International Baccalaureate (IB) is the name of the diploma program (an alternative to A Levels for students between the ages of 16-18) taught in English in an International setting. Many schools in the world accept the IB diploma program because they don’t require any specific preparations. To study in some of the most prestigious schools in the world, the IB diploma program provides the means to raise people who think critically, are curious, eager to learn, and are socially conscious. To take part in a world that strives for more peaceful coexistence, the IB program works closely to develop intercultural skills and mutual respect. Other essential ingredients also include challenging programs for international character development by choosing to partner with schools, governments, and international institutions. If this sounds interesting to you, let’s look at how the International Baccalaureate (IB) course works!
International Baccalaureate (IB): What And How It Works (10 Key Points)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) and the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Program (IBCP) are international high school diplomas that prepare students for English-speaking colleges and universities.
FAQs about International Baccalaureate (IB)
How do I get an International Baccalaureate (IB)?
The IB (International baccalaureate) diploma is a two-year academic program open to students aged 16 to 19. Students who successfully complete the program and its requirements receive an IB diploma. A diploma is an important identity document for college applications and other purposes. The IB diploma program requires students to take courses in six subject areas and pass exams.
Why Choose the IB Programme?
For students who dream of university abroad after high school education, IB diploma programs reach their goals more easily. Students develop their academic and language skills by receiving education in accordance with the international curriculum.
In addition to clearing IB diploma subjects, there are three other main requirements. The first requires students to write a long essay based on independent research. Second, it requires students to take a Theory of Knowledge course. This course covers critical thinking and epistemology. Third, it requires the student to participate in a number of extracurricular activities.
What are the Advantages of IB (International Baccalaureate)?
The IB program, which offers the student the advantage of having a modern life view and a universal culture, as well as having an internationally valid diploma. It also provides students with privileges to enter successful universities in countries such as the USA, UK, Germany, Canada, and Australia.
From a broad perspective, obtaining an IB diploma opens up a window of opportunity for students and with the advantages mentioned above, it is clear that the program is much better than others.
What Does the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma provide?
With the IB diploma program, students are able to enter the world’s leading and prestigious universities on an international scale by learning the following subjects:
- language and literature,
- language acquisition,
- individuals and societies,
- experimental sciences,
- mathematics,
- computer science,
- arts
With individual IB scores, students can enter universities abroad.
Which countries accept the IB Diploma?
Today, IB is accepted by the USA, Canada, England and many European and Australian Universities.
Is the IB diploma program only for students who want to study abroad?
The program is not only preferred by students who want to study abroad. Many IB students prefer the program because they are aware of the benefits of the program and they gain successful and prestigious universities in their own country!
10 Things To Know About International Baccalaureate (IB)
We can say that IB programs develop the inclusive skills of independent learning, develop students into intellectually versatile people and develop critical thinking at a young age. Let’s look at these 10 factors which prove that point.
1. HISTORY:
International Baccalaureate (IB), an internationally qualified education program that was first implemented in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968 has been accepted worldwide since its establishment and has been prepared for students aged 16-19.
2. VALUE:
Because in the world’s most demanded schools, the value of the IB program is revealed only with the completed diploma score. Individual IB scores must be high for the best and most prestigious universities in the world, such as Oxford, Cambridge, Yale, and Harvard.
3. DURATION:
It is a two-year pre-university education. About 130,000 students graduate with an IB degree each year from schools around the world. Participants usually start in 11th grade and complete the program with the IB final exams in 12th grade in May.
4. DIFFICULTY:
Thanks to the curriculum developed within the framework drawn with universal values, this system, which is a preparation for students who will carry out their university education in a different country, is known as an academically challenging program.
5. PROCESS and EDUCATION PROGRAM:
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program consists of 6 course groups. Students can freely choose from group lessons. Three of these selected courses must be “High Level” and the rest must be “Standard Level”. A maximum of seven points can be obtained per subject, which means a total of 42 points. An additional three points are awarded for meeting the requirements for the three mandatory components: Theory of Information, Extended Essay, and CAS.
In conclusion we can say that the maximum number of points for the IB Diploma is 45; the minimum is 24.
In this education system, which has numerous advantages, the curriculum is prepared within six subgroups. In the first group, literature education in the mother tongue, in the second group a different language and education related to the literature of that language, business, economics and philosophy courses in the third group, natural sciences in the fourth group, standard and advanced mathematics in the fifth group, and elective courses in the sixth group according to the request of the student’s selected courses. In addition to the theoretical courses, students are asked to complete a thesis, a theory of knowledge and a creativity service.
6. IB TEACHER + CURRICULAM:
In the IB program, each IB student is assigned a personal academic teacher from the start. This trainer will oversee their performance over the past two years and provide individual support. High academic achievement and continued learning progress are common goals that can be achieved through regular monitoring and appropriate curriculum.
The teacher and student meet every two weeks to plan the next weeks together and reflect on the previous weeks. Through discussions and instructor guidance, each individual receives the personal support they need to define and achieve their academic goals. In addition, our instructors know exactly what is expected in each subject and can practically guide them to meet these expectations. Especially for new students, this is an excellent orientation and support during the entry phase.
7. SKILLS (PERSONAL + PROFESSIONAL):
In this subject, students focus on personal development and social skills. Five topics titled “Personal Development”, “Intercultural Understanding”, “Effective Communication” and “Learning Processes” promote social competence and prepare students to think and communicate in global contexts.
8. SERVICE EDUCATION:
For this class, students choose a project that fulfills a local need. This project is defined, prepared and implemented, and ultimately reflected, with the support of a teacher. Through their services, students learn to be involved and play their role in society.
9. LANGUAGE SKILLS AND DEVELOPMENT:
The subject of Language Development involves learning a new language and culture, but does not replace the language chosen for the IB Diploma. The primary goal is not fluency, but connecting with a new culture, for example, by mastering some key signs of the Chinese language and exploring Chinese culture.
10. REFLECTION PROJECT:
For the “Reflective Project” students engage in depth with their main topic, namely, a chosen “ethical dilemma” related to work. You can solve this dilemma in either a 3000 word essay or a shorter article; They analyze (1500-2000 words) by combining them with another format such as an interview, film or oral presentation.