IB Diploma Programme: Difference between revisions

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{{International Baccalaureate}}

The '''International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme''' ('''IBDP''') is a two-year [[Curriculum|educational programme]] primarily aimed at 16-to-19-year-olds in 140 countries around the world. The programme provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and is recognized by many universities worldwide. It was developed in the early-to-mid-1960s in [[Geneva|Geneva]], Switzerland]], by a group of international educators. After a six-year pilot programme that ended in 1975, a bilingual diploma was established.

Administered by the [[International Baccalaureate]] (IB), the IBDP is taught in schools in over 140 countries, in one of five languages: Chinese, English, French, German, or Spanish.<ref>[https://www.ibo.org/globalassets/new-structure/programmes/dp/pdfs/diploma-programme-final-statistical-bulletin-may-2021-assessment-session..pdf Diploma Programme Final Statistical Bulletin May 2021]</ref> To offer the IB diploma, schools must be certified as an IB school. IBDP students complete assessments in six subjects, traditionally one from each of the 6 [[#Subject groups|subject groups]] (although students may choose to forgo a group 6 subject such as Art or music, instead choosing an additional subject from one of the other groups). In addition, they must fulfill the [[#Core requirements and subject groups|three core requirements]], namely CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service), TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and the EE (Extended Essay). Students are evaluated using both internal and external assessments, and courses finish with an externally assessed series of examinations, usually consisting of two or three timed written tests. Internal assessment varies by subject: there may be oral presentations, practical work, or written work. In most cases, these are initially graded by the classroom teacher, whose grades are then verified or modified, as necessary, by an appointed external moderator.

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In 1980, responding to criticism that the "internationalism" was Eurocentric, the IB hosted a seminar in [[Singapore]] with the goal of incorporating Asian culture and education into the IB curriculum. In 1982, the Standing Conference of Heads of IB Schools took steps to modify the Eurocentrism in the curriculum. The same year, the Japanese government hosted a science conference for IBO "as a token of Japanese interest in the various dimensions of the IB".<ref name="Fox65-75"/>

<ref>{{Cite web |title=2025 Latest 100+ IB Extended Essay Ideas of All Subjects |url=https://tychr.com/100-ib-extended-essay-ideas-new-ideas-for-ib-extended-essay/}}</ref>From the start, all subjects of the IB Diploma Programme were available in English and French, and it was mandatory for all students to study both a first and a second language.<ref name="HIll p. 27 et. seq">HIll p. 27 et. seq.</ref> In 1974, bilingual diplomas were introduced that allowed students to take one or more of their humanities or science subjects in a language other than their first. The IB Diploma Programme subjects became available in Spanish in 1983.<ref name="HIll p. 27 et. seq"/>

==Core requirements and subject groups==

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To be awarded an IB diploma, candidates must fulfill three core requirements, in addition to passing their subject examinations:<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/ |title=Diploma Programme curriculum, core requirements |access-date=7 June 2010 |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100615185026/http://ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/ |archive-date=15 June 2010}}</ref>

*Extended essay (EE). Candidates must write an independent research essay of up to 4,000 words<ref name="essay1">{{cite web |url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/index.cfm |title=Diploma Programme curriculum, extended essay |access-date=6 June 2009 |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831040111/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/core/essay/index.cfm |archive-date=31 August 2009 |url-status=dead }}</ref> in a subject from the list of approved EE subjects.<ref name="Schools p. 9">[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 5.</ref> The candidate may choose to [https://tychr.com/100-ib-extended-essay-ideas-new-ideas-for-ib-extended-essay/ investigate a topic within a subject]<ref>{{Cite web |title=100+ Best IB Extended Essay Topics for All Subjects in 2025 |url=https://tychr.com/100-ib-extended-essay-ideas-new-ideas-for-ib-extended-essay/}}</ref> they are currently studying, although this is not required.<ref name=autogenerated2>[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 9.</ref> The EE may be written on an interdisciplinary topic.<ref name=autogenerated1>[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 6.</ref>

*[[Theory of knowledge (IB course)|Theory of knowledge]] (TOK). This course introduces students to theories about the nature and limitations of knowledge (basic [[epistemology]]) and provides practice in determining the meaning and validity of knowledge ([[critical thinking]]). It is claimed to be a "flagship element" of the Diploma Programme, and is the one course that all diploma candidates are required to take. TOK requires 100 hours of instruction, the completion of an externally assessed essay of 1600 words (from a choice of six titles prescribed by the IB worth 67%), and an internally assessed exhibition or presentation (worth 33%) on the candidate's chosen topic.<ref name="TOK_Guide">{{cite book |title=Theory of knowledge guide (first examinations 2008) |publisher=[[International Baccalaureate]] |date=March 2006}}</ref>

*[[Creativity, activity, service]] (CAS). CAS aims to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, self-reflection, intellectual, physical and creative challenges, and awareness of themselves as responsible members of their communities<ref name="CASguide">Creativity, action, service Guide for students graduating in 2010 and thereafter, Published March 2008 International Baccalaureate</ref> through participation in social or community work (service), athletics or other physical activities (activity), and creative activities (creativity). The guideline for the minimum amount of CAS activity over the two-year programme is approximately 3–4 hours per week, though "hour counting" is not encouraged. Previously, there was a requirement that 150 CAS hours be completed, but this was abolished in 2010. However, some schools still require these hours.<ref name="CASguide" />

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*[[IB Group 1 subjects|Group 1: Studies in language and literature]]. Taken at either SL or HL, this is generally the student's native [[language]], with over 80 languages available.<ref name="Schools p. 10">[[#refSchoolGuideDP2002|Schools' Guide to IBDP]], p. 10.</ref> As of courses starting in summer 2011, there are two options for Language A (previously A1): Literature, which is very similar to the old course, and Language and Literature, a slightly more challenging adaptation of the former Group 2 Language A2 subjects, which have been withdrawn. The interdisciplinary subject [[IB Group 1 subjects#Literature and performance|literature and performance]] can also be taken at SL.

*[[IB Group 2 subjects|Group 2: Language acquisition]]. An additional language, taken at the following levels: [[IB Group 2 subjects#Language B SL and HL|Language B (SL or HL)]], or [[IB Group 2 subjects#Language ab initio SL|Language ab initio (SL only)]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group2/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 2, Second Language|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=3 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090722210036/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group2/|archive-date=22 July 2009}}</ref> Language B courses are meant for students with some prior experience in the language, while Language ab initio is meant to be taken by pupils who are complete beginners, with almost no experience. <ref>{{Cite web |date=2014-08-28 |title=Diploma language acquisition |url=https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/curriculum/language-acquisition/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=International Baccalaureate® |language=en}}</ref> Latin and Classical Greek are also offered and may be taken at SL or HL.<ref name="Schools p. 10"/> Following the replacement of the Language A2 option with the Group 1 Language and Literature offering for courses starting in summer 2011, the Language B syllabus was changed: the coursework is now more rigorous, and at HL, there is the compulsory study of two works of literature (although this is for comprehension rather than analysis and is only assessed through coursework). In addition, B SL students can study one of the texts as a replacement for the optional topics. Students may choose to take an additional Group 1 course in place of a Group 2 course.<ref>>{{cite web|url=https://www.ibo.org/about-the-ib/what-it-means-to-be-an-ib-student/recognizing-student-achievement/about-assessment/dp-passing-criteria/|title=

DP passing criteria|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=2025-07-07}}</ref>

*[[IB Group 3 subjects|Group 3: Individuals and societies]]. Humanities and social sciences courses offered at both SL and HL: Business Management, [[IB Group 3 subjects#Economics SL & HL|Economics]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Geography SL .26 HL|Geography]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#History SL .26 HL|History]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Information technology in a global society (ITGS) SL & HL|Information Technology in a Global Society (ITGS)]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Philosophy SL .26 HL|Philosophy]], [[IB Group 3 subjects#Psychology SL .26 HL|Psychology]], and [[Social anthropology|Social]] and [[cultural anthropology|Cultural Anthropology]] and Global Politics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 3, Individuals and societies|publisher=ibo.org|access-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203040730/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group3/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> The course [[World religions|World Religions]] is offered at SL and the interdisciplinary course [[IB Group 4 subjects#Environmental systems and societies|Environmental Systems and Societies]] is offered at SL or HL.

*[[IB Group 4 subjects|Group 4: Experimental sciences]]. Five courses are offered at both SL and HL: [[IB Group 4 subjects#Chemistry|chemistry]], [[IB Group 4 subjects#Biology|biology]], [[IB Group 4 subjects#Physics|physics]], [[Design and Technology#International Baccalaureate|design technology]] and [[IB Group 4 subjects#Computer science|computer science]]. The course [[IB Group 4 subjects#Sport.2C exercise and health science|Sport, Exercise and Health Science]] is offered at both SL and HL. The interdisciplinary course Nature of Science is offered at SL only, while [[IB Group 4 subjects#Environmental systems and societies|Environmental Systems and Societies]] is offered at SL or HL.

*[[IB Group 5 subjects|Group 5: Mathematics]]. All students hoping to graduate with an IB Diploma must take a math class, with courses available at different levels and with different focus. There are two distinct IB Math courses, both available at standard or higher level: ''Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches,'' with an emphasis on algebraic methods, calculus, and mathematical thinking, and ''Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation'', with an emphasis on modelling and statistics, and with a focus on using technology to solve problems with real-world applications. These curricula were introduced in major changes in 2019 and 2021'','' replacing the previous curricula with a new structure. Under the 2019 course changes, Further Mathematics were dropped entirely.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/latest-curriculum-updates/mathematics-curriculum-changes/|title=Mathematics curriculum changes|website=International Baccalaureate®|language=en|access-date=2019-05-24|archive-date=24 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190524035047/https://www.ibo.org/university-admission/recognition-of-the-ib-diploma-by-countries-and-universities/latest-curriculum-updates/mathematics-curriculum-changes/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Finding the best fit: New DP mathematics courses |url=https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2019/06/20/mathematics-subject-breakdown/ |website=The IB Community Blog |publisher=ibo.org |access-date=6 July 2020 |archive-date=12 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112003050/https://blogs.ibo.org/blog/2019/06/20/mathematics-subject-breakdown/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brading |first=Gareth |title=Exploring the changes to the DP Mathematics course structure : Secondary: Oxford University Press |url=https://global.oup.com/education/content/secondary/key-issues/new-ib-dp-mathematics-syllabus/ |access-date=2022-04-14 |website=global.oup.com |language=en}}</ref> Before 2019, of increasing difficulty, the courses offered were [[IB Group 5 subjects#Mathematical Studies SL|Mathematical Studies SL]], [[IB Group 5 subjects#Mathematics SL and HL|Mathematics SL and HL]], and [[IB Group 5 subjects#Further Mathematics HL|Further Mathematics HL]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=IB Further Mathematics Subject Guide |url=https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/registrar/resources/international-baccalaureate/IB-Further-Mathematics.pdf |access-date=2023-11-10 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190729084755/https://www.cuny.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/page-assets/about/administration/offices/registrar/resources/international-baccalaureate/IB-Further-Mathematics.pdf |archive-date=29 July 2019 }}</ref> The [[IB Group 5 subjects#Computer science SL and HL|computer science]] elective courses were moved to Group 4 as a full course from first examinations in 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group5/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 5, Mathematics and Computer Science|publisher=ibo.com|access-date=3 July 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090721222925/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group5/|archive-date=21 July 2009}}</ref>

*[[IB Group 6 subjects|Group 6: The arts]]. There are five Courses offered at both SL and HL: [[Dance]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Music SL & HL|Music]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Theater SL and HL|Theatre]], [[IB Group 6 subjects#Visual Arts SL & HL|Visual Arts]], and [[IB Group 6 subjects#Film SL and HL|Film]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|title=Diploma Programme curriculum: Group 6, The Arts|publisher=ibo.com|access-date=1 December 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203034850/http://www.ibo.org/diploma/curriculum/group6/|archive-date=3 December 2013}}</ref> Instead of taking a Group 6 course, students may choose to take an additional course from Groups 1–4, or a school-based syllabus course approved by IB.<ref name="Schools p. 11"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/|title=Resources for Universities and Applicants in the US and Canada|work=ibo.org|access-date=21 August 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918220605/http://www.ibo.org/ibna/ibnarecognition/diplomaprogrammeinformation/|archive-date=18 September 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref> The interdisciplinary subject [[IB Group 1 subjects#Literature and performance|literature and performance]] is also offered, although currently only at SL.

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In the United Kingdom, the IBDP is "regarded as more academically challenging but broader than three or four [[A-level (United Kingdom)|A-levels]]", according to an article in ''[[The Guardian]]''.<ref name="guardian-2009-02-10" /> In 2006, government ministers provided funding so that "every local authority in England could have at least one centre offering [[sixth-formers]] the chance to do the IB".<ref name="guardian-2009-02-10" />

In the United States, criticism of the IBDP has centered on the vague claim that it is anti-American, according to parents anonymously quoted in ''[[The New York Times]]'', who objected to the program's funding from [[UNESCO]] in its early years. The base cost is considered to be higher than other programs.<ref name="Lewin">{{cite news |title=International Program Catches on in US Schools |first=Tamar |last=Lewin |newspaper=The New York Times |date=2 July 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/education/03baccalaureate.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1 |access-date=5 July 2010 |archive-date=8 December 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111208040307/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/03/education/03baccalaureate.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2012, the school board in [[Coeur d'Alene, Idaho|Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, USA]], voted to eliminate all IB programmes in the district because of low participation and high costs.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/aug/06/ib-program-booted-coeur-dalene-school-district/ |title=IB program booted from Coeur d'Alene School District |first=Scott |last=Maben |work=The Spokesman Review |date=6 August 2012 |access-date=12 February 2013 |archive-date=10 August 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810154247/http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2012/aug/06/ib-program-booted-coeur-dalene-school-district/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

<!-- Parents in Incline Village, Nevada, defeated the implementation of IB in its schools after an 18 month battle. <ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.tahoebonanza.com/article/20110330/NEWS/110339992/1061&ParentProfile=1050/|title=: International Baccalaureate will no longer be pursued in Incline Village|first=Matthew|last=Renda|work=North Lake Tahoe Bonanza|date=30 March 2011}} </ref> -->