Centre for Civic Education (CCE) has submitted an initiative to the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovationfor the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Programme (IB) in secondary schools through planned amendments to the Law on Gymnasium. This globally recognised educational model would significantly improve the quality of education in Montenegro, enabling students to be better prepared for the academic and professional challenges of the future.
The IB programme develops critical thinking, academic excellence and intercultural understanding, through interdisciplinary subjects, project-based learning and community engagement. The IB Diploma Programme (DP), designed for students aged 16 to 19, serves as preparation for higher education and facilitates access to prestigious universities worldwide.
Montenegro remains among the few countries whose public education system does not offer the IB programme. In neighbouring countries and beyond, this model has been successfully implemented in state-run gymnasiums for years, offering students a more comprehensive foundation for further education and professional development. Its introduction in secondary schools in Montenegro would contribute to the modernization of teaching methods, strengthen analytical and critical thinking, and better prepare students for the competitive global labour market and higher education opportunities.
The IB programme is not only academically rigorous but also development-oriented, as it helps students cultivate practical and social skills. Through research-based learning, analytical approaches, communication projects, and volunteer activities, students gain knowledge and experience that prepare them not only for further education but also for active and responsible participation in society.
The CCE calls on the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation to recognize the significance of this educational model and enable its implementation in Montenegro’s secondary schools. Such a step would improve the quality of education, modernize teaching practices, and increase the competitiveness of Montenegro’s education system.
Snežana Kaluđerović, Senior Legal Advisor