IB World - May 2008
Nobody would claim the International Baccalaureate can change the world alone, but it is a fundamental part of the IB mission statement to bring about a more peaceful planet, and we are proud to highlight some of the incredible work being done by schools to make a real difference in their communities and beyond.
And yet, as JF Rischard’s influential High Noon made clear, we have so much more to do to tackle the major problems we all face before they become irrevocably damaging. Rischard himself explains in this issue (page 12) how we, as a species, are doing – and just how important the IB’s work in this area really is.
The IB community theme of Sharing our Humanity is also the theme for this issue, and we wanted to provide a little inspiration as well as reflecting on schools’ numerous achievements so far. That’s why we asked Kimmie Weeks to tell his incredible story (page 10): reading what Kimmie went through can never be comfortable, but understanding how he has used his experiences reminds us all of what we are working towards.
As ever, we’ve featured views from teachers, IB coordinators and students from every corner of the globe, but there’s always room for more, so drop a line to editor@ibo.org and let us know what you think about any IB-related topic, or put yourself or your school forward for one of our features.
Emma Mercer, Editor
May 2008 Articles
The survivor
Having grown up amid Liberia’s civil war and brought about remarkable change in his home country 
through his own sheer determination, Kimmie Weeks moved to the West and offers a fresh, and emotional, perspective on a debate which affects us all.
Keep it in the family
Writer-photographer Hélène Tremblay has lived alongside families in 116 countries over 25 years. It’s given her an unprecedented insight into what makes us human, she tells Laura Bridgestock
Read more - Keep it in the family
A network for the future
How the Aga Khan plans to help build a better world with a network of IB World Schools
Read more - A network for the future
Making a genuine difference
Can the concept of Sharing our Humanity be realized through school activities, and how much can we really change in the world? The IB community gives its views
Read more - Making a genuine difference
‘IB is showing the way’
JF Rischard’s High Noon inspired the IB community theme. He explains how 20 global problems are being tackled – and how teachers can contribute
Read more - ‘IB is showing the way’
History of the future
Taking a fresh look at the past is the key to cultural understanding, says Damien Lane, IB Diploma Programme subject area manager, history.
Read more - History of the future
Working for the common good
We all need to tackle global issues, and the IB community theme of Sharing our Humanity encourages debate and positive action, Sam Upton discovers
Read more - Working for the common good
Copyright & policy statement
IB World is the official magazine of the International Baccalaureate (IB), published and distributed three times a year to IB World Schools and to subscribers.
The IB welcomes the submission of articles of between 500 and 1200 words long for possible inclusion in IB World. Photos are welcome as prints, slides or high-resolution digital images but seek advice before sending. Authors should inform the editor if the same article is being submitted elsewhere or if it has been published previously.
While responsibility for the contents of the magazine rests with the editor, the information presented and the views expressed by contributors and correspondents are their own. Similarly the advertisement of products and services does not imply endorsement by the IB.
IB World is protected by copyright and nothing may be reproduced wholly or in part without prior permission from the editor.
In our next issues
IB World always welcomes ideas, suggestions, thoughts and pictures from contributors around the world. In every issue we invite contributions on set themes.
For the next two issues, these themes are:
September 2008
The IB and diversity
How does the IB embrace diversity and what more should it be doing? Is your school particularly diverse or do you have an interesting story of educational inclusivity? What are the barriers to truly diverse education?
Copy deadline: 4 June
January 2009
Why language matters
How has your school overcome language barriers to deliver quality education? In a globalized world, why is language so important?
Copy deadline: 6 October
As well as our themed features, IB World also carries regular features in each issue that rely on reader contributions: these include Diary, Resources, Alumnus and Community.
If you are interested in writing for IB World, we would love to hear from you. Please email the editor at editor@ibo.org to discuss ideas.
