Introduction
Every IB school has its own culture — but what unites all are the shared values of the IB philosophy. These values — inquiry, reflection, empathy, and global-mindedness — shape a school’s identity from classrooms to leadership. By intentionally aligning daily practice with IB values, schools strengthen their sense of purpose, coherence, and community.
A strong school identity built on shared IB values ensures that every stakeholder — student, teacher, and parent — experiences the mission of the IB in action.
Quick Start Checklist
To build a cohesive IB school identity:
- Define your school’s unique expression of IB values.
- Embed values into policies, communication, and classroom practice.
- Use reflection to connect actions to principles.
- Celebrate Learner Profile attributes in authentic ways.
- Include the entire community in value-based dialogue.
Why Shared Values Strengthen Identity
IB values provide a compass for decision-making and reflection. When lived authentically, they help schools:
- Unite programmes (PYP, MYP, DP) under a common philosophy.
- Foster consistency across teaching and learning.
- Encourage ethical, reflective leadership at all levels.
- Create a sense of belonging rooted in shared purpose.
Strong identity emerges when values move from statements to lived behavior.
Embedding IB Values into School Culture
Schools can make IB values visible through intentional actions:
- In the classroom: Encourage inquiry and reflection through questioning and dialogue.
- In leadership: Base decisions on fairness, integrity, and collaboration.
- In communication: Use the language of the Learner Profile in newsletters and assemblies.
- In service: Design CAS and community projects that express empathy and action.
Each interaction becomes a reflection of what the school stands for.
Reflection: The Bridge Between Values and Identity
Reflection turns abstract values into real experiences. Encourage both students and staff to ask:
- How did our actions today reflect our IB principles?
- Where did we see the Learner Profile in action?
- What can we improve to align more closely with our mission?
Collective reflection keeps the school’s values visible and evolving.
Connecting School Identity to the Learner Profile
The Learner Profile is the most practical framework for living IB values. Schools can use it to:
- Guide teacher and student reflection.
- Align appraisal and PD goals with shared attributes.
- Structure assemblies and community projects.
- Assess how effectively IB philosophy permeates the environment.
The Learner Profile becomes both a mirror and a map for school identity.
Coordinators and Leaders as Identity Builders
IB Coordinators and school leaders play a vital role in aligning practice with philosophy. They can:
- Model reflective dialogue in meetings.
- Ensure value-based language appears in unit planners and reports.
- Lead whole-school reflections during self-study and evaluation.
- Recognize individuals and teams who exemplify IB principles.
Leadership grounded in shared values sustains school identity over time.
Strengthening Identity Through Community Reflection
School identity thrives when reflection includes everyone. Encourage:
- Student voice: through council discussions on community values.
- Parent partnerships: by sharing reflection tools and IB resources.
- Staff collaboration: through value-focused inquiry groups.
When reflection crosses boundaries, IB values become community practice, not just classroom ideals.
Call to Action
A strong IB identity is not built — it’s reflected into being. When schools align practice with shared values, they create cultures of inquiry, empathy, and reflection that last well beyond evaluation cycles.
Explore how RevisionDojo supports IB schools in documenting reflection and embedding IB values across every level of school life. Visit revisiondojo.com/schools.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What defines school identity in the IB context?
A shared sense of purpose and philosophy grounded in IB values and the Learner Profile.
2. How do shared values strengthen community?
They unite students, staff, and families under common principles and reflective practices.
3. What role does reflection play in identity building?
It connects daily actions to deeper values, ensuring authenticity and coherence.
4. How can coordinators promote IB values?
By modeling reflection, embedding shared language, and recognizing value-driven initiatives.
5. How can schools measure identity growth?
Through reflection logs, community surveys, and evidence of IB attributes in action.
