While the acronym ‘IB’ is used frequently in an educational setting, there can be a lack of understanding for what it actually means. This lack of clarity might stem from the fact that the acronym might contextually be used to refer to one of three things:
- The International Baccalaureate: an international education foundation which offers educational programmes;
- International Baccalaureate education programmes: international curriculums tailored to suit particular age brackets; and
- International Baccalaureate diplomas/certificates which are awarded to students who successfully complete an International Baccalaureate education programme.
For Australian schools, all three are relevant. But what does IB mean in practice?
What is the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a series of four educational programmes offered by the IB Organisation to children 3-19, which focus on providing academic breadth rather than specialisation into particular areas. Upon successful completion of one of these programmes, a student is awarded a diploma or certificate to recognise the learning outcomes achieved. These four programmes are the:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP), to teach children aged 3-12 how to be an inquirer both within and outside the classroom environment;
- Middle Years Programme (MYP), a five-year program for students aged 11-16 encouraging them to make practical connections between their education and the real world;
- Diploma Programme (DP), for students aged 16-19 to develop the breadth and depth of student knowledge in preparation for university and employment; and
- Career-related Programme (CP), an alternative programme for 16-19-year-old students which is specifically designed to pass on transferable and lifelong skills as part of career-related learning.
The four IB programmes aim to provide a series of “rigorous, challenging and unique” curriculums to authorised schools, focus on developing students to be internationally-minded individuals and promote students' participation in global society. The Learner Profile sets out 10 attributes which IB-accredited schools strive to pass on to students in order to promote this goal, which include being open-minded, caring, reflective and curious.
IB programmes are now offered by around 4000 schools across the world, and in Australia 170 schools currently offer one or more of four IB Programmes. The IB Diploma Programme has become a rival to Australia’s state-based school certificates, such as the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in NSW and the Victoria Certificate of Education (VCE) in Victoria.
How does the International Baccalaureate integrate with the Australian Curriculum?
All Independent schools in Australia are required to implement the Australian Curriculum. However, schools are also able to offer an alternative curriculum framework that is registered with the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). Such frameworks include the:
- IB PYP and MYP;
- Australian Steiner Curriculum Framework; and
- Montessori National Curriculum Framework.
Case Study: The IB Diploma Programme
Students studying the IB Diploma Programme are required to study one subject from each of the following five groups:
- Language and literature;
- Language acquisition (a second language);
- Individuals and societies;
- Sciences; and
- Mathematics.
Students can then elect to do either an Arts subject or an additional subject from one of the core subject areas. While the language requirement has been stated to potentially improve students’ ability and confidence to communicate, which could make them more competitive in gaining international employment, this requirement can be seen as onerous for students who want to specialise into particular subject areas to ease their transition into their preferred university education.
How do you become accredited?
Any school in Australia (with the exception of public schools in NSW) can apply to offer the IB as part of its school curriculum. A school must complete an authorisation process with the IB organisation which usually takes 2-3 years from application to fully implemented.
Schools are required to appoint a programme coordinator to lead the implementation of the programme and communicate with the IB organisation. Staff who will be teaching the programme also need to undergo professional development to ensure they have the skills to convey the learning outcomes to students. Once a school has been authorised, they become known as an ‘IB World School’ and may either exclusively follow IB programmes (where possible), or offer them in conjunction with state-specific education requirements.
The pros and cons
The four IB programmes have tangible benefits for students, with research in NSW indicating that the curriculum can provide students with a greater opportunity to excel at their studies, think more critically and choose their pattern of study.The Conversation has previously suggested that it is the global aspect of the qualification that sets it apart from State and Territory certificates.
However, accreditation and ongoing compliance with the IB requirements is a costly and time-consuming exercise. As previously stated, it takes 2-3 years to become fully accredited, during which time schools must make an application for candidacy fee of approximately AU$5829 and annual fees of up to AU$12,910 per programme which are payable throughout the accreditation process.
Maintaining accreditation also requires schools to undertake a rigorous evaluation process. Schools must undergo general evaluation every 4-5 years. Schools must also be open to - and fund - visits from the Organisation's representatives at any time with reasonable advance notice regarding their implementation of specific programmes.
Is it right for your school?
All students learn differently, and consequently there may be benefits in enabling them to choose a programme that best suits their individual strengths and preferences.
Schools interested in becoming an IB World School should request more information from the International Baccalaureate Organisation here.
