Careerscope Online

Back

The International Baccalaureate

You may have heard about the International Baccalaureate, or you might have been offered this as a study option instead of A levels or Scottish Highers?

In this article we look at why studying for the International Baccalaureate is different from other post 16 qualifications and how it’s gaining the attention of University Admissions Tutors.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The IB Diploma Programme was introduced in 1968. Its original purpose was to facilitate the international mobility of students, by providing schools with a curriculum and qualification recognized around the world. Over the past few years it popularity in the UK has grown. It’s recognized worldwide, but most importantly, it’s now accepted by most universities in this country as an alternative to A-levels and Scottish Highers.

“So far doing the IB has been demanding yet incredibly rewarding…. Gaining this diploma will be something I will value for life and which I think will stand me in excellent stead. “
Gabriella – IB student

How is it different?

Whereas students specialize in three or four subjects at A Level, with an IB Diploma aimed at ages 16 to 19, you study six subjects, each chosen from groups 1 to 5 in the diagram below. This is designed to create a broad, well-rounded education with knowledge of languages, social studies, the sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject from group 6 or another subject from 1 to 5.

Six subjects sounds a lot?

For those worried about being examined in subjects they are ‘weaker’ in, there is the option of picking levels.

And CAS shows that you are a student who is community spirited. In recent years, the IB Diploma has won many followers in both the independent and state sector and some state schools in the UK have been specially selected to offer the IB Diploma to a certain area, such as Varndean College in Brighton.

And how about International Baccalaureate themselves? We spoke to Zoe Kahn, Assistant Communications Manager…

“The IB Diploma Programme used to be mainly offered in private international schools, but now in the UK and worldwide more than 50% of schools offering IB programmes are state funded schools The growth in the UK has been tremendous, of 132 IB World Schools, 74 are state schools and 58 are private, with approximately another 140 IB World schools planned for next year.”

“The range of the subjects available offers something for everyone - whether they are creative, talented with foreign languages or totally into sciences like me.”
Katharina – IB student

Whichever choice or post 16 study you make it sounds like the IB should be seriously considered if your school of college is offering it to you. If you are considering higher education study or working for an employer abroad then it is certainly a qualification that could help. As with all study options its best to look at the skills that the IB can develop in you and see if they match those required by your career interests.

At least three of the subjects are taken at higher level (recommended 240 teaching hours) and the others at standard level (150 teaching hours). Depending on what your school or college offers, the combinations of subjects available can be huge.

Other features…

You are expected to write an extended essay of up to 4,000 words on a question relating to one of the subjects you are studying – but you can choose the subject. This essay requires independent research through in-depth study and it must be completed before you can be awarded an IB Diploma.

“The IB has greatly improved my time management skills.”
Jacob – IB student

You must also participate in theory of knowledge (ToK) – a course of at least 100 hours that encourages critical thinking and teaches basic epistemology – the branch of philosophy that studies knowledge. You are then asked to write an essay of 1200 to 1600 on a set title and to present a theory of knowledge issue to the class.

As part of the Diploma Programme you are asked to engage in physical activities and community service. CAS – creativity, action, service helps you to look beyond academic pursuits and participate in life outside of school. Each student must complete a minimum of 150 hours of CAS.

At the end of the programme, you complete assessment tasks in the school as well as taking written examinations (ranging from multiple choice to essay questions) which are marked by external IB examiners.

The marks awarded for each course range from 1 to 7. You can also be awarded up to three additional points for your combined results on theory of knowledge and the extended essay. The IB Diploma is then awarded if you achieve at least 24 points subject to minimum levels of performance across the programme.

So what do education professionals think about the IB?

Many believe that IB Diploma’s stretch students in a way that A Levels don’t and some argue that it is a better preparation for university. The discipline and work effort required calls for considerable commitment, plus it trains you in the kind of lateral thinking that university study requires – the 4,000 word extended essay clearly demonstrates that you have the ability to study independently.

Unless you are a genius, capable of original thought, or are engaged in creative writing, your essay should contain references to the sources of information that you have used to support your arguments. You should also include a bibliography: a list of the sources that you have used to research your essay.

It is unlikely that you will have a full time-table of taught lessons. So do you have a free period or a study opportunity? Your answer to this question reveals much about your attitude and enthusiasm. Although hard work is most often the key to academic success, everyone needs breaks from work, so you need to plan your study time carefully.

1. Prepare: read assignment titles carefully to ensure you know what is required, assemble the relevant research materials (books and websites) in an appropriate work space and allocate time. You will know if you can work effectively late at night.

2. Set goals: short-term goals might include understanding a complex concept, or completing an assignment on time. Longer term goals might include achieving a specific grade in a module or obtaining a qualification.

3. Review: learn from your mistakes and make full use of feedback from staff to help improve your work.

“The IB is intense but also fun, because you are forced to do sports and social service. It teaches you to balance life and extracurricular activities, something that will benefit you for the rest of your life (and gives you good CV points, too).”
Marie – IB student

Effective time-management involves prioritising tasks and activities so that you meet deadlines, allowing you to make academic progress alongside enjoyable participation in the wide range of co-curricular activities available in the sixth form.

Developing these study skills and good time-management will not only help you make the most of your time in the sixth form or S5, but will give you firm foundations for success in higher education and your career.

For more information, visit: http://www.ibo.org/diploma/