What is International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, commonly referred to as IB DP, is a programme which is open to all students aged 16 to 19. For several decades, this programme has been providing children with a structured curriculum which allows them to excel academically whilst simultaneously encouraging them to grow on a personal level. Throughout its curriculum, children complete coursework which focuses on intellectual development and ethical training, as well as physical activity , creativity and service.

IB DP offers the chance for students to think for themselves and be responsible for their learning. The programme teaches students to make links between the real world and their studies. It gives them an opportunity to cover a range of topics and subjects and learn through a range of formats. It also encourages students to think about what they want to do in the future since they are able to choose topics that will support them in their future career of choice.

Subject Areas that IB DP Schools Can Offer

● Language and literature studies

● Individuals and societies

● Language acquisition

● The arts

● Sciences

● Mathematics

Within these core subject areas, there are a variety of course offerings. Students, as well as their administrators and educators, can select the courses which work best for both their individual and community needs. This allows each IB DP school to create a framework which is personalised for their facility.

Additional Components of the IB DP

In addition to the core subject areas, there are three additional components of the IB DP which add an extra depth to the individual child’s learning experience. These components include:

● Theory of Knowledge (TOK) — This component requires students to consider the topic of knowledge itself, and to examine how they know and understand that topic. It teaches them to delve deeper into finding out the roots of knowledge, ask questions and reflect on their understanding . It teaches them to ask the ‘why’ and ‘how’, giving context to answers. The ToK encourages students to discuss their beliefs and gain greater awareness of their personal opinions and assumptions. It also helps them to understand others’ perspectives and how  diversity can influence perspectives.

● Extended Essay — This component requires students to complete a 4,000-word paper. It is a self-directed research project which is designed to prepare them for future educational and professional environments. It allows them to take ownership of their work, complete research on their topic and expand their knowledge. It also teaches them the importance of planning and analysis alongside experiencing what it is like to undertake larger scale essays. IB DP teachers support students in making an informed decision about what they choose to work on.

● Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS) — This component requires children to complete a community project which relates to the concepts of creativity, activity and service. It helps to bring out their creative side and put theory into practice. The three aspects of CAS are often interwoven with particular experiences which could include artwork, creative thinking, voluntary work and physical exercise. Students are challenged to demonstrate perseverance, show initiative and develop skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, teamwork and decision making.

We feel that IB DP is an ideal platform for our secondary school children, who will need to push and challenge themselves in order to thrive in a global economy. Fundamentally, IB DP is a window to the world as its score assessments are accepted at universities and colleges globally. For more information about the IB DP experience at OWIS, contact us today.

(This blog was originally written in collaboration with Ms Saumya Pandey, former Senior Coordinator – IB DP, OWIS Nanyang.)

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