No parent wants their children to turn into machines. If technical know-how is the engine, then compassion, empathy, etc. are its lubricants. The fully developed brain is the one that understands the quirks of its society as well as the facets of its individual life.
In light of the above, the International Baccalaureate Organisation (known as the IB) is recognised as one that can provide you with all the tools—apparent and subtle—to live a peaceful and holistic life. This organisation was founded in the early-to-mid-1960s in Geneva, Switzerland, by a group of international educators. It is a highly standardised international organisation that offers education of high academic standards by offering a comprehensive curriculum.
The four programmes offered are as follows:
Primary Years Programme (PYP): This IB programme is the equivalent of digging and laying the foundation stone. The journey for children aged 3–12 begins with this engaging and playful course.
Middle Years Programme (MYP): This IB programme is equivalent to building a skyscraper with the direction of architectural designs and structures. This is designed for students between 11 and 16 years of age.
Career-Related Programme (CP): The International Baccalaureate’s Career-Related Programme (CP) is a curriculum that is intended for students in the age group 16–19 and is career-oriented.
IB Diploma Programme (DP): This programme is customised for students between 16 and 19 years of age and is the equivalent of interior decorations and intricacies in the building. Its prime focus is to develop a deeper understanding of concepts and vast knowledge of subjects. It enriches students physically, emotionally, intellectually, and rationally.
Let’s look at the IB Diploma Programme through the lens of IBDP components and curriculum.
Although the possibilities of looking at this programme are many, we will look at it through a structured framework in this article.
IBDP Components/Curriculum
It’s very easy to get bewildered by the sweet and sour possibilities in a framework. The IBDP curriculum is segregated into 6 subject groups and the Diploma Programme Core.
The six subject groups in the above curriculum are as follows:
- IBDP Studies in Language and Literature: The students are required to choose a single subject from Studies in Language and Literature.
There are 3 courses on this diploma subject:
Language A: Literature: Present in 55 different languages and, if asked, especially any other language with sufficient written literature;
Language A: Language and Literature: This language and literature course is available in 17 different languages.
Literature and performance: This is available in English and, on special request, in French and Spanish.
Pearls from this oyster: The general benefits a student can get from this subject are:
- The student is equipped with the linguistic intricacies of the language he or she is learning.
- The students will get a thorough understanding of literature—human expression of thoughts, ideas, emotions, etc.
- This course will equip you with the mental prowess to express his ideas and will increase your comprehension of other people’s ideas.
- Critical thinking, imagination, and creativity will be enhanced.
- Language Acquisition in the IBDP: The learners must dive into at least one diploma subject related to language acquisition. This is to equip students with intercultural and global tools to imprint their presence worldwide.
There are three subjects aimed at fulfilling students’ interest in and experience of language study. The first two subjects are taught in several languages.
- Modern Languages (Beginners)
These language acquisition courses are available and taught at a standard level only.
- Language B (some experience required)
The language is taught at either a standard or higher level.
- Classical languages (archaic influence)
This coursework offers a chance to dive into the literature and language of ancient Greece or Rome.
- IBDP Individuals and Societies
Subject options include:
- Economics
- Global Politics
- Philosophy
- Psychology
- Social and cultural Anthropology
- Information technology in a global society
- Geography
- History
- World Religion
- Business management theories
Each subject has its own intricacies and place in our modern society and the world we know. It inculcates in a student critical and analytical behaviour in regard to a particular facet of the world and its construction.
- IBDP Science
The following six subject options are available:
- IB Physics
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
- Sports, exercise, and health science
- Design development technology
Each subject, with its own strenuous difficulties, provides an in-depth and vast knowledge of science and the related disciplines.
There is a mandatory project that will give insights into the ethical, collaborative, and competitive aspects of the scientific world.
- IBDP Mathematical Studies
Below are the courses available in Mathematics.
- Mathematics HL: Analysis and Approaches
- Mathematics SL: Analysis and Approaches
- Mathematics HL: Applications and Interpretations
- Mathematics SL: Applications and Interpretations
Depending on the level and the coursework, this will equip students with conceptual and practical mathematical knowledge, formulations, and applications.
- The Arts and IBDP
This is a wiggly arcade that opens up your choice of path as secondary school students may decide to study an extra language, individuals and societies, or experimental science course rather than this course. Every student is required to choose at least three subjects in HL (high level) in any of the subjects mentioned above, depending on their availability in the particular school.
Diploma Core Subjects
The three core elements of the Diploma Programme (DP) are as follows:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Through this programme, learners develop an understanding of knowledge itself and how they understand what they claim to understand.
Extended Essay (EE): The Extended Essay of 4,000 words is a comprehensive essay project that is based on thorough research and the student’s understanding of a particular subject.
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS): In this programme, students are encouraged to develop themselves in three facets of life by indulging in extracurricular activities, hobbies, and voluntary work. This helps students understand the world outside of this technical arena.
It is mandatory to pass all three core subjects, along with various other determining rules, in order to be qualified as a diploma student.
The race of life becomes less tiring when rules are fair, and with the IB Diploma Programme, students, along with resilience and intellectual prowess, gain ethical insights into a world full of faulty morals and ethics.
