We’ve often talked about the origins of IB and the strong UN influence on your children. We have always said that the UN is the basis for the IBO curriculum and philosophy

In the following exchange, Ian Hill admits to an inquirer that IB is indeed the same as Robert Muller’s World Core Curriculum, now also the basis for Common Core. If it sounds like a state religion, it is because it is.

Dear Sir or Madam,

Our middle school is in the process of becoming an IBO school. I have some questions about this process. How long does it take for the “accreditation” process to be complete? Once complete, does the school have any special privleges attached?

One other question: Robert Muller who is the acknowledged father of education within the U. N. has developed what has become known as “World Core Curriculum”. In looking for this information, perhaps you could offer some information as to how IBO compares with this curriculum. Is it similar? If it is not similar, is it close?
Anything you could tell me would be greatly appreciated.

Ms. XYZ
USA/AMERICA 
___________

Date: Mon, 04 Jun 2001 20:16:12 +0200 
From: “Ellen Wallace”  
To: Ms XYZ
CC: ibna@ibo.org

Dear Ms XYZ,

I’m forwarding your message to our IB North America office, since schools working towards authorization deal directly with our regional offices. I’m not quite sure if you work at the school; if not, your best source of information is the person at the school who is working with the IBO. I’m not familiar with the world core curriculum but one of my colleagues who works closely with the UN undoubtedly is and I will pass your question to him.

Best wishes,
Ellen Wallace, Geneva 
_____________________

Dear Ms XYZ,

Further to the response of my colleague, Ellen Wallace, who kindly copied her reply to me, I can tell you that I have the world core curriculum material of Robert Muller who started in 1979 with a small experimental training school in Arlington, Texas. I find that it is remarkably similar to the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP). We have used very similar terms (without having consulted his work as far as I know) to describe the main PYP transdisciplinary themes; for example, where are we in time and place? Who am I? (Muller: our planetary home and place in the universe; our place in time; the miracle of individual human life, and so on.)

Our three programmes have almost identical aims and objectives to that of Muller, based on intercultural understanding and respect, and the consideration of global issues in an inter-dependent world. Muller’s curriculum places more emphasis on spirituality than the IBO curricula, otherwise we are very very close in philosophy.

Best wishes,

Ian HILL
IB Organization Geneva