My Mini Inquiry- Where are there IB schools around the world?

I know that there are International Baccalaureate (IB) schools worldwide, however, I would like to use this opportunity to inquire about the IB’s history and find out just how many IB schools are out there and where exactly they are in the world. It is amazing that all IB schools share the same curriculums, yet can be so far away from each other. I believe that the interconnectedness of all the IB schools mirrors how interconnected pupils are with each other considering they are all from different places and unite through a universal curriculum.

Through my inquiry, I have learnt that on September 3rd 2019, it was recorded that there were 6,812 programmes being offered worldwide, across 5,175 schools in 157 countries (IBO, 2019, Facts and Figures). This is astonishing to see just how many IB schools exist worldwide. I have also learnt that over half of the total number of IB programmes are taught in the Americas (52.6%). This surprised me because I thought that there would be an even spread of IB schools in each country but I realise I was wrong and now have learnt something new. I also learnt that 26.5% of IB programmes are taught in Africa, Europe and the Middle East and 20.9% of IB programmes are taught in Asia-Pacific (IBO, 2019, Facts and Figures). I expected there to be much more IB programmes being taught in Europe than 26.5% as many European children go to IB schools. But I now realise that they perhaps decide to move out of Europe to the states.

The number of IB programmes offered worldwide has grown by 39.3% (IBO, 2019, Facts and Figures). This is amazing because now that more countries offer an IB education, the more schools that are available for families who constantly need to move around the world for jobs etc. It also shows that the IB curriculum is successful due to its growth worldwide, it works well for many.

I am going to experience what IB is like in practice in Italy which excites me very much. 18 schools in Italy offer the PYP (IBO, 2019, Facts and Figures). This is a very good number of schools which can accommodate for many children and their families. I am very much looking forward to experiencing life in an IB school and what also excites me is that many of my colleagues are going to different countries than me, for example Spain, Canada and even Australia! It will be interesting to compare each other’s experiences as we may share very similar ones but we will also most likely have very different ones.

reference: Facts and Figures, International Baccalaureate

 

One thought on “My Mini Inquiry- Where are there IB schools around the world?

  1. Thanks for this Amy,
    I hope you get a chance to compare and contrast with your peers when you come back, and share experiences via a blog or presentation? I wonder if the concentration of schools in the US and Europe is a good or bad thing? Does it mean students always experience a more Western influenced curriculum – and if that is ok? What do you think?
    Thanks for the post and enjoy Italy!
    Richard

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