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The International Baccalaureate program
The International Baccalaureate (IB) program was founded in Switzerland. It’s now offered in countries all over the world, including in Poland.
IB Diploma Program (IBDP)
One of the most popular IB programs offered by private and non-public schools in Poland is the IB Diploma Program (IBDP). This is a two-year, advanced secondary school curriculum. The IBDP curriculum requires students to complete a course of study in six core subject areas: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
IB diploma students also need to write an essay of up to 4000 words, and sit standard, externally assessed exams. And they’re must complete two formal projects and a minimum of 50 hours of community service. All requirements exceed those of secondary school diplomas offered in Poland.
Other IB programs
In the decades since it began, the IB program has been expanded to include the primary and middle school grades. There is also a career program for students in the senior grades.
All programs are intended to provide a unique, international take on core studies, while also providing a foundation for secondary and post-secondary instruction.The IB curriculum is meant to provide a well-rounded, high quality, and advanced course of study. It delivers the core material, while challenging students to apply their knowledge and skills through collaboration, discussion, and communication.
Poland private schools that offer IB programs for all age groups, beginning with the primary years and culminating in the secondary diploma, refer to themselves as IB Continuum Schools. Schools typically develop the IB continuum over time, adding programs as the school grows, and in response to the needs of the student population.
At all levels, the IB curriculum is organized around six interdisciplinary themes, all developing students' understanding of who they are, their place and time, and how their life intersects with the lives of others, both locally and beyond. The core curriculum—language, math, science, physical education, arts, and social studies—is taught through the lens of those cross-curricular themes.
Benefits of IB schools in Poland
There are plenty of reasons why a family or student might choose an IB school in Poland, including in Warsaw. We list some of these below. To learn about the benefits of Poland private schools in general, read our guide.
- International recognition
- A curriculum delivered through an international lens
- A bilingual requirement
- Strong values-based approach
- A curriculum that offers a broader range and depth of knowledge
There are also some other key benefits of Poland private schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program. While this isn't an exhaustive list, these benefits include:
- Strong academics: IB schools in Poland are well-known for having excellent academics. They offer rigorous and demanding courses in a wide range of subjects, from elementary to high school. This includes core subjects, such as math, science, and the language arts, and others, such as art (visual and performing), computers, business, geography, ethics, and social studies. Many also offer special programs and individualized instruction to ensure students are challenged and engaged.
- Language programs: Many Poland private schools offering the IB program have specialized language programs. Some of these schools offer English as the main language of instruction. Others offer bilingual, Polish-English instruction, where some courses are taught in Polish and some in English. Many schools also offer several comprehensive courses on foreign languages, such as French, German, Greek, Spanish, Japanese, and Korean.
- Diverse student bodies: Private Poland IB schools, like many international schools, often have students from a wide range of backgrounds. Students come from numerous countries, including Poland, Canada, the United States, Britain, France, Germany, China, and Japan. For instance, the British School Warsaw boasts over 1, 000 students from over 65 countries. Living and studying with such a diverse range of students can be a great experience for your child. Your child will learn about new countries, cultures, customs, and ways of thinking.
- Dedicated teachers: Instructors in Polish private schools, including those in IB schools, are both qualified and passionate about their subjects, and often hold advanced degrees in their field. Within the tight-knit school community, students have close relationships with their teachers who commonly act as role models. The best teachers, which you’ll often find at IB schools in Poland, connect with students in meaningful ways, and inspire them to learn. They also tend to be involved in the extracurricular life of school.
- Support systems: Private schools in Poland tend to offer strong student support. For instance, many provide academic and personal counselling, peer tutoring, mentorship, special needs support, and guidance programs. This can help your child excel academically and socially, and get the most out of the private school experience.
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Advice Guide
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- Our Kids Interview: Get to know EF Academy
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- Our Kids Interview: Get to know PRIMUS Non-Public Primary School No. 47 and Non-Public Secondary School
- Our Kids Interview: Get to know the Canadian School of Warsaw
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