IB Programme

Waldorf International School Copenhagen – the international department of Byens Steinerskole – has been accepted as a candidate school for the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP).

In October 2025, our school was granted PYP candidacy, marking the beginning of our journey towards becoming an authorized IB World School.

During the 2026/27 school year, we will begin the candidacy process for the Middle Years Programme (MYP). With both programmes progressing through the authorization steps, we expect to be fully accredited in 2027 and able to offer both the PYP and MYP as a certified IB World School.

Why IB at a Steiner school?

Although the IB and Steiner traditions come from different histories, they share key principles: educating the whole child, nurturing curiosity and creativity, valuing languages and the arts, and developing young people who engage ethically and thoughtfully in the world.

The IB’s focus on inquiry, conceptual understanding, international mindedness and personal growth aligns naturally with our Steiner values of rhythm, depth, creativity, practical work and a holistic view of the child.

Becoming a PYP Candidate School strengthens our international department and extends our ability to offer a well-rounded, globally oriented learning environment.

What does candidacy mean in practice?

During the candidacy phase, we will work systematically to implement the structures and approaches of the PYP. This includes:

developing inquiry-based learning environments
strengthening interdisciplinary connections and conceptual learning
engaging teachers in ongoing IB professional development
establishing clear processes for planning, documentation and reflection
fostering a culture where pupils collaborate, explore, act and reflect

Throughout the process, we integrate IB principles in a way that remains fully aligned with our Steiner identity.

What does IB mean for pupils and families?

For pupils in our international department, IB candidacy means they will increasingly experience:

- a global perspective and intercultural understanding
- strong connections between subjects and real-world contexts

critical and creative thinking as part of daily learning

- language development in communication-rich classrooms
- personal growth, empathy and a sense of responsibility

The PYP framework supports children in becoming confident, caring and reflective learners who can contribute positively to the world around them.

For families, the IB also offers clear benefits:

a globally recognised and transferable programme
smooth transitions for internationally mobile families
a holistic learning approach that supports both academic and personal development

Learn more about the IB

To explore the philosophy behind IB programmes, you can read the document What is an IB Education?

It provides an accessible introduction to IB values, learning principles and educational aims.

A shared journey ahead

Becoming an IB Candidate School is an exciting step for Waldorf International School Copenhagen. We look forward to engaging pupils, parents and staff throughout this development journey and to sharing updates as we progress towards full PYP authorization.