Independent school becomes Scotland’s first to gain IB Continuum status

For the first time, students aged 5-18 in Scotland can now benefit from an uninterrupted IB education throughout their school career.

Fairview International School Bridge of Allan

Ruth Holmes

16 May 2023

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Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan, has achieved International Baccalaureate Continuum school status. This follows official IB Organisation certification for the delivery of the IB Diploma Programme for students aged 16 and over.The latest recognition from the IBO builds on the Stirling-based school's achievement last year of IB World status for its Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP).

IB programmes and student-centred learning

The confirmation from the IB Organisation means that Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan, now offers the three core IB programmes, which are highly transferable between international schools around the world and well regarded by university admissions departments globally.Over 5,000 schools in 150 countries offer IB programmes, which offer a unique approach to learning that goes beyond the classroom. The IB curriculum is designed to develop well-rounded and open-minded individuals through the application of student-centred learning.Only schools authorised by the IB Organisation can offer its academic programmes. This is a rigorous process which requires all IB teachers to attend subject-specific professional development followed up by a two-day school visit.The strict quality-assurance procedures are part of the benchmarking process that ensures the school is well prepared to deliver the programme. Following its official authorisation visit, Fairview International School was commended in multiple areas including;

Developing a clear understanding of IB philosophy and pedagogy among the governing body, the pedagogical leadership team and the staff
Creating an atmosphere of open communication, support and respect in which students can thrive
Appointing an experienced CAS coordinator who is preparing for an active programme of creative, active and service experiences and for establishing links with local community groups to lead to meaningful responsible action within and beyond the school
Developing a variety of opportunities through the CAS programme, building on existing activities in collaboration with the local community.

An international network of high-performing schools

Fairview International School, established in Malaysia in 1978, is one of the world's best-performing private schools in the International Baccalaureate DP.As well as Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan, Fairview International School is Malaysia’s largest network of IB World Schools. It has campuses located in Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, Ipoh, Penang and Johor Bahru.The school consistently achieves a 100% pass rate and an average 37.2 points in the DP; equivalent to AAAA at Scottish Advanced Higher Level.Fairview is the fourth school that David Hicks, Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan Headteacher has taken through the process of IB World certification.

'Rewarding to see IB programme's positive impacts on students'

“This is an incredible achievement, we are so proud to have become Scotland’s very first Continuum school offering an uninterrupted passage through IB education,” Mr Hicks commented.“The IB Diploma, our chosen programme for students over the age of 16, is the gold standard in pre-university education and has been shown to provide the best preparation for the most competitive universities.“The rigorous authorisation process to achieve DP certification and the focus the process has on professional development is there to ensure the quality of delivery of the programme and it is one aspect of many that sets the IB apart from other education systems.“We are excited to now have a continuum of three prestigious programmes in place to take our students through an IB education for the duration of their school years."It's incredibly rewarding to see first-hand how positively the IB programme reflects on the students and now having achieved IB continuum school status, many more opportunities will become open to the students of Fairview.”

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