Beginner's Guide to The Diploma Programme (DP) of IB Education

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a non-profit educational foundation, motivated by its mission, focused on the student.

The International Baccalaureate (IB), formerly the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), is an international educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1968 in Geneva, IB offers three educational programmes for children ages 3–19. Consequently, "IB" can refer to the organization itself, any of the three programmes or the diploma or certificates awarded at the end of the diploma programme.

IBO currently work’s with 3,071 schools in 139 countries to offer the three IB programmes to approximately 877,000 students.

In 1994, the IB added the IB Middle Years Programme, for students between the age group 11 to 16. Also known as the MYP, the middle years programme consists of eight subject areas and five areas of interaction. In 1997, the IB added the IB Primary Years Programme for three to ten year olds. Also known as the PYP, the primary years programme is inquiry-based, and consists of six transdisciplinary themes supported by six subject areas.

To maximize the benefit of professional development, the IB has established the professional development division (PDD). Its role is to formulate and coordinate an organization-wide PD strategy. The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, aged between 16 to 19 for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

For instance taking the scenario of BRIC countries, there are 16 IB World Schools in Brazil offering one or more of the three IB programmes. 6 schools offer the Primary Years Programme, 2 schools offer the Middle Years Programme and 13 schools offer the Diploma Programme. The first school was authorized in 1980. Russian Federation has 18 IB World Schools in Russian Federation offering one or more of the three IB programmes. 5 schools offer the Primary Years Programme , 8 schools offer the Middle Years Programme and 13 schools offer the Diploma Programme. The first school was authorized in 1993. In India there are 71 IB World Schools offering one or more of the three IB programmes. 20 schools offer the Primary Years Programme ,7 schools offer the Middle Years Programme and 67 schools offer the Diploma Programme. The first school was authorized in 1976. There are 53 IB World Schools in China offering one or more of the three IB programmes. 17 schools offer the Primary Years Programme, 17 schools offer the Middle Years Programme and 45 schools offer the Diploma Programme. The first school was authorized in 1991.

Just International Schools was started with an aim to make life simpler for parents. It started with a common goal of providing in-depth, relevant and true information about international schools in India, to all parents of school going children. JustInternationalSchools.com offers various online and print publications & services to international schools in India. JustInternationalSchools.com provides a unique platform for parent-school interaction. One among the various educational boards covered by Just International Schools, IB programme is more practical and application-based curriculum.

Ambarish Verma, Proprietor of eduFYI, the parent company of JustInternationalSchools.com says “Today parents are in a dilemma regarding the choice of an international school where their child is imbibed with good values and learns to play and interact with other children. As well as an international school which contributes and nurtures the overall growth and development of their child. IB programmes continue to imbibe international mindedness in students and educators through the IB learner profile. In the 21^st century students are faced with the challenges of learning about an interconnected world with ever changing growth opportunities. International School education not only limits itself in the confines of the textbooks but is also taught in an interesting and interactive manner preferably with the help of tools and practical aids” adds Ambarish.

JustInternationalSchools.com will be coming up with information directory services and would be adding different service verticals in near future. JustInternationalSchools.com plans to cover all international schools in India by 2010 year end. We will be discussing “The IB Diploma Programme” in detail in this beginner’s guide, a programme aimed at training students aged between 16 to 19, the programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

The IB is a non-governmental organization (NGO) of UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and has collaborative relationships with the Council of Europe and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF).The IB's alliance with UNESCO encourages the integration of its educational goals into the IB curriculum.

The IB diploma prepares students for entrance into universities in many countries, since it is equivalent to the British ‘A' levels, the Australian Higher School Certificate, the German Abitur, the French Baccalaureate and other similar examination-based systems. Schools recognised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation and offering the IB curriculum are known as IB World Schools. The IB Programme is recognized by all the leading foreign Universities & the association of Indian Universities. IBO accreditation is proposed for the Diploma Programmes of Singapore International School.

The IB diploma is a passport to higher education. Universities around the world welcome the unique characteristics of IB Diploma Programme students and recognize the way in which the programme helps to prepare students for university-level education. The rigorousness and high standards of IB ensure that colleges and universities around the worldwide recognise the IB Diploma as a superior academic programme and a strong university entry credential.

The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) rates IB DP at par with Class 12 CBSE, ICSE, NIOS or State Boards. IB students routinely gain admission to some of the best-known universities in the world. IB has also achieved International recognition world wide from Oxford University, University of British Colombia etc, around 2545 universities from 75 countries that recognize IB, but many other universities also admit IB Diploma holders.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) provides short-term grants for schools experiencing temporary financial challenges or schools that are demonstrably increasing access to IB programmes. A foundation registered in Switzerland. The IB is non-profit body.

Who can apply?

This fund offers grants to schools or education districts in two categories.

Category 1: IB World Schools experiencing temporary financial difficulties owing to unpredictable circumstances beyond their control

Category 2: IB World Schools or Implementing Schools that can clearly demonstrate that they are significantly widening access to IB programme’s and/or that they will be significantly contributing to a more diverse, inclusive IB Community

Nature of the grants

Grants are short term, valid for one year with a possible extension to two years maximum. Funds can be used for the training of teachers and administrators, the payment of the IB annual school fee for one or more programmes, or to support creative schemes to widen access and diversity.

Grants will take the form of a credit to the school's IB account. This will enable a rebate in annual fees or payment of workshop expenses in lieu of reimbursement of costs incurred through schemes to widen access and diversity. Schools will be expected to submit a report after the funds have been expended. The ongoing sustainability of an IB programme in the school is a key consideration in the award of a grant. Schools will not normally be eligible for more than two awards.

Authorization is an intensive process and lasts at least 2 years and also includes school site visits. The process of authorization for a school by IB organization is given in exhibit 5.1 below:

Exhibit 5.1 – Authorization process for teaching the PYP,MYP & DP curriculum                              Source: IBO Website

Governance

The IB is governed by an elected 17-member Board of Governors, which appoints the director general, sets the strategic direction of the organization, adopts a mission statement, makes policy, oversees the IB's financial management; and ensures the autonomy and integrity of IB Diploma Programme examinations and other student assessment. Board membership represents cultural and geographical diversity.

We cover our main operational costs by charging fees to schools for providing services to support the implementation of the Diploma Programme. We value our reputation for providing high-quality services.

Annual school fee

IB World Schools pay an “annual school fee” for each programme they are authorized to teach, but if schools offer two or more programmes they pay a reduced fee to reflect their greater commitment.

The annual school fee charged by the IBO from schools, for offering IB Diploma Programme can be compared with the IB PYP and IB MYP programmes as shown in exhibit 5.2

(Fees valid to September 2011)

Exhibit 5.2 – The annual school fee’s charged by the IB Board                                                      Source: IBO Website

Applications

The deadlines for receipt of applications are 30 September 2010 & 30 March 2011. The application form should be completed and emailed to the Access and Advancement Office in the Singapore Global Centre at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

IB has a broader spectrum of subjects that lead to all-round development. IB examinations test students' knowledge, not their memory and speed. There are no examinations till the Middle Years Programme (Class 10). The focus of the IB pedagogy is on 'how to learn' rather than 'what to learn'. There are no prescribed textbooks; students can choose their own books. The purpose of IB is to produce global citizens. But sometimes, the IB programme does use the local curriculum as a base. For example, Marathi can be offered as a second language in the IB Diploma Programme. The IB curriculum is more challenging than educational boards like CBSE and ICSE. But the challenge is in the quality of assignments, not in the amount of work assigned.

The IB Organization works in four areas, namely:

i. PYP: The Primary Years Programme (Kindergarten to Class 5)

For pupils aged 3 to 12 focuses on the development of the whole child in the classroom and in the world outside. Started in 1997 and is now offered by 721 IB World Schools

ii. MYP: The Middle Years Programme (Class 6 to Class 10)

For students aged between 11 to 16. It provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills through embracing and transcending traditional school subjects. Started in 1994 and is now offered by 849 IB World Schools.

iii. DP: The Diploma Programme (Class 11 to Class 12)

For students aged 16 to 19, the DP programme is a demanding two-year curriculum that meets the needs of highly motivated students and leads to a qualification that is recognized by leading universities around the world. Started in 1968 with first examinations in 1970 and is now offered by 2,181 IB World Schools.

What makes the IB Unique?