Authorisation visits from the International Baccalaureate Organisation are under way for four English Schools Foundation secondary schools, which they must pass before being able to offer the IB diploma programme from the next academic year. The regional director of the IBO, Judith Guy, said: 'We have standards that schools must meet regarding their philosophy, how they plan to deliver the curriculum, whether staff have been appropriately trained, whether the school has the facilities and ... structures in place to support the programme.' The visits to Island, West Island, South Island and King George V schools last up to three days. IBO officials gave South Island School positive feedback about its preparations for introducing the IB programme when they visited the school this week, principal John Wray said. He said an IBO official, who had authorised 60 schools across the world, said South Island was one of the best-prepared schools he had seen. Eleven Hong Kong schools are authorised to offer IB programmes. In addition to the ESF schools, a further four are seeking authorisation, or have registered their intent, to offer the diploma. ESF communications director Peter Craughwell said: 'Pre-authorisation visits in the spring gave us all clear road maps. The IBO has been very supportive.'
