The International Baccalaureate Organisation has postponed the introduction of curriculum changes for four subjects, originally due to take effect next year.
The subjects due to be taught under a revised curriculum next year were literature and performance; classical languages; computer science; and theatre.
But amid concern around loss of teaching time and logistical challenges caused by the pandemic, the IBO has decided to postpone the introduction of the new subject guides for literature and performance, classical languages and theatre until 2022-23, and computer science until 2023-24.
Related: ‘Huge’ changes to International Baccalaureate exams
IB 2020: How to appeal this year’s grades
News: ‘Schools will abandon IGCSEs because of this grading’
This is not the only change that the IBO has made to its Diploma and Career-related programme in response to Covid disruption; significant changes have also been made to the exams of both programmes.
In a document sent to school leaders, seen by Tes, the IBO states: “We will delay the launch of the revised literature and performance, classical languages and theatre guides from 2021-22 to 2022-23, and computer science from 2021-22 to 2023-24.
Coronavirus: International Baccalaureate changes delayed
“We hope this removes the challenge of preparing and providing resources for revised courses.”
The document states that these changes have been made in “response to requests from our community to mitigate the loss of instructional time and logistical challenges” to help IB schools “plan for a manageable, practical and achievable teaching and learning experience in the new school year”.
David James, deputy head of Bryanston School, a UK independent school, welcomed the changes.
He told Tes: “The benefit of pausing subject changes is another welcome acknowledgement that now, more than ever, schools need continuity and consistency.”
More details will be sent out in September in the coordinators’ note, the IB letter adds.
IB subjects undergo a seven-year revision and update cycle.
