In 1968, a group of innovative educators founded the International Baccalaureate, or IB for short, an educational non-profit organization, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its principles are based on the pedagogy of Marie-Thérèse Maurette. The goal is to provide kids with the intellectual, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a globalizing world. IB programs encourage personal and academic achievement, they are fun and academically challenging at first and highly demanding later.
the full story

In 1968, a group of innovative educators founded the International Baccalaureate, or IB for short, educational non-profit organization, based in Geneva, Switzerland. Its principles are based on the pedagogy of Marie-Thérèse Maurette. She believed that all children should gain a global perspective on our world before they study their own national history. Children should further always practice two languages, to learn a second form of communication and with it a new mode of thinking inherent to the second language.
the essence of ib

Schools that meet the standards can partner with the IB organization. For a fee, they can be certified and then offer their students an international education that is valid all over the world. The goal, to provide kids with the intellectual, emotional and social skills needed to live, learn and work in a globalizing world. IB programs encourage personal and academic achievement, they are fun and academically challenging at first and highly demanding later. Currently, there are 4 different programs.
the primary years program

This is for kids between 3-12 and is designed to encourage the children to ask some of life’s big questions: How does the world work? Who am I? How can we build a sustainable society? In addition, there are 6 classic subject areas, such as language, math, social studies, science, art, and physical exercise.
the middle years program

Designed for teenagers ranging from 11 to 16, it asks us to understand ourselves in a global context. We learn about our identity, culture, relationships, as well as globalization and sustainability. In addition, there are now also design, literature, and health.
the diploma program

This is a two-year program for students aged 16–19 who seek a certified qualification to enter a university or another higher education institution. In addition to 6 elective classes, it consists of 3 core subjects:
1. Extended Essay Writings (4000 words)
2. Theory of Knowledge, in which students learn to reflect on the nature of their own knowledge
3. Creativity, Action, and Service, to learn new forms of creative thinking through experience or social work.
the career-related program

It aims to prepare students for the professional world and help them identify career options. To pass it, students have to do two complete Diploma Programs, study personal and professional skills and advanced language and how to execute and learn from a big project. Later, they seek practical experience to get prepared for their first job or an internship.
ib program’s impact

Today around 5,000 schools all around the globe offer IB programs. Some IB Diploma students say it is a very stressful experience with little time for anything else but studying all day and evenings. Others say that it’s hard work and challenging but once they graduate, they look back to a good and valuable time in their life.
What do you think about the IB? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!
Sources
- International Baccalaureate – Wikipedia.org
- Iborganization. (n.d.). International education. International Baccalaureate®.
- What Is The International Baccalaureate? – Studio 10 Youtube
- Stuff IB Kids Say – Melissa Youtube