The International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate is a continuum of international education, including:

• the Primary Years Program (PYP)

• the Middle Years Program (MYP)

• the Diploma Program (DP)

• Life long learning

IB Learner Profile

IB programmes aim to develop internationally minded people who are striving to become:

• Inquirers -      Their natural curiosity is nurtured.  They acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research, and become independent active learners.  They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

• Knowledgeable -      They explore concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance.  In so doing, they acquire, and are able to make use of a significant body of knowledge across a range of disciplines.

• Thinkers -      They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to approach complex problems and make reasoned decisions.

• Communicators -      They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.

• Risk-takers -      They approach unfamiliar situations with confidence and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies.  They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe.

• Principled -      They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning.  They have integrity, honesty, a sense of fairness and justice and respect for the dignity of the individual.

• Caring -     They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others.  They have a personal commitment to action and service to make a positive difference to the environment and to the lives of others.

• Open-minded -      Through an understanding and appreciation of their own culture, they are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.

• Well-balanced -      They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being for themselves and others.  They demonstrate perseverance and self-discipline.

• Reflective -      They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and personal development.  They are able to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.

Shared Features in Grades K-12

• Broad and balanced range of knowledge

• Language acquisition and development

• Trans-disciplinary learning

• Skills of learning

• Collaborative planning and research

• Community service requiring reflection

Criteria for an International Curriculum

• Developing citizens of the world

• Sense of identity and cultural awareness

• Universal human values

• Curiosity / Inquiry / Discovery / Enjoyment

• Skills to learn and acquire knowledge

• International content / Local context

• Diversity and flexibility in teaching

• Assessment and international benchmarking

IB World School

An IB World School has:

• A common educational framework

• A consistent set of aims and values

• An overarching concept of how to develop international thinking and character in young people

The Primary Years Programme (PYP)

At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning. Six organizing themes help teachers and students explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word. Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry. They acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts.

The Middle Years Programme (MYP)

At the heart of the PYP is a commitment to structured inquiry as a vehicle for learning. Six organizing themes help teachers and students explore knowledge in the broadest sense of the word. Teachers and students use key questions that are concept-based to structure the units of inquiry. They acquire and apply transdisciplinary skills while developing an understanding of these important concepts.

The Diploma Programme (DP)

The Diploma Programme has the strengths of a traditional and broad curriculum, but with three important additional features: the Theory of Knowledge class, the Extended Essay, and CAS (Creativity, Action, Service). Students choose one class in each of six subject groups: Language A, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Mathematics and Computer Science, and the Arts.

The Mission Statement of the IBO

The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

To this end the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.