Estonia Gets New IB Candidate School
The International Baccalaureate Organisation granted International School of Tallinn, operating in Tallinn’s Ülemiste City since last year, the status of candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme that is recognised all over the world.
According to Olavi Otepalu, Headmaster of International School of Tallinn, International Baccalaureate (IB) is a well-known and reliable programme, which enables the children of foreigners residing in Tallinn continue their studies seamlessly, as they move to another country, for the whole IB philosophy is focused on the international nature of education.
„Knowing that the quality of teaching is checked regularly by an international organisation means additional security for the parents as well,” Otepalu explained, adding that the IB programmes were built on best educational practices developed over decades, enriching the Estonian educational system as a whole.
During candidate status the preparedness and capabilities of the school to implement the IB programme are assessed. Usually the candidate phase lasts two years. During this period the school actively applies all the IB practises and standards in its daily activities. Upon successful completion of the authorisation process the school becomes an IB World School.
This year International School of Tallinn became an IB candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP). Next year the school intends to apply for candidate status for the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and in 2020 for the Diploma Programme (DP).
The two other schools in Tallinn authorised to teach the IB PYP programme are Tallinn English College and International School of Estonia.
Last autumn International School of Tallinn started to provide tuition in English in Ülemiste City in order to increase the competitiveness of the hub and facilitate employment of foreign specialists in Estonia. During this school year tuition is offered in grades 1-8. The students come mostly from Europe and Asia.
Read more about International School of Tallinn: www.ist.ee