The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program is an internationally recognized curriculum that offers students an opportunity to earn the International Baccalaureate diploma. The IB is a comprehensive curriculum that requires students to demonstrate knowledge and skills through both in-class and outside assessments in six academic areas.
The International Baccalaureate Program is governed by the International Baccalaureate Organization in Geneva, Switzerland and is administered by the International Baccalaureate Curriculum and Assessment Center in Cardiff, Wales. It is a non-governmental organization affiliated to UNESCO’s Peace Education plan.
The International Baccalaureate offers high quality program to a worldwide community of schools. It is primarily known for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, a standardized curriculum and assessment regime for students aged 16–19.
The International Baccalaureate also offers programs for younger students. These programs are primarily standardized curriculum and are much less rigid due to the lack of assessment.
There are three programs levels to the IB and have an established criteria and that has to be achieved at all levels.
PYP – Primary Years Program
MYP – Middle Years Program
IB – International Baccalaureate Program
Advantages
There are a lot of advantages to the International Baccalaureate Program. Student’s gain a broader world view and develop time management, problem-solving, research, and organizational skills that will remain with them even when the International Baccalaureate Program is over.
It also provides opportunities for student to get involved in the larger community beyond the classroom walls. All activities count for the percentage of the student’s final score. The courses are more challenging and are aimed at highly motivated students who seek extra challenge and involvement in their education beyond the classroom.
The knowledge and skills obtained in an International Baccalaureate Program prepare students to succeed in higher education and encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners. It also helps students understand their own culture and national identity and then encourages them to explore other cultures.
The International Baccalaureate Program seems to fall in line with the Commission’s suggestions on how to revamp the educational system to better prepare youth for the rigors of a post secondary education.
Disadvantages
Individual IB courses cannot be offered in schools that don’t adopt the entire diploma program. This restriction prevents more students from taking advantage of International Baccalaureate courses.
Sometimes International Baccalaureate’s multicultural themes promote values that conflict with traditional culture and some opponents have also called it Marxist because the International Baccalaureate Organization is a signatory to the Earth Charter which is a collection of global principles.
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