What is IB learning?
Visionary French educator Marie-Thérèse Maurette’s pedagogy is the basis for IB (International Baccalaureate) learning’s inception. In 1948, she wrote, “Educational Techniques for Peace, do they exist?” Taking inspiration from that, The International Schools Examinations Syndicate (ISES) was created by a group of teachers from the International School of Geneva and the ISES gradually evolved into International Baccalaureate (IB).
The IB mission statement emphasises on young learners becoming inquisitive, knowledgeable and caring, so that when their time comes, they can help make the world peaceful through mutual respect and intercultural participation in every sphere of modern civilisation.
Programmes offered by IB inspire learners by challenging them to stand out in their studies. But its influence doesn’t end there. IB programmes also demonstrate tangible ways to effectuate personal development.
This is why IB learning starts from an early age and it continues until pre-university. In Singapore, it’s no surprise to see that parents are serious about providing proper education for their children when they’re still very young, making the tuition sector a thriving and competitive landscape.
Here is the IB Learning pedagogy:
Diploma Programme (DP)
This programme for 15-19 year-olds is conducted through three DP (Diploma Programme) core ideas: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), The Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).
Studies are conducted on the following subject areas basing on the above three core ideas:
· Studies in Language and Literature
· Language Acquisition (incl. classical languages)
· Individuals and Societies (Business Management, Economics, Geography, Global Politics, History, Information Technology in a Global Society, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, World Religions)
· Sciences (Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, Design Technology, Environmental Systems & Societies, Physics, Health Science)
· Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches, Applications and Interpretations)
· The Arts (Dance, Film, Music, Drama, Visual Arts)
A number of schools in Singapore offer DP, including ACS International, Hwa Chong International School, Singapore Sports School, St. Joseph’s Institution, Tanglin Trust School, and pretty much all of the international schools.
Career-Related Programme (CP)
IB offers relevant preparation for learners from 16 to 19 years old to get ready for their professional careers. To be eligible for this stage, a participant is groomed following a three-part framework:
- Completion of minimum two Diploma Programme courses
- Career-oriented studies (vocational, professional, technical qualifications and other relevant mediums).
- CP core
The ideologies of the CP core are: Personal and Professional skills Development Course, Service Learning, Reflective Project, and Language Development.
In Singapore, only School of the Arts, Singapore (SOTA) and GEMS World Academy provide the CP Programme.
There are also programmes for teens from 11-16 years old (Middle Years Programme – MYP) which includes subjects like Language and Literature and Mathematics. Even younger kids aged 3-12 (Primary Years Programme – PYP) will have programmes to help them develop inner belief, thinking, and mind-set, with subjects like Social Studies and Science.
The core principles of IB Learning reflect the most relevant ideas for the youth of today as we are witnessing the volatile public unrest throughout the developed countries.
