The IB Turkish International Baccalaureate Schools IB Day which is held once every other year was organized and hosted by Arel College this year. 1200 participants from 57 different schools attended the event, the theme of which was “How do IB Programmes Prepare the Learners for the 21st Century”
The opening speech was made by Provincial Director of National Education Dr. Muammer Yıldız, the other keynote speakers were Turkey Private Schools Deputy Chairman of the Board Cem Gülan, Training Teachers previous General Manager Ömer Balıbey, Istanbul Arel University Rector Prof. Dr. Mehmet Çivi, and Regional Director for International Baccalaureate Richard Henry.
 There were other honourable representatives from Africa, Europe and  the Middle East of International Baccalaureate such as Head of Development Richard Henry, Head of Diploma Programmes James Monk, Head of MYP Robert Harrison, and Head of PYP Terri Walker. While attending the opening panel and giving speeches throughout the day, they had the chance to meet with the educators. Also from IB Holland, Head of Professional Development Shannon de Groot and Head of on-line Professional Development Analourdes Herrera made a presentation together. Dr. Mary Hayden from the University of England gave information about Teachers Training Programmes.    

Research about the comparison of National Turkish Programmes and IB Diploma Programmes was presented by Dr. Armağan Ateşkan and Dr. Jale Onur. Dr. Aslo Robin Ann Martin discussed their research on the effects of Ib Cas progrmammes on the students’ social development. Experienced educators coming from both candidate and authorized schools throughout Turkey shared and exchanged their ideas and experiences in their subject groups and thus engaged in the improvement of the participants.
The target of the event was accelerating the cooperation of Ministry National Education representatives and IB representatives and building a bridge between the two. 192 presentations were presented simultaneously and the participants had the opportunity to experience and develop their educational skills.
At the end of the day Emeritus Professor Jeff Thompson from Bath University, who won the Jeff Thompson Research award, made the closing speech. In it, he shared his wide range of experiences and views with the audience.
Overall, the programme successfully encouraged the participation of the Turkish IB School Directors, educators, and all the academicians who deal with the International Baccalauarte Programme. Participants learned about the most current trends in education, and many wonderful ideas were shared among them. The programme came to an end with the delivery of the participation certificates to the participants.