Articles

International Baccalaureate (IB) in Malaysia

Published by SchoolAdvisor | Jun 03, 2016

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education. The programmes encourage both personal and academic achievement, challenging students to excel in their studies and in their personal development.

In Malaysia, IBs effective programmes have produced a great number of well rounded students. Due to it's popularity and results, some parents would always opt for an IB school or have their children to pursue an IB qualification. The four IB programmes caters to students from age 3 to 19 years old, and it challenges students to excel in their studies. Let's look into the four programmes.

The 4 IB Programmes:

1. IB Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) prepares children aged 3 - 12 to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. It focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both within and beyond the classroom.

Curriculum:

The PYP curriculum framework is uniquely adaptable to state and national standards. Guided by six transdisciplinary themes of global significance, students deepen their learning by developing their conceptual understandings; strengthening their knowledge and skills across and beyond subject areas.

The PYP is a transformative experience for students, teachers and whole school communities. PYP students learn how to take control of their learning, teachers collaborate to deepen student- learning and increase their confidence and self-motivation. The whole school community, including parents, are viewed as partners in learning, and actively contribute to a holistic educational experience

2. IB Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) is for students aged 11-16. MYP is a challenging framework that encourages students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.

The MYP is a five-year programme, which can be implemented in a partnership between schools, or in several abbreviated (two, three or four year) formats. Students who complete the MYP are well-prepared to undertake the IB Diploma Programme (DP) or Career-related Programme (CP).

Curriculum:

The MYP curriculum framework comprises eight subject groups, providing a broad and balanced education for early adolescents.

The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group, in each year of the programme. In the final two years of the programme, carefully-defined subject group flexibility allows students to meet local requirements and personal learning goals.

3. IB Diploma Programme (DP)

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a two-year educational programme primarily aimed at students aged 16–19. The program provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognised by many universities worldwide.

Curriculum:

The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay.

Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

4. Career-related Programme (CP)

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) is designed for students aged 16-19. The CP is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique programme addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education.

The programme leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.

Curriculum:

CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses, a core consisting of four components and a career-related study.

For CP students, DP courses provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigour of the programme; the career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning; and the CP core helps them to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning.

 

See also: TOP INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN MALAYSIA OFFERING INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB)