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International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global, nonprofit learning program that offers students globally accepted education (Crimson, 2021). The program has existed for over 50 years and is today adopted by approximately 5000 schools worldwide. It targets students between the ages of 3 and 19 and offers them intellectual, social, personal, and emotional skills. The objective of the curriculum is to foster well-rounded and internationally-minded students. IB programs encourage students’ academic achievement and personal development by making them critical thinkers who ask appropriate questions that promote learning. Students that have gone through the program develop a hunger for learning and adapt better to diversity.
The Mission of the IB Program
The mission of the International Baccalaureate program is to create inquiring, caring, and knowledgeable young people to help make the world a better and more peaceful place through respect and intercultural understanding (Crimson, 2021). Through working closely with schools, international organizations, and governments, the program has formulated compassionate, active, and lifelong learners who understand that people can be different but not wrong.
IB’s Brief History
The International Baccalaureate Program was founded in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. The organization during that time offered a Diploma Program (DP) as the only program until 1994, when it introduced the Middle Years Program (MYP). In 1997, the organization introduced the Primary Years Program (PYP) before submitting the Careers-related Certificate in 2011. Only private international schools enrolled in the IB program in the initial years. Today more than 50% of the overall IB schools are state schools. The program’s initial goal was to help internationally mobile families maintain their children’s study routines despite the constant traveling.
The Four IB Programs
As we mentioned earlier, International Baccalaureate programs are offered in four categories: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Year Program (MYP), Diploma Program, and Career-Related Program.
The Primary Years Program (PYP).
PYP targets children between the ages of 3-12 years. The curriculum under this category provides early education through the application of a holistic approach. Desks in a typical classroom may be arranged in a community meeting style to encourage impartial participation. The early childhood IB program aims to foster education enthusiasm among children. It encourages children to view themselves as collaborative members of the community, both locally and globally.
The Middle Years Program (MYP)
MYP targets students between the ages of 11 and 16 years. The curriculum encourages students to connect what they learn with real-world applications. It also prepares them for higher education. MYP encourages students to view their studies from an interdisciplinary lens as they click on citizenship and empathy in their studies and public lives. By applying the informative assessment approach, teachers using MYP can gauge students’ progress all through the curriculum. The teachers adjust their teaching speed based on the student’s level of understanding and learning ability.
Diploma Program
IB Diploma Program targets students that are between the age of 16 years and 19 years. The instructors adjust the curriculum speed based on the needs and understanding of the student. The diploma program comprises six major subjects, making it an interdisciplinary course of study (Accredited School Online, 2021). Subjects under the diploma program include Language and literature studies, Language acquisition, Individuals and societies, Math, and Science. Independent research and involvement of the community are also vital under this category. Students take a final test before receiving an IB diploma.
Career-related Curriculum
The career-related curriculum targets students interested in specific vocations. The curriculum integrates a student’s diploma courses with hands-on experience in the desired field of work. Under this curriculum, students must complete several projects linked to their intended future career and community. Students also take a final test at the end of the program.
How a Student Enrolls to Become an International Baccalaureate Student
To enroll in an IB program, a student fills an application form within a specified time. The application form is found on the websites of IB schools or with school counselors. In addition, a student may be asked to write a personal statement and submit a recommendation letter from their school. In some cases, students also submit extracurricular lists, among other requirements.
Why do IB Students have an advantage over others?
The International Baccalaureate program offers students knowledge and content and how to think and learn. It is more inclined on “how to” than it is on “what to.” IB learning is based on real-world situations that make it exciting and relevant to 21st-century kids and families (Accredited School Online, 2021). Rather than teaching subjects in isolation, they are taught in one big team despite their diversity. Students learn to think conceptually, making it easy for them to apply their knowledge in real situations. IB program students have a global mindset and play a significant and positive societal role. The programs make it easy for students who travel to different countries to continue learning despite the cultural changes.
IB schools operate under a global community, creating opportunities for collaboration and shared learning. Students get all-rounded special education to include social, emotional, and academic characteristics. Due to their exposure and adaptability, they perform better than other students and get more recruited to top universities globally. Students also become more familiar with varying languages, global issues, ideas, and cultures.
How to Select the Best IB School for your Child
A Good IB school follows the IB Curriculum Thoroughly
An IB school should always follow the IB curriculum in all grades. As such, a good school should provide the curriculum in partiality or a mid another curriculum. The results of the IB curriculum are better when a child follows them through one learning methodology. The school should also maximize students’ understanding by providing them with free access to courses and resources externally.
A Good IB School Comprises a Diverse Community
Learning cultural and race diversity widens your child’s knowledge and understanding. In addition, diverse knowledge helps students appreciate other communities’ contributions, away from theirs in the global community. If you want your child to learn diversity effectively, ensure that they are enrolled in an IB school with a diverse environment.
A Good IB School Helps Your Child to Develop a Liberal Mindset
Schools should offer both intellectual growth and emotional intelligence to children. A good IB school focuses on your child’s overall development rather than just concentrating on the academic aspect (Accredited School Online, 2021). The school should practice all the skills and values laid down in the IB and ensure that children develop confidence and happiness. The school should also maximally practice liberty and open-mindedness since they are vital skills in this era of globalization.
Advantages of IB Programs
Self-Driven Learning
International Baccalaureate emphasizes self-directed and independent learning by encouraging students to try different approaches to learning and taking charge of their educational progress.
Holistic Approach
A holistic approach in education is a comprehensive teaching method where educators integrate students’ emotional, ethical, social, and academic needs in learning. IB programs are made up of all these learning and growth aspects and uphold active relationships in all levels of education.
A Global Mindset
A globalized mindset is a person’s ability to read, adapt, and recognize different cultural signals. IB program prepares your child for the challenges in the 21stcentury by encouraging them to become compassionate, respectful, and understanding of all languages and cultures.
Prepares Students for Higher Education
IB assists your Childs in developing and growing critical skills necessary for university studies. These skills include excellent organization, independence, time management, writing, and critical thinking.
Disadvantages of IB Schools
Long Period of Study
IB requires a lot of work input and solid performance for two years and above. After two years of study or more, your child is tested with one concluding exam covering all the learned material.
Rigidity and Heavy Workload
The IB program is a highly intense curriculum that calls for a high level of study and work, commitment, initiative, and organization. As such, students handle a lot of assignments and coursework within the learning period.
How International Baccalaureate Organizations Work with Schools
IB organization works with schools by first asking them to participate in an authorization process to determine if they meet the IB World School standards. After authorization, the school receives assessment and curricula programs. A follow-up is done to ensure that the IB programs are well-delivered to students. Lastly, the IB organization tests students’ progress by assessing them after the end of each course leading to consistent practices and standards among all IB schools.
Note: IB program does not affect the governance and operations of a school after enrollment.
TAKE AWAY: How our Tutoring Programs Algin with IB Programs
IB is a child’s perfect preparation for university and life. Students who complete the program are smart, creative, and intellectually curious, and what’s more! They are well-rounded, multi-skilled, and multifaceted.
Last but not least, they perform better! At Kids on the Yard, our tutoring program matches IB Program’s social philosophy and aligns with its academic excellence. Our tutors will complement, expand, and foster your child’s IB Program journey.
Today, connect with us for more information about how our tutoring programs will align with your child’s International Baccalaureate Program!
References
Accredited School Online. (2021). Choosing an International Baccalaureate or IB Program. Retrieved from https://www.accreditedschoolsonline.org/resources/international-baccalaureate/
Crimson. (2021). The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Explained. Retrieved from https://www.crimsoneducation.org/us/blog/campus-life-more/international-baccalaureate-programme/
