IB Diploma Programme is a two-year learning program. The program offers a rigorous curriculum. This curriculum has been designed for the students of 16 to19th year old. This Diploma program is recognized worldwide. The main focus of this Diploma program is to develop curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students. Universities all over the world accept IB diploma programs.
The IBDP is the most suitable for students wanting to achieve higher education abroad. Students are often curious to know more about the Diploma program. In this article, you will learn all about the IB diploma program. In his article, Our IB Tutor will cover the structure of the IB Diploma Programme, subjects offered by this diploma program, assessment pattern, admission criteria, and other examination processes.
Understanding the IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme offers a balanced educational journey across different subjects. It provides six subject groups along with three core components. The focus of this program is to enable students to do research work and experiential learning. This program also inspires students to engage in community activities. Students should check regular updates about this diploma program.
IB DP subject Groups– The IB Diploma Programme has six subject groups. Students must choose one subject from each group. Students should take at least three and not more than four subjects at a higher level (HL) and the rest at a standard level (SL). The grading system is a 1 to 7 scale. The total maximum number of points is 45.
What are HL and SL in IB Diploma Programme?
There are two categories in the IB Diploma Programme subject groups. Students choose the subjects at HL based on their career planning. These subjects at the HL level need more study hours, and the difficulty level is higher than SL. For example, if you want to become an engineer, you should choose maths, Physics, and language A at the HL level and opt for the rest of the three subjects from the SL level. SL level needs fewer hours of study in comparison to HL.
HL subjects require 240 teaching hours, while SL subjects require 150. The level of difficulty in question papers is also different. HL covers more topics, so the question papers for HL exams are more challenging than those for SL exams. Universities also offer degree programs based on the subjects you have taken in HL. So, you should choose HL subjects very carefully.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
This group is about the study of language and literature. Students study literary and non-literary texts and develop analytical skills. There are options given in language and literature.
- Language A: Literature—The focus of language A literature is the detailed study of literary works by famous authors and poets. Students analyze these literary works in depth.
- Language A: language and literature—In this part, students study literary and non-literary texts together and analyze the given texts.
- Literature and performance: This language part focuses on creative performance and integrates literary analysis. Students who are interested in art and literature choose this language course.
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Language acquisition is opted by students learning a new language as their second language. This subject focuses on improving students’ proficiency in a new language. There are two options given in language acquisition-
- Language B – students who have some information about the second language and are at the intermediate level of learning opt for language B.
- Language ab initio – This second language is opted for by students who are beginners in the study of a foreign language.
IB Diploma Programme includes French, Spanish, Mandarin, German, and Japanese as the second language.
Group 3: Individuals and Society
This subject group is about humanities subjects. The subjects are human behavior, global issues, societies, the economy, and the environment. These are the subjects included in this group.
- History – This subject covers historical events, themes and perspective
- Geography -IBDP Geography focuses on global sustainability and human-environment interactions.
- Economics – IB economics is a detailed study of microeconomics and macroeconomics and their principles.
- Business management – Business management is about business ethics and market strategies.
- Global politics -Global politics deals with the conflicts that are rising globally and different political systems.
- Psychology -Students study human behavior, mental processes, and other psychological concepts in psychology.
- Environmental systems and societies – This interdisciplinary subject combines groups 3 and 4.
Group 4: Sciences
The science group promotes a scientific research-based learning approach and practical experimentation. The following subjects are available in the science group.
This group includes subjects –
1. Biology -IB biology deals with topics like living organisms, ecosystems, and genetics.
2. Chemistry – Chemistry focuses on the main topics like chemical reactions, atomic theories and concepts, etc.
3. Physics includes topics like thermodynamics, waves, electromagnetics, etc.
4. Computer Science -Computer science is about algorithms and computational thinking.
5. Environmental Systems and Societies -Environmental systems and societies are about ecological sustainability. They are an interdisciplinary subject that is also connected to the topics of group 3.
6. Sports, Exercise, Health Science-This subject includes human physiology and the science used in sports.
Group 5: Mathematics
IBO offers two Mathematics courses. These are based on students’ choice.
1. Mathematics—Analysis and Approaches (AA): This course is for students who takes interest in theoretical mathematics who love problem-solving.
2. Mathematics—Applications and Interpretation (AI): Students who believe in practical mathematics and take interest in applying mathematics in daily life choose this course.
Book A free Consultation call with an experienced IB Online Tutor to take help in subject choice.
Group 6: The Arts:
The art group includes the following subjects:
- Visual arts – Students study artistic techniques, creativity, and critical analysis in visual arts.
- Music -Music is a critical topic for the arts group, and students study the theories of music and how to compose and perform music.
- Theatre -Theatre is about acting, directing, and stage production.
- Film – Students learn more about cinematic techniques and the history of films in this subject.
- Dance -Students study choreography, performance, movement analysis, and many other dance concepts in this subject.
Students who do not wish to choose an art subject can opt for an additional subject from groups 1- 4.
The Core Components of the IB Diploma Programme
What is core?– Core subjects are added to the curriculum to broaden students’ knowledge and skills. This is a compulsory component of the IB Diploma Programme. Students should choose the topics, games, and activities according to their interests.
1. Theory of knowledge (TOK)– This is a philosophical course. Students need to apply their knowledge and understanding. They write extended essays of 1600 words and present many other oral presentations, which IBO assesses.
2. Extended essay (EE)– Extended essays are research projects done by students on a topic of their choice. Students write a 400-word essay. This enables students to become critical thinkers based on analysis and research work.
3. Creativity, activity, service (CAS)– The IB Diploma Programme also focuses on extracurricular activities like sports and community services. Students need to participate in sports of their own choice and community services. There are different points for this extracurricular part.
IB Diploma Programme Admission Process
- Eligibility criteria– Students who want to get admission to the Diploma Programme should have a strong academic background and a solid foundation in subjects like Mathematics, Science, and languages.
- Students should have good knowledge of how to speak English. Those who are non-native speakers should have a certificate in IELTS and TOEFL.
- Students have to face the interview along with a writing test.
IB DP Examination and Assessment Pattern
Internal assessment (IA)– 20-30% of the whole syllabus is part of internal assessment. It includes oral presentations, essays, practicals, and research projects. Students need to prepare for the internal assessment with the same interest because these internal assessment marks play a vital role in getting a grade of 7.
External assessment:– 80% of the syllabus is included in the external assessment, and adequately written examinations are conducted in May in the Northern Hemisphere and November in the Southern Hemisphere.
The IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is assessed through both internal and external components: the TOK exhibition is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB, while the TOK essay is externally assessed by IB Examiners
Grading System And Diploma Requirements
- Students get the grades on a scale of 1-7.
- The Highest score is 45 points, including three bonus points from TOK and EE.
- Students should score at least 24 points to get the certificate of Diploma Programme.
Main Highlights of The IB Diploma Programme
1. Global recognition: It is globally recognized, and universities worldwide give preference to the students of the IB Diploma Programme. Students get admission to top universities because of having a certificate in the IB diploma program
2. Holistic learning approach: The Diploma Programme focuses on the holistic approach to education. This program improves students’ overall academic, emotional, or social development. The program’s overarching objective is to prepare world citizens ready to show their concern about global issues. Students also participate in experience learning by participating in the activities of CAS (Creativity, activities, service), and they develop their social responsibilities as good citizens.
3. Critical thinking and research development: It enables students to face challenges and deep-dive into research work. Students develop critical thinking and try to find the reason for their questions. This curious attitude inspires them to create a research approach to learning. Students investigate and try to solve the problem on their own under the guidance of their teachers. Internal assessments of all the subjects inspire students to become independent investigators.
4. College credits and scholarships: Students get scholarships if they are meritorious and want financial aid.
Conclusion:
The IBDP is famous for its educational experience and curriculum. Its curriculum touches on all aspects of students’ learning and the growth of their personalities. It provides a strong academic, improves students’ research approach, and works on holistic development. Students develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and awareness of burning issues. The IBDP aims to prepare excellent leaders and committed citizens who can contribute meaningfully to society. IB also inculcates a competitive spirit in students where students are ready to grab any opportunity. Know more about IBDP course?. Book a free Online IB Tutoring session with expert teachers at IB Elite Tutor.
Note: Kindly visit IBO Official website for any mismatch in the information
