An aerial view of Branksome Hall Asia’s campus on Jeju Island / Courtesy of Branksome Hall Asia

Branksome Hall Asia (BHA) is drawing attention for its strong global university admissions outcomes, as it aligns with international education trends by emphasizing inquiry-based learning and self-directed study to cultivate global talents.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, which emphasizes critical thinking and independent learning, is gaining traction among leading universities worldwide, though it remains relatively unfamiliar to many Korean students and parents.

BHA, an IB World School on Jeju Island, is emerging as a notable case of how such an education model can foster diverse academic pathways and support entry into top-tier global institutions.

Developed by a Switzerland-based nonprofit, IB programs aim to cultivate globally minded students through transdisciplinary and interdisciplinary learning. Emphasizing inquiry, discussion and cross-subject connections, it is widely seen as an alternative to memorization-driven, exam-oriented education systems.

However, relatively few schools in Korea offer the full IB continuum from early education through to the Diploma Program for students aged 16 to 19.

The Jeju campus is among the exceptions, having completed the International Baccalaureate Organization’s rigorous authorization process to offer the full continuum, while also securing full accreditation from Korea's Ministry of Education.

Students participate in a robotics activity at Branksome Hall Asia on Jeju Island, where STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics) education begins in kindergarten. Courtesy of Branksome Hall Asia

IB model drives global admissions success

Across grade levels, students are encouraged to develop their own questions, engage in sustained inquiry and build self-directed learning habits under teacher guidance. Rather than approaching subjects in isolation, they take part in projects that integrate multiple disciplines and apply their knowledge to real-world contexts.

Source: Korea Times News