International Baccalaureate offers advantages for students

Vietnamese students benefit from comprehensive child education, valuable qualifications and global recognition via the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational program with three curriculums: Primary Years Program (PYP) for students from three years old to 5th grade; Middle Years Program (MYP) for students in grades six through 10; and Diploma Program (DP) for students in grades 11-12.

According to IB, more than 5,000 schools, with 1,95 million students in 159 countries, have offered the IB program. The purpose of IB is to equip students with curiosity, knowledge, interest and self-motivation to succeed.

The IB program also offers students distinct advantages by building their critical thinking skills, nurturing their curiosity and ability to solve complicated problems.

The IB curriculum framework is scientifically and effectively designed towards personalization, encouraging critical thinking in students of all ages. It helps students grow independently, gain experience in real situations, learn multi-languages for integration, and encourage them to actively explore, learn, raise awareness and practice soft skills.

In addition, the IB program encourages students to be active in the community, extending their learning beyond the classroom. By participating in the IB program, students are recognized by top prestigious universities in the world.

IB believes students perform well in academics thanks to great preparation of learning and research. In addition, IB degree's reputation stems from its attractive curriculums that boost intellectual capacity and spirit.

The IB program offers students distinct advantages. Photo by ISSP.

Comprehensive development

The IB program focuses on four aspects: intellect, personal growth, emotional and soft skills, aiming to develop learners' ability to study and work in an international environment. This program also provides students with the ability to solve complicated problems and the opportunity to become global citizens.

Many international schools in Ho Chi Minh City are adopting the IB program into their official curriculum. For instance, International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP) is applying the IB curriculum framework of knowledge, skills, physical and mental health development.

The school's curriculum is built according to the IB framework. Photo by ISSP.

The curriculum focuses on developing the necessary qualities for students to become learners, thinkers with profound knowledge, love and care for others, and dare to take risks.

According to Lester Stephens, Head of School of the International School Saigon Pearl (ISSP), the school's curriculum is designed according to the IB framework, combined with American and Vietnamese standards to provide a great and relevant learning experience.

ISSP's educational principles aim to develop children comprehensively. Photo by ISSP.

"ISSP understands that student development is closely related to their learning path. Students will develop relevant and positive knowledge, skills and attitudes during their study of various subjects. Their learning process results in actions. As LeRoy Boyer, an American educator once said: 'A truly educated student is one who can make a connection between subjects, discovering how to integrate them and link what they learn to life'," Stephens said.

"At International School Saigon Pearl, students are placed at the center of our education program, a truly and meaningful learning environment, where students’ voices are heard with respect. The educational philosophy of ISSP is towards the comprehensive development of children, supporting them in building their own learning with curiosity," he added.

ISSP, International School Saigon Pearl, is certified by two world-renowned educational accreditation organizations, including CIS (Council of International Schools) and NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges).

ISSP teachers are highly educated, fully qualified and engage in continual professional development, including cutting-edge teaching and learning methods, along with child protection, health, and safety training programs.

ISSP belongs to the long-standing UK education group - Cognita. Students at ISSP can easily transfer to lower secondary school in the U.S., U.K., Australia or other countries around the world. In HCMC, students can transfer to either International School Ho Chi Minh City School, American Academy (ISHCMC-AA) or International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC), two of Cognita school member.