At the start when it was founded in 1968, IB was known as International Baccalaureate Organization and now simply International Baccalaureate (IB). It is headquartered at Geneva Switzerland. It is an education system operating at the international level in almost 159 countries. It offers four different programmes for children in the age group 3 -19 years, operating at different levels.
This board does not have any formal examinations. Certificates are issued to students who fulfil their standards at the different levels. Also, there are no prescribed textbooks nor there is a curriculum. Hence present is the flexibility for the teachers to personalize it and make the teachings for each concept as per the requirements of the students. The advantage lies in increasing the creativity and imaginative skills to maximize the learning outcomes. After completing the diploma programmes, the students can look forward to getting admissions in universities and completing their graduations.
The IB diploma programme is known for its firmly established popularity in the international school community. Universities are also well aware of this qualification. This curriculum defines itself as the ‘go to pre-university qualification ‘for the students.
Established in 1968, the IB Diploma programme was the first programme offered by the IB. This programme is for students of the ages between 16 and 19 years and aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge- students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally, and ethically.
The DP curriculum covers DP core and six subject groups. The DP core is made up of three essential components and aims to broaden the students’ educational experience and challenge them apply their knowledge and skills.
The three core elements are
The students have to choose from the different courses within each subject group.
Why is this IB diploma qualification considered to be the best preparation for the University.? Let us the explore the various reasons
The IB DP is globally recognized and offered in 150 countries globally. And recognized by colleges and universities from almost 90 countries. And the number of colleges and universities recognizing the DP (Diploma Programme) grew by 21% in 2011. And IB students are at an advantage with the elite institutions. This includes the prestigious institutions like Harvard, Yale, and Stanford. Thus, the IBDP prepares students to be ready for a university not only in the home country, but also anywhere across the world.
Studying six subjects from the six given groups offered by the IB diploma means that the students are not forced to narrow their choices while are school and keep the university options open. Also, they are allowed to choose subjects at the two different levels-Standard Level (SL) and Higher Level (HL).
Similarly, language students are encouraged to choose or SL, HL, or Ab Initio (level for the students who have little, or no knowledge of the language chosen. This tiered curriculum provides opportunity to the students to study a variety of subjects at different difficulty levels, thus enabling the students to develop subjects of interest to an advanced level, in case they are looking to pursue them at the university.
In addition to the graded six subjects, they need to study, the students have to complete the three essential core components – Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essays (EE) and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). The CAS is the component in the IB Diploma which is not graded. This project encourages the experiential learning and acquiring knowledge through direct experience – Students will have to complete an unpaid and voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for them.
IB Diploma understands the importance of giving back to the society, These, are beneficial as preparation for university too as the educators are looking for potential students who are all-rounders rather than students who have just secured good grades. The experiential learning skills go a long way and help distinguish the IB alumni in the university admission process.
The IB diploma students are able to analyse and evaluate big issues, generate innovative ideas, and consider new perspectives. To prepare themselves for the college coursework, the students need to do more than memorize facts and follow directions.
To succeed in the college or workplace, the students require thinking skills and strategies. These skills and strategies enable the students to develop and demonstrate the ability the learn, apply and use, the knowledge and information to solve problems.
The teacher dependent learning is typically the style in the high school. The students transition from this study mode to the self-study mode essential in the post-secondary education. All the rigorous, independent study leads to vital organizational skills and good study habits.
This more specifically means setting time aside for assignments and being able to develop revision techniques and resisting distractions. The study at the university is hectic and fast- paced and is mostly self -learning, the skills the students are already equipped with during their IB diploma study.
As discussed earlier, the IB diploma requires its students to complete the three essential core subjects apart from the six subjects chosen from the six subject groups. One of them is the Extended Essay, a mini thesis, the students need to write under the supervision of an IB advisor.
This essay is a graded component and counts for the successful IB diploma qualification. For this essay, the students need to choose a research topic, conduct the research independently and write the essay, which needs to be of maximum 4000 words. Most successful essays get to this limit. And the students equipped with these research and writing skills find it very comfortable when they take up a language or science majors at the university level.
Theory of knowledge (TOK), one of three essential core subjects encourages the students to see the connection between subjects and enhances their critical thinking and effective learning. Seeing this connection between the subjects also helps the students in the higher education studies, where learning is less disjoint.
The IB Diploma assessments are summative, largely taking place over the period of 2 years focussing on what they have learned and their abilities rather than what they haven’t learned or can’t do. Testing is based on performance against set standards, and it is rigorous. IB thus gives a true picture of student performance, and it also assists in universities in the admission process. The Diploma programme is reliable and internationally consistent measure of academic excellence.
IB World schools helps students engage in inquiry, action, and reflection on locally and globally significant issues across the curriculum. And aptly the IB diploma qualification is internationally benchmarked, allowing the students to continue their studies anywhere in the world.
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Book your Free Counselling Session now!The IB students are trained with more practical knowledge and application. And UG or PG courses required more understanding of the methodology of how to implement it in a real-life situation. Thus, universities do prefer IB students.
The basic benefit is IB enhances the capability to solve more critical thinking and complex problems. Thus, This is the basic benefit of taking the IB programme.
Yes, a study shows the university tends to take an intake of IB students about 10% of the overall population approx. which is fairly a considerable number. Because IB students are good at student leadership skills and activities. Thus, IB is significant for the university.
College-style classes, homework, workload, and research papers. Thus, these are some factors that are included in the IB curriculum. Which is exactly similar to the University.
Mutual understanding of moral values, international mindedness, critical thinking, etc. Thus, these are some basic factors IB looks for in students.
Tips for IBDP-TOK and a Sample Essay
