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The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an educational programme taught in one of three languages (English, French or Spanish). The Diploma Programme, administered by the International Baccalaureate, is a recognised pre-university educational programme. It is taught in 1,976 schools in 134 countries. Students take six subjects, and must also complete 3 extra requirements: the Theory of Knowledge course (ToK), an Extended Essay (EE), and the CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) programme. The primary aim of the IB Diploma Programme is to provide an internationally accepted education for entry into higher education. IB and UNESCO signed an agreement recognizing that peace education is an integral part of the IB curriculum. United World Colleges have also been instrumental in the development of the IB Diploma Programme.

Marks are awarded from 1 to 7 in each subject with 7 being the highest and a 4 considered passing. A matrix provided by IB allows a candidate to be awarded up to three extra points depending on the results of their ToK and the Extended Essay. Therefore, the maximum possible point total in the Diploma Programme is 45. In order to receive an International Baccalaureate Diploma, candidates must receive a minimum of 24 points. There are a number of failing conditions which will prevent a student from being awarded a Diploma regardless of the points they received (such as non-completion of CAS, plagiarism, no EE etc).

Candidates who successfully pass examinations in two languages A1, or one language A1 and one language A2 courses and meet all the other criteria for successful completion of the Diploma Programme are eligible to receive a Bilingual Diploma.

Students receive a Certificate for each completed course and exam, regardless of whether they have achieved the Diploma.

Application, Authorization and Fees

Schools interested in being authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme must conduct a Feasability Study at least six months before engaging in the two year, two part, application process. During the application process, the IB requires candidate schools to send staff for IB training. At the end of the application process, IB conducts a site visit and awards authorization.

Ongoing Costs

Authorized IB schools pay an annual fee which guarantees access to the Online Curriculum Centre and support from the IB. Additional ongoing costs vary depending upon the size and location of the school.

Other fees include Diploma Candidate registration fees and Diploma examination fees.

Subject groups

Students who pursue the Diploma Programme take six subjects; one compulsory subject from each of Groups 1 to 5 (below) and one elective from groups 1-4 or 6

A minimum of three subjects must be taken at higher level (HL) and the rest at standard level (SL). The IB recommends a minimum of 240 hours of teaching time for higher level subjects and 150 hours for standard level subjects.

• Group 1: Language A1: Generally the student's strongest language, with over 80 different languages available.
• Group 2: Second Language: An additional language, taken either at A1 (HL or SL), A2 (HL or SL), B (SL or HL) or ab initio (SL only).
• Group 3: Individuals and Societies: Humanities and social sciences: such as philosophy, economics, business and management, psychology, social anthropology, human rights, peace and conflict studies, information technology in a global society (ITGS), geography and history (or History of the Islamic World).
• Group 4: Experimental Sciences: Subjects such as physics, chemistry, biology and design technology
• Group 5: Mathematics: The subjects are, in order of increasing difficulty, Mathematical Studies SL, Mathematics SL, and Mathematics HL. Furthermore, Further Mathematics can be studied at SL in addition to a Mathematics HL course. This group also includes computer science but only as an elective (not a substitute for the other mathematics courses).
• Group 6: Arts and Electives: Subjects such as visual arts, film, music, dance, and theatre arts. Can be replaced with another subject from Group 2, 3, or 4, or Computer Science from Group 5.

Additionally, there are some transdisciplinary courses such as environmental systems and societies (group 3 & group 4).

Extended Essay

Students must write an independent research essay of up to 4,000 words in a subject from the list of approved EE subjects. The student is not obligated to take the corresponding IB course and exam for the subject chosen, although it is suggested that the student have some familiarity with the topic. The topic should fall clearly in one subject area, not across subjects.

The topic may be any that the student feels is researchable. This task involves teacher-guided independent research and requires producing a written thesis. Each student is paired with a supervisor who provides insight and orients the candidate's work. The Extended Essay is a mandatory part of the IB Diploma.

CAS

CAS is an acronym for Creativity, Action, Service, one of the three Core requirements of the Diploma Programme. CAS aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, intellectual, physical and creative challenges and awareness of themselves as responsible members of their communities.

Students are expected to engage in three areas of activities involving social or community work (Service), athletics or other physical activities (Action), and creative activities (Creativity). The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity over the two year Diploma programme is approximately 150 hours. "Hour counting”, however, is not encouraged.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course aims to encourage students to be critical thinkers and to teach students basic epistemology. The course covers at least 100 hours of teaching time and completion requires candidates to write an externally assessed TOK essay of 1200–1600 words (from a choice of ten prescribed by the IB) and present an internally assessed TOK issue to their class on their choice of topic.

Assessment

All subjects are assessed using both internal and external assessment, including final exams given worldwide in May (usually for Northern Hemisphere schools) and in November (usually for Southern Hemisphere schools). Each exam usually consists of two or three papers, generally written on the same or successive weekdays. The different papers may have different forms of questions, or they may focus on different areas of the subject syllabus. For example, chemistry Paper 1 has multiple choice questions, Paper 2 has extended response questions, and Paper 3 focuses on the 'option' topics which can vary according to the student's (or school's) preference. Re-sits for each paper (sat in the next exam session - November or May) are possible for a maximum of three times.

External assessment takes place by independent examiners appointed by the IB.

The nature of the internal assessment (IA) varies by subject. There may be oral presentations (used in languages), practical work (in experimental sciences), or written works to be done at home. Internal assessment accounts for 20 to 50 percent of the mark awarded for each subject and is marked by a teacher in the school.A sample of at least five per subject at each level will also be graded by a moderator appointed by the IB, in a process called external moderation of internal assessment.

The marks collected from the internal and external moderators are criterion referenced against IB standards. Student work submitted to IB for assessment grants IB the "non-exclusive charge-free, worldwide licence, for the duration of the statutory copyright protection, to reproduce submitted materials in any medium for assessment, educational, training and/or promotional purposes relating to the IB Organization’s activities, or to those related activities of which it approves."

Awards

The global pass rate for the IB Diploma Programme is approximately 80%.

Diploma conditions

The IB has established a list of conditions which determine whether a student has earned an IB Diploma.

Certificates

An IB Certificate reflecting the grade earned (1-7) is issued to students upon completion of each Diploma course and exam.

Special Needs

Where standard assessment conditions could put a student with special educational needs at a disadvantage, special arrangements may be authorized. The Candidates with Special Assessment Needs publication contains information regarding procedures and arrangements for students with special needs.

Recognition

Australia

In Australia, the IB Diploma Programme is taught in 59 of approximately 2,800 secondary schools.8 Although every university in Australia recognizes the IB Diploma, entry criteria often differ between universities, with some universities accepting students on their IB score alone, while others require the score to be converted using a conversion scale. In most states, this conversion scale is based on the Equivalent National Tertiary Entry Rank or 'ENTER'.

Canada

Canada has established an IB Recognition Policy Summary for Canadian Universities. As of June, 2009, there are 132 schools in Canada which offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Finland

The first school which offered IB Diploma Programme education in Finland was Helsingin Suomalainen Yhteiskoulu. The first class graduated in spring 1993. Currently 15 schools in Finland offer the IB Diploma Programme education.

France

According to the "Décret du Ministère de l'Education Nationale" (23 August 1985), the IB Diploma Programme is one of the foreign diplomas which allow students access into French universities. There are 11 schools in France which offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Germany

Germany sets certain conditions for the IB Diploma to be validated (a foreign language at minimum A2 Standard Level, Mathematics standard level minimum, and at least one Science or Mathematics at Higher Level).

Hong Kong

IB Diploma Programme students may apply to Hong Kong universities as non-JUPAS (Joint University Programmes Admissions System). JUPAS is the system enabling applications to nine tertiary institutions in Hong Kong. Currently the People's Republic of China does not formally recognize the IB Diploma Programme for university qualification.

As of June 2009, 14 schools offer the IB Diploma Programme in Hong Kong.

India

In India, the only schools which are allowed to take on the IB programme are the international schools which are privately funded. As of June, 2009, there are 59 schools in India offering the IB programme.

Iran

Only one school in Iran, the Tehran International School, is authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme. Iran's Diploma Programme for each subject area has three levels. These levels are numerically represented as level 1, 2 or 3. (1) is equivalent to an SL (Standard level) course which is considered an honors course. (2) is equivalent to HL (Higher level) courses which provide college credit with a score of 7, and (3) is called Olympiad course.

Pakistan

One school operates the IB Diploma Programme course, called The International School in Karachi. A number of Colleges and Universities recognize the IB Diploma Programme and accept students.

Peru

The IB Diploma is not considered equivalent to the national end-of-school examination scheme, usually because the IB Diploma is not as specialised, or because certain subjects are not offered. However, in Peru, various universities allow direct entrance to students who successfully completed the Diploma.There are 19 IB Diploma schools in Peru.

Russia

In Russia the IB Diploma is accepted in Universities (like MGU and MGMO), but conditions are set very high. For example, to study economics in MGU the IB student has to achieve an overall score of at least 36 points, including 6s in higher level subjects.

Singapore

In the 2008-2009 prospectus, the National University of Singapore (NUS) recognises the IB Diploma Programme as a high school qualification for Singapore universities. University requirements are as follows: 3 HL subjects with scores of 5 or better, 2 SL subjects with scores of 4 or better, and a grade of 4 or better in English A, Standard Level. There are 14 schools in Singapore that offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Spain

As of June, 2009, 46 IB schools offer the Diploma Programme in Spain. The International Preparatory Schools are ranked and recognised by the Spanish Ministry of Education and Ciencias (MEC) and all teach a minimum level of Spanish language, science, literature, geography and history. The curriculum also varies from one international school to another.

Turkey

The IB Diploma is not considered equivalent to the national end-of-school examination scheme, usually because the IB Diploma is not as specialised, or because certain subjects are not offered. There are 21 IB Diploma schools in Turkey.

United Kingdom

There are 189 schools in the UK with the IB Diploma Programme. The UCAS publish tariff tables specifically for UK University entrance for IB Diploma graduates.

United States

As of June 2009, there are 670 schools offering the IB Diploma Programme in the United States. There is no standardized recognition by universities for IB, awards for IB college credit vary. Colorado and Texas legislate recognition of the IB Diploma Programme

Footnotes

1. "What is the Diploma Programme". ibo.org. Retrieved 2009-06-14.
2. "IBO notes on university recognition". ibo.com. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |date accessed= ignored (help)
3. ^ IB School Finder "IB School Finder". {{cite web}}: Check |url= value (help); Unknown parameter |date accessed= ignored (help)
4. "Diploma Programme at a glance: What are the three core requirements?". International Baccalaureate. Retrieved 2009-06-06.
5. van Loo, Marc.The parents guide to the IB Diploma 2004. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
6. Mid-Term Report On The International Decade For A Culture Of Peace And Non-Violence For The Children Of The World (2001-2010) International Baccalaureate Organization. January 14 2005. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
7. Developing the International Baccalaureate (IB) United World Colleges. 2009. Retrieved 2009-06-30.
8. Diploma Programme, Theory of knowledge, First examinations 2008, International Baccalaureate Organization 2006
9. 45 points = 42 plus 3ibo.org. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
10. A guide to the IB Diploma Programme for universities and colleges: How to interpret IB grades and transcripts
11. What are the requirements for the IB diploma and certificate?
12. Workshops and conferencesibo.org. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
13. IB North America Diploma Programme Application Process and Fees For schools seeking to start implementation in the Fall Term of 2011 and later International Baccalaureate. Retrieved 2006-06-29
14. Annual School Fees ibo.org. Retrieved 2009-07-01.
15. http://www.ibo.org/ibna/educators/documents/DiplomaApplicationProcessandFees.pdf Diploma Application Process and Fees Retrieved 2009-07-01
16. "Diploma Programme curriculum". ibo.com. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |date accessed= ignored (help)
17. ^ "IB Diploma Programme curriculum, extended essay". International Baccalaureate Organization. Retrieved 2009-06-06. Cite error: The named reference "essay1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
18. ^ Creativity, Action, Service Guide for students graduating in 2010 and thereafter, Published March 2008 International Baccalaureate
19. Diploma Programme, Theory of knowledge, First examinations 2008, International Baccalaureate Organization 2006
20. 2008 IBO Examination Schedule Retrieved 2009-06-23.
21. ^ "Diploma Programme Assessment". Retrieved 2009-06-06.
22. Diploma Programme Assessment: Philosophy ibo.org. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
23. DP RulesVittoria. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
24. 21 Things You Should Know about the IB International Baccalaureate Organization. June 2007. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
25. http://www.abc.edu.sv/seniors/students/I.B.%20information/diploma_conditions.htm/ IB Diploma Conditions]
26. Schools' Guide to the Diploma Programme International Baccalaureate Programme. Retrieved 2009-06-29.
27. http://www.ibo.org/programmes/pd/special/documents/dpspecialassessment.pdf page 6 ibo.org Retrieved 2009-06-29
28. VTAC Notional Enter Conversion Table Accessed 30 March 30, 2008
29. http://www.edu.pe.ca/rural/IB%20website/Files/Canadian%20University%20IB%20Recognition%20Policies.pdf
30. IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME AT HELSINGIN SUOMALAINEN YHTEISKOULU Retrieved 2009-06-10
31. Finnish International Baccalaureate Society Retrieved 2009-06-10
32. Template:PDF
33. International Schools in Hong KongInternational Schools Worldwide.Retrieved 2009-06-13.
34. International Schools in Singapore International Schools Worldwide. Retrieved 2009-06-13/
35. UCAS: International Baccalaureate and Certificate Retrieved 2009-06-29.
36. http://www.fcps.edu/RobinsonSS/international-baccalaureate/PDF/apandibcollegecredit.pdf
37. 2003 State of Colorado House Bill 03-1108 requiring most public universities in the state to give a minimum of 24 college credits to any local diploma recipient
38. Section 51.968(b) of the Texas Education Code states: Each institution of higher education that offers freshman-level courses shall adopt and implement a policy to grant undergraduate course credit to entering freshman students who have successfully completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, who have achieved required scores on one or more examinations in the Advanced Placement Program or the College-Level Examination Program, or who have successfully completed one or more courses offered through concurrent enrollment in high school and at an institution of higher education.

See also

• Advanced Placement Program
• European Baccalaureate
• French Baccalaureate

External links

• The Diploma Programme at IBO's official website
• Programme overview at directgov

• International Baccalaureate schools
• International Baccalaureate