The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Programme is an academic and experiential program for highly motivated high school students, which links the culture of the local school with a world-wide community. Founded in 1968, the International Baccalaureate Organization, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a non-profit educational organization which provides courses and examinations leading to the diploma known as the International Baccalaureate Diploma. The program was originally developed to ensure that children of career diplomats and international corporate executives would have access to a quality, integrated education; one that would be recognized by educational institutions world-wide. Over 2,100 member schools in 125 countries participate. There are over 500 programs in the United States.
Curriculum
The IB programme will be open to any student interested in personal accomplishment and having the desire to work toward his or her personal best. While students may decide as early as their freshman year to participate, the actual decision to follow an IB path is made in January of the sophomore year.
The comprehensive curriculum selects elements from the educational systems of many countries and provides students from differing cultural, economic and social backgrounds with the knowledge, critical thinking skills, and international awareness necessary for living in a global community. The IB Programme requires Diploma Candidates to take specific courses in 6 subjects:
1. Language A (English)
2. Language B (French or Spanish)
3. Study of Individual and Societies
4. Experimental Sciences
5. Mathematics
6. Arts and Electives
The Diploma Programme is taken during the 11th and 12th grades and involves completing a series of six examinations divided into two exam groups: Higher Level and Standard Level. The program also requires students complete: (1) a two year inter-disciplinary course, Theory of Knowledge, which explores the relationships of the various disciplines to one another and life experiences; (2) an Extended Essay of 4,000 words requiring independent research; and (3) participation in creative, action, and service activities such as senior project or a high school internship.
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