Parents Academy | Unlocking the Secrets of the IB Programme!

On Friday 27th October, Vice Principal Ian Barnes led a Parents Academy to explain why Concordia Ningbo has elected to become an IB candidate school.  It was a pleasure to see so many of our parents attending and showing an interest in curriculum matters at the school – with this first Parents Academy focusing on the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme - we greatly appreciate their interest and enthusiasm.

PART. 1

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE IB

Founded in 1968, the IB has a proud history of providing an internationally recognised educational framework that equips students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. 

It has an excellent reputation worldwide for preparing students for success in their academic and personal lives, and its rigorous nature is highly respected by universities and employers alike.

More than 5300 IB schools

in

150 countries around the world

We aiming to prepare students to be internationally minded, lifelong learners with the skills needed to be successful in the future. 

PART.2 

AIMS & ADVANTAGES

OF AN IB EDUCATION

At its heart, the IB fosters a global mindset, encouraging students to think critically, embrace diversity, and engage with real-world challenges. Students not only learn academic subjects but also develop personal, social, and emotional well-being.

The Primary Years Programme (PYP) allows for an active, co-constructed (rather than passive) approach to learning, allowing for transdisciplinary connections – rather than discrete subject content. 

Traditionally, subjects focus on content instruction and memorisation (content which may not be relevant for the students beyond school), whereas the PYP focuses on skills and behaviours which will help them to succeed in any endeavour. The approach also allows students to take personal responsibility for their own learning and behaviour, rather than expecting someone else to 'enforce' the rules. Being able to self-regulate, and knowing how to learn for themselves, sets children up for success in any field.

PART.3 

HOW THE PYP WORKS

IN OUR SCHOOL

Through the PYP, our young learners embark on a unique journey. They engage with six transdisciplinary themes, ensuring they see the interconnectedness of their learning. For instance, when studying "How the world works", students might explore the science of rainforests and simultaneously learn about the cultures that inhabit them. Teachers encourage children to follow the inquiry cycle in order to promote engagement, relevance and action.

Starting with a provocation or question, our students inquire, investigate, and reflect on their learning. It's a cycle that promotes curiosity. Imagine a child wondering, "Why do we have seasons?" and ending up with a model of Earth's tilt and orbit!

SIX 

TRANSDISCIPLINARY

ATLs, Central Ideas, & Key Concepts:

Approaches to Learning (ATLs) are essential skills that we focus on, such as: communication, research, social, thinking and self-management skills. Every unit has a Central Idea, like "Communities thrive when members understand their roles", which provides the core of our inquiries. Key Concepts, such as causation and perspective, help drive these inquiries deeper. 

Learner Profiles: Our students aren't just learners; they're inquirers, thinkers, and risk-takers. These profiles shape their identity and guide their actions. In total there are ten learner profiles, and these help the students to be happy, confident and successful individuals, who can play a key role in their families, communities and society.

Looking to the Future: The IB journey doesn't end with the PYP. As your child progresses, they will have the opportunity to engage with the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP), ensuring a seamless and holistic educational experience. Then, your child progresses on to university (IB diploma holders have a higher acceptance rate to top universities globally).

1. "The IB program is a passport to the world, equipping students with the skills and mindset needed to thrive in an increasingly globalized society." – Ban Ki-moon, Former UN Secretary-General(潘基文，前联合国秘书长).

2. "IB students are well-prepared for the challenges of the 21st century. They learn not just what to think, but how to think." – Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany(安吉拉-默克尔，德国总理).

3. "The IB program is a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing inquiry, critical thinking, and international-mindedness." – Sir Ken Robinson, Education Expert(肯-罗宾逊爵士，教育专家).

In conclusion, by choosing the IB program, we are committed to providing your children with a world-class education that not only prepares them academically but also shapes them into well-rounded, globally-minded individuals ready to tackle the challenges of the future.