Is the International Baccalaureate right for your child? Read what the experts from the Best IB Schools in the World said about this topic!
IB is one of the most popular programs around the world, but how to make sure the International Baccalaureate is the right choice for your child? We asked experts from some of the Best IB Schools in the World. To answer this question and to clear up any doubts about this crucial topic in your child’s education.
Is IB Right For Your Child?
What is the IB learner profile?
When should you not consider the IB?
Full answers from the experts
Is IB Right For Your Child?
Experts Say:
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 love learning in the IB system and do so successfully. The PYP is very accessible, as is the MYP. To do the DP students should be prepared to work hard as the IB Diploma prepares students for university.Experts Say:
Many students describe the IB curriculum as challenging, but rewarding. Students may also wish to consider where they would like to continue their education and what programs of study will contribute best to their chosen higher education aspirations.What is the IB learner profile?
According to the IBO (International Baccalaureate Organization), the IB learners should be inquirers, thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgeable, and principled. They should also be open-minded and caring and prove to be balanced and reflective. But to make sure these goals fit your child interests and needs is the most important thing to understand.
When should you not consider the IB?
Experts Say:
The IB PYP and MYP, as well as the IB CP are accessible to most students, however, there are situations in which parents and children may need more time to consider whether to choose the IB or to opt for another program.
The IB may not be the best program for students which are not attending university within one to two years of high school graduation. Students with special needs should discuss with the school whether or not the school can offer sufficient support. The IB Diploma, due the workload and the breadth and depth of the programme may not be suitable for all students. Students looking for a more vocational qualification may prefer the CP over the DP. In addition, it is not a great idea to do the IB Diploma if you believe you will be changing schools in the middle of the 2 years programme. Schools offer different IB courses and even if the courses are the same the content may vary, so changing schools during the IB Diploma will likely negatively affect the student’s results. It is also not a good idea to do the IB Diploma if a student is not sufficiently fluent in the language that the programme is taught in. The IB Diploma involves a lot of reading and writing, making the programme more challenging for students who haven’t mastered the language yet.Experts Say:
Finally, students who would prefer to focus on fewer subjects to create an area of specialism may opt for different curricula.
Full answers from the experts
Is the IB right for your child?
KIS International SchoolBangkok, Thailand
Most students love learning in the IB system and do so successfully. The PYP is very accessible, as is the MYP. To do the DP students should be prepared to work hard as the IB Diploma prepares students for university.
The IB PYP and MYP, as well as the IB CP are accessible to most students and there should not be any reasons not to do these programmes. Students with special needs should discuss with the school whether or not the school can offer sufficient support. The IB Diploma, due the workload and the breadth and depth of the programme may not be suitable for all students. Students looking for a more vocational qualification may prefer the CP over the DP. In addition it is not a great idea to do the IB Diploma if you believe you will be changing schools in the middle of the 2 year programme. Schools offer different IB courses and even if the courses are the same the content may vary, so changing schools during the IB Diploma will likely negatively affect the student’s results.It is also not a good idea to do the IB Diploma if you are not sufficiently fluent in the language that the programme is taught in. The IB Diploma involves a lot of reading and writing, making the programme more challenging for students who haven’t mastered the language yet.
Many students describe the IB curriculum as challenging, but rewarding. Students may also wish to consider where they would like to continue their education and what programs of study will contribute best to their chosen higher education aspirations.
Students who would prefer to focus on fewer subjects to create an area of specialism may prefer different curricula.
KIS International SchoolBangkok, Thailand
The American International School · ViennaVienna, Austria