What is happening?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation that offers programs for school-aged children between three and 19 years. First established in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968, it has emerged from its beginnings in international schools to become a more mainstream education alternative. The IB curriculum is highly academic and aims to build "international mindedness" in students by advancing cross-cultural understanding and respect through education. It is offered in more than 4000 schools around the world, and its popularity continues to rise.
Schools wishing to offer one or more IB programs must be authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), after which they become known as IB World Schools.
Why is it happening?
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becomes more globalised, an internationally flavoured education necessarily becomes the more favourable option. Consequently, the International Baccalaureate is the preferred choice for an increasing number of parents: its global nature, which encompasses academic breadth; open-ended inquiry; community involvement; focus on personal development, and the compulsory inclusion of a foreign language has become highly prized.
The IBO's commitment to producing well-rounded students armed with the intellectual, personal and social skills necessary to undertake global employment and education opportunities has boosted its appeal.
IB programs are also well recognised by universities around the world: the IB Diploma program, which is undertaken by senior secondary students, is widely considered to be optimal for university study and success.
Where is it happening?
The International Baccalaureate Organisation maintains its central offices in Geneva; operates global centres in the US, the Netherlands and Singapore, and has sub-regional offices all over the world.
The US has the largest number of IB programs operating in schools, with more than half offered in public schools. IB programs are also increasingly popular in Europe and the United Kingdom, and have gained a foothold in countries such as Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and Hong Kong.
In Africa, the number of international schools is expected to double over the next decade: a consequence of poor local educational options as well as the growing status of IB qualifications at Western universities that potentially unlock study opportunities abroad.
Is the IB offered in Australia?
Echoing overseas trends, IB programs are offered in more than 150 Australian schools and have become an increasingly popular choice for parents. According to reports, the IB Diploma program has grown to rival state-based alternatives such as the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and NSW's Higher School Certificate. The number of DP graduates has reportedly tripled over the past decade.
Recent research conducted by RMIT University, in which IB programs were evaluated in 13 Victorian government primary schools, found that IB students achieved higher levels of literacy and numeracy; that the inclusion of IB programs positively contributed to student learning, achievement, development and motivation, as well as being beneficial for teaching practice, teacher engagement and overall school culture.
What do IB supporters say?
The IB Diploma Program is comprised of three core elements and six subjects; one from each course – literature, science, maths, humanities and a foreign language. The sixth subject is chosen from the aforementioned categories or from the arts course.
Advocates claim that this emphasis on academic breadth, and the focus on developing knowledgeable, inquiring, motivated students, who are able to think critically and speak a second language, heightens tertiary and employment prospects.
According to the IBO, diploma graduates achieve higher results at university and acquire skills such as time management, independent working and initiative that are highly valued by employers. Others say that by not forcing students to specialise in specific subject areas too soon, there are more options open to them down the track.
From a curriculum standpoint, some comment that IB programs have the advantage of having drawn on the best practice of international education frameworks. They declare that a curriculum fostering genuine global understanding has more value in the modern world than the more "inward" and "parochial" nature of traditional state-based systems.
What do critics say?
While IB programs are widely supported in principle, many consider them to be out of reach for most schools from a budgetary point of view; particularly those in the public sector. Participating schools pay fees to become authorised, must manage annual fees, and must provide regular training for staff.
In Victoria, the RMIT study found financial issues to be the most challenging aspect, especially the expense of regular staff training that is often held interstate or overseas.
In Britain, where the IB has been largely driven by private schools, some have branded IB programs as "elitist" (a perception that also exists in Australia). There are also fears that as the IB's popularity increases, a two-tiered education may develop, creating further divisions between rich and poor.
In the US, IB programs have been labelled "Marxist" and "Anti-American" by a vocal minority who suggest that the IB's secular, multicultural themes do not align with American values.
Others argue that the academic nature of the IB does not suit everyone and is a often a source of workload stress, particularly for students who would prefer to specialise in subject areas earlier, and for those who do not wish to attend university. The IB career-related program is intended to bridge this gap; however, only one institution in Australia currently offers it.
In conclusion
Findings from research conducted by Deakin University found that there is some alignment between the International Baccalaureate and the Australian Curriculum at senior level. However, the IB Diploma Program was found to have greater international focus, provide superior depth of knowledge and better preparation for university.
Some say that as Australia advances towards a proposed national certificate of education, to eventually replace state-based certificates such as the VCE, it may be advantageous to incorporate some of the more successful aspects of the International Baccalaureate in its design.
