DP offers as preparation for further studies when compared to national curricula. Past studies have shown that critical thinking skills heavily contribute to individual and collective success, making them hugely sought after by universities and workplaces.


This shows that, through the DP, the IB provides its students with


world-class preparation for university and life beyond. The programme is formed of a comprehensive inquiry-based education that puts students in full control of their study, so they can develop superior academic ability, confidence, critical thinking and language skills. Students graduate ready to enter the world’s leading universities and to excel on arrival. In an ever-changing world, the IB equips its learners with the skills,


confidence and lifelong learning needed to thrive and make a difference in the world.


uTo find out more, visit: https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/


LOST LEARNING - NEW HOPE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN


S


CHOOLS in the UK are fighting the impact of the pandemic with the help of an education provider that uses innovative technology to


boost learning rates. Teachers say that the Maths-Whizz tuition platform frees up valuable


classroom time, whilst ensuring children have access to online lessons that are tailored to their individual needs. The programme uses a virtual tutor driven by artificial intelligence,


which is deployed as part of a holistic approach that includes real-world teaching resources, on-going local support, and real-time analytics. Children are encouraged to learn by creating their own avatars that


enable them to take part in maths games and win prizes. Over 250 schools in the UK are currently using the Maths-Whizz platform in order to raise standards in mathematics. Among them is Chesterton Primary School in Chesterton, Staffordshire. Stella Formosa, Headteacher at the school in Chesterton, said: "It's a


fun way of involving children in their own independent learning as they like to work with technology. Parents can see how their child is progressing and it only needs to be 15-20 minutes per day, which is easily incorporated in a homework routine. It's been a really good tool for learning during the Covid period as children have been able to access it at home and it has supplemented the work that we set in class." Another school to benefit is Little Sutton Primary School in Sutton


Coldfield, where pupils at the school are in the top 20% nationally for achievement in Key Stage 2 in mathematics. Rita Kaur, Assistant Headteacher and Maths Lead at the school in


Little Sutton, said: "Being able to utilise Maths-Whizz in the current pandemic has been very well received by our staff, pupils, and parents. In such unprecedented times, online tools and options are even more


December 2020


needed to support the balance of remote learning.” The Whizz Education platform is also used by schools as far afield as


Kenya, Mexico, Thailand, Republic of Ireland, Russia, New Zealand, United States of America and United Arab Emirates. Richard Marett, CEO of Whizz Education, said: "Our technology has


been shown to improve learning rates which reduces the educational burden of Covid-19. As a result, we believe that there is a strong case for virtual tuition platforms to be included in the National Tuition Programme. Our studies show that children who use Maths-Whizz for 60 minutes a week can improve their maths age on average by over 18 months in their first year of use."


u www.whizz.com www.education-today.co.uk 7


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