Since 1968 or for about 50 years now, International Baccalaureate (IB) schools have operated in various parts of the world. They were founded by educators from Geneva in a bid to provide quality and internationally relevant education to children from families who traveled around the globe frequently. The IB program is well known and recognised for its student centric and student driven curriculum and an education that ensures that the learner becomes a wholesome individual rather than just a task taker.
Today, there are more than 6000 IB schools worldwide and the learners continue to enjoy an education which ensures that they remain familiar with the contemporary happenings in the world and gain skills that prepare them for a life after school. The participation in the IB program comes at a price for the school. Schools have to pay a membership and a consultation fee to become authorized to impart IB program. Parents may also incur a fee as their child goes to such a school or takes the IB exams. These details depend on the school one chooses.
IB programs are offered to learners in four categories
Primary Years Program (PYP): ages 3-12
This phase ensures a strong and holistic foundation for the learner. Classrooms are designed like a space shared in a community ensuring that the learners acquire the values of sharing and community participation. The program also ensures that a genuine love for learning is inculcated in learners making them inquisitive human beings.
Middle Years Program (MYP): ages 11-16
These years encourage students to make meaningful connections between their classroom education and the world around them. As the years progress, learners are exposed to an interdisciplinary approach through which various concepts are studied. Concepts around citizenship, empathy and globalisation are stressed upon. Assessment is done throughout the year, following a formative style, which aims to look at the various aspects of a learner’s personality.
Diploma Program: ages 16-19
This phase has two options- the diploma and career related programs. If the learner opts for the Diploma, they study interdisciplinary courses made up of six subjects- the arts, math, science, Individuals and Societies, Language Acquisition and Studies in Language and Literature. Community involvement and research are also important parts of the program. Learners take a final assessment to receive their diploma.
Career-Related Program: also ages 16-19
On choosing this option, the learner is exposed to the subjects of their choice with a focus on the real life application of the subjects. The course includes an important hands-on component which allows learners to experience their chosen vocation closely. Learners must complete a project related to their chosen career as well as take a final assessment to receive a diploma.
Even while being divided into phases, some of the common concepts that stressed upon during the IB programs include community participation, risk taking attitude, open mindedness and a balance between various aspects of life. To ensure that the curriculum remains relevant, global and of contemporary nature, the program utilizes college-level educators to modify the curriculum on a seven-year cycle to remain relevant to universities around the globe. Due to all these qualities, IB programs remain to be preferred to be accepted by most universities around the world. If you are looking for a quality education for your child, IB program schools are a fairly good choice to ensure that your child receives the education that will make them wholesome individuals.