International Baccalaureate: learning for a changing world
For more than forty years, we have been a leading example of international baccalaureate school education in the Netherlands. It means students learn to think for themselves, work together, and tackle real challenges. We are fully dedicated to this brilliant and always evolving international curriculum. It’s how students get ready for what tomorrow’s world asks for.
The heart of IB learning
The IB programme is built around a clear set of core elements. Together, it shapes how students learn, think, and grow within a strong IB learning approach.
Inquiry-based learning: it all starts with curiosity
Students explore and discover by doing and investigating.That’s how knowledge grows naturally. Asking the right questions matters more than giving the right answers.This is what inquiry learning looks like in real life.
Conceptual understanding: how facts come to life
Facts are nice. Understanding is better.That’s why students work on projects to see the idea behind facts. Students start to connect things. And that’s when learning clicks and sticks.
Global contexts: learning linked to the world
Students look beyond horizons for more to explore. Real-life contexts make learning meaningful and relevant. Suddenly, what students learn feels bigger than the classroom. This reflects a true global education.
Approaches to learning: your own toolkit
Students develop different ways to learn, think, and tackle challenges. Skills they use at school. And carry them into life. That’s how your child grows into a true multi-talent.
The IB Learner Profile: building personality
Students develop personal qualities to equip them for life. The IB Learner Profile guides how students choose, act and connect with others. At school. And far beyond. This supports holistic development.
Three stages. One learning journey
At International School Hilversum the IB journey grows with your child. Each stage matches the student’s phase of development and forms a clear academic pathway.
The IB framework builds skills, knowledge and personal growth consistently from one stage to the next.
Primary Years Programme
This is a phase of curiosity and discovery. Students learn by exploring, asking questions, and discovering how the world works.
The IB Primary Years Programme nurtures this curiosity through inquiry-based learning and a strong focus on the whole child.
Middle Years Programme
This is when your child’s world starts to expand. Learning connects to real life and becomes more meaningful.
The IB Middle Years Programme strengthens this by linking subjects together and encouraging critical thinking and real-world application.
Diploma Programme
This is where everything comes together. Students grow into strong, independent learners with their own voice and views. The IB diploma benefits students worldwide.
The IB Diploma Programme challenges students with academic depth and independence, preparing them for university and life beyond school.
IB has its advantages. Great advantages.
The International Baccalaureate at ISH prepares students for more than exams. It prepares students for life itself and answers the question: what matters, to you and others?
The IB diploma opens doors
The IB diploma is recognised and valued by universities all over the world.
A strong academic next step
Students build thinking skills to succeed at university level.
Creative problem solving
Students develop original solutions for real challenges.
A wider world view
Students understand the world and their place in it.
A strong personality
Students grow confident, courageous and authentic.
Why the IB works so well at ISH
ISH is the first IB school in the Netherlands
Over 40 years of IB education Netherlands experience
One continuous IB journey: PYP, MYP and DP under one roof
A warm community where curiosity is contagious
Located near Amsterdam, ideal as an IB school near Amsterdam
Preparing students to be Ready for the World
Page Summary
The International Baccalaureate at ISH offers a complete and connected learning journey that helps students grow into confident, curious and capable individuals. From early discovery to independent thinking, students follow a strong and recognised path through PYP, MYP and DP. This approach combines academic strength, personal development and real-world relevance, making IB education a powerful choice for families exploring international schools in the Netherlands. So IB education at International School Hilversum gives your child a clear path to grow, explore and confidently step into the future.
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