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Overview of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers three programmes for students in different age groups. These are:
- Primary Years Programme (3-12 years)
- Middle Years Programme (11-16 years)
- Diploma Programme (16-19 years).
The curriculum for the Diploma programme
The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts. This is illustrated by a hexagon with the three parts of the core at its centre. To view this image, visit the International Baccalaureate website:
Group 1 – Language A1
Group 2 – Second language
Group 3 – Individuals and societies
Group 4 – Experimental sciences
Group 5 – Mathematics and computer science
Group 6 – The Arts
Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours).
The three core requirements
All three parts of the core – extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action, service – are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the Diploma Programme. They are:
- extended essay
- theory of knowledge
- creativity, action, service.
Extended essay
The extended essay has a limit of 4,000 words. It offers the opportunity to investigate a topic of individual interest, and familiarises students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
Theory of knowledge (TOK)
The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives.
Creativity, action, service (CAS)
Participation in the CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.
For further information, please visit the Diploma pages of the International Baccalaureate website.
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