The International Baccalaureate program was founded in the 1960's in Switzerland to provide a common curriculum and university entry credential for children of diplomats and other geographically mobile students. The program now operates in more than 1000 schools in 100 countries. Starting as a two-year pre-university Diploma program, in the 1990's Middle Years and Primary Years programs have been added. Because of the high standards and global focus, many schools have adopted the program as an enriched honours program for gifted students.
Philosophy
The program emphasizes creativity, critical thinking and exposure to a variety of viewpoints intending to foster inter-cultural understanding. The program seeks to develop the whole person by balancing demanding academics with activities to develop awareness, concern and the ability to work cooperatively with others. Community service is also a requirement.
Curriculum
Each student is required to select at least one course from each of six study groups: language and literature, one other language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and arts and electives. Theory of Knowledge is a required interdisciplinary to stimulate questioning, relection, analysis and a coherent approach to learning. Students are expected to participate in theatre productions, sports and community service activities. For the Diploma, candidates must also undertake an independent research project and write an extended essay.
The Middle Years and Primary Years programs also provide for a balance of academic challenge and life skills appropriate for the stage of the student. Children from age eight are expected to begin learning a foreign language.
Assessment
Each student's performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement applied to all schools.For the Diploma, evaluation includes both internal assessments by the teachers and international external examiners. Over 36,000 students are annually assessed by the International Baccalaureate Organization. All assessment is carried out by internal teachers in the Middle and Primary Years programs using criteria established by the IBO. Participating schools are visited and evaluated periodically.
University Recognition
Many universities have policies which recognize IB graduates and examinations results. Some provide advantage for admission, some offering advanced standing or course credit.
Information
The headquarters for International Baccalaureate is in Geneva with offices in Cardiff, New York, Buenos Aires, Singapore, Stockholm, Sydney, Yokohama, Bombay, Amman, Mosco, Nairobi and Mexico:
International Baccalaureate Organisation
Route des Morillons 15
1218 Grand-Saconnex
Geneva, SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 791 7740
Fax: +41 22 791 0277
E-mail: IBHQ@ibo.org WEB: www.ibo.org
Updated January 12, 2000