Myths About IB Boarding Schools in the UK

The International Baccalaureate program has been existent for more than half a century and has long been a well-respected system for developing highly enriching and beneficial educational programs for students of all levels. This said, there are many misconceptions and myths that surround IB, causing differing opinions about the program’s appropriateness for learners. IB schools have great reputation or pedagogical leadership, high standards of learning, and student achievement, but many also believe that they may not be as applicable for certain types of schools and learners. Below are some common misunderstandings about IB boarding schools in the UK and the truth behind them:

• An IB boarding school curriculum is strictly a university prep program – While IB programs do offer great benefits for students preparing to go to the university, they also serve as great springboards for any and all post-secondary educational programs. Some lifelong benefits to attending IB schools include gaining flexible thinking skills and marketable job skills, career opportunities, informed citizenship, and great adaptability. In fact, IB programs come in many different forms, like the PYP or primary years program for students between 3 and 11 years of age; MYP or middle years program for students between 12 and 16 years of age; and so forth.

• IB is reserved for the best and the brightest – IB isn’t an elitist program as many believe it to be. While it does produce bright students, International Baccalaureate schools are not necessarily intended for select groups of students. In fact, they support an inclusive approach that allows for more collaborative development in all types of students.

• IB is a difficult program – IB does offer its unique sets of challenges, but they are not necessarily difficult or impossible to overcome. In fact, it is the same challenges that enable greater development for children and students who undergo the program.