What’s the difference between an IB leaner and English school learning?


The IB curriculum and the UK curriculum have  any cross overs in terms of the skills and knowledge students are expected to acquire. However, that doesn’t mean it is easy to pick up an IB syllabus if you have been teaching in the UK for most or all of your career.

In an attempt to understand it myself and discover more about this fascinating and enriching curriculum I have decided to share my findings with you here.

Differences - something that true IB schools celebrate and nurture. From my experience and readings, I have found that IB schools are based on a set of values that accept difference and promote the understanding and respect for otherness. Whether this is other cultures, Lanugages, learning style and habits or interested and hobbies, loves and hates. As most IB schools are abroad, there is a more globalized attitude towards the way in which children are taught - their classmates will be from all over the world and as a result it is important to promote acceptance, open mindedness and adaptability.

One key difference is the way in which students are taught and the structure of the syllabus to focus on programs of study instead of scheme of work or schemes of learning. There is a strong ethos towards student-led learning, differentiation and pupil centered approaches to learning. I understand this to mean that - as I have always advocated myself throughout my career - that teacher act as facilitators. Their job is to create an environment where children can explore, ask questions, make mistakes, learn and be guided towards a number of outcomes. There should not  be a ‘one shoe fits all’ approach which is only too commonly found in classrooms in the UK.

Another difference is that the focus of the school and the learning outcome is strongly and focused on child development. The pillars of the IB are the enrichment of the child’s experiences, the development of well rounded and confident young people who are measured risk takers, critical thinkers and independent learners. They are able to communicate and express themselves, their  hopes and fears and have a strong sense of who they are insult retaining the ability to empathize and show compassion. Sadly there is not always space for this sort of care and time about children’s welfare and wellbeing in the UK as schools are more and more becoming exam factories.

For more reading on IB and UK school systems, and related topics, check out these links:

https://www.thinkib.net/englishb
https://teacherhead.com/2018/03/19/evidence-informed-ideas-every-teacher-should-know-about/
https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/publications/recognition/rec4122recognitioncurriculumbrief-5web.pdf
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2018/aug/21/should-schools-be-judged-by-exam-results-ofsted
www.tes.co.uk provides a range of articles

Comments

  1. Anonymous28 January 2020 at 07:57

    nice

    ReplyDelete
  2. English Live Learning23 July 2020 at 08:13

    Your article contains very information about the english language learning. Your article is very informative and useful to know more about the difference between IB leaner and English school learning. I would like to thanks for sharing this article here. english speaking course online Australia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous10 August 2026 at 13:06

      The comparison between IB and UK-style education highlights how student-centered learning can encourage learners to become more independent, open-minded, adaptable, and confident. The emphasis on cultural awareness, differentiation, questioning, and allowing students to learn through mistakes creates a broader educational experience beyond examination performance.

      These approaches also show why practical digital skills can complement modern education. Students who are encouraged to explore, ask questions, and solve problems can benefit from a Python Online Course as they develop computational thinking and learn to approach problems systematically.

      Delete
    2. Anonymous10 August 2026 at 13:07

      The focus on communication, critical thinking, and independent learning can also be extended through technology-based activities. A Javascript Online Course can give students opportunities to experiment with programming and create interactive applications while developing their ability to learn through exploration.

      Delete
    3. Anonymous10 August 2026 at 13:07

      Ultimately, the article suggests that effective education should support the development of well-rounded individuals rather than focusing exclusively on examination results. Encouraging curiosity, empathy, adaptability, communication, and independent thinking can help students become better prepared for changing academic and professional environments. Students can also explore Python Training to develop practical programming and problem-solving skills.

      Delete
  3. Marry jacnow8 August 2020 at 12:12

    This is an amazing blog; I was trying to figure out how to keep in contact with your blog until I found a decent information about english learning. I really wish you to have a good day and keep with the good work! learn how to speak creole

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jimmy Carter18 October 2021 at 07:27

    It is what I was searching for is really informative. It is a significant and useful article for us. Thankful to you for sharing an article like this. IB Curriculum Tutoring

    ReplyDelete
  5. Xtra Papers25 February 2022 at 20:51

    Thanks for sharing valuable information. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have really enjoyed reading your blog posts. Cambridge Past Papers

    ReplyDelete
  6. Tina29 November 2022 at 21:28

    Child development should always be there

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Welcome

Image
With 12 years experience, working as an English Language and Literature specialist, for several years as a Deputy team leader, a tutor and mentor and a coach in Secondary schools in the UK, I know important it is to be successful.  I understand how necessary it is to support your child to achieve their potential. To exceed.  Despite a teacher’s best attempts to support your child they may not have the capabilities to give your child the 1-2-1 guidance you want for them. Quite often, in schools all over the world, challenges of curriculum and exam outcomes results in teachers being spread too thinly across the school.  That’s why it is important that children and parents, friends and family work together to identify and highlight the extra work, sessions or skills your child needs. But this is no easy feat. We’re not all trained and qualified teachers, who specialize in child development. If you are looking for opportunities for your child, for an intuitive tea...
Read more