NIBS: One Voice, Many Schools
At the recent NIBS Annual General Meeting, a clear message emerged: our association’s strength lies in collaboration, but collaboration depends on communication that is simple, visible, and sustainable. Since its founding in 2011, NIBS has aimed to connect IB schools across Norway, advocate for recognition, and act as a trusted national voice for the IB community. The challenge now is not purpose, but practice — ensuring our communication systems match the scale and maturity of our network.
From Many Channels to One Clear Voice
Over time, communication has become fragmented across email threads, shared drives, social platforms, and static web pages, creating uncertainty and frustration among member schools. The key takeaway for coordinators and heads of school is the need to move from “reply-all culture” to structured, intentional channels that preserve institutional memory and reduce noise. A central information hub — supported by consistent use of shared spaces — will help prevent knowledge from “floating” when leadership changes occur.
External Visibility Is Internal Strength
A refreshed website and coordinated social media presence were identified as immediate priorities. This is not about marketing for its own sake; it is about credibility with universities, policymakers, and families, as well as recruitment and advocacy for the IB in Norway. When our external voice is clear, our internal confidence grows — a concept familiar to any IB school preparing for evaluation visits. The proposed website updates aim to showcase all programmes nationally, highlight initiatives, and serve as an archive of official documentation.
Tell the Story of IB in Action — Together
Social media was reframed as a collective storytelling tool rather than individual school promotion. By rotating posts, using shared language, and consistently tagging NIBS, schools can present a unified narrative of “IB in Action in Norway” — from student projects and service initiatives to professional collaboration. The suggestion of a common opening line for posts is a small but powerful move toward coherence (and perhaps the closest thing we have to an ATL skill for communication).
Keep It Simple, Keep It Consistent
Perhaps the most resonant message was also the simplest: raise the profile, be together, keep it simple. Proposed next steps include a recognizable tagline, a working group for communication, and regular updates such as a newsletter to keep member schools informed. For busy coordinators juggling accreditation cycles, staffing, and timetable puzzles, simplicity is not a luxury — it is a necessity.
A Final Thought for IB Leaders
If the IB Learner Profile values communicators, then our association must model that attribute at an organizational level. Clear communication builds trust, preserves legacy, and ensures that the work happening in classrooms across Norway is visible where it matters. In true IB fashion, the path forward is collaborative: many schools, one voice.
Because even the most inquiry-driven community still needs a well-organized Google Drive.
(See Annual Meeting resources for a copy of the Communication presentation)