Introduction: The International Baccalaureate Organisation

The IBO (International Baccalaureate Organisation) was founded as a nonprofit educational foundation based in Geneva Switzerland. It grew out of the efforts of international schools, in the early 1920s, to establish a common curriculum and a university entry credential. The schools were also motivated by an idealistic vision. They hoped that critical thinking and exposure to a variety of points of view would encourage intercultural understanding by young people.

Ultimately, they developed a balanced curriculum with high standards of assessment that could be administered in any country and would be recognized by universities around the world.

Today, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme provides a truly world-class education in over 130 countries abroad, and it is recognized worldwide as the international standard of outstanding merit in secondary education. It is a comprehensive program that encourages critical thought, research skills and service as part of the learning process through a shared educational experience. In short, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise.

The committees that govern the IB organisation are served by representatives from governments and authorized schools as well as others in the field of education. The chief executive officer (Director General) has his headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. Curriculum and assessment, and the business and financial operations are based in Cardiff, Wales, UK.

The IBO Mission Statement

Education for life

The International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.