"The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world."  

The IB programme is of course one that appeals to the notion of an holistic model of education;  it is one in which elements that are personal, social or 'affective' are brought into the foreground along with more traditional cognitive development.  The result is a pedagogical model that takes into account the various ways in which students learn, and celebrates the notion that progress, achievement and success can emerge from a variety of different contexts and experiences.  The Learner Profile is also the place in which the IB's commitment to notions such as international mindedness, social responsibility and a sense of compassion, are clearly documented.

The 10 attitudes that comprise the Learner Profile are as follows:

It is likely that your school will introduce students to the attributes of the Learner Profile at the point they start the programme, whether DP or an alternative.  If you find yourself addressing its meaning and significance in the context of the literature classroom, one quite fun activity is to invite students to come up with a literary character who reflects as many - ideally all - of the ten LP characteristics.  

Activity:

If you feel your students could use some prompting, ask them to match up any of the attributes to any literary character with which they are familiar in the right hand column below.  Is there one who you think might fulfill all the attributes?!