The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world. IB learners strive to be:
Inquirers
They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
Knowledgeable
They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.
Thinkers
They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.
Communicators
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.
Principled
They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.
Open-minded
They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.
Caring
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.
Risk-takers
They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.
Balanced
They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.
Reflective
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.
The learner and the IB World School
The IB learner profile brings to life the aspirations of a community of IB World Schools dedicated to student centred education. IB programmes promote the development of schools that:
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create educational opportunities for students that promote healthy relationships, individual and shared responsibility, including interpersonal competencies that support effective teamwork and collaboration
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help students make informed, reasoned, ethical judgments and develop the flexibility, perseverance and confidence they need in order to effect change that matters
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inspire students to frame their own inquiries, pursue personal aspirations, set challenging goals and have the persistence to achieve them
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foster the development of rich personal, academic and cultural identities.
The relationships between teachers and students and the approaches to teaching profoundly shape educational outcomes: teachers are intellectual leaders who can empower students to develop the confidence and personal responsibility needed to deepen understanding. IB programmes emphasize “learning how to learn”, helping students interact effectively with the learning environments they encounter, and encouraging them to value learning as an essential and integral part of their everyday lives. IB programmes support inclusion as an ongoing process to increase access and engagement in learning for all students. Learning communities become more inclusive as they identify and remove barriers to learning and participation. Commitment to access and inclusion represents another aspect of the IB learner profile in action.