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Are you courageous? Principled? Reflective? Caring?

Are you a risk-taker?

If you are reading this, you are probably in an IB school.

Maybe it runs all 4 IB programmes – but if so that’s quite unusual.

Either way, the IB has a philosophy which is in itself quite unusual.

Many schools offering a curriculum (national or otherwise) just run the different subjects provided and these subjects/subject teachers probably don’t ask that students think about being caring or open-minded etc.

The subject teachers may like their students to be knowledgeable – but this is probably primarily in the context of knowing about their subject, rather than in a broader ‘learner profile’ sense (“we develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.”)

Each of the 10 Learner Profile attributes has its own description. So what attribute is being described here?

“We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life”

(Answer at the bottom of this post)

Unpacking each attribute obviously gives a lot more context and meaning. I particularly like what “Risk-takers” has to say about itself.

“We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenge and change.”

In fact “risk-taker” has an alternative heading, “courageous”. In 2013 IB posted a document called ‘IB Learner Profile in Review’ in which was written

“What options are available to IB World Schools in their implementation of the new IB learner profile?

Based on extensive consultation with practitioners and other experts, the IB now provides more flexibility in the implementation of the learner profile in order to help IB World Schools meet the needs of their communities. Schools will be able to:

• use the published IB learner profile including the title and the IB’s copyright

• replace the attribute “risk-taker” with “courageous””

I know that some teachers and students can be a little dismissive of aspects of the International Baccalaureate programme, and the Learner Profile is sometimes seen a ‘frill’.

In fact it’s central to the programme.

The latest version of the curriculum framework logo has the IB Learner Profile at the very centre.

Among other things the Diploma Programme was established in 1968 to promote international understanding.

Its philosophy – then as now – is intrinsic to the programme.

Whether your subject teachers talk about the Learner Profile or not, the attributes are important.

They are part of the aim of all IB programmes: “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.”

Visit the video

http://www.ibo.org/programmes/profile/