There has been reference in literature to the concepts of a Transnational Capitalist Class and a Global Middle Class, but there has been little discussion of how education may form any sense of class solidarity for these groups. In national contexts, ruling class socialisation has been achieved through elite private schooling. But the notion of…

The diverse arena of International Schooling concerned with schools delivering a non-local curriculum in English largely outside an English-speaking nation, has grown enormously during the current wave of globalisation. Traditionally, the arena of "International Schools" played an intended ideological and pragmatic role, albeit in a…

The well-established yet under-theorised body of 'Traditional International Schools' warrant much greater sociological analysis and inquiry as 'elite' educational institutions. This paper uses Basil Bernstein's "Sociology of the School" to discuss the 'expressive culture' of such schools, representing an idealised model of conduct,…

The number of schools offering the programmes of the International Baccalaureate (IB) hit 3000 in July 2010. Since 2004 the IB has aimed for further growth within a "wider access" and "greater impact" paradigm. A "further" 7000 schools are expected to be involved by 2020. However, there is now considerable concern about growth, especially within…

The three main programmes of the Geneva-registered International Baccalaureate (IB) have grown enormously since the 1990s and have seemingly found their "home" in the United States. However, the IB has provoked opposition, initially from concerned parents, and lately by conservative agencies. This book charts the growth of the IB in America and…

The International Baccalaureate (IB) examination system in early 2010 was on offer in 2700 schools in 139 countries. Since 1999, the Geneva-registered IB has created a platform for image consolidation, product standardization, and technological linkage. Out of this has emerged a globally branded "IB World", educating the "IB Learner", using an…

The dimension of education concerned with international schools has formed a recognizable industry over the past six decades yet little attempt has been made to conceptualize its nature and scale. A diverse conglomeration of educational institutions has been joined by a myriad of support organizations. There is clearly a need for an "alliance" of…

The year 2007 was a highly significant one for "international education" in an "internationally minded school" context. It marked the fortieth anniversary of the first trial exam of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP). This paper charts the rather random global growth of this programme, from it being a…