The IB and soft skills - why they are now more important than ever!

Why the skill sets developed in the IB learner profile are critical for future success SISD is proud of its International Baccalaureate (IB) programmes. These programmes foster a distinctive set of attributes which are embodied in the IB learner profile. There are 10 specific qualities that prepare students to make exceptional contributions on campus and beyond. Balanced The IB curriculum is broad and balanced. Balanced learners understand the importance of intellectual, physical, and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others. IB students actively communicate with family and friends, and know that staying indoors and taking online classes should be balanced with physical exercise. They learn how to pay attention to details, and develop resilience. Caring The IB programme has students collaborating with teachers and classmates. They are encouraged to show empathy and compassion and have respect for the needs and feelings of their peers. Caring students will make the effort to help others who need educational support. Communication Good communicators find new, creative, and diverse ways to deliver information. The IB education aims to develop students who will become adults that create a better world through cross-cultural communication, understanding, and respect. It encourages collaborative work with others, and teaches students to understand and express their ideas confidently and creatively in a variety of communication methods and in more than one language. Effective communication builds bridges and networks. Technology is a catalyst for educational processes involving online learning and maintaining communication between students and teachers. Inquiry IB learners have a natural curiosity, enthusiasm, and a thirst for knowledge. They acquire the skills to conduct inquiry, explore, and learn independently. They use technology to facilitate their learning and research topics of interest in more depth. Inquiring students actively enjoy learning and learn to deal with any situation, including facilitating for teachers. An ongoing love of learning is sustained beyond student life. Knowledgeable Students in the IB programme explore concepts, ideas, and issues with local and global significance. They’re taught to think conceptually and acquire and pursue new areas of study in-depth by researching new information. IB students develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines, which helps them understand, deal with, and apply their knowledge to new situations. Knowledge about their environment gives them a better understanding of the nature of a place or situation and the ability to deal with problems arising from the new reality. Open-Minded The IB curriculum teaches students to understand and appreciate their own culture and personal histories, and become open to the values, traditions, and perspectives of other communities and individuals. Students seek and evaluate a range of perspectives and are willing to grow from their experience. In the classroom, open-minded students have a readiness to learn and apply tools and strategies in unfamiliar ways. They accept the challenges that come with innovation, demonstrate an understanding of new learning methods, and take advantage of others’ experiences and expertise. Principled The IB programme teaches students to act with integrity and honesty with a sense of fairness, justice, and respect for individuals, groups, and communities. Students are taught they are responsible for their actions and the consequences that come with them. As they are taught to value lifelong education, IB learners become more aware of critical circumstances. They appreciate the efforts of schools and teachers, and have a sense of responsibility in maintaining the educational system. They behave honestly and responsibly despite the absence of a teacher, and understand education benefits an entire community. Reflective Subjects in the IB curriculum are not taught in isolation but in connection with each other, which is more reflective of how the world works. Students give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. IB students learn to understand and assess their strengths and limitations. By self-assessing their performance, they support their personal development and know where they must focus their learning journey. They identify and reflect on what’s important to them and know their role both as a student and a world citizen. Risk-Taking The IB programme teaches students to approach uncertainty and unfamiliar or difficult situations with courage, flexibility, and forethought, and use their skills to deal with unexpected changes. Students are encouraged to explore new ideas, strategies, or roles independently so they can face challenges positively and build self-reliance to navigate future changes. Risk-taking students develop new skills and hone existing skills to resolve challenges and come up with solutions, developing a sense of self-reliance. As they are not afraid of change, students can articulately defend their beliefs and gain a sense of bravery and resilience, which will benefit them in adult life. Thinking SISD teaches students how to think through problems and find solutions with minimal supervision. The focus on creative, conceptual, and critical thinking exposes students to a variety of perspectives, which allows them to apply their knowledge to various situations. Exercising the initiative to recognise and approach complex problems, they can analyse opportunities to overcome challenges and make reasonable, sound decisions. As confident individuals, they’re prepared to apply what they learn to a complex, unpredictable world, and respond to challenges with optimism. The IB learner profile skill sets are critical for students’ future success and are attributes that benefit all adults today. For more information about our IB programmes, contact our Admissions team at admissions@sisd.ae.