A Quick Guide to the International Baccalaureate

If you’ve been perusing the list of international schools in Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Chennai or any other city in India, you’ve definitely come across the term ‘IB’. While everyone knows that these two letters stand for International Baccalaureate and that it is one of the leading education boards in the world, how much do you really know about the IB?

The International Baccalaureate is an international not-for-profit educational foundation, which has its headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. While the IBO came into existence in 1968, it was first conceptualized in 1948 by Marie-Thérèse Maurette, who laid down the framework for the programme through her ‘Educational Techniques for Peace. Do They Exist?’

The IB offers the following four educational programmes:

1. IB Primary Years Programme – Ages 3 to 12

2. IB Middle Years Programme – Ages 11 to 16

3. IB Diploma Programme – Ages 16 to 19

4. IB Career-related Programme – Ages 16 to 19

While many of the best international schools India boasts of provide the first two programmes, the most common IB programme in India is the IB Diploma Programme.

The IB prides itself on providing its students with the best learning experience and ensures that its students see growth on both the academic and personal fronts. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the IB is that it encourages its learners to be many things – thinkers, communicators, inquirers, risk-takers, caring, principled, balanced, open minded, and reflective, among other things.

IB also inspires them to pursue their interests and delve deeper into their chosen fields while also ensuring that every IB student has their basics, such as Mathematics and English, right.

While the first IB school was established in India less than two decades ago, today, the IB is one of the most acclaimed education boards in the country. Indian parents are understanding the importance of holistic learning, and are choosing the IB for their child’s education as they believe that the curriculum will help their child progress on the path of well-rounded development. Yes, the IB is definitely one of the most popular choices for parents in India, as well as around the world, and it’s definitely here to stay!