Review of International Baccalaureate Programme and Its Extension to More Mainstream Schools

Name and Constituency of Member of Parliament

Mr Darryl David, Ang Mo Kio GRC

Question

To ask the Minister for Education (a) when the last review of the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme in mainstream schools has been conducted; (b) what have been the findings of this review; and (c) whether there are plans to extend the IB programme to more mainstream schools in the future.

Response

1. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) was introduced to our mainstream schools as part of MOE’s effort to provide diversity in the education landscape. Unlike the GCE A-Level programme, the IBDP is not part of our national curricula. MOE therefore does not review the IBDP curriculum. Nonetheless, we monitor developments in the IBDP and the outcomes of students taking the IBDP to ensure it remains relevant to our students.
2. Students in our mainstream schools offering the IBDP consistently performed better than the global candidature. Almost all were awarded the IB Diploma. Beyond academics, IBDP students also reported positive perceptions of their schools’ efforts to develop their 21^st Century Competencies.
3. There are currently no plans to extend the IBDP to more schools, as the GCE A-Level programme remains relevant as our national curriculum.