ib pyp authorisation process

IB Authorization Process

© International Baccalaureate Organization 2007

The IB mission statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring,

knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better

and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and

respect.

To this end the organization works with schools, governments and

international organizations to develop challenging programmes of

international education and rigorous assessment.

These programmes encourage students across the world to become

active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that

other people, with their differences, can also be right.


―The IB is aware that for each school,

the implementation of an IB

programme is a journey, and that the

school will meet these standards and

practices to varying degrees along the

way.‖

Programme standards and practices 2010


The authorization process

The process is the same for all schools and has been

designed to support schools in:

making the decision to become and IB World School

understanding the nature and requirements of the IB programme

defining their readiness to implement the programme

planning to sustain the programme in the long term


Changes in the authorization process

Submission of applications online

Introduction of a consultation process to support schools

through the candidate phase.

Verification visit

PD requirements

Required workshop attendance for Head of school or designee

before candidacy

For MYP: Required in-school workshop for all teachers during

the candidate phase

Expectation of fulfillment of PD requirements at the time of the

verification visit

No authorization with matters to be addressed


Overview of the authorization process

2 – 3 year process


Consideration Phase

School information form

Before starting the application process to become an IB

World School, the school conducts a feasibility study in which it analyses the IB philosophy, programme structure

and requirements, compares its findings with the situation

of the school and defines what needs to be done

in order to implement the programme.

The head of school or designee participates in an IB

workshop to become familiar with the IB programme and

the authorization process.

The school can contact the IB for support during this phase


Essential Reading

Before completing the SIF form, acquaint yourself with

the document:


IB procedures, rules and regulationsFrom: Rules for candidate schools

The IB procedures to follow, the requirements for authorization and the

rules and regulations to respect for candidate schools are contained in

the following documents, which are available on the IB public website.

a. Guide to school authorization (per IB programme)

b. Application for candidacy (per IB programme)

c. Application for authorization (per IB programme)

d. Rules for candidate schools

e. Rules for IB World Schools (per IB programme)

f. General regulations (per IB programme)

g. Rules and policy for use of IB intellectual property


IB procedures, rules and regulations

Requirements related to the school entity

Requirements related to the structure of the

programme

Requirements related to the implementation

of the programme


Information from:

Rules for candidate schools

The three programmes are free-standing; schools may opt to

offer one, or any combination of the three programmes.

However, if a school chooses to offer consecutive IB

programmes, the programmes must be continuous, with students

moving from one programme to the next without any gap years.

The school must be duly registered as a legal entity

New schools should normally have been in existence for at least

three years before they can be authorized.


Candidacy

In order to be recognized as a candidate school by

the IB Organization, schools must submit the

completed Application for candidacy and

supporting documents, and have paid the

corresponding fee, to the relevant IB office for its

consideration.

Submission of online application for candidacy form

Submission dates: April 1st and October 1st

*Best dates for submission:

Northern Hemisphere, April

Southern Hemisphere, October


Candidacy

If the IB accepts the form and supporting

documents, the school will be recognized as

a candidate school through a letter sent by

the IB. Thereafter, a school is entitled to

describe itself as a candidate school.

NB: Text for candidate schools to use in marketing

materials

(INSERT NAME OF SCHOOL) is a candidate school* for the

(insert name of programme). This school is pursuing

authorization as an IB World School. These are schools that

share a common philosophy—a commitment to high quality,

challenging, international education that (this school)

believes is important for our students.


Candidate Phase

During this time the school will receive the following services from the IB

Organization:

access to the online curriculum centre for all staff who will be

involved in the implementation of the programme (also use the

materials available on the public website)

access to electronic versions of documents published by the IB

related to the implementation of the programme, through the online

curriculum centre (OCC)

advice either through the relevant IB office or from IB approved

consultants

one consultation visit to the school.


Consultant

Schools and consultants are notified of the consultancy in early

September (April submissions) and early March (October

submissions).


Consultation Process

Throughout the consultation, the consultant will support and give advice based on

information provided in the current IB publications and his/her professional knowledge

of the programme.


Standards and practices

Programme specific requirements

Standards Practices

DP requirements

MYP requirements

PYP requirements


Programme standards and practicesAn example of programme specific requirements for PYP


Guide to school authorization format for PYP


Objective Actions Date to

be

achieved

Person/group

responsible for

achieving this

objective

Budgetary

implications

Evidence of

achievement

or of progress

towards achievement

of the objective

A: PhilosophyThe school’s educational beliefs and values reflect IB philosophy.

B: OrganizationB1: Leadership and structure

The school’s leadership and administrative structures ensure the implementation of

the Diploma/Middle Years/Primary Years Programme.

Objective Actions Date to

be

achieved

Person/group

responsible for

achieving this

objective

Budgetary

implications

Evidence of

achievement

or of progress

towards achievement

of the objective

Action plan


Consultancy Process Summary

The consultation process normally

last up to two years and comprises

two parts:

• 20 hours of remote consultation per

year of candidacy

• One two-day, on-site visit.


Application for authorization

This Application for authorization: Primary

Years Programme should be completed

electronically and submitted with the

supporting documents following the

guidelines and deadlines provided by the

relevant IB office.

Submitted approximately 6 weeks before

verification visit date.

A school must have implemented the Primary Years Programme

(PYP) for at least one academic year before submitting this

Application for authorization: Primary Years Programme.


Professional Development


Required reading:

We confirm again that:

We have read the following documents published on the IB website

or purchased from the IB store, made them available to the relevant

constituencies of the school and agree to abide by the regulations

therein:

Programme standards and practices

Making the PYP happen: A curriculum framework for international

primary education

Making the PYP happen: Pedagogical leadership in a PYP school

Rules for candidate schools

Rules for IB World Schools: Primary Years Programme

General regulations: Primary Years Programme

Guide to school authorization: Primary Years Programme

Rules and policy for use of IB intellectual property


PYP Coordinator’s Handbook 2011-2012

Frequently asked questions: What constitutes collaborative planning in the PYP?

How much time does a PYP coordinator need to do the role?

Can a school have a PYP coordinator and a curriculum coordinator?

Does an IB World School offering the PYP have to offer visual arts and

performing arts at each year/grade level?

Can the PYP planner be altered?

Who should be using the PYP planner?

How many units of inquiry do we have to teach?

How many units do we have to teach 3–6 year olds?

How long do the units of inquiry have to be for 3–6 year olds?

Should unit titles and subject focuses be included in a school’s

programme of inquiry?


Standards and Practices – Discussion Points

The school as a community of learners is committed to a

collaborative approach to curriculum development.

The school demonstrates a commitment to transdisciplinary

learning.

The school implements the Primary Years Programme as an

inclusive programme for all students.

The responsibility for pedagogical leadership within the school is a

shared responsibility, including at least the Primary Years

Programme coordinator and the primary school principal.

The classroom teacher takes responsibility at least for the language

of instruction, mathematics, social studies and science, to support

the Primary Years Programme model of transdisciplinary teaching

and learning.

ib pyp authorisation process

Documents