The path to top universities and global citizenship starts with an IB diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is not only recognized as an entry qualification to universities worldwide but is also highly respected by leading higher education institutions around the globe.

As the longest-running international school in Prague and a leader in education in Central Europe for over 70 years, the International School of Prague (ISP) will soon raise the bar even higher by offering students the full International Baccalaureate Programme Continuum grades 1-12 (also known as “the full IB”) in addition to its reputable and long-standing IB diploma.

ISP joins a worldwide network of schools that offer the full IB as a way of developing lifelong learners who can think critically and interact compassionately to lead positive, impactful change.

ISP has offered the two year capstone International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) for many years. Graduating students have consistently scored well above the international average for this demanding program, and have continued on to world-renowned universities.

“ISP is deeply serious about our core mission. Our progressive and innovative approach to learning has served us well and will continue to propel us well into the future," says Dr. Chip Kimball, ISP Director.

The school's decision to embrace the entire International Baccalaureate (IB) Programme Continuum, adding Primary Years Programme (PYP), the Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Career-related Programme (CP) to its well-established and highly successful Diploma Programme (DP) is backed by key research findings.

Those findings show that PYP students demonstrate consistently higher levels of well-being compared with similar non-PYP students, while previous enrollment in the MYP increases students’ likelihood of participation in college preparatory coursework. MYP students tend to earn more college-ready scores (4 or higher) on DP exams. 

CP empowers students to progress and perform well at university, with nearly 90 percent continuing to their second year of study and 70 percent achieving a first- or upper second-class honors degree. 

A recent study conducted in the UK also revealed that IB diploma students were three times more likely to enroll at a top-20 higher education institution (HEI), 40 percent more likely to achieve at least an upper second-class honors degree, and seven percent more likely to earn a first-class honors degree compared to matched A-level students.

ISP’s existing Mission and Learning Principles are all closely aligned with those of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Full Continuum, says Dr. Kimball.

"The IB full Continuum framework will ensure every single ISP learner has a rigorous, relevant, and international curriculum while experiencing the fullness of learning in Prague and Central Europe."

ISP is consistently considered one of the best schools in Europe, according to Teresa Belisle, Director of Learning, Research, & Development, who says the school has solidified its reputation by constantly innovating and pushing the envelope of the best teaching and learning practices from around the world.

"In our school, this means aligning to a robust and internationally recognized curriculum, such as the full continuum of the IB coupled with new practices in our school in technology, leadership and big social issues, like sustainability and equity,” Belisle adds.

In addition to guiding students on the path toward top universities, IB programs also empower school-aged students to take ownership of their learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a fast-changing world.

In fact, a recent study on employability skills in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme revealed that the rapid rate of technological change occurring around the globe will require a future workforce skilled in complex problem-solving, creative thinking, and social interactions. 

ISP’s learning program has always continued to adapt to be future-ready, changing quickly and in conjunction with worldwide efforts to prepare international students to be leaders in a world that is filled with ever greater volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity.

“At ISP,” says Belisle, “as we embrace the International Baccalaureate (IB) Full Continuum, we will continue to prepare our students to face the future confidently by providing platforms and support for ‘Future Change Makers.’”

Such curiosity-driven inquiry is at the heart of all the programmes in the IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP and CP) which is actively devoted to the development of self-directed creative changemakers. (See the photo gallery below to explore some of ISP's recent creative educational activities).

ISP’s competency approach to curriculum focuses on these needed skills and capacities needed in our quickly changing world. ISP’s Mission and Vision closely align with what the world community has identified to be future-ready. 

The school's mission is informed by the OECD's conceptual learning framework The Future of Education and Skills 2030, which identifies the need for highly competent people who can responsibly meet complex demands and solve complex problems.

IB programs aim to provide an education that enables students to make sense of the complexities of the world around them, as well as equipping them with the skills and dispositions needed for taking responsible action now and in the future.