The International Baccalaureate® organization offers four educational programmes to students aged 3 to 19.
Its mission statement is “to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.” IB programmes are taught in over 150 countries worldwide and accepted by universities in the UK and overseas.
WHAT IS THE IB DIPLOMA?
It’s an internationally respected qualification for entry into higher education. A student aged 16-19 takes the 2-year IB Diploma Programme instead of A-Levels or Scottish Highers. Alternatively, they may opt for the IB Career-related Programme.
WHERE ARE THE IB WORLD SCHOOLS IN SCOTLAND?
Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan (PYP, MYP, DP)
Fettes College, Edinburgh (DP)
Lomond School, Helensburgh (DP & CP)
St Leonards School, St Andrews (All programmes
WHAT ARE THE FOUR IB PROGRAMMES?
1. Primary Years Programme (PYP) 3-12 years (Est.1997)
2. Middle Years Programme (MYP) 11-16 years (Est.1994)
3. Diploma Programme (DP) 16-19 years (Est.1968)
4. IB Career-related Programme (CP) 16-19 years (Est.2012)
WHAT DOES THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME INVOLVE?
1. Six subjects
Students choose six subjects from the following groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the
arts. Three or four subjects are taken at higher level, the rest at standard level.
NB: Instead of an arts subject, students may choose another sciences, individuals and societies, or languages subject.
2. The DP Core (3 components)
CAS (Creativity Activity Service) is demonstrated through involvement in a range of experiences and at least one project. The extended essay is an independent, self- directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. Theory of knowledge (TOK) is assessed through an exhibition and a 1,600 word essay.
HOW IS THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME ASSESSED?
IB assessment standards are the same worldwide Assessment is both internal and external. But internal assessments are externally moderated by the International Baccalaureate® Organization.
Subjects are marked out of 7 (the highest possible score). Up to 3 points are also available for Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay (grades are combined). The highest possible overall score is 45.
To achieve the IB Diploma, students must score at least 24 points and complete the DP Core. Final examinations in each subject take place in either May (northern hemisphere) or November (southern hemisphere). ■