Europe’s premier city is a hotbed of inspirational education and cultural delights. From the British Museum and National Gallery to the Palace of Westminster and Tate Modern, there are countless sights to soak up. Not only this, but the city itself is wonderfully cosmopolitan, broadening the outlook of visitors and locals alike. Little surprise then, that an increasing number of parents are choosing London’s schools for their children’s International Baccalaureate education; an education which is inherently creative and global in its outlook.
London is the world's most-visited city, and one that has much to offer educationally, as well as visually. Those that choose to reside in the city while their children undertake the IB can be reassured that the city will inspire and delight in equal measure. Importantly, as one of the world’s leading international cities, the capital is a sympathetic foil to the world-encompassing outlook inherent in the IB curriculum.
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Location
As the UK’s economic and cultural powerhouse, it’s not surprising that London feels like a world unto itself. Indeed, for many who choose to live and work in the country’s capital, the city provides enough to keep them entertained for more than one lifetime.
For those that wish to travel beyond the city, Paris can be reached in less than three hours by Eurostar. There are also nine London airports and good road connections in every direction.
Culture
London’s rich and varied culture is its pride. Places such as the British Museum and the National Gallery are loved by both residents and visitors – not just because they’re free, but because they, like the city itself, inspire both inquisitiveness and a sense of awe. Cultural delights seemingly lie around every corner – from the gothic Palace of Westminster to the modernist Tate.
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Why IB?
The International Baccalaureate is increasing in popularity in countries around the world – especially the UK. With globalisation having resulted in a demand for employees with a broad education, teachers and parents are ever more frequently turning to the IB to ensure that their children get the best chances in the future.
According to David Miles, Deputy Head at Gresham’s School in Norfolk, ‘the IB is more about an ethos of an educational style’. This ‘ethos’, says the International Baccalaureate Organisation, encourages students to ‘participate in creative and service-oriented activities, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of reflection on a personal and academic level’.
The IB Curriculum is now taught in a number of schools in the UK, with increasing attention being given to the Primary and Mid Years Programmes. Gill Bowker, an Independent Education Consultant at Bowker Consulting, says that the greatest strength of the IB Primary and Mid Years Programmes is that they are ‘accessible and appropriate for children from any country and any educational background’.

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For those seeking an IB-focussed independent school, London has a great many to offer, such as the IC School. Situated in the quiet locality of Regent’s Park, the dedicated primary school teaches six main subjects areas. The exact way this is taught, says Assistant Principal, Liz Bowie, depends on the child. ‘Our curriculum embraces purposeful, structured inquiry as the main feature of teaching and learning,’ she says.
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