Busting Myths about IB schools in India

Education has spread its wings wide and is continuing to do so. State Board, ICSE, CBSE, IGCSE, and IB curriculum-which one would you choose for your child? Each has its advantages. In this blog, let us debunk some of the myths about IB schools in India.

The International Baccalaureate Organization(IB) offers four educational programs for worldwide schools. This program ingrains intercultural understanding and respect across diversities.

The first IB program, the Diploma Program(DP) was established in 1968. Any student aged between 16-19 can enroll at authorized schools. The core of the program encompasses three elements. 

1. The Extended Essay(EE) requires the students to do in-depth research on the DP subjects they are studying.
2. Theory of Knowledge(TOK) deals with critical thinking.
3. Creativity, Activity, Service(CAS) which is holistic, that emphasizes self-identity.

The Middle Year Programs (MYP) is a program that bridges learning and reality. It was established in 1994 and is open to students aged 11 to 16. MYP consists of eight subject groups and the curriculum focuses attention on,

1. Teaching and Learning in Context
2. Conceptual Understanding
3. Approaches to Learning(ATL)
4. Service as Action(Community Service)
5. Language and Identity

The Primary Year Programs (PYP) were introduced in 1997 and are for children aged 3 to 12. Students in the PYP curriculum framework learn through inquiry and reflection. The curriculum framework emphasizes the following three elements,

1. The Learner
2. Learning and Teaching
3. The Learning Community

Some of the schools that offer MYP and PYP among many others are Pathways World School(Gurgaon), Sharanya Narayani International School(Bangalore), and Trivandrum International School(Kerala).

The foundational elements of an IB program are,

1. International-Mindedness

It is where the students reflect on their perspectives and those of others through collaboration across cultures, beliefs, and values while exploring a range of global issues.

2. The IB Learner Profile

From curiosity and compassion to knowledge, skills, and cognitive development, this focuses on the importance of nurturing these depositions along with the physical,  emotional, and social well-being of the child.

3. A broad, balanced, conceptual, and connected curriculum

This is the foundational description of the four IB programs. To explain in brief, as the name implies, the curriculum framework emphasizes comprehensive and balanced academic studies, conceptual understanding of learning, and establishing connections with the real world.

4. Approaches to Teaching and Learning

It involves inquiry, learning, and understanding through a global context. The outcome of these teachings ranges from thinking and communication skills to social and self-management skills.

The IB programs are application-based and challenging. Students are encouraged to focus on the quality of assignments over the number of assignments. Their curriculum is a native and international blend. The students can choose their subjects based on their interests, the scope of the subjects, and their future career placements. The University of Mumbai, Ashoka University, Delhi University, and Christ University are some, among the large number of Universities, that accept IB certificates. Visit the Edustoke website for more details about the best IB schools in India.

The Myths,

Myth 1: IB programs are for geniuses.

It is definitely not labeled so. IB facilitates creativity, well-versed communication, and social skills, making them well-rounded.

Myth 2: The IB certificate is not recognized in India.

IB prepares students for global interactions. Contrary to the above myth, the IB certificate is very much valid and accepted by National and International Universities

Myth 3: IB schools are for foreigners and NRIs.

The IB Board is recognized in India and incorporates a global curriculum.

Myth 4: The IB Diploma Certification is not recognized by Indian Universities

This is not true. Most of the top Universities in India, some of which are mentioned above, do accept IB certification. Students do get placed in leading colleges.

Myth 5: IB schools are for students who want to pursue education abroad

Students who study in IB schools are well-equipped for international studies. But, the school is not limited to students who only want to pursue higher education abroad. IB-certified students indeed have better chances of being placed in top universities abroad. However, they have equal opportunities in India to get into Leading Colleges.

Every new development comes with its pros and cons. Navigating through them, choosing options that weigh more on the advantages, and creating a path for students to shine in their journey is the support parents should provide. Researching schools and their curriculum, and interactions with the educators and students gives more clarity than drawing conclusions based on myths. Students, at times, do feel academically overwhelmed. They can always reach out to academic counselors to seek help. IB programs mold students into critical-thinking, problem-solving, and multidisciplinary minds.