About the International Baccalaureate Program

What is the IB Program?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a global educational program offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization, headquartered in Geneva. Established in 1968 as a comprehensive educational program full of challenges, its goal is to nurture students who can understand and address the complexities of the world, equip them with the attitudes and skills necessary to take responsible action for the future, and provide an internationally recognized university entrance qualification.

Currently, the organization creates common curricula for accredited schools, administers global IB exams, and awards the IB qualification.

Students are encouraged to learn proactively through exploration, experimentation, and discovery, with a focus on fostering various interests both inside and outside of class. As of January 2022, 5,400 schools in 159 countries were offering 7,500 programs. The following educational programs are provided based on the students’ age.

ISN and the IB

There are two main reasons ISN implements the IB program. The first is that the IB program is very similar to ISN’s pre-IB program, which made the transition smooth. The second reason is the expectation of advancing program development on a larger scale by collaborating with global members.

By participating in the IB program, which involves inquiry-based learning centered around specific themes, ISN students have the opportunity to work alongside staff from top global schools that share similar educational values. This creates an advantage in terms of program improvement, as it allows for discussions with like-minded professionals all aiming to provide what’s best for children. The actions and ideas of educators from different countries, each with their own unique philosophies, serve as great inspiration. Compared to developing a program alone in one school, this collaboration enables more effective and high-quality offerings. It becomes possible to reference the latest global trends.

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

Established in 1997, the Primary Years Programme is an elementary education curriculum for children aged 3-12, focusing on the development of both the mind and body over a six-year period. It can be offered in any language. Starting from early childhood, the PYP aims to develop students into learners who embody the characteristics sought by the IB, acquiring a wide range of social skills, attitudes, and learning skills. The program focuses on ensuring that students’ interests lead to personal growth.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

Established in 1994 and aimed at students aged 11-16, this program focuses on learning the connection between the students’ previous studies and society. It can be offered in any language. The program encourages students to engage in learning with the right attitudes, aiming to develop well-rounded young learners with high ideals.

Diploma Programme (DP)

Established in 1969 and aimed at students aged 16-19, in this program they complete a prescribed curriculum over two years. After passing the final exams and achieving the required grades, students can obtain an internationally recognized university entrance qualification (International Baccalaureate qualification). Conducted in English, French, or Spanish.

Carrer-related Programme (CP)

Established in 2012 and aimed at students aged 16-19, this program focuses on acquiring skills that are useful for lifelong career development and related to career education and vocational training. Conducted in English, French, or Spanish.

Advantages of the IB Program

One of the key features of the IB program is the infinite learning methods that evolve uniquely for each individual through dialogue between teachers and students, as well as among students themselves.

Students are evaluated from multiple perspectives, including their learning attitudes and methods. This allows students to be evaluated for their unique individuality in the world.

Teachers must possess a highly advanced ability to make comprehensive assessments, not only in terms of their ability to observe each student but also in terms of their personal qualities as educators. They must have a high level of capability to assess each student holistically, with a deep understanding of each student’s unique characteristics and personal development.

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IB students take responsibility for their own learning.
They are given opportunities to set personal goals, reflect on their learning, and self-assess.
Students are always at the center of learning.
Teachers act like guides, supporting students’ learning development and sometimes steering the direction. Discussions take place among students, who set their own goals, determine how to achieve them, and conduct self-assessments as part of the evaluation process.
静的オーバーレイ
IB students take responsibility for their own learning.
They are given opportunities to set personal goals, reflect on their learning, and conduct self-assessments.
A student who can think in a balanced way is the epitome of IB. The IB fosters well-rounded individuals who excel not only intellectually but also physically, find joy and fulfillment in contributing to a better society, and develop by following daily goals.
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