Every student has something extraordinary to bring to the world; the International Baccalaureate (IB) empowers teachers to find and nurture it. Students need an education for life. Not for one career, but for many. Not for one culture, but for all.
Since May 2013, the IB has been working closely with the government of Japan to develop a dual language IB Diploma Programme (DLDP), which provides world-class preparation for university and a lifetime of opportunity. The project enables the Diploma Programme (DP) to be both taught and assessed in Japanese in the following subjects and core DP components:
The first external IB DP assessment in the Japanese language was conducted in November 2016, and, thanks to the collaboration between the IB and MEXT, IB education in Japan is continuing to expand. Schools in Japan are now offering the DLDP as well as the PYP, the MYP and the DP.
Both MEXT and the IB are continuing to work together to promote the benefits of an IB education in Japan.
The IB’s four progressive educational programmes are highly regarded for developing well-rounded individuals, confident in more than one language, and skilled for success.
IB programmes are frequently reviewed and analysed to measure and improve their level of impact and the outcomes for students.
Recent studies have shown that the PYP exhibition is a pivotal experience for developing critical thinking skills. The MYP is the best preparation for excelling in the DP, the DP provides the best pathway to a top-ranking university, and the majority of CP graduates go on to attend university.
The Primary Years Programme (PYP) is for students aged 3 to 12. The PYP supports students in becoming active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others and have the capacity to participate in the world around them. The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child.
The Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11 to 16, provides a framework of learning that encourages students to become creative, critical and reflective thinkers. The MYP emphasizes intellectual challenge, encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world.
The Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16 to 19, aims to develop individuals who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge – students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The programme is respected by leading universities in Japan and across the globe.
The Career-related Programme (CP) for students aged 16 to 19, is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique programme addressing the needs of students engaged in industry-focused education. The programme leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
“The IB facilitates collaboration among teachers. The need for teachers to discuss things like assessment or interdisciplinary units, within or across departments has increased dramatically.”
Tsutomu Ogino, Head of School, Japan
“The IB’s principles are found in our school’s educational principles too, but I feel like we can now develop global human resources in a very practical sense. I think these have contributed to an increase in students who actively engage in things, rather than being passive.”
Mariko Ishida, DP Curriculum Manager, Japan
“As a student who studies, gaining knowledge is the core of what we do. So, thinking about what it actually means to know something felt like we’ve gone back to the very start, right to the fundamentals.”
Reina Owada, DP Student, Japan
“The programme made me realise that there are common factors between subjects that I never noticed before. I can now view learning in each subject in a more generalised way.”
Shunsuke Kurokawa, DP Student, Japan
“In addition to our students completing various studies abroad or attending foreign universities, I thought it was important to welcome foreign exchange students, to achieve globalisation in all areas of our school.”
Seiichi Katoh, Managing Director and Principal, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School
“It’s the power of the IB to change students and teachers. It helps many students discover what they want to do in the future.”
Hideaki Matsuzaki, DP Coordinator, Meikei High School
“The most amazing about the DP is that students develop into well-rounded people. Watching students develop before my eyes in a year and a half, is what I look forward to most.”
Maki Komatsu, DP Coordinator, Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School
“The biggest difference between the IB programme and conventional education in Japan is that it teaches students the attitude to continue learning throughout their whole lives."
Takahiro Kato, Teacher, Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School
The IB Global Research department collaborates with universities and independent research organizations worldwide, to examine the impact and outcomes of the IB’s four programmes. Areas of inquiry include, but are not limited to student, school and systemic outcomes; programme implementation; and programme standards and alignment.
To read more in-depth summaries of the studies or the complete reports, as well as projects currently under way, please fill up the form to download all the resource packages:
This resource provides an overview from recent studies relating to the PYP, including PYP's impact on the school climate, and student well-being in PYP schools.
This resource highlights key findings from research, including skills fostered through the MYP, non-scholastic outcomes of the programme and the academic achievement of MYP students.
This resource looks at key findings from recent research on the DP core, which includes theory of knowledge (TOK), the extended essay and creativity, activity, service (CAS).
For school: Enquire to become an IBWS |
For parents and students: Find an IBWS |
For officials: MEXT Consortium website |
