The International Baccalaureate Organization At a Glance International

The International Baccalaureate Organization At a Glance © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Organization: What is the IBO mission? We are motivated by a mission to create a better world through education. Mission The International Baccalaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the IBO works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Organization: Who governs and manages the IBO? An elected council govern the IBO and the director general along with more than 300 staff are located in 11 offices for a balance of global coverage and administrative efficiency/focus. New York, United States Regional office for North America and the Caribbean Vancouver Regional office for North America and the Caribbean Bath, United Kingdom Research Yokohama, Japan Regional representative for Japan Cardiff, United Kingdom Academic, assessment, HR & building services, finance and publications, ICT, strategic planning and communications Buenos Aires, Argentina Regional office for Latin America Geneva, Switzerland Headquarters Regional office for Africa, Europe and the Middle East Beijing, China Regional representative for Mongolia and China Singapore Regional office for Asia Pacific Sydney, Australia Regional representative for Australasia Mumbai, India Regional representative for South Asia © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Organization: What does the IBO offer? The IBO develops three programmes of international education for students aged 3 to 19, working in cooperation with IB World Schools. Our three programmes span the years of kindergarten to pre-university. The programmes can be offered individually or as a continuum. §The Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3 to 12. §The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16. §The Diploma Programme for students aged 16 to 19. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Organization: What is the learner profile? It’s the IBO mission statement translated into a set of learning outcomes for the 21 st century. IB learners strive to be: Inquirers Knowledgeable Thinkers Communicators Principled Open-minded Caring Risk-takers The attributes of the learner profile express the values inherent to the IB continuum of international education. IB programmes promote the education of the whole person, emphasizing intellectual, personal, emotional and social growth through all domains of knowledge. Balanced Reflective © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Organization: What makes the IBO unique? The IBO offers a continuum of high-quality education that encourages internationalmindedness and a positive attitude to learning. § The IBO is proud of its high quality education sustained for over 35 years. §The Diploma Programme assessment process is recognized by the world’s leading universities. § The IBO actively trains and supports teachers to maintain its high standards. § The IBO encourages international-mindedness in IB students who must firstly develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity. § The IBO encourages a positive attitude to learning. § The IBO ensures that its programmes are accessible to students in a wide variety of schools. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What are the common characteristics? All IB Programmes include: § a curriculum and pedagogy § student assessment appropriate to the age range § professional development for teachers § a process of school authorization and evaluation. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What are the common characteristics? The education of the whole person is manifested through all domains of knowledge. § Covers a broad range of subjects drawing on content from educational cultures across the world. § Gives special emphasis to language acquisition and development. § Encourages learning across disciplines and focuses on developing the skills of learning. § Includes study of individual subjects and of transdisciplinary areas. § Provides opportunities for individual and collaborative planning and research. § Include a community service component requiring action and reflection. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What makes the PYP special? An opportunity for learners to construct meaning. § Designed to foster the development of the whole child. § Organized around six transdisciplinary themes of global significance intended to help children engage with their world and the world around them. § Students will inquire, make connections, develop conceptual understanding, think critically, work collaboratively, consider multiple perspectives, construct meaning, reflect, take action. § Supported in English, French and Spanish but can be taught in other languages. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What makes the MYP special? A framework of academic challenges and life skills. § Students develop knowledge, understanding, attitudes and skills to participate actively in a changing world. § Includes all major disciplines but is flexible enough to accommodate “national curriculum” requirements. § Offers holistic education, communication and intercultural awareness. § Supported in English, French, Spanish and Chinese but can be taught in other languages. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: What makes the Diploma Programme special? A rigorous two year pre-university course that leads to examinations. § Diploma students take six subjects plus they write a 4, 000 word extended essay, complete a course in theory of knowledge (TOK), and complete a number of creativity, action and service (CAS) projects. § The diploma is well recognized by the world’s leading universities. § Many IB schools teach the diploma programme along side the national curriculum. § Supported in English, French and Spanish. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Programmes: How are the students assessed? IB assessment is rigorous, criterion-referenced, consistent and differentiating of student ability. § PYP: teachers select methods of assessment appropriate to the learning outcomes they wish to capture. Students receive feedback to encourage the start of lifelong learning. § MYP: teachers organize continuous assessment taking account of specified criteria that correspond to objectives for each subjects. Students receive feedback on thinking processes as well as the finished piece of work. § Diploma Programme: students are assessed both internally and externally in ways that measure individual performance against stated objectives for each subject. Externally marked examinations form the greatest share of the assessment for each subject. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Services: How is a school authorized? Any school wishing to offer an IB programme must be authorized by the IBO. Schools must go through an intensive authorization process that lasts at least two years covering a number of key stages. §First key stage includes: § Feasibility study and identification of resources § Obtaining appropriate publications § Examining the programme’s philosophy and curriculum § Conduct a feasibility study on possible outcomes § Arrange for staff to undertake IBO-approved training. §Second key stage (for MYP and PYP candidate schools only) includes: § A trial implementation stage as a candidate school §Third key stage is a visit from an IBO team to: § Consult those involved in implementation § Evaluate the school’s readiness to implement the programme § Complete a report on the school’s commitment and ability to deliver the programme. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Services: How does the IBO provide professional development for teachers? The IBO supports teachers through both face-to-face workshops and online. Face-to-face workshops Organized by each IB region for all programmes and all levels. Nearly 30, 000 teachers were trained in 2005. • Teacher support materials • Online courses • Teacher qualifications in development. The Online Curriculum Centre (OCC) is an international community of practice for 44, 465 registered IB teachers at http: //occ. ibo. org. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Schools: Where will you find IB World Schools? The IBO does not own or manage any schools but works with schools around the world that share a commitment to international education. Programmes by region Schools by country type* low income countries Africa, Europe, Middle East lower middle income countries 4% 10% 13% 27% upper middle Income countries 49% North America 73% 11% high income countries Asia Pacific Latin America * Based on World Bank list of economies (July 2005) © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Schools: How has the IBO grown? The IBO has experienced rapid and consistent growth over the past 15 years. Annual growth rates for the three programmes demonstrate strong year-on-year growth. The IB is currently estimated to reach over 200, 000 students Programme Apr 2005 Apr 2006 Increase PYP 208 259 24. 5% MYP 443 491 10. 8% DIPLOMA 1, 253 1, 373 9. 6% Totals 1, 904 2, 123 11. 5% © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

Future: Where does the IBO want to be in the future In eight years time many more people will be able to experience a high quality IB education. Impact through planned growth STRATEGY A: To improve continuously the quality of our curriculum, assessment and professional development. STRATEGY B: To broaden access purposefully where we can have the most impact, particularly with disadvantaged students. STRATEGY C: To build a highly effective and efficient organization and infrastructure to serve students and schools. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006

For further information visit http: //www. ibo. org. For presentations about the individual programmes visit http: www. ibo. org/programmes. © International Baccalaureate Organization 2006