The Value of an IB Education

As the world increasingly becomes such a globalized environment for education, it is important to stop and think about WHY we make the educational decisions for our children that we do. Is it to give them the best chance at a great University? Is it because the reputation of that curriculum is world-renown? While those are all good reasons, I would argue it is perhaps that we understand and recognize that the system we have chosen for our children is the best available to give them skills and experiences needed to become well-rounded life-long learners, able to adapt and succeed in any future of their choosing.

The International Baccalaureate is a curriculum based in exploration, in inquiry, and in investigation, in order to better understand the interconnectedness of the world and how we fit into it. With the International Baccalaureate, the Diploma Program (Grade 11/12) integrates the standardization of many national curriculums to maintain high standards of achievement, while allowing for increased differentiation in the Early Years, PYP and MYP (Primary and Middle School levels) in order to help teachers, meet the growing and changing needs of their students.

At the core of the IB is the recognition that we are living in a global community, and through understanding and respect for the diverse members of our school, our nation, and our world, we can better understand our obligation to leave the world a better place than we found it.

Here is what some of our teachers have to say about the benefits of the IB programme:

Inquiry and Engagement

IB in Early Years has opened my eyes to the depths to which children can investigate a topic, and the incredible amounts of intersection that an inquiry unit topic has with their other subjects, their home life, and imaginary play. I value IB in an Early Years classroom, as the program ensures that children learn the purpose to their work, & the reason behind their inquiries which I think creates a reflective, thoughtful learner. – Kathryn Blaikie, K1 Teacher

The main value of IB is the way students are learning. Students ask questions and then explore, investigate and make conclusions to form answers. Students who form questions, they have more responsibility, engagement and dedication towards their learning and when they can explore, investigate and make conclusions it has so much meaning and connection for them. – Stephanie White, Grade 2 Teacher 

The IB curriculum places more emphasis on the students to take ownership of their learning.  By creating student agency, students are engaged in more meaningful learning, and they make connections between what they have learned in the classroom to the world beyond the walls of the school. – Hayley Dominey, Grade 4 Teacher

Relevant Learning

The IB allows room for students to pursue topics they are interested in. This makes their learning more authentic and they are less likely to forget it. Instead of just learning a lot of things (most of which they are likely to forget one day!) they are learning how their passions and interests fit in with the wider world and how they can be successful while contributing to any community they find themselves in. – Debra Van Vuuren, Grade 3 Teacher

“In the Sciences, the IB MYP Programme encourages students to do lots of hands-on experimentation, and enables them to fully utilize and engage with the scientific method. Students not only gain valuable lab experience, but a real in-depth understanding of what it means to be a scientist!” – Justin Upshall, MYP/DP Science Teacher

I believe that IB provides an incredible framework for practical real-world learning. As a performing arts teacher, I love how IB encourages teachers to guide students in finding their own personal connection to the learning material. Theatre is a very hands-on subject and helps us to learn about the creation process, problem-solving skills, and how to communicate with audiences – all of these concepts can be directly connected to IB’s Learner profile and ATL skills. Ultimately, IB helps give the content a larger purpose, making the learning experience more memorable and meaningful for all students. – Emily Preeper, MYP Drama and Language teacher

 “The longer a child spends in an IB environment the more beneficial it will be. It takes time to develop and master new skills, especially necessary skills that help you to effectively communicate, collaborate, think and do research. These skills can provide students with a strong foundation that will equip them to be successful in school and in their day to day lives”. – Donavan Van Vuuren, Personal Project Coordinator

Whether your child is beginning in the Early Years Program, the Primary Years Program, the Middle Years or the Diploma Program, ultimately, the benefit and value of an IB education is that your child will be simultaneously nurtured, supported, and challenged, enabling them to think critically and be the agent of their own future.