Everything To Know About International Baccalaureate (IB)

We have covered several international schools, especially in Italy. And most of the schools have an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. And you might be curious about it. Today, we will talk about the IB program, which remains a vital aspect of the educational framework in most international schools. And, if you’re planning to send your child to an international school, you should stick around and read whatever has been written here.

Here is everything you need to know about International Baccalaureate (IB):

A Brief Overview

Let’s give you a head start. An IB program is a globally recognized program for schools. It basically is an international school curriculum aimed at nurturing the all-round development of students. Its expanse is wide and ever-growing and comprises more than 5,600 schools across 150+ countries.

When we say IB program, we are talking about an umbrella term, as there are several IB programs for students between 3 and 19. To participate in any of the programs, it is mandatory that you go to any of the IB-recognized schools in any part of the world.

Four IB programs

In the previous point, I mentioned that there are many IB programs. Those are:

• • Primary Years Programme (PYP): This program is applicable to students between the ages of 3 and 12. Six transdisciplinary themes form the core of academics.
  • Middle Years Programme (MYP): Spanning five years, the program prepares middle school and junior high school students between the ages of 11 and 16 for the ultimate IB Diploma Programme. Focus on research and practical assignment is increased.
  • Diploma Programme (DP): This is a two-year program for senior high school students aged between 16 and 19. The program focuses on six academic subject groups and a variety of areas under the DP core. The DP core includes writing an extended essay and participating in extracurricular.
  • Career-related programs: It is aimed at training students for their potential careers in the future. The program often leads to higher education or employment.

IB Subject groups

For a better understanding, let us give an idea of the various subject groups which form a part of the program in general.

• • Group 1 comprises language and literature
  • Group 2 is about language acquisition, especially acquiring proficiency in a second language
  • Group 3 is about individuals and societies and includes history, politics, philosophy, and information technology
  • Group 4 is the Sciences Group
  • Group 5 focuses on Mathematics
  • Group 6 covers Arts and includes Dance, Theater, and Visual art.
  • DP Core has three components: Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS)

The IB Organization

We can’t miss talking about the organization that governs the program. The IB is a non-profit organization headquartered in Geneva. It maintains three regional centers, namely IB Africa, Europe and Middle East (IBAEM), IB Americas (IBA), and IB Asia-Pacific.

The purpose of the IB is to create, curate, and sell its products and services to schools. When schools purchase from its inventory, they get access to the brand, the associations that come with it, the publications, and whatnot. Being an IB school means being a credible educational institution.

Why IB schools are popular

All IB schools are recognized internationally. Their curriculum is common, with few variations. This means that families, students, and the world beyond know what education standards are being practiced at school.

Moreover, colleges and universities find it easier to screen IB school graduates as they know the curriculum. For some institutions, passing the IB Diploma Programme is sufficient to award college credit.

Overall, IB education is well-respected in the global schooling world and grants an elite status to the school and its students. But merit is also there as the highest of the educational standards are maintained in these schools.

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