The IB

Diploma
Program
me
Education for a better
world
The Diploma Programme: Preparing students for success in higher
education and to be active participants in a global society
What is an IB education? understanding in language and literature, individuals and
societies, the sciences and mathematics.
The IB continuum of international education for students aged 3 Furthermore, students must also choose either an arts course
to 19 years old is unique because of its academic and personal from the arts group or a second course from one of the other
rigour. We challenge students to excel in their studies and in subject groups. DP courses can be taken at higher level (HL) or
their personal development. We aim to inspire a love of learning standard level (SL). At least three, and not more than four, are
throughout life that is marked by enthusiasm and empathy. The taken at HL (240 teaching hours), while the remaining
IB aspires to help schools develop well-rounded students who
respond to challenges with optimism and an open mind, are
confident in their own identities, make ethical decisions, join with
others in celebrating our common humanity and are prepared to
apply what they learn in real-world, complex and unpredictable
situations.

Approaches to teaching and learning

IB programmes are taught by teachers who explicitly help
students learn how to develop the attitudes and skills they need
for both academic and personal success.
Approaches to teaching
There are six key pedagogical principles that underpin all IB
programmes. Teaching in IB programmes is:
• based on inquiry
• focused on conceptual understanding
• developed in local and global contexts
• focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
• differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
• informed by assessment (formative and summative).
Approaches to learning
This area develops essential skills that include skills of behaviour
and emotional management, skills that allow the student to
monitor their own effectiveness in their learning and skills that
allow them to process information effectively (often called
“study skills” in a school environment). Although these skills may
be in use when developing a certain natural ability or talent, they
are different from both ability and talent themselves because
proficiency in any skill can be increased through the deliberate
use of techniques and strategies, feedback and challenge. Skills
are therefore highly teachable.
Teaching and learning in the Diploma Programme (DP)
therefore incorporates the development of:
• thinking skills
• communication skills
• social skills
• self-management skills
• research skills.
Although these are presented as distinct categories, there is
some overlap and close connections between them. These
categories should be seen as interrelated, as well as linking closely
with the attributes highlighted in the IB
learner profile. IB students work to become inquirers, knowledgeable,
thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-
takers, balanced and reflective.

What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and
balanced programme of education, with final examinations, that
prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in
life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual,
social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The
programme has gained recognition and respect from the
world’s leading universities.

The curriculum
DP students must choose one course from each of five
subject groups delivering a breadth of knowledge and
courses are taken at SL (150 teaching hours). SL courses the implementation and impact of IB programmes, and
ensure students are exposed to a range of disciplines that programme development research, which supports the
they might otherwise opt out of, and HL courses allow development review of all programme curriculum and
students to spend more time with subjects they are more pedagogy. Research conducted both by the IB and external
interested in by exploring options in addition to the SL core bodies show the DP curriculum and assessment compares
curriculum. In this sense, all DP courses, regardless of whether favourably to other qualifications. To review latest research on
they are SL or HL, are integral to the programme. Students can the DP visit www.ibo.org/research.
study and take examinations in English, French or Spanish. Two
courses are classified as interdisciplinary, meaning that they
satisfy the requirements of more than one subject group.
•Literature and performance (studies in language and literature
subject group and the arts subject group)
•Environmental systems and societies (individuals and societies
subject group and sciences subject group)
In addition to disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, the DP
features three core elements that broaden students’ educational
experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and
skills.

The Diploma Programme core

The extended essay (EE) requires students to engage in
independent research through an in-depth study of a
question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying.
The world studies EE option allows students to focus on a topic
of global significance, which they examine through the lens of
at least two DP subjects.
Theory of knowledge (TOK) develops a coherent
approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In
this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature
of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a
human construction.
Creativity, activity, service (CAS) emphasizes helping
students to develop their own identities in accordance
with the ethical principles embodied
in the IB mission statement and the IB learner profile. CAS
complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic
way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration,
accomplishment and enjoyment. It involves students in a range
of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the DP.
The three strands of CAS are creativity (exploring and extending
ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance),
activity (physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle) and
service (collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the
community in response to an authentic need).

Assessment
Students take written examinations at the end of the
programme, which are marked by external IB examiners.
Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which
are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by
external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The
grades awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7
(highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional
points for their combined results on TOK and the EE. The
diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points,
subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the
whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the CAS
requirement. The highest total that a DP student can be
awarded is 45 points. Assessment is criterion-related, which
means student performance is measured against specified
assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each
subject’s curriculum, rather than the performance of other students
taking the same examinations.

Research
Whether conducted in collaboration with the IB or
independently, research generally suggests that an IB
education has a positive impact on schools, students and
teachers. Research plays a central role in the development,
quality assurance and assessment of impact of the IB
programmes and services. The IB conducts research in two
key areas: programme impact research, which investigates
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Diploma Programme subject groups Sciences

Studies in language and literature - Biology
- Language A: literature—55 languages offered - Chemistry
- Language A: language and literature—17 languages - Computer science
offered - Design technology
- Literature and performance (SL only) (also the arts subject - Environmental systems and societies (SL only) (also
group)— 3 languages offered individuals and societies subject group)
Language acquisition - Physics
- Language B—23 languages offered - Sports, exercise and health science (SL only)
- Language ab initio (SL only)—12 languages offered Mathematics
- Classical languages—2 languages offered - Further mathematics HL
Individuals and societies - Mathematical studies SL
- Mathematics SL
- Business management
- Mathematics HL
- Economics
The arts
- Environmental systems and societies (SL only) (also
sciences subject group) - Dance
- Geography - Film
- Global politics - Literature and performance (also studies in
language and literature subject group)
- History
- Music
- Information technology in a global society - Theatre
- Philosophy - Visual arts
- Psychology
- Social and cultural anthropology Diploma Programme courses online
- World religions (SL only) Students can enroll in a range of authorized DP courses
online offered via their IB World School.
Perceptions of university officials
What do university admission officials and IB graduates say about the DP?

“It’s the most secure foundation available for successful college graduation.”
Jonathan Burdick, Dean of College Admission, University of Rochester, USA

“This is an invaluable experience for a liberal arts education that emphasizes critical thinking.”
Madhavi Menon, Director, Center for Studies in Gender and Sexuality and Professor
of English, Ashoka University, Harayana, India

“When I entered my new college environment, my experience in IB gave me

the foresight to understand the power of hard work and pushing
through difficulty.”
Alumnus Rachon Sweiss received his IB diploma from Granada Hills Charter High School in 2015.

“Learning in an IB environment involves critical thinking and depth of

understanding, skills that are invaluable to making informed decisions in
higher education and the workplace.”
–Alumnus Byron Dolon received his IB diploma from the Shanghai American School, China.

The IB mission statement

The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better
and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. To this end, the organization works with schools,
governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous
assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners
who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.

Learn more about the process of becoming an IB World School at www.ibo.org/become or email ibid@ibo.org.

• Become an IB student • Teach at an IB World School • Become an IB World School • Volunteer or work for

the IB Support our mission and join the IB community at www.ibo.org

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