The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Explained
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a rigorous academic program available to high school students. It is recognized worldwide, and universities understand the IB score.
Six Academic Subject Groups and the Diploma Program (DP) Core
The DP Core requires students to reflect on the nature of knowledge in a course called Theory of Knowledge (ToK), participate in an independent research project to produce an Extended Essay (EE), and engage in extracurricular activities related to Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).
Pilot Launch of the Online Diploma Programme
In March 2022, the IB launched a pilot delivering a fully online Diploma Programme with a small number of selected partners. The programme is not available everywhere yet.
Assessment Structure
The IB Programme is unique in that final scores are a combination of internal and external assessments. Internal assessments take the form of long-term projects such as papers, reports, and presentations. These internal assessments usually comprise 15-25% of your final IB score for that subject and are graded by your teachers. The rest of the IB is externally assessed, mainly in the form of final examinations.
Examples of Assessment Breakdowns
Below are common examples of assessment breakdowns for IB subjects:
| Subject | External Assessment | Internal Assessment |
|---|---|---|
| IB English Literature HL | 70% | 30% |
| IB Chemistry HL | 80% | 20% |
| IB Business Management SL | 75% | 25% |
Benefits of the IB Programme
The IB fosters a highly balanced intellectual experience—academically and beyond. It prepares you for university studies and life beyond high school. Many universities accept IB course credit as a replacement for first-year courses, allowing you to bypass early requirements and accelerate your studies.
Tools for Success
By utilizing resources like Crimson’s Revision Village and adopting effective study strategies, students can enhance their preparation, gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter, and excel in the exams. With dedication, perseverance, and the right approach, students can overcome this demanding course’s challenges and succeed in their academic journey.
Conclusion
The IB Diploma is a holistic and high-quality curriculum that prepares you for university studies and life beyond high school. It is a rigorous academic program that requires consistent work and solid performance over a two-year period. If you are suited to the program, you will thrive, but it is not for everyone.
