97First in a series of snapshot views from parents, we listened to Anne-Marie Lind, parent of two children at GEMS World Academy Dubai, explaining why, as a family, they chose an International Baccalaureate education – and what she, and they, have learned as they have settled into the IB programme.
Parent Mrs Anne-Marie Lind discusses why she chose an International Baccalaureate education for her children; Miss Sofie Nordesgaard Lind (pictured right) and Master Frederik Nordesgaard Lind (pictured left)
Why did you choose an International Baccalaureate education rather than, say, an American or British alternative?
“There are many things to consider when you choose a curriculum for your child. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a concept-based curriculum, internationally recognised and respected for its high standards.
Its approach is holistic and comprehensive – and it global and outward-looking in its outlook and focus.”
What made this ” fit” with the needs of your children?
“When my two children, Frederik and Sofie, started school, it was important to me to find a place where their education would focus on individual learning in a positive and caring way.
Their wellbeing was just as much a focus as their education.
It was also important to me that my children had the opportunity to collaborate and stay physically active throughout the day, especially at the elementary level.”
Did you make the right decision? Has an IB education lived up to your expectations?
“Now that my children have been in the IB programme for several years, I have learned that the curriculum has so much more to offer than I first expected.
I see children taking risks, knowing what they want to learn – and how.
I see independent students that have become socially confident and who behave in both a thoughtful and kind way.”
If you had to choose a single part of the IB that makes the difference for children, what would it be?
“For me, the IB Learner Profile is all-important. Why? It contains the tools needed to become a life-long learner.
The IB Learner Profile is designed to enable all learners to be inquirers, thinkers, risk-takers and communicators who are open-minded, knowledgeable, caring, balanced, principled and reflective – these are all qualities that can be used and developed during the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), Diploma Programme (DP) and beyond.”
Many parents worry that an IB education is all about pressure and stress – with an almost single minded focus on just academics rather than the broader things that matter to being a human being, and particularly a young person. Do you agree?
“No! Not at all. I want to give my children a balanced life where their intellectual, physical and emotional needs are met and respected.
I believe such a foundation will allow them to live a happier life. This is exactly what an IB education provides my children.
Open-minded students can see many different points of view.
They respect others and grow in their own thinking.”
As your children have grown older and experienced the impacts of the IB on their development, what tools do you think they will take from it for their lives after graduation?
“The IB also uses a framework and vocabulary that students can use throughout their lifetime, not only to understand how they have been educated but also to continue their learning and education for the rest of their lives.
IB students leave school as critical thinkers; my children are now both equipped with a deep understanding of and literacy in their own education.”
What message would you give to other parents considering the IB now?
“I am so pleased that I chose the IB curriculum for my children.
I believe the foundation it provides will help them achieve their hopes and dreams.
My children are both happy and thriving…”
Further information
You can read our review of GEMS World Academy Dubai here.
Read more about the IB Learner profile here.
More about how wellbeing is important in the IB can be found below:
Well being in the International Baccalaureate
Visit the official GEMS World Academy web site here.
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