The IB Diploma Programme - What Is It And Why Does It Matter?

Research conducted by ISC, the leading provider of English-medium K-12 international school data, trends and intelligence has found that, “many parents who invest in international school education for their child have high academic aspirations for them and so average grade scores are extremely important. They seek out an international school with a strong academic track record in globally recognised curricula and examinations in order to enhance their child’s opportunities for access to the widest possible international higher education options” (ISC, 2021). 

Further, their 2021 report entitled, Why parents select an international school, found that, “many parents have a limited understanding of what constitutes a curriculum, or are heavily influenced by curriculum brands or national curricula without fully appreciating what the learning will mean for their child” (ISC, 2021). 

As such, Green Shoots International School continues to explore and consider international curriculum that meets our own philosophy and vision whilst offering our students the academic rigor and experience that the 21st century world demands. We also look to engage our community in conversation to share the meaning behind the learning that we offer in our school.

“The IB Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities” (IBO, 2022). 

“The curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Through the core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service” (IBO, 2022).

“Each of the IB's programmes is committed to the development of students according to the IB learner profile. The profile aims to develop learners who are: Inquirers, Knowledgeable, Thinkers, Communicators, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-takers, Balanced, and Reflective” (IBO, 2022).  

Through completing the IB Diploma students are able to access holistic education that prepares them for future study as lifelong learners. Research has shown that the greatest impact of completing IB Diploma study on students is, “the degree to which students take ownership of their learning and are allowed to do so” (Conley 2014, p.73). 

The IB Diploma model matches closely with our own school values here at Green Shoots International School as we work together to foster a community that is learning for life. 

As one former IB Diploma student says, “Resilience, adaptability, staying curious, these are qualities that the IB encourages because it’s not structured to play to your strongest suit, as much as it asks you to push yourself out of your comfort zone. Think about how we think, and then look at a problem and find solutions. It’s a model that will get applied every day, in any given situation, whether it’s work-related or just understanding the world at large” (Study International, 2022).  

Further information on the IB Diploma programme can be found on their website- https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/ or by contacting Matt Buxton, Head of Secondary (m.buxton@greenshoots.edu.vn) at Green Shoots International School. 

Matt Buxton

Head of Secondary

References 

Conley, D. T. (2014). Getting ready for college, careers and the Common Core: What every educator needs to know. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 

Iborganization. (n.d.). Diploma Programme (DP). International Baccalaureate®. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/ 

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ISC Research. (2021). Why parents select an international school, and the impact of  COVID-19 on school choice [White paper] https://www.iscresearch.com/whitepaper-why-parents-select-international-school

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Staff, S. I. (2020, December 3). The lifelong benefits of the International Baccalaureate. Study International. Retrieved February 22, 2022, from https://www.studyinternational.com/news/international-baccalaureate-benefits/