The International Baccalaureate curriculum: a noble aim

Founded 54 years ago in response to the turmoil of World War 2, the International Baccalaureate (IB) program aims to help create a more peaceful world through a curriculum that fosters inclusion and diversity as well as bolstering academic achievement. Students are encouraged to become critical, independent thinkers, rather than the passive learners of times gone by. With an international focus, students are encouraged to open their minds to the task of solving complex real world problems and responding to the world with compassion.

What is the IB programme?

The IB programme is effectively a community of students, teachers and parents around the world working towards an internationally recognised qualification. The IB curriculum is built to encourage lifelong, independent learning as well as excellent personal and social skills that can be applied to the world outside the classroom. This helps modern learners to adapt to a rapidly changing world, where globalization is becoming the norm.

As the curriculum is taught by international schools worldwide, students can easily transfer credits, skills and knowledge between schools when moving countries or living in more than one location. The international focus of the curriculum means that students learn to understand and celebrate cultural differences and diversity in all its forms.

How is the IB curriculum different?

With a focus on empowering students to take ownership of their own learning and to look beyond their own backyards in their thought processes and opinions, the IB curriculum looks to develop future-ready students. These are the kind of students who are motivated to ask questions and take a solutions-based approach to problems.

The IB curriculum consists of four programmes that continue through schooling, from the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for children aged 3 to 12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16, the Diploma Programme (DP) for 16-19 year olds, and the international Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for students 16-19 years of age.

There is a good deal of flexibility within these programmes, depending on the location of the students and their culture, as well as their interests and passions. The four programmes build on each other to create a solid framework for independent lifelong learning.

Where can you study the IB programme?

The IB programme must be studied through a registered IB school, of which there are 5000 worldwide. Some of the learning can be done remotely – and this increased during the pandemic – however, the majority is carried out in class. This enables students to participate in the real world scenarios and social aspects of the IB curriculum.

To become IB-registered, schools must work through an authorization process. This is a rigorous process that protects the authenticity of the program and allows students moving between schools to have a smooth transition in their learning.

Which students would benefit from IB?

Any student can become an IB student, as long as they are able to attend a registered IB school. Curious minds that perhaps don’t always fit in the box are likely to benefit from an IB education. The curriculum encourages future leaders to step up and think big. This makes it a great curriculum to follow for high achievers, but also for any students who show a penchant for critical thinking, open mindedness and balanced, reflective thought. 

Find out how EP’s online bank of quality teaching resources can support the IB curriculum