“We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” – Albert Einstein
The Birth
When Einstein remarked his thought process could be like any one of us – the only difference was, he thought aloud! Thinking leads to creating and thus when the churn began in the early 1950s from the traditional approach to a progressive approach of teaching and learning, the educational world saw the birth of a new way- International Baccalaureate in the year 1962. Founded in Atlantic College, the International Schools Association (ISA) conference of teachers of social studies recommended that International Passport to Higher Education be called as “International Baccalaureate”.
The framework of the IB Diploma Programme curriculum since then has evolved and imbibed the philosophies of influential educationalists around the world. The word ‘international’ for the world connotes that one could cross the geographical boundaries, but for the erudite thinkers and educators, it was a revolution – knowledge breaking barriers and reaching the young learner across the globe.
The Nurturers
As the concept of this new design was emerging the IB Diploma framework was scaffolding its foundation on the ideologies of the key influencers of the time. The importance of tapping into students’ natural curiosity was contributed by John Dewey an American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer. Giving personal freedom for children to develop in an environment free of constraints, recommendations of the Scottish progressive educator, A.S Neill. With Jean Piaget’s contribution in developmental psychology, where academic intelligence develops in children through a cognitive cycle IB was catering to the needs of the progressive 21st Century learner. American psychologist Jerome Bruner’s insight into learning by doing and self-discovery of information making learners better problem solvers was embedded into the IB Learner’s profile. Thus emerged a whole new approach which was new, progressive, and catering to the needs of international schooling.
The Design
Alec Peterson, the First Director-General was instrumental in the formation of the International Baccalaureate Organization and the driving force behind IB curriculum design. Today the framework of this international curriculum can be best interpreted by the infographic the organization has created through many progressive changes.
DP core and six subject groups.
Comprising of the three required components, the DP core aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.
The three core elements are:
- Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
- The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
- Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.
The six subject groups are:
- Studies in language and literature
- Language acquisition
- Individuals and societies
- Sciences
- Mathematics
- The arts
There are different courses within each subject group.
The Learner
Aditya Birla World Academy, ranking among the top 10 best International Schools in Mumbai, runs its IB Diploma Programme under the leadership of experienced educators. The learners are oriented to choose courses from the subject groups. Students may opt to study an additional science, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.
HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding, and skills at a higher level.
Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at a higher level, and the remaining at standard level. Students take subjects at a higher level (HL) and some at a standard level (SL). Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher-level comprises 240 teaching hours.
The Approach to IBDP @ ABWA
We at the Aditya Birla World Academy have assimilated the IB internationalism with an Indian Spirit. Making the dreams of the young minds who enter the ‘orange gate’ possible.
The IB Diploma framework is uniform across IB schools and meets university entry standards worldwide. Major world universities consider an IB diploma holder in high esteem for its ability to develop a student's academic caliber along with good writing and analyzing skills. At ABWA IB students develop a holistic and international mindset as we flavor with our ways to encourage the Learner’s Profile recognitions, offering small teacher student ration, mentoring programme and the ABWA CRISP values we impart to our learners.
ABWA also helps the learners to develop the five Approaches to Learning Skills (ATL’s) through Approaches to Teaching Skills (ATT’s). These ATT skills are at the heart of our teaching and learning process
- Inquiry-Based
- Conceptually focused
- Contextualized
- Collaborative
- Differentiated
- Informed by assessment
The skills are taught explicitly in the IB curriculum throughout all levels at Aditya Birla World Academy. Learners who excel in these skills are often our top students and go on to be successful at University and beyond.
The Choice
IB program at ABWA aims to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, helping to create a better and more peaceful world. The IB enables students to navigate their learning trail and develop the skills and assurance they need to prosper and make a lasting difference.
The Call
Reach out to us to create a better world for your aspiring scholar! A whole New World await!
Also read, How do IB schools help children follow their passion? Which are the IB schools in Mumbai to look at?
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/how-do-ib-schools-help-children-follow-their-passion-which-are-the-ib-schools-in-south-mumbai-to-look-at
Is IBDP worth it in India and what are the advantages of studying in IBDP-
https://www.adityabirlaworldacademy.com/blog/is-ibdp-worth-it-in-india-and-what-are-the-advantages-of-studying-in-ibdp
