IB Director General Visits ABA

We had the distinct honor of hosting Mr. Olli-Pekka Heinonen, Director General of the International Baccalaureate (IB), at ABA Oman International School. Below are some highlights from the interview, where Mr. Heinonen addresses important topics regarding the future of IB education, the significance of lifelong learning, and why the IB Diploma Programme is regarded as the gold standard for university admissions globally. He also shares his insights on the IB's role in fostering global citizenship and his impressions of ABA's dynamic campus and student learning environment. Discover how the IB equips students to face real-world challenges and make meaningful contributions to society.

Q: What brings you to Oman, and specifically to ABA Oman International School?
A: First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone at ABA International School Oman for the opportunity to be part of such a vibrant community and enriching learning environment. It truly is remarkable, and it’s clear that it’s the people who bring it to life. My purpose for being here is to learn more about the local connections, cultural context, and to identify the strengths of the various IB programs, as well as any areas for development.

I’d also like to commend the students—they are truly exceptional. It’s no surprise they are student leaders; they performed admirably. You have created a fantastic learning atmosphere here. During discussions with the students, we noted the positive interaction between them and their environment. When an environment is supportive and genuinely values its students, those students, in turn, begin to appreciate and respect that environment.

There’s a spirit of kindness among everyone in the school, which is perhaps the highest praise a student can give about their school. I was also delighted to hear about the various events the school organizes, highlighting a strong connection with the local culture and community. This aspect is vital for international schools, as learning must occur within a context that reflects local culture, and I witnessed a beautiful example of that here.

Q: What changes and innovations do you foresee in the future of IB education?
A: The International Baccalaureate (IB) has established its esteemed reputation thanks to the vision and efforts of its founders, who were committed to developing an educational system that addressed the challenges of their time—over 55 years ago. Today, the questions surrounding IB education revolve around the challenges we face now and in the future. How can we ensure that IB programs remain relevant for younger generations? We are aware that issues related to well-being are increasingly significant. The world we have created for students is complex, and we must provide them with more support in their personal development than we perhaps did in the past.

Technology is another major concern—how does it influence education, and what skills will young people need in the future? This brings us to the realization that merely acquiring knowledge is insufficient. For instance, while AI can store and analyze information, we must focus more on our ability to determine what is meaningful to us as humans, both locally and globally. The significant challenges we face are often global in nature, underscoring the necessity for a holistic education that nurtures various aspects of young people’s development—not just cognitive but also social, emotional, and physical. I see wonderful examples of how these issues are being addressed on this campus.

Q: How does the IB promote lifelong learning and active student contributions to society?
A: The IB promotes an inquiry-based learning model that inspires students to explore significant questions such as: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we headed? This process of inquiry is vital across the entire IB continuum. While we cannot predict the challenges young people will encounter in the next 20 to 30 years, I believe that if they cultivate open, curious, creative, problem-solving, and compassionate mindsets, they will be well-equipped to navigate the future.

The IB's approach encourages students to consider how they can contribute to the world and their communities. Fostering this mindset is essential in education, as it makes learning meaningful. As students begin to appreciate what they learn, they also start to value themselves.

Q: Why is the IB Diploma Programme considered the gold standard for university admissions worldwide?
A: The IB Diploma Programme is well-known for its high academic standards and focus on critical thinking. Many alumni share that their first year at university was significantly easier than that of their peers, as the IB curriculum equipped them effectively. Universities, such as those I recently visited in Cambridge, actively recruit IB students due to their outstanding performance in their studies and successful graduation rates. Research indicates that IB students excel in university settings, and many institutions show a preference for IB graduates. They also value the teaching methods employed in IB programs.

Q: How does the IB cultivate global citizenship to help students solve real-world challenges?
A: Global citizenship is at the heart of the IB philosophy. The program promotes student engagement with global issues through projects, discussions, and community service initiatives. Challenges such as climate change and biodiversity loss are linked to our treatment of one another and our worldview. The IB equips students to tackle these issues collaboratively by nurturing empathy and a sense of responsibility.

Q: What are your impressions of the campus and student learning at ABA?
A: I’m truly impressed by the ABA campus; it provides an excellent environment for learning. There is notable collaboration among students, and the strong ties to the local community are clear. The initiatives and events organized by the school reflect a commitment to integrating education within the local context. I appreciate the outstanding efforts being made here in implementing the IB programs, and I’m eager to learn how to do this effectively.