We have interviewed two International Baccalaureate (IB) education experts who work in the best IB schools worldwide. They have shared their insights and answered some questions about the program. If you want to learn more about this globally recognized educational framework, read the article!
The IB offers four educational programs for children aged 3 to 19. These programs provide a comprehensive and challenging curriculum culminating in six rigorous subject exams.
What is an IB School?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a range of international educational programs that promote and support children’s personal and academic growth. These programs include PYP, MYP, DP, and CP. Schools interested in teaching any IB programs must be authorized by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). A school approved to offer one or more IB programs is known as an IB World School.
Can Schools offer all the IB Programmes?
Experts Say:
KIS International School, Bangkok – Thailand
A school offering a continuum of IB education will have a culture that reflects the IB values. The school will be international-minded and encourage students to ask questions, take control of their learning, and become independent. The teachers and administrators will firmly believe in the IB and be proud of their students.
What are the requirements for schools to propose the IB Programmes?
A school must undergo an authorization process to achieve the status of an IB World School. This process is designed to assist the school in making an informed decision about adopting the IB program and ensure that it understands the program’s fundamentals, is well-suited to implement it, and has a long-term plan for teaching it.
What are the benefits of following all IB Programmes?
Studying all the IB Programmes offers students and families a lot of benefits:
Recognized programmes
All of them are recognized programs throughout the world;
International mindedness
It provides inquiry-based learning, international mindedness, and action orientation, which lead to outstanding academic results;
Transferability
It guarantees transferability, cohesion, and continuity of learning;
Continual research
It is supported by extensive and continual research into curriculum and pedagogy.
Experts Say:
Doha – Qatar
Following three IB programs ensures cohesion and continuity in the students’ experience who stay with us for several years. Schools that follow the IB and other systems simultaneously can find themselves torn between different philosophies of education and might need to spend a lot of time and energy combining different elements that are only sometimes compatible. IB schools can follow one system and concentrate on their most important job: continuously improving student learning.
KIS International School, Bangkok – Thailand
The IB programs are academically strong, and following the three programs supports a smooth continuum of learning. Schools find that students who have learned through the PYP, MYP, and DP are balanced, caring, independent, and globally aware young adults who are ready for life at university and beyond. Doing all three programs ensures familiarity with the structure and terminology of the IB, and students who have completed the MYP better understand the expectations of the IB Diploma. The capstone projects for the PYP (the exhibition), MYP (Personal Project), and DP (extended essay) allow students to showcase their learning in each of the programs.
Is studying all the IB Programmes the right choice for my child?
All IB programs offer inquiry-based learning focusing on international mindedness and developing individuals who can solve global problems.
Experts Say:
Doha – Qatar
IB programs are remarkably adapted to our modern world because they foster children who can be actors on the global stage and who are comfortable in an international environment. Children learn to think, solve complex problems, apply what they learn to the real world, and deeply understand concepts. They also know to be principled, moral agents who take action to improve the world around them.
KIS International School, Bangkok – Thailand
The best thing to do is to visit the IB school you are interested in and let them explain and show how learning works in the IB. Bring up any concerns and questions you have. Most students do very well in the IB and enjoy the colorful and challenging nature of the programs.
