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Globally recognized qualification in an international community - the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Louisenlund

Thinking globally, networking and taking on social responsibility - the coordinated English-language programs of the International Baccalaureate (IB) prepare students specifically for this. They combine the acquisition of sound academic skills with important intercultural experience. 

This opens up global study opportunities and exciting career prospects with a future. Life at the IB World Boarding School Louisenlund offers a high-performing and international community, unique learning environments and personal mentors for optimal personal development, practical experience and worldwide friendships. Children and young people grow into inquiring and lifelong learners. They become confident and independent learners and develop creative thinking strategies. They apply what they have learned in an interdisciplinary way and in the world around them. In this way, they lay the foundations for successfully mastering their own academic careers and professional challenges in a global context while they are still at school.

"One can only hope that this model will be widely shared [...] and possibly used as a blueprint for development both in regional German educational contexts and within the IB global community."

Excerpt from the DP Evaluation Report 2024

By blending the IB philosophy with the Louisenlunder educational approach, we have created a school model for lifelong learning that is unique on an international scale. It is built on a strong foundation consisting of an international community and clear principles, and it permeates all levels and structures of our IB World School, shaping its culture. Within the boarding school community, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the German language and culture.

About the Costs

Schülerinnen bei der IB Entlassfeier in festlicher Abschlussrobe

As part of the International Baccalaureate, Louisenlund is the only boarding school in Northern Germany to offer the last two years of the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP). These programmes are designed to provide students with a comprehensive, globally recognized education that prepares them for the challenges and opportunities of a globally networked world. The school language is English. In addition, the IB World School Louisenlund is also accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC CIE). Both IB programmes are part of the IB's educational philosophy, which has been continuously developed since 1968 and aims to promote competent, self-effective, critically thinking and open-minded young people who are motivated to make a lasting contribution to society and the world.

Future-oriented, international and cosmopolitan - "Leadership for Impact" programme at the IB in Louisenlund

The Leadership for Impact program at the IB World School Louisenlund is dedicated to fostering leadership qualities that bring about meaningful change. Our goal is to develop “servant leaders,” creative thinkers, and innovative problem-solvers who inspire change in their communities and beyond.

Through this program, we empower young people to lead with determination, compassion, and vision, and equip them with the tools to make a lasting impact and shape a better future for everyone.

The Leadership for Impact program at Louisenlund IB World School is a forward-thinking initiative that focuses on the holistic development of students by equipping them to become thoughtful, resilient, and socially responsible young leaders who engage with real-world challenges and complement the traditional academic program. In a rapidly changing world marked by uncertainty and complex global challenges, it is becoming increasingly important for young people to develop skills that prepare them not only for academic and professional success, but also to make a meaningful, transformative contribution to society.

This program builds a crucial bridge between academic knowledge and practical, transformative skills, uniquely complementing the IB’s Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP).

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Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP program is the ideal preparation for the IB Diploma. It aims to help students learn how to learn effectively and broaden their horizons. In doing so, it takes a holistic approach to students’ intellectual, social, emotional, and physical well-being. It offers students the opportunity to develop the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to navigate complexity and act responsibly toward the future.

The MYP provides a well-rounded education through the study of six to eight subject groups. Students learn at least two languages (the language of instruction and an additional elective language), which foster an understanding of their own culture and the cultures of others. Service to the community helps students prepare for further education, the workplace, and lifelong learning.

Graphics overview IB Middle Years Programme

The core elements of the MYP

Community Project (MYP4)

The Community Project is a social project for MYP4 students where they identify and tackle a local issue through community engagement. It fosters a sense of responsibility, teamwork and empathy as students learn how they can have a positive impact on their community. This gives them a better understanding of social responsibility and a sense of actively contributing to the common good.

Personal Project (MYP5)

The Personal Project is an individual, research-based project for MYP5 students in which they explore a topic of their choice. It encourages independence, creativity and problem-solving skills as students apply research, planning and reflection. In the process, they develop time management and scientific working methods, which prepares them for academic and professional challenges. The project encourages personal responsibility and self-reflection and provides valuable experiences that develop students as independent learners.

The subjects in the MYP

IB MYP Subject Groups MYP subjects
Language Acquisition German Language Acquisition; Spanish Language Acquisition
Language and Literature English Language and Literature; German Language and Literature
Individuals and Societies Integrated Humanities
Sciences Interdisciplinary Science
Mathematics Extended Mathematics; Standard Mathematics
Arts Visual Arts; Design; Media Arts; Music (MYP 4)

Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP aims to further develop students' subject expertise, research skills and critical thinking. Louisenlund students successfully complete the globally recognized DP and go on to study at renowned universities such as Cornell University in New York, the London School of Economics, Harvard University, Imperial College London, King's College London and the University of St Andrew's.

Graphic overview IB Diploma Progamme

The core elements in the DP

With the so-called core areas, the IB Diploma Programme becomes a coherent overall qualification. The IB Diploma curriculum includes three additional, essential components outside of the six subjects. These core areas turn the IB Diploma Programme into a coherent and valuable overall qualification.

"Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

"Theory of Knowledge" (TOK) is a subject that offers learners the opportunity to critically engage with a wide range of knowledge and subject areas and to reflect on these in class. The aim is to develop a deeper understanding of how and through different methods and perspectives knowledge is generated. In particular, this should also promote critical thinking.

"Extended Essay (EE)

Another component is a self-chosen research project, the so-called "Extended Essay" (EE). This culminates in an independently written academic paper. Students and teachers attach great importance to this project, as it teaches the basics of academic research - important for future university studies.

"Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)

The third component of the IB Diploma Program’s core curriculum is the “CAS” (Creativity, Activity, Service) component. This component guides students toward a creative, active, and socially engaged lifestyle. They are encouraged to independently engage in various projects that benefit the community. To do so, IB students take advantage of the school’s extracurricular offerings.

Service as Action

IB students strive to be thoughtful members of the community who demonstrate a personal commitment to serving others and take action to positively change the lives of others and society. Students choose activities from the Guild Handbook.

The subject groups in the DP

IB DP Subject Groups Diploma Program Courses
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature English A Language and Literature (HL/SL); German A Literature (HL/SL)
Group 2: Language Acquisition English B (HL); German B (HL/SL)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies Economics (HL/SL); History (HL/SL); Business Management (HL/SL)
Group 4: Sciences Biology (HL/SL); Chemistry (HL; SL); Physics (HL/SL);
Group 5: Mathematics Mathematics Analysis & Approaches (HL/SL); Mathematics Applications & Interpretations (SL)
Group 6: Arts* Visual Arts (HL/SL)

Students may drop the Visual Arts course and select a sixth course from one of the other subject groups. Due to students’ individual course selections, it cannot be guaranteed that these courses will be offered.

Admission requirements for the IB in Louisenlund

The IB Diploma Programme has a high academic standard. For this reason, each student is assessed individually during the admissions process in order to make the most accurate prediction possible regarding their future chances of success on the path to the IB Diploma.

Applicants for the MYP must have completed the previous year (or equivalent) with good grades and demonstrate a positive attitude and a willingness to work consistently and effectively.

International students who wish to attend the IB World School in Louisenlund do not need to know German, but have the unique opportunity to learn additional German and use it in the boarding school community.

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