International Program

As an International Baccalaureate school, St. Brendan’s School is fully committed to building a better world through education.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a nonprofit educational foundation founded in 1968.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a nonprofit educational foundation founded in 1968. Its administrative headquarters are in Geneva, Switzerland, and its academic office is located in Cardiff, Wales, United Kingdom. St. Brendan’s School, as a member of this organisation, is fully committed to the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate.

IB Mission Statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop individuals who are caring, knowledgeable, and eager to learn, capable of contributing to a better and more peaceful world, grounded in mutual understanding and intercultural respect. To achieve this, the organisation collaborates with schools, governments, and international organisations to create and develop rigorous international education programmes and assessment methods.

These programmes encourage students worldwide to adopt an active approach to learning throughout life, to be compassionate, and to understand that others, despite their differences, can also be right.

An Outstanding International Education

IB programmes promote a rigorous, active, and high-quality learning experience.

Active and Reflective Learning

Students develop critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and research skills that stay with them for life.

Community and Action

The IB encourages community engagement and responsible action, recognizing that education goes beyond academics.

International Mindedness

Students are encouraged to understand and value their own cultural identity while developing the ability to engage and collaborate in international contexts.

What distinguishes the International Baccalaureate?

A Complete Educational Journey and Academic Excellence

The IB stands out for offering a complete educational continuum made up of four programmes, covering all stages from early years to pre-university. While it is traditionally known for the Diploma Programme, an increasing number of IB World Schools now offer all four programmes.

The IB takes pride in the high quality of its educational programmes, a reputation built and sustained for over 50 years. Its curriculum is not based on any single national system but instead integrates the best elements from a variety of educational frameworks. The rigorous assessment methods of the Diploma Programme are widely recognized and valued by leading universities around the world.

Quality, Support, and Evaluation

The IB maintains its high academic standards through ongoing support and professional development for educators, as well as through authorization and evaluation processes for IB World Schools.

International Mindedness and a Global Community

The IB fosters the development of international mindedness in students. This begins with understanding and valuing one’s own cultural and national identity. All IB students learn a second language and develop the skills needed to live and work in an international environment—skills that are essential in the 21st century.

The IB also promotes a positive attitude toward learning by encouraging students to ask challenging questions, think critically, conduct research, and become lifelong learners. Community engagement is a key component, reflecting the belief that education extends far beyond academics.

IB programmes are accessible to children and young people through a wide range of schools—national, international, public, and private—across more than 150 countries. These IB World Schools form a global community in which there is no single “typical” school (more than 50% of IB students attend publicly funded institutions). Schools also contribute to curriculum development, student assessment, and IB governance, creating a unique model of international collaboration.

Adapted from: About the IB, “What distinguishes the International Baccalaureate?”

For more information about the IB, contact the program coordinators at St. Brendan’s School or visit: www.ibo.org

Further Information

For families: resources, research, and guidance for the transition to higher education.

IB website for families: information about programmes, recommended resources, and research.

Would you like to find out more?

For further information about the IB, please contact the programme coordinators at St Brendan’s School or visit ibo.org