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A vision for a better world: The IB is founded, paving the way for groundbreaking developments in international education.
Read more1968: The International Baccalaureate is founded in Geneva
A vision for a better world: The IB is founded, paving the way for groundbreaking developments in international education.
In the late 1960s, a group of innovative educators saw a need for an international approach to education which would equip young people with the skills, values and knowledge necessary to build a more peaceful future. Their challenge - to create an education which was academically rigorous, with a school leaving qualification which was accepted by the best universities around the world. Combining their collective skills, experience and expertise in all areas of education, they created the International Baccalaureate (IB). From this strong foundation, educators have continued to develop and co-create the education for almost 50 years - and today, it is just as true to its founding ethos and values of education for a better world.
Our global vision: Our vision is to foster open and enlightened minds through education programmes crafted to suit students at all development stages between 3 and 19 years old.
Read more1970: Global vision
Our global vision: Our vision is to foster open and enlightened minds through education programmes crafted to suit students at all development stages between 3 and 19 years old.
From our very first exam session in 1970, we've designed our curriculums so that students build a deep understanding of how their studies fit into the wider context of our world, no matter what stage of their education they are at. From our Primary Years Programme (3-12), through to our Middle Years Programme (11-16), to the pioneering Diploma and Career- Related Programmes (16-19), each stage has a commitment to multilingualism, international mindedness, and action through service in the student's own community. We champion critical thinking and a flexibility for learning that crosses disciplines. Our programmes are cornerstones upon which students can develop lifelong learning skills.
Our international footprint: The IB is taught in 4,775 schools across 153 different countries.
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1973: Our international footprint
Our international footprint: The IB is taught in 4,775 schools across 153 different countries.
Since our first school opened in Geneva, the IB has expanded its global footprint across the world. There are now 1.4 million students studying an IB education across the Americas, Asia Pacific and Africa, Europe and the Middle East. We work with individual schools and also governments.
Aernout van Lynden graduated from the IB Diploma Programme in 1973 and went on to become a world-renowned war correspondent and journalist. He became a familiar face in homes all over the world as he reported from war zones across the Middle East and the Balkans. Watch Aernout's story, and learn what the IB means to him.
Opening up the world through language: The IB champions the development of languages throughout the whole of its education.
Read more1985: Opening up the world through language
Opening up the world through language: The IB champions the development of languages throughout the whole of its education.
At the IB, we have a serious committment to developing multilingualism. For us, languages are not just a subject, they are a fundamental part of our educational ethos - to foster international mindedness in each and every student. Pursuing the study of languages throughout all of our programmes enables students to understand the world around them from a different perspective and viewpoint. It is what contributes to developing truly internationally minded learners.
Akihiko Hoshide graduated in 1987, and went from being an IB graduate to exploring space. He is the 3rd Japanese astronaut in space, and is set to spend time on the International Space Station in 2020 as Commander. Watch Akihiko's story, and learn what the IB means to him.
The Middle Years Programme is launched: The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students aged 11 - 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Using global contexts, MYP students develop a deep understanding of their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.
Read more1994: The Middle Years Programme is launched
The Middle Years Programme is launched: The MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students aged 11 - 16 to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. Using global contexts, MYP students develop a deep understanding of their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet.
A unifying thread throughout all MYP subjects, approaches to learning (ATL), provides the foundation for independent learning and encourages the application of the child's knowledge and skills in unfamiliar contexts. Developing and applying these social, thinking, research, communication and self management skills, helps students learn how to learn.
The Primary Years Programme is introduced: The PYP is a programme that helps develop a wider range of learning in younger minds aged 3 - 12.
Read more1997: The Primary Years Programme is introduced
The Primary Years Programme is introduced: The PYP is a programme that helps develop a wider range of learning in younger minds aged 3 - 12.
We believe that even the youngest minds are capable of the biggest adventures in learning. The Primary Years Programme is a curriculum framework designed for students aged 3 to 12. It addresses students’ academic needs and their social and emotional well-being in a carefully balanced way, that ensures a strong and resilient preparation for the challenges of secondary education.
Community in action: Aga Khan Academies adopt the Diploma Programme
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2005: Community in action
Community in action: Aga Khan Academies adopt the Diploma Programme
The IB's partnership with the Aga Khan Academies is one of many global partnerships we've developed. In 2008, His Highness the Aga Khan stated "We hope that the network of Aga Khan Academies will become an effective bridge for extending the IB Programme more widely into the developing world...In a world of rapid change, an agile and adaptable mind, a pragmatic and cooperative temperament, a strong ethical orientation - these are increasingly the keys to effective leadership." (Peterson lecture 2008)
What makes an IB student unique? The IB's Learner profile describes a range of capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.
Read more2006: What makes an IB student unique?
What makes an IB student unique? The IB's Learner profile describes a range of capacities and responsibilities that go beyond academic success.
As the IB’s mission in action, the learner profile concisely describes the aspirations of a global community that shares the values underlying the IB’s educational philosophy. The IB learner profile describes the attributes and outcomes of education for international-mindedness. The IB learner profile encourages students to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective. This ethos embedded in all IB programmes has translated into real-world impacts lasting long after participation in IB programmes. Interviews with DP alumni reveal profound and long-lasting effects, including influences on academic and career trajectories, a broader perspective on the world, critical thinking and analytical skills, and positive dispositions towards lifelong learning. A common thread has been the DP’s potential to powerfully shape the lives of students.
Falana is a Nigerian Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and composer. She attended Turner Fenton public high-school in Canada. Watch Falana's story, and learn what the IB means to her.
Educators shape our education: Our curriculums are continuously developed in collaboration with our IB educators across the world.
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2009: Educators shape our education
Educators shape our education: Our curriculums are continuously developed in collaboration with our IB educators across the world.
Educators developed an IB education, collaborating with colleagues across disciplines and cultures. Today they continue to shape and develop that education, as innovators in their own classroom who truly understand the whole child. The IB is the only international education which has a global network of educators who support and professionally develop colleagues across the world. In 2009 this was formalized into the IB Educator Network (IBEN). Today, the IBEN network has over 20,000 members who contribute to IB programmes as curriculum developers, examiners, workshop leaders, authorization visitors, consultants and various other valuable activities within the IB community.
Equipping students with the skills to succeed: The Career-related programme is launched, offering a new framework of skills based learning for students aged 16 - 19.
Read more2012: Equipping students with the skills to succeed
Equipping students with the skills to succeed: The Career-related programme is launched, offering a new framework of skills based learning for students aged 16 - 19.
We know that every student is unique, and the future looks different for each person. We know that some students require different skills to follow their chosen path, so as students prepare for higher education, the IB's Career-related Programme (CP) offers students some extra choice. The CP combines the rigorous academic study of the DP with skills tailored towards employment choices. The CP partners with major providers of career-related qualifications to support schools who wish to offer the CP. These collaborators include Pearson, the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment, and Savannah College of Art and Design.
The Chicago Study: Research published shows that IB students are more likely to attend college
Read more2012: The Chicago Study
The Chicago Study: Research published shows that IB students are more likely to attend college
How do we know the IB works? Because we test it over and over again, all over the world, in schools and communities of all sizes. One of our most well-known studies, referred to as The Chicago Study, showed a much higher rate of college attendance amongst IB graduates in Chicago: "The study found that, when compared to a matched comparison group, students in the IB Diploma Programme are 40 percent more likely to attend four-year colleges and 50 percent more likely to attend more selective colleges. In addition, these students are significantly more likely to persist in four-year colleges for two years. When in college, IB DP students report feeling prepared to succeed and indeed excel in their coursework, often stating explicitly that their experiences in the IB DP taught the specific skills and behaviors demanded of them in college."
Recognised for our contribution to education: The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is shortlisted for the prestigious WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education) Award
Read more2014: Recognised for our contribution to education
Recognised for our contribution to education: The IB Career-related Programme (CP) is shortlisted for the prestigious WISE (World Innovation Summit for Education) Award
The IB Career-related Programme was recognized by the WISE awards as an innovative response to the need to address youth unemployment and the skills gap, combining strong academic content with skills education, such as vocational, technical or other career programs. The Jury recognised that through the CP students access a broad, flexible education, that will give them the knowledge, practical skills, intellectual engagement and international awareness not otherwise possible in such programs.
Maryam Al-Ammari graduated from the IB Diploma Programme in 2015, and is a social activist from Saudi Arabia. She set up Maharat Sewing Center in Dhlail, Jordan at the age of 16. The center runs sewing classes for Syrian refugees and local women. Watch Maryam's story, and learn what the IB means to her.
The IB launches first-of-its-kind eAssessment for MYP students: We make assessment work for students by aligning it to their needs and developing improved communication based on feedback.
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2015: MYP eAssessment
The IB launches first-of-its-kind eAssessment for MYP students: We make assessment work for students by aligning it to their needs and developing improved communication based on feedback.
MYP eAssessment is a reliable, globally consistent and highly innovative assessment model that helps achieve greater student outcomes and provides greater quality assurance and recognition for IB World Schools.
Graduates in action: IB graduate Justin Trudeau takes office as Prime Minister of Canada.
Read more2015: Graduates in action
Graduates in action: IB graduate Justin Trudeau takes office as Prime Minister of Canada.
An IB education is, at its core, a celebration of international mindedness. Our students learn to interact with the world around them, to lead with respect and courage, and to use diplomacy in dealing with others. IB graduate Justin Trudeau embodies these ideals, and puts them to work every day in his role as Prime Minister of Canada.
Promoting lifelong learning globally: In 2016, the UN launches Sustainable Development Goals including “Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”, and the IB's programmes demonstrate a strong alignment in all areas.
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2016: Promoting lifelong learning globally
Promoting lifelong learning globally: In 2016, the UN launches Sustainable Development Goals including “Ensure inclusive and quality education for all and promote lifelong learning”, and the IB's programmes demonstrate a strong alignment in all areas.
Since its founding 50 years ago, IB programmes have always challenged students to excel not only in their studies but also in their personal growth. The IB aims to inspire a lifelong quest for learning hallmarked by enthusiasm and empathy. Embedded in the IB’s mission statement is a dedication to promoting lifelong learning and it is an integral part of the IB’s pedagogical principles found in its Approaches to Teaching. “What is of paramount importance in the pre-university stage is not what is learned but learning how to learn …” Alec Peterson, First IB Director General 1968-1977
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