What Is The International Baccalaureate (IB Program)?

Due to its effectiveness, the IB program is implemented in many schools throughout the world, and has helped nearly a million students since its inception. There are numerous benefits to participating in this program, as its purpose is to fully develop a students full potential. A challenging and curriculum that is focused on intercultural learning and development, the IB program has teaches many of the worlds brightest young minds.

Overview of the International Baccalaureate

1. Six subject areas
2. One course from each area is taken
3. Three core requirements (Theory of Knowledge course, Extended Essay, and CAS activities
4. Courses are graded on a point scale (a minimum of twenty four is needed to receive a diploma)
5. Two year curriculum

While enrolled in the IB program, students will be subject to six different courses, each of which will be selected from a subject area. These include Language/literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts. The goal is to provide students with a wealth of knowledge that they can utilize in real world applications. The program is meant to construct well-rounded citizens that will make a difference in their communities.

What makes the IB program one of the most difficult college preparatory programs is the mandatory completion of three additional core requirements. These are the Theory of Knowledge course, an Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) activities. Students must complete these core requirements satisfactorily along with their other six courses. The Theory of Knowledge course is an interdisciplinary one that is meant to challenge a students ability to cross-connect their knowledge. Students must be able to answer questions relevant to the subject areas as a whole, not just as individual components.

For the Extended Essay, students must write on a subject topic in a course of their choosing. This is considered a specialty component and is meant to prepare students for research work at the university level. CAS activities are a core requirement, because they evaluate a students ability to apply classroom knowledge in the real world. A minimum of 150 participation hours must be completed in addition to their coursework.

Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate programs gives students a wealth of opportunities, which include college scholarships and grant opportunities. The acceptance rate for IB students is much higher than students that do not participate in the course as well. Ultimately, this program is in place to instill students with a passion for learning that they can take with them long after their college years.

There is no better way for students to prepare for a successful future then by participating in college prep courses. These courses facilitate the transition to higher learning, and are designed to give students the tools they need to succeed in life. Perhaps one of the most renowned of these is the International Baccalaureate (IB program).