Learning at VIS
The IB isn't just about what you learn;
it's about who you become.
What is the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit foundation that offers a continuum of four educational programs for students aged 3 to 19. It is a globally recognized curriculum framework that aims to develop students who are "inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people" and who contribute to a more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
The IB curriculum is known for its holistic approach, which emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary learning, and personal growth in addition to academic achievement.
VIS offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Program for students aged 3 and up. We are proud to be the only IB Continuum school in the Lao PDR and one of only 156 schools worldwide that offer all three IB programs.
Vientiane International School challenges, inspires and empowers students to develop their unique potential in our changing world.
What is the IB Learner Profile?
The VIS values are complemented by the IB Learner Profile. As an internationally-minded community of learners, our students are becoming inquirers, critical thinkers, communicators, risk-takers, knowledgable, principled, caring, open-minded, well-balanced and reflective.
Intercultural Learning plays a central role in a VIS students' education. It helps students develop appreciation, empathy and respect for different cultures, opinions and perspectives. It also develops an understanding of ones self and others while instilling the values, attitudes, skills and knowledge to become globally-engaged citizens.
Why Choose IB?
Vientiane International School (VIS) provides a balanced education that supports students' social, emotional, intellectual, and physical growth. To achieve this, VIS offers all three International Baccalaureate (IB) programs for students aged 3 and up, making it the only school in Laos and one of just 156 worldwide to hold this distinction.
The Primary Years Program (PYP)
The Middle Years Program (MYP)
The Diploma Program (DP)
The IB offers international education which is defined according to the following criteria:
- Developing citizens of the world in relation to culture, language and learning to live together
- Building and reinforcing students' sense of identity and cultural awareness
- Fostering students' recognition and development of universal human values
- Stimulating curiosity and inquiry in order to foster a spirit of discovery and enjoyment of learning
- Equipping students with the skills to learn and acquire knowledge, individually or collaboratively, and to apply these skills and knowledge accordingly across a broad range of areas
- Providing international content while responding to local requirements and interests
- Encouraging diversity and flexibility in teaching methods
- Providing appropriate forms of assessment and international benchmarking
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
At VIS, we believe every student is unique. That's why we've embraced Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a powerful, research-based framework that shapes how we teach and how our students learn. UDL is about being proactive—we design lessons that anticipate and embrace the diverse needs of our students, rather than simply reacting to them.
The Three Principles of UDL
UDL is more than just a teaching method; it’s a mindset based on key principles from neuroscience and psychology. It recognizes that effective learning happens when we activate different parts of the brain. These principles are seamlessly integrated with the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, promoting learner agency, the development of the Learner Profile attributes, and Approaches to Learning (ATLs).
UDL is built on three interconnected principles:
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Engagement: The "Why" of Learning This principle focuses on what motivates a student and keeps their interest. We provide multiple ways for students to engage with their learning, offering choices and making learning relevant to their lives and interests. This helps them become purposeful, motivated learners.
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Representation: The "What" of Learning Not everyone learns the same way. This principle ensures we present information in a variety of formats—from visuals and audio to hands-on activities. We offer different ways to access content, so every student can find a path that works for them.
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Action & Expression: The "How" of Learning This principle gives students flexible ways to show what they know. Instead of only relying on traditional tests, students can demonstrate their understanding through presentations, projects, creative writing, or other methods. This empowers them to become resourceful and strategic learners.
By designing learning experiences with UDL, we create an inclusive environment that reduces barriers and empowers all learners to thrive.
Our Programs
The Primary Years Program (PYP)
is for students aged 3 to 12 which focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside.
