Secondary Focus: International Baccalaureate

At Jerudong International School in Brunei, the IB Diploma Program remains an important option within the Sixth Form. According to Dan Roberts, Assistant Head of Senior School/IB Co-Ordinator and Sixth Form Curriculum, around 30 per cent of the current Sixth Form cohort are IB students, up from a historic average of 22-23 per cent. “It has increased slightly as the UK falls out of favor as an HE destination,” he explains.~

Dan sees opportunities ahead as the program adapts. “The upcoming option to move to digital exams in some subjects will provide an opportunity for schools that have the resources to accommodate the exams,” he says. He adds that the Systems Transformation Pathway, currently being trialed, could offer students an IB diploma without the traditional requirement of maths or language acquisition.

For Kristin School , in Auckland, New Zealand, enrolments to the IB course have remained stable over the past year, with some notable shifts in student markets and course lengths. Helen Kim, Manager of International Services, explains, “This year, we started getting inquiries for IB from German and Austrian students for long-term programs, this is a new trend for us.”

At Rothesay Netherwood School in New Brunswick, Canada, international enrolment has also remained stable, with the flexibility of course offerings and university guidance shining through as priorities for parents.

“All students in Grades 11 and 12 at RNS are enrolled in the IB Program, which offers a rich and challenging curriculum appealing to both domestic and international families,” explains Tammy Earle, Assistant Head. “With 31 IB courses available, we are proud to provide one of the largest selections of IB subjects in any school in Canada.”

Image credit: Jerudong International School

In the UK, Scarborough College has seen growth – especially in interest from domestic students. Remco Weeda, Director of External Relations, notes, “Student retention, which relates mostly to UK, both day and boarding students, has risen quite sharply.” He adds, “The IB has gained popularity in the UK.”

However, for international students considering the UK, there are new complications. “ In recent years, the demand has increased but right now, it’s relatively stable. I’d say that the introduction of VAT on fees is largely to blame for this. Whereas demand was growing, it’s been halted somewhat,” Remco comments. Despite this, he is optimistic about a broader shift in how families select schools. “They are now looking at what schools are appropriate to them – not just the big names,” he says. “They also feel more at home and get better results because of it.”

A similar message comes from St Clare’s , Oxford. While the school has not seen a dramatic change in enrolments, it is preparing for a slight dip. “Initial signs suggest that we may be slightly lower than last year’s enrolment figures,” shares Suzanne Mowat. She points to the same VAT policy concern.

Image credit: St Denis International School

Still, St Clare’s is noting growing interest from newer markets. “Italy, Germany, and the UK are the markets where we see a larger cohort. This year, we are noticing an increase in interest from South America.”

At Taunton School and Taunton School International in Somerset, UK, international diversity remains one of the program’s strengths. Adrian Roberts, IBDP Coordinator, notes, “We have 52 nationalities across the whole senior school with 15 represented across the diploma.” While the school hasn’t observed dramatic shifts in numbers or demographics, cultural breadth and co-curricular offerings are increasingly valued. “Our cultural diversity and breadth of co-curricular offering are becoming more prominent reasons for students to choose us,” Adrian adds.

Meanwhile, outcomes remain central to the school’s strategy. “As our International Futures provision increases, so will our reach of international students,” Adrian explains. “This is because international students are heavily interested in continuing their studies at university level.”

In France, Saint Denis International School offers the Baccalaureate Français International (BFI) – American Section, a French baccalaureate with an international component. Director of International Programs, Martin Chatagnon, notes it complements the French education system, known for its academic rigidity, with the more student-centered and enquiry based Anglo-Saxon method of learning.

In France, Saint-Denis International School www.saint-denis.net offers the Baccalaureate Français International (BFI) – American Section, a French baccalaureate with an international component. Director of International Programs, Martin Chatagnon, notes it complements the French education system, known for its academic rigidity, with the more student-centered and enquiry based Anglo-Saxon method of learning.

Across all schools, one message is clear: the IB remains a highly respected and adaptable curriculum for internationally minded learners. Whether growing, refining their focus, or responding to policy changes, schools continue to respond to what students need.

Image credit: Scarborough College

New Horizons

In western Canada, one school district is aiming to broaden the horizon of what the IB can offer – particularly for bilingual students. Conseil scolaire francophone de la Colombie-Britannique, SD93, headquartered in Richmond, BC, offers a unique proposition: a dual-first language IB program in both French and English. “We are one of the very few school boards who are offering two first languages, French and English,” says Monica Monus, Director of IB at SD93. “Our students can obtain a double IB diploma, which is very rare.”

One of SD93’s hallmarks is its open-access policy. “Every student has access to the IB. There is no prerequisite and no pressure on the students to be a high achiever in order to participate in the IB program,” Monica explains. This inclusive approach extends to students with special needs and those pursuing individual subject certificates.

Looking to the future, SD93 is targeting international families, especially from Francophone or bilingual backgrounds.

“We are targeting countries that really have a certain level in French, or students who are in bilingual programs,” Monica explains. “Not every student will obtain the diploma. But what they will obtain is the experience, the approaches of the IB, the vision of the IB, and certificates that will help them to get into universities around the world.”