When parents hear about the International Baccalaureate (IB), they often focus on its academic rigour, but one of its most powerful features is how it develops the whole child. At the heart of every IB programme is the Learner Profile: a set of ten attributes that guide students not just in their studies, but in how they think, relate to others, and grow as individuals.
From being open-minded and reflective to showing empathy and curiosity, the Learner Profile shapes how children learn and who they become. In this blog post, we’ll explore what each attribute means in practice at NIST International School, why it matters, and how you can support your child’s development both in and out of the classroom.
What Is the IB Learner Profile?
At its core, the IB Learner Profile is a vision for what we hope all students will become, as individuals who contribute meaningfully to the world. These ten attributes form a shared language across IB schools globally, creating consistency from the early years through to the Diploma Programme. They're not checklists, but aspirations that guide students to think critically, care deeply, and grow with purpose.
Developed by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), the profile reflects its mission to create a better and more peaceful world through education. Each trait encourages children to explore who they are, how they relate to others, and how they engage with global and local challenges.
More Than Academics
The Learner Profile is lived out in everyday moments. When a child stands up for a friend, takes on a challenging new idea, or thoughtfully reflects on a mistake, they’re embodying the IB values. These attributes help students see success not only in terms of grades but also in how they interact with the world around them. It's this balance, between academic achievement and character development, that sets the IB apart.
The 10 Attributes of the IB Learner Profile
Rather than list these traits as ideals on a poster, IB schools like NIST bring them to life, through lessons, interactions, and even how students support one another during group work or lunchtime. Below is a glimpse into each attribute, with real-world relevance and how they help shape students over time.
Inquirers
Children are naturally curious. In IB classrooms, that curiosity is nurtured through open-ended questions, research projects, and independent exploration. For example, a Year 5 student might investigate renewable energy by designing their own solar-powered invention.
Knowledgeable
More than memorising facts, IB learners connect ideas across subjects. A student might study climate change in science, explore its cultural impact in social studies, and then write a reflective piece in English. This depth helps them make sense of the world in meaningful ways.
Thinkers
Thinking in the IB is not only academic but also ethical, creative, and flexible. Students are encouraged to pause, question assumptions, and come up with their own solutions. You’ll see this during design challenges, maths investigations, or even classroom debates on global issues.
Communicators
Whether presenting to peers, writing a persuasive article, or listening during group work, communicators express themselves clearly and respectfully. At NIST, this extends across languages, with students often using both English and their home language to share perspectives.
Mandarin B Year 2 and Year 3 students at NIST during classroom activities
Principled
Being principled is about doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Whether it’s speaking up for fairness in a group task or returning a forgotten library book, students learn that integrity isn’t about perfection, but responsibility.
Open-Minded
In international school settings, open-mindedness is essential. IB learners listen, reflect, and adjust. A student celebrating Songkran may also join a classmate’s Diwali project, recognising value in traditions different from their own.
Caring
Small acts matter. From checking in on a friend who’s feeling overwhelmed to leading a community clean-up, caring learners actively show empathy. Our service learning projects help embed this quality as a habit, not just an expectation.
Risk-Takers
Risk-taking in the IB isn’t reckless, it’s brave. It’s about joining the school play for the first time, asking a hard question in class, or admitting when you’re unsure. These moments help children build confidence to try, learn, and try again.
Balanced
Being balanced means knowing what matters and making time for it. Students learn to prioritise wellbeing alongside academics, choosing activities that support both focus and rest. Mindfulness, movement, and reflection are all part of this rhythm.
Reflective
Finally, IB learners pause to ask: “What did I learn? What could I do better next time?” Reflection is woven into student portfolios, conferences, and even informal class discussions. It’s how learners grow from each experience.
The Learner Profile in Daily Life
The IB Learner Profile isn’t something that’s only referenced during assemblies or in end-of-term reports. It’s part of how students interact, reflect, and make decisions day to day. These attributes are used in everything we do at our school, from how conflict is resolved in the playground to how feedback is given after a group presentation. They create a shared language for growth, helping students understand that how they learn and who they become are equally important.
Preparing for Life Beyond School
Many IB alumni describe the Learner Profile as something they carried with them into university and beyond. Open-mindedness becomes essential in multicultural workplaces. Being reflective strengthens relationships. Risk-taking leads to career pivots, entrepreneurial projects, and bold ideas. In a world where adaptability matters as much as expertise, these traits offer an anchor.
Year 10 NIST students showcased creative ventures using business to drive social or environmental impact.
Supporting the Learner Profile at Home
Parents play a vital role in reinforcing the Learner Profile. Here are a few ways you can support it at home:
- Celebrate behaviours, not just results. Acknowledge when your child shows empathy, persistence, or curiosity.
- Use the vocabulary. Talk about being “balanced” or “principled” in everyday situations, as it normalises the language.
- Reflect together. Ask simple, thoughtful questions at dinner like, “What made you feel proud today?” or “Was there a moment you were a risk-taker this week?”
NIST, Thailand’s first full IB World School, offers the PYP, MYP, DP, and NIST Diploma through a concept-based curriculum aligned with the IB, NIST Attributes, and UN SDGs.
We also offer the Global Citizenship Diploma (GCD) for students in Years 10–13, recognising growth beyond the classroom in support of global citizenship.
Want to see how the Learner Profile comes to life at NIST? Visit us or get in touch.