IB pilots new subject in 4 schools globally, including 1 in S'pore

A new subject on leadership and problem-solving is being piloted in four schools worldwide by the Swiss-based International Baccalaureate (IB).

- Elisha Tushara

Singapore's United World College of South East Asia is among them, with 54 students at the international school in Dover taking it up as part of their diploma programme since August 2024.

Titled "Systems Transformation: Leadership for Change", the project-based course replaces two standard IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) subjects.

Instead of traditional exams, students are assessed through case studies, projects and portfolios, while tackling real-world challenges like sustainability and peace.

In an interview with The Straits Times on March 21, Mr Olli-Pekka Heinonen, director-general of the IB, said that if successful, the subject will be offered to all IB schools from 2030.

Mr Heinonen was in Singapore in March to attend the annual IB Global Conference at the Suntec Singapore Convention and Exhibition Centre, which was attended by more than 1,600 participants, comprising mainly teachers and school leaders from 40 countries.

The IB holds three global conferences a year across the world. The last such event in Singapore was held in 2022.

Mr Heinonen said the new subject aims to connect the concepts of innovation and leadership.