Why are so many schools turning to the IB?

As of February 2024, there were over 8,000 programmes being offered worldwide, across over 5,700 schools in 160 countries.

Countries with strong educational systems, such as Finland, Singapore, Japan, and South Korea, have IB schools offering the IB Diploma and the IB Career-related Programme. Additionally, in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, there are numerous IB schools providing both programs. IB is also now coming to Cyprus.

IB schools claim that the benefits of the IB programs include holistic education, global recognition, rigorous curriculum, critical thinking skills, language development, cultural awareness, a broad range of subjects, and preparation for college and future careers.

So why this educational revolution?

The IB is developing a worldwide community of schools, educators and students and aiming to implement a shared vision and mission to empower young people with the skills, values and knowledge to create a better and more peaceful world.

It is not a new vision - in 1968 the first programme offered by the IB, the Diploma Programme, was established. It sought to provide a challenging yet balanced education that would facilitate geographic and cultural mobility by providing an internationally recognised university entrance qualification that would also serve the deeper purpose of promoting intercultural understanding and respect.

In 1994 they Middle Years programme was developed and in 1997 the Primary Years Programme so that there a continuum of international education for students aged 3 to 19. In 2012 the Career-related Programme enriched this continuum by providing a choice of international education pathways for 16 to 19 year old students.

So why IB? What is IB learning?

There is a central vision to provide an education that enables students to make sense of the complexities of the world around them, as well as equipping them with the skills and dispositions needed for taking responsible action for the future.

Schools develop an education that crosses disciplinary, cultural, national and geographical boundaries, and that champions critical engagement, stimulating ideas and effective relationships.

The vision and mission is:

"To develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect"

Schools then develop and bespoke their own vision so that they can provide challenging programmes of international education with rigorous assessment - with an aim to develop internationally minded people who recognise their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.

The high quality teaching and learning environment that is created is a multi-faceted and complex concept that captures a way of thinking, being and acting that is characterised by an openness to the world and a recognition of our deep interconnectedness to others.

What is quality learning?

An IB school therefore aims to provide students with opportunities for sustained inquiry into a range of local and global issues and ideas through a vision for high quality teaching and learning using emerging technologies and fostering international-mindedness by helping students reflect on their own perspective, cultures and identities, and then on those of others.

By learning to appreciate different beliefs, values and experiences, and to think and collaborate across cultures and disciplines, IB learners gain the understanding necessary to make progress toward a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Languages

IB believes that communicating in more than one language provides excellent opportunities to develop intercultural understanding and respect and that it helps the students to appreciate that his or her own language, culture and worldview also encouraging through a focus on global engagement and meaningful service with the community.

Why choose an IB education?

IB schools have a vision is to recognise that that they can make a difference to this planet and plan their education with a focus on moving beyond awareness and understanding - to engagement, action and bringing about meaningful change.

As parents what helps us make the right choice for our children? There is so much talk about IB versus A-levels-versus Cambridge International qualifications - so perhaps a few points to consider.

The IB focus

The IB offers a holistic educational approach, focusing on the development of the whole student, including critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives and offers a comprehensive and localised curriculum with a wide range of subjects, including languages, sciences, humanities, and the arts, providing students with a broad educational experience preparing students for university studies around the world.

It includes the CAS requirement, which encourages students to engage in activities outside of the classroom, emphasising creativity, physical activity, and community service.

A good IB school focuses on the learning attributes to develop students into inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

It also encourages students to become compassionate, lifelong learners who understand and respect others, think critically, and take responsibility for their own learning.

The learner profile fosters the development of well-rounded individuals who are prepared to contribute positively to a diverse and ever-changing world.

Assessment

The IB creates its own, internationally-benchmarked assessment to ensure that students are challenged to think critically, rather than simply being able to recall knowledge – encouraging students to take ownership of their learning, be risk-takers, practice self-management skills, in a safe, learning environment and the curricula are designed to allow teachers to be passionate about their subjects and focus students not only on content but also on how they think and learn – motivating teachers and reinventing a passion for teaching.

Cambridge International and A levels

Cambridge International offers subject-based qualifications, allowing students to focus on specific subjects of interest within the Cambridge pathway offering flexibility for students to choose the subjects and qualifications that align with their academic and career aspirations. Cambridge International assesses student learning through a diverse range of methods including written examinations, coursework, oral assessments, practical tasks, multiple-choice tests, extended essays, practical examinations, and group projects.

These varied assessment approaches evaluate students' knowledge, understanding, skills, and abilities across different subjects and qualifications and is known for its English language programs, which can be beneficial for students aiming to develop proficiency in English.

The choice?

In making a choice between the IB and Cambridge International qualifications, it's essential to consider factors such as the educational philosophy, breadth of curriculum, global recognition, flexibility, and your individual academic and career goals.

Please contact me if you would like to know more.

Dr Tassos Anastasiades