IBO – Education for Life
The IBO – International Baccalaureate Organization – is a non-profit educational organization. With its headquarters located in Geneva, , the IBO offers three challenging programmes: Primary Years Programme (PYP) for pupils aged 3 to 12, Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16 and Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19.
The educational philosophy of the IBO is found in its mission statement adopted in 1996:
"Through comprehensive and balanced curricula coupled with challenging assessments, the International Baccalaureate Organization aims to assist schools in their endeavours to develop the individual talents of young people and teach them to relate the experience of the classroom to the realities of the world outside. Beyond intellectual rigour and high academic standards, strong emphasis is placed on the ideals of international understanding and responsible citizenship, to the end that IB students may become critical and compassionate thinkers, lifelong learners and informed participants in local and world affairs, conscious of the shared humanity that binds all people together while respecting the variety of cultures and attitudes that makes for the richness of life."
The IBO offers diverse services to its member schools. The organization is a recognized leader in curriculum development and various assessment techniques, teachers training courses and various educational opportunities for teachers. Emphasis is laid on interconnected computer networks and other educational services. Founded in 1968, the IBO currently works with 1,800 schools in 122 countries world wide. More than 500,000 students have finished the IB diploma but more than 200,000 students aged 3 to 19 years are currently engaged in one of the three IB programmes.
