The International Baccalaureate and its Diploma Programme online

Abstract

The International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) celebrated its 40th Anniversary in 2008. Following almost four decades of rapid growth the IBO embarked on a strategic planning exercise in 2004. One outcome is that the IBO seeks to widen access to its Diploma Programme (IBDP), and one avenue being followed is online provision. There have been two pre-pilot IBDP Online (IBDPO) experiments involving six schools in five countries. September 2008 saw the start of a four-year pilot phase, involving initially 75 students from a minimum of 13 schools worldwide. The IBO has identified a potential demand in the future of about 6000 students. This article charts the development of the IBDPO project and offers an insight into three possible future scenarios and some of the key challenges likely to be faced.