50 YEARS OF INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE EDUCATION A GULF NEWS SPONSORED SUPPLEMENT
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018
School opened in the Asia-Pacific. “We started with one programme for 1619 year olds (the DP) and have since created four sustainable education programmes for children aged 3-19,” says Halligan. In 1994, 1997 and 2012, IB developed its offering by introducing the Middle Years Programme (MYP), the Primary Years Programme (PYP) and the Career-related Programme (CP).
Celebrating five decades of excellence in education Marking its 50th anniversary this year, the International Baccalaureate programme hopes to continue shaping the future through its students, says ●
Sankar Sri Pillai
n 1968 a group of innovative educators in Geneva, Switzerland re-envisioned what education should be. Their mission — of a better world through education — was revolutionary. The Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19 years was adopted by ten founding schools in Europe, the US and the Middle East that today continue to be International Baccalaureate (IB) World Schools. Offering an education for students from ages 3 to 19, IB is an international education foundation that comprises four programmes focusing on teaching
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students to think critically and independently, and how to enquire with care and logic. Supported by IB teachers and coordinators who develop and promote IB’s curriculums, the programme has grown over the years to currently include 4,786 IB World Schools, spread across 153 countries, offering close to 7,000 courses. More than half are state schools, several of which offer IB programmes and courses for free, or offer scholarships including specific ones for refugees. This year, as the IB programme celebrates 50 years of educational excellence, the mission statement created
The IB programme has grown over the years to currently include
4,786
IB World Schools, spread across
153
countries, offering close to
7,000 courses
by its founding members continues to hold resonance. “Since our inception in 1968, the IB community of schools continues to grow globally and we continue to uphold the highest educational standards,” says Jon Halligan, Head of Development, Africa, Europe and the Middle East at IB. TIMELINE IB recorded its first milestone in 1970 when the first group of students in Europe and the US sat their DP examinations. Three years later the first IB World School opened in Africa, and four years after that the first IB World
THE IB ADVANTAGE The IB programme encourages the curiosity inherent in every child, international mindedness, critical thinking and the hunger for knowledge and understanding. “Our programmes are designed so that students build a deep appreciation of how their studies fit into the wider context of our world,” says Halligan. All four programmes are committed to multilingualism and action through service, both locally and globally. Research conducted by the Higher Education Statistics Agency in the UK has also shown that IB diploma programme graduates are more likely to secure a place at a top university and have a significantly greater likelihood of earning a first-class degree compared to their non-IB peers. A recent study by IB Research also demonstrated DP graduates being better prepared than non-IB graduates in 21st century skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, global mindedness, cultural sensitivity and leadership. “IB students learn to ask the right questions, rather than only learn the right answers — they are critical thinkers and life-long learners,” says Halligan. “Our students are open-minded, balanced and risk-takers. SEE OVERLEAF
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50 YEARS OF IB CURRICULUM
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE IN THE UAE
IB CONFERENCES ON THE AGENDA
Identifying best practices to educate students, the platform provides practitioners an opportunity to exchange valuable ideas on international education
FACTS AND FIGURES
SHOWCASING THE REACH OF THE IB PROGRAMME IN THE COUNTRY
FIRST TEACHING OF THE IB There has been an IB World School in the UAE since...
1992
42
IB WORLD SCHOOLS currently offer one or more of four IB programmes
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Educators can attend IB events and workshops. In the next two months, there would be
IB GLOBAL CONFERENCE, SINGAPORE 2018 The IB Global Conference, Singapore 2018 taking place from March 25-27 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, is held under the theme, Shaping the Future. The conference features high-profile speakers and presentations and offers visitors a chance to meet, engage and share experiences, and to discover new ideas for the IB programme. The full-day pre-conference sessions take place on March 24 at Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre.
IB HEADS WORLD CONFERENCE 2018 The IB Heads World Conference, Singapore 2018, from March 25-27 at Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, will be held concurrently with the IB Global Conference. In 2018, visitors will have more opportunities to connect with not only heads but also educators who attend the Global Conference as well and choose from a wider selection of breakout sessions. The conference that also kick-starts the IB’s 50th anniversary year offers a chance to meet and share experiences with global IB Heads. The theme, Educator Voices: Shaping the Future highlights innovative educators in IB schools who are shaping the future of education. The conference also welcomes experts to share their work as it relates to the IB’s strategic strands of community, service and innovation.
IB EDUCATOR CERTIFICATE UNIVERSITY CONFERENCE 2018 The IB Educator Certificate (IBEC) University Conference will take place from June 18–20 with the theme International Education: The Intersection of Research and Practice. Hosted by the University of Bath in England, the conference is designed to bring together a worldwide community of universities interested in sharing research and practice in the field of international education. This conference engages participants in discussions on emerging themes associated with offering internationalised teacher education and is a great opportunity to share research and network with other university faculties from around the world as well as IB staff. CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Celebrating five decades of excellence in education
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ach year, the International Baccalaureate (IB) presents several conferences that host educational leaders and decision makers from schools, universities and governments to focus on international education. We list the main events for the year:
61 16
offered by
22 schools
offered by
15 schools
EVENTS offered by
38 schools
UNIVERSITIES RECOGNISE THE IB
in the UAE with official policies for admitting IB students to their courses
offered by
9 schools
50YEARS.IBO.ORG
They care about the world and the people around them and are curious. Thanks to these attributes of our learner profile, we believe all of our students are well equipped to be successful in their lives and careers, and in those of others.” The IB programme has generated exemplary graduates who have earned success across professions around the world. More recent examples include Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau and Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide. IB IN THE UAE AND REGION There are currently 42 authorised IB World Schools offering 84 programmes in the UAE. “With more than ten candidate schools and 26 candidate programmes, we expect to reach the 50-school mark and 100 programmes by 2020,” says Halligan. “We are especially proud of the growth of the CP (career-related programme) in Dubai — there are nine authorised IB World Schools currently offering the programme and four candidate schools.” IB continues to grow steadily in the international school market in the region. In recent years, IB has experienced growing interest from national private schools due to the transformative power of an IB education. In addition, IB standards and practices allow schools to steadily and continuously improve across all areas including teaching and learning. Recent
Dubai School Inspection Bureau and Abu Dhabi Education Council inspections have shown IB World Schools performing well. A report from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority in the UAE shows that IB students in Dubai perform better on the Programme of International Student Assessment, or PISA test, conducted by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, as well as the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study, or TIMSS, conducted by the International Energy Agency, when compared to non-IB students. “It is evidence of how our programmes meet and exceed national key performance indicators set for education,” says Halligan, “We will continue to support our network of schools in the UAE to meet the Vision 2021 and are always excited to work with individual schools, groups of schools, associations and ministries of education both in the region and globally, to identify how implementing IB programmes can enable their educational vision.” IN CELEBRATION “We are excited to be celebrating our 50th anniversary this year. It’s such a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our global IB community and how they impact the world and hope to make the world a better place,” says Halligan. While a special platform, a website 50year.ibo.org celebrates the success stories of its global community, the foundation has also launched its first documentary-style film with ITN Production, bringing to life the energy of IB classrooms around the world. “Another collection of films that we will release in April highlights four extraordinary IB alumni and how their IB education has influenced them since graduating,” says Halligan. As part of the 50th anniversary celebrations, the foundation will also organise a special opportunity for IB students across the world to work together on solving some of society’s greatest challenges in September. ■
50 YEARS OF IB CURRICULUM
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018
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ADVERTISERS’ CONTENT ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL (PVT.) SCHOOL
AMERICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Outstanding results of Abu Dhabi International (Pvt.) School
Success begins with the IB Diploma Programme from ACS
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bu Dhabi International (Pvt.) School (AIS) was first certified to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in 2005, with its MBZ branch being licensed since 2015. AIS’ program implementation is of excellent quality and the school has consistently attained outstanding results. Student pass rate has always been close to or at 100% and student attainment across all subjects has
been generally above the world average. AIS students have consistently been placed in top universities across the world. The AIS mission statement is aligned with that of IB, and emphasizes the holistic education of the student with focus on personal development, active citizenship and lifelong learning. The IB learner profile is central to the program, and is associated with ten attri-
butes students strive to embody. In addition, much focus is placed on approaches to both teaching and learning, and the value of learning as an essential and integral part of their everyday lives. The extended essay, theory of knowledge, and CAS (creativity, activity, service) form the IB core and promote critical thinking, research, and experiential learning. AIS offers a variety of IB subjects and has expanded its course offerings over the years. The current courses offered include English A and Arabic A, English, Arabic, French B, Arabic Ab Initio and French Ab Initio, history, psychology, economics, business and management, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental systems and societies, mathematics, mathematical studies, visual arts and film. The IBDP is a rigorous university preparation program and it is endearing to see it expand in the UAE. However, in order to make IBDP more accessible to students, a few issues need to be addressed between the IBO and the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge that can work in favor of more students attempting the IBDP.
UAE SCHOOLS WITH IB CURRICULUM SCHOOLS
TYPE OF COURSE OFFERED
ABU DHABI INTERNATIONAL PRIVATE SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
AJMAN ACADEMY
Primary Years Programme
AL BATEEN SECONDARY SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
AL NAJAH PRIVATE SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
AMERICAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL ABU DHABI
Diploma Programme
AMERICAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL ABU DHABI
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
AUSTRALIAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
AUSTRALIAN SCHOOL OF ABU DHABI
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
DAR AL MAREFA PRIVATE SCHOOL
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
DEIRA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Primary Years Programme
DUBAI AMERICAN ACADEMY
Diploma Programme
DUBAI INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
EMIRATES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL, JUMEIRAH
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
EMIRATES INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL — MEADOWS
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
EMIRATES NATIONAL SCHOOL — ABU DHABI CITY CAMPUS
Primary Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
EMIRATES NATIONAL SCHOOL — MOHAMMED BIN ZAYED CAMPUS
Primary Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
EMIRATES NATIONAL SCHOOL AL AIN CITY CAMPUS
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
GEMS AMERICAN ACADEMY — ABU DHABI
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
GEMS MODERN ACADEMY
Diploma Programme
GEMS WELLINGTON ACADEMY — SILICON OASIS
Diploma Programme
GEMS WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY — DUBAI
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
GEMS WORLD ACADEMY ABU DHABI
Primary Years Programme
GERMAN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL SHARJAH
Diploma Programme
GREENFIELD COMMUNITY SCHOOL
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme
JUMEIRA BACCALAUREATE SCHOOL
Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
JUMEIRAH ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL
Diploma Programme
RAFFLES WORLD ACADEMY
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
RAHA INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme and Diploma Programme
RAS AL KHAIMAH ENGLISH SPEAKING SCHOOL
Primary Years Programme and Diploma Programme
he university admissions process has become more competitive than ever. To keep up, students worldwide are choosing to take the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP), a rigorous academic and extracurricular plan. In fact, to meet demand, the number of schools worldwide offering the IBDP has increased by almost 40 per cent in the past five years alone. The American Community School (ACS) of Abu Dhabi is one of only 38 schools in the UAEoffering IBDP. ACS has offered the IBDP for the past decade. The challenging IB Diploma Programme remains unparalleled among high school curricula. It offers deep understanding of core subjects, in tandem with the ability to communicate and collaborate to foster a “better more peaceful world”. Through the programme, students are empowered to broaden and deepen their knowledge, and become exceptional global citizens. “ACS is an open access school,” says Amy Greene, High School Principal. “In the American spirit of liberal arts education and democratic institutions, students choose to opt
We are very proud of the quality of the programme we provide our students at ACS. Our faculty derives their skills from decades of IB teaching experience, approaching instruction with an emphasis on inquiry, collaboration and creativity within a global context — real world thinking and learning. Nathan Meisner, IB Coordinator
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in. We do not limit access to the Diploma Programme to only those students we think will be most successful.” As a result, the IB spirit is ingrained in campus culture, starting with our faculty and spreading throughout to the student body. There is a palpable vibe of camaraderie, student leadership, and passion for learning, giving ACS a competitive edge and continuing our tradition of academic excellence. ACS is currently accepting applications for grades KG1-12 for the 2018-2019 school year. To apply, go to www.acs.sch.ae/ admissions.
IB Diploma Programme: The ACS Advantage 99% pass rate on all IB exams
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Increased admission rates to top universities
80% IB Diploma students are leaders in service clubs
100% attend university
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71% in North America 22% in Europe
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50 YEARS OF IB CURRICULUM
SUNDAY, MARCH 4, 2018 ADVERTISERS’ CONTENT
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GEMS EDUCATION SCHOOLS
INNOVENTURES EDUCATION
IB curriculum at GEMS Education
Innoventures Education offers world-class IB programme in Dubai
he IB Learner Profile shapes the students who will become the next group of GEMS Education graduates. IB students don’t just focus on these attributes at school but they live them outside of the school gates and they are at the core of the adults that they become. The opening sentence of the learner profile in IB, highlights, “The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognising their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.” The desire to positively impact the planet through a shared humanity and common purpose is a distinguishing factor of the IB programme and its students. The IB mission to develop active, compassionate and enthusiastic global citizens who understand and appreciate diverse
perspectives and who show respect to the needs and positions of others is a worthy one. This is something we take pride in at our GEMS Education IB Schools. With what can be considered the best IB exam results in the country, GEMS Education’s IB students continue to surpass international benchmarks. The international pass rate in 2017 was 79 per cent, while the pass rate achieved by GEMS Education’s IB students was 91 per cent. Our IB students are also accepted into the top universities in the world including those from the Russell Group and Ivy Leagues. IB students can be looked at as curious and independent lifelong learners who develop their knowledge and understanding on a wide range of topics across a variety of disciplines. They are collaborative communicators who are able to employ creativity and outof-the-box thinking to prob-
lem-solving. They are principled and passionate learners who make reasoned ethical decisions about world issues. A key focus for the IB is that its students are internationally minded and globally conscious learners who have the ability to effect positive change. IB students are prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world as it offers opportunities for exploration of our current global challenges, increased awareness through community and service activities and to consider the complex interrelationships between subjects through the study of the Theory of Knowledge. IB students in GEMS Education schools are also encouraged to develop and reflect their own core values and attitudes. This includes being respectful and inclusive, while celebrating diversity; being both aspirational and inspirational in the pursuit of excellence; staying committed to the well-being of people and the environment; remaining open–minded, creative, resilient and reflective; retaining the passion and determination to embrace and drive positive change, and continuing to stay ethical in one’s actions and being accountable for them. At GEMS Education, the IB Programme challenges students to consider and debate the big ideas through sustained inquiry and critical reflection and at the same time provides a high-quality world class education that also attempts to develop caring and rounded global citizens who are the next generation of global leaders.
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hoosing the right school for a child is the first step in their life-long journey. Innoventures Education’s vision is to provide world-class education to students in Dubai with the necessary knowledge and skills required to succeed in an ever-changing world. Three schools of Innoventures Education offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) programme that empowers students to be responsible global citizens. Dubai International Academy (DIA) is the first school in Dubai to be authorised by the IB organisation to offer the full continuum of IB programmes — Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). Launched in 2005, DIA is the first IB continuum school to be rated “outstanding” by the Knowledge and Human Development Authority of Dubai (KHDA). It is also awarded joint accreditation from the Council of International Schools (CIS) and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC). DIA is the only UAE school to be accredited by THIMUN (The Hague Model United Nations) and has been running one of the largest and most prestigious Model United Nations for students coming from many different countries and schools. Collegiate American School (CAS), another premium international school by Innoventures Education, is the first American Common core curriculum school in Dubai
to have dedicated STEM labs, prestigious accreditations from the CIS, NEASC as well as DP authorisation. Innoventures Education also manages the Raffles World Academy (RWA), an IB World School that offers a continuum of IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, DP) from Kindergarten (KG) 1 to Grade 12. RWA is accredited by the Coun-
cil of International Schools. All three schools are members of the Middle East IB Association (MEIBA) and also one of the first schools to receive the prestigious Green Flag from Eco-Schools UAE. Over time, graduating students from these schools have secured college placements to leading universities across the world including Stanford, Yale, Princeton, Harvard, Columbia, UPenn, Cornell, Brown, NYU, McGill, Cambridge, Imperial College and many others. Students across the three schools have shared their enriching experiences of the IB programme and the lifelong skills they developed along the way including leadership, social responsibility and a keen interest in global affairs. CAS student Mohammed Al Faour says, “IB has challenged me immensely, and helped improve my skills and abilities in preparation for my career. This, coupled with my passion for marine biology, has allowed me to develop into an all-round student with the knowledge I gained in the classroom and the experiences I have gained outside of school.” Sharing his experience at RWA, Joshua Coulton, from Grade 12, says, “Studying at RWA has opened many doors for me and enabled me to develop as an individual in a multi-cultural environment.” Speaking about her experience at DIA, Head Girl Tessa Thomas, says, “What sets DIA apart is the fact that students have the opportunity to guide their own learning and explore their passions or interests.”