IB

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation that offers four internationally recognized programs designed to develop internationally minded, well-rounded students. The programs are the Primary Years Programme (PYP) for ages 3–12, the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for ages 11–16, the Diploma Programme (DP) for ages 16–19, and the Career-related Programme (CP) for ages 16–19. While each program has its own aims and requirements, they share a focus on inquiry-based learning, intercultural understanding and holistic assessment.

Founded in 1968 in Geneva, the IB coordinates a global network of schools and offices. It accredits schools to offer IB programs and provides teacher professional development, curriculum guidance and assessment standards. The organization issues IB diplomas and certificates through its international examination system and engages in ongoing program evaluation.

The Diploma Programme requires students to study six subject groups, with three or four subjects at higher level and standard level, plus a core consisting of Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). Assessments include internal and external components, and students can earn up to 45 points. The DP is widely recognized by universities for admission.

The Primary Years Programme emphasizes transdisciplinary inquiry and conceptual understanding across subjects, while the Middle Years Programme uses a framework of eight subject groups and culminates in a personal project. The Career-related Programme combines elements of DP courses with a career-related study and a core consisting of Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning and a Reflective Project.

Globally, the IB operates through thousands of schools in more than 150 countries and is widely recognized by higher education institutions. Critics note costs, resource demands and variability in implementation across schools.