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IB Diploma Explained
The International Baccalaureate was founded in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a high quality programme of international education to a worldwide community of schools. There are more than 647,000 students at 2,384 schools in 129 countries studying the IB.
The aim of the IB curriculum is to promote academic breadth and depth, as well as international and cultural awareness.
The six areas of study are:
- Language A1 (first language - 82 are offered); the study of literature is included in this.
- Language A2 (second language) Classical Languages; Spanish, French, English,German
- Individuals and Societies: Business and Management, Economics, Geography, History, Islamic History, Philosophy, Psychology, Social and Cultural Anthropology, World Religions,
- Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, Design and Technology
- Mathematics: Mathematical Studies, Mathematics
- The Arts: Music, Film, Theatre Arts, Visual Arts
Typically, IB Diploma students take 3 courses at the Higher Level (240 hours of lessons per subject) and 3 at the Standard Level (150 hours of lessons). All students do an Extended Essay of 4,000 words on a topic of interest to them as well as a course in Theory of Knowledge. All IB Diploma students also take part in activities which develop CAS – Creativity, Action and Service.
The marking system for the Higher and Standard Level courses is as follows:
| 7 | Excellent |
| 6 | Very Good |
| 5 | Good |
| 4 | Satisfactory |
| 3 | Mediocre |
| 2 | Poor |
| 1 | Very Poor |
| N | No grade |
Theory of Knowledge is marked ABCDEN.
Approximately 20% of courses is internally assessed through internal exams, a portfolio of work, oral examinations etc. Public exams are held in November and May. Results are published in early July.
The maximum mark for the diploma is 45. The pass mark is 24/45. Students need to have achieved Satisfactory in all 6 Standard Level or Higher Level courses. Up to 3 marks are awarded for performance in the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge course.
Students who are not awarded the Diploma will receive individual certificates in each of the courses in which they have been graded.
Advantages of the IB
- The IB is very highly regarded worldwide and by leading universities in the UK.
- The IB develops an international outlook in two ways: all students study a foreign language; all students study Theory of Knowledge one of whose aims is to promote cultural awareness and understanding
- All Diploma students continue to study their own language and literature up to the age of 18/19
- All students continue to study Mathematics up to the age of 18
- Creativity, Action and Service develop rounded and responsible individuals
- The Extended Essay develops the student’s personal interests and research skills
- Theory of Knowledge