The International Baccalaureate Programme is spreading across the world. The programme is entering many schools in Uganda, creating curiosity among parents and students alike.

The IBO is a non-profit educational foundation that was established in 1968. The original intention was to establish a common curriculum and university-entry credential for geographically mobile students, i.e. those whose parents move from country to country on a contractual basis. From this grew a comprehensive curriculum for the last two years of secondary school, known as the Diploma Programme or DP. The qualification gained is the IB diploma which is recognised and highly regarded by universities around the world.

In 1994 the IBO adopted the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 and in 1997 The Primary Years Programme (PYP). The educational philosophy on which the three programmes are based emphasises critical thinking and encourages intercultural understandings. The focus is on developing the whole student and providing a broad and balanced education while instilling a sense of responsibility towards others and the environment. The three programmes together offer a continuous sequence, although many schools offer them independently.

My first experience of an IBO school was in Istanbul, in a school which was implementing all three programmes. My observations in the primary school were how enthusiastic the children were about learning, and how aware they were, not only of the importance of what they were learning, but also the process through which they were learning. Coming from the stringencies of the National Curriculum for England and Wales this was a real eye-opener for me. Later, when I spent time in the wider school, I realised what a positive impact all three programmes were having on the students, many of whom had transferred from national systems.

The PYP is a synthesis of good educational practice from around the globe. It allows schools in each country the flexibility to take advantage of the richness of their student base and the learning opportunities available in the local environment. Within its structure, it fosters the skills and understandings necessary to create lifelong learners.

Students in the MYP study all the major disciplines while understanding the connections between these subjects using the 5 ‘areas of interaction’. These encourage students to link learning to the real world and to reflect and act on their learning. There is also a great emphasis on self-directed work, with students being made aware of assessment criteria in advance. The MYP culminates with a personal project focussing on an area that is of particular interest to the individual student.

For the Diploma Programme, students select subjects from each of six groups, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum which is taught from an international perspective. In addition to this coursework, students must tackle a course in Theory of Knowledge which challenges students to question the basis of knowledge. Students must also complete a number of hours of creativity, action and service (CAS). The projects they undertake must have a beneficial impact for others. Finally, students have to complete an extended essay which incorporates independent research on a topic of their own interest.

All of these components provide excellent preparation for work at university level, which explains why the IB Diploma is held in such regard by universities worldwide. Several US universities admit IB students with high scores directly into second year. Other universities offer scholarships exclusively to IB students because of their high standard of all round education.

The IBO is extremely stringent in authorising schools. In addition to being well qualified to teach their subjects or stages, all teachers have to be trained in the programmes they will deliver. Schools have to be visited and evaluated before applying for candidature. After three years of supported implementation, schools are visited by an authorisation team. Re-authorisation takes place every five years.

‘The International Baccalaureate Organisation aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the IBO works with schools, governments and international organisations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.’ *

More information about the IBO and the programmes it offers can be found on the website www.ibo.org. Schools offering the programmes in Kampala offer information evenings which all interested parents are welcome to attend.

* IBO Mission Statement November 2002