IB World

IB is a hot favouirite among parents and schools alike, and the IB community is ever expanding. We find out what’s the pull factor?

Making Of Ib

Marie-Thérèse Maurette, a pioneer in international education, emerged from a generation where a new approach to education gave a beacon of hope in a world rocked by war and ideological divides in the 1940s. Maurette emphasised personal development of having respect for others who are different from ourselves, through learning languages other than one’s own. She believed this would minimise the fear and resentment exhibited towards strangers. In 1948, she wrote a handbook for UNESCO - ‘Is There a Way of Teaching for Peace?’, which eventually became the framework for the IB Diploma Programme.

The Organisation

International School of Geneva (Ecolint) created the International Schools Examinations Syndicate (ISES), which would later become the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The IB headquarters were officially established in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968 for the development and maintenance of the Diploma Programme, that offered internationally standardised courses and assessments for students aged 16 to 19. The Middle Years (MYP) and The Primary Years Programme (PYP) were later developed and piloted in the 1990s.

Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed. 

Marie-Thérèse Maurette believed passionately in this quote by American poet Archibald McLeish, that is embodied in the preamble to the UNESCO charter.

Across The Globe

IB is an alternative to the conventional O and A levels. Examined in 3 languages - English, French and Spanish - it is now offered in 3,085 schools in 139 countries to over 881,000 students aged 3 to 19 years. There are 23 IB World Schools in Singapore with 17 of them offering the Diploma Programme. University eligibility:
  •  3 HL subjects: grade 5 or better
  •  2 SL subjects: grades 4 or better
  •  SL English: grade 4 or better 

IB Diploma

Over the course of the two-year programme, students:

  • study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups (language, second language, individuals and society, experimental science, mathematics and computer science and the arts. Three subjects are studied at higher level(HL) and three at standard level(SL).
  • The extended essay: independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.
  • Theory of knowledge(TOK):  a course  to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).
  • Creativity, action, service(CAS): active learning through experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. 

WHAT MAKES IB UNIQUE

Continuum Of Education

IB offers three individual programmes, from kindergarten to a pre-university diploma. While it’s traditionally known for the Diploma Programme, IB World Schools increasingly offer all three programmes.

Thinking & Learning

Encourages students to ask challenging questions, to reflect critically, to develop research skills, and to learn how to learn. Community service is also considered part of the education.

International

Encourages international-mindedness, based on a belief that students must first develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity. All IB students learn a second language and the skills to live and work with others internationally, which is essential for life in the 21st century.

SCHOOLS THAT OFFER

Ib Global Centre In Singapore

The International Baccalaureate Organization (IB), launched Singapore as one of its three global centres last year to respond to its next phase of growth and to offer on the ground service to its schools. The other centres are to be located in the Netherlands and the USA. Singapore houses the IB’s Asia-Pacific operations which cover 27 countries, ranging from Singapore to Australia to Mongolia.
SCHOOL THAT OFFER IB DIPLOMA

Singapore Schools

ACS (International)
Hwa Chong International School
School of the Arts
Singapore Sports School
St. Joseph’s Institution International

International Schools

Australian International School
Canadian International School
Chatsworth International School
Chinese International School
Excelsior International School
German European School
Global Indian International School
International School of Singapore
NPS International School
Overseas Family School
Tanglin Trust School
United World College

For more information on IB, visit www.ibo.org or the respective school websites.