International Baccalaureate Programme

At Australian School of Abu Dhabi, we are proud to offer the complete International Baccalaureate continuum from Early Years through to Year 12, providing our students with a seamless, world-class education that opens doors to the finest universities globally. As one of the few schools in Abu Dhabi offering all IB programmes – Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) – we ensure educational continuity and excellence at every stage of your child’s learning journey.

The International Baccalaureate Programme is a rigorous, internationally recognized educational framework that develops inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people. Founded in 1968, the IB has grown to become one of the world’s most respected educational programmes, offered in over 5,000 schools across 158 countries. The programme emphasizes critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view, preparing students to be active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

What makes the IB unique is its holistic approach to education. Rather than simply focusing on academic achievement, the programme develops the whole student through its learner profile, which encourages students to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective. This comprehensive approach ensures that IB graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the personal qualities needed to make a positive difference in the world.

Our commitment to academic excellence extends far beyond traditional classroom learning. The International Baccalaureate Programme at Australian School of Abu Dhabi represents our dedication to nurturing globally-minded, critical thinkers who are prepared to tackle the challenges of tomorrow. We have carefully designed our IB curriculum to complement our Australian educational heritage while embracing the international perspective that makes our school unique in Abu Dhabi.

What sets Australian School of Abu Dhabi apart is our personalized approach to IB education. Our experienced faculty, many of whom are IB examiners and workshop leaders, provide individualized support to ensure each student reaches their full potential. We understand that the IB Programme is rigorous, which is why we’ve created a supportive environment where students can thrive academically while developing personally.

Our state-of-the-art facilities, including modern science laboratories, technology centers, and collaborative learning spaces, provide the perfect environment for IB learning. Students have access to extensive resources, from our comprehensive library to specialized equipment that supports their Extended Essay research and Internal Assessments.

The multicultural environment at Australian School of Abu Dhabi enriches the IB experience immeasurably. Our students represent over 40 nationalities, creating authentic opportunities for intercultural understanding and global perspective development – core values of the IB learner profile. This diversity, combined with our location in the cosmopolitan UAE, provides real-world context for IB concepts and theories.

Our Extended Essay programme is particularly strong, with students conducting original research under the guidance of faculty mentors. Many of our students have had their Extended Essays recognized at national and international levels, demonstrating the quality of research and critical thinking skills developed through our programme.

The Creativity, Activity, Service component comes alive through our extensive co-curricular programme. From Model United Nations to community service projects in Abu Dhabi, our students engage meaningfully with their local and global communities. These experiences not only fulfill IB requirements but also develop leadership skills and social responsibility that last a lifetime.

We believe that education should inspire and challenge students to become lifelong learners. Our IB Programme does exactly that, combining academic rigor with personal growth opportunities that prepare students not just for university, but for meaningful careers and civic engagement. The critical thinking skills, research abilities, and global perspective our students develop serve them well in any field they choose to pursue.