International Baccalaureate (IB) - Pechersk School International (PSI Kyiv)

INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE

This page has been designed to help you to get to know the world of the International Baccalaureate and benefits of studying at the IB World School, such as PSI Kyiv.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, based in Switzerland and governed by a global team of educators and leaders.

It works in partnership with schools and governments around the world to develop high-quality, challenging programmes of international education.

On the photo: Theory of Knowledge Exhibition (TOK), May 2025.

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What is IB education?

Consider these three statements explaining the foundations of the International Baccalaureate® (IB) programmes that PSI have been offering since 2000.

Interesting fact: PSI is the only school in Ukraine to offer three IB programmes (PYP, MYP and DP), providing learning opportunities to students from 3 to 18 years old. Source: ibo.org

Exploring Curiosity

IB® schools encourage curiosity and questioning. Students explore topics they are interested in, seeing how they are all connected.

Unlike regular schools, which often follow a fixed curriculum, IB® schools value exploration and interconnected learning.

Global Perspective

At IB® schools, students learn about the world beyond their immediate surroundings. They study different cultures and ideas to develop open-mindedness and empathy.

This global perspective is crucial for tomorrow's leaders. In contrast, traditional schools may not prioritize this aspect of education as much.

Critical Thinking Skills

In IB® schools, the focus is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students are encouraged to think independently, rather than just memorizing facts for tests.

This approach ensures deeper understanding and long-term retention of knowledge. Traditional schools may rely more on rote learning and standardized testing, which may not foster the same level of critical thinking.

History of the IB

The International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly known as the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), is a nonprofit foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, and founded in 1968.

It offers four educational programmes: the IB Diploma Programme and the IB Career-related Programme for students aged 15 to 19, the IB Middle Years Programme for students aged 11 to 16, and the IB Primary Years Programme for children aged 3 to 12. To teach these programmes, schools must be authorized by the International Baccalaureate.

On the photo: First students of Pechersk School International, in 1995.

On the photo: Class of 2025, Graduation.

Benefits

The IB enables students to direct their own learning pathway and develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive and make a lasting difference.

It empowers teachers as the architects of learning excellence, working alongside engaged colleagues in a rewarding career supported by a strong global network. And it brings schools a strong reputation for successful outcomes that uplift the whole community.

Pechersk School International has been authorized to teach three IB programmes: IB PYP, IB MYP and IB DP for more than 20 years. Worth of noting, that PSI is also the only school in Ukraine that offers three programmes, which forms the continuum of international education.

IB Learner Profile

One of the key elements of IB education is the IB Learner Profile – a set of ten attributes that guide how students learn, grow, and engage with the world.

These qualities are developed at every age and across all IB programmes.