The coveted International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme has one goal across the globe, and that is to develop students of outstanding merit who can compete globally. The IB diploma programme itself is a whole new world.
Like a traveller without a compass in the forest would feel lost, a student without the necessary guidance may feel lost. Don’t worry yet; this handbook will help you navigate through the entire programme like a pro.
Let’s delve deeper into IBDP with the given pointers:
- Break The Ice:
Most of the students are not aware of what they’re entering into. This could lead to poor management skills and further wastage of precious time. Here, the programme is completely dissected from head to toe for you.
First things first, there are a total of six subjects you need to study. The group division is given below:
Group 1: English Literature HL
Group 2: French SL
Group 3: History HL or Psychology HL
Group 4: Biology HL
Group 5: Math Analysis and Approaches SL
Group 6: Music SL or
Visual Arts SL or
Business SL or
Chemistry SL
HL here refers to a higher level, and SL refers to a standard level. Out of every group, you need to pick one subject.
Next up: Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay
Grades contribute to a possible 3 extra points towards the IB Diploma total score.
Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS), requires you to complete seven learning outcomes in college in order to pass.
- Bob The Builder, Dig Deeper:
So, the above pointer wasn’t all. There’s a lot more to know before you take baby steps on your journey. A student is graded on a scale of one to seven in each of the six subjects. Seven being the maximum and one being the minimum. You can get the highest score of forty-two if you ace all of your subjects. However, you need 24 to pass all of your subjects.
Seems easy? There’s a catch.
The students must earn a total of at least twelve points in HL subjects and at least nine points in SL subjects.
There may be no more than two scores of 2 overall and there may be no more than three scores of 3 or lower overall.
The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are graded, and you can get a maximum of three points here. It must be kept in mind that these both need to be passed in order to get your diploma certificate.
- Am I passing with flying colors, or is the diploma passing by me?
As discussed above, the task can seem a bit daunting, and the pressure is natural. The worry, however, is not leading you anywhere. The key to acing any examination is not to mug up the whole book; it lies in understanding what one needs to study and then giving it your best shot. All subject-specific weightage is broken down for you:
- Literature: HL
Paper 1 (Commentary) 20%
Paper 2 (Essay) 25%
Written Assignment 25%
Individual Oral Commentary: 15%
Individual Oral Presentation 15%
- History of the Americas – HL
Paper 1 (Prescribed Subject) 20%
Paper 2 (WH topics) 25%
Paper 3 (Americas) 35%
Internal Assessment 20%
- Psychology, HL
Paper 1 (core approaches) 40%
Paper 2 (options) 20%
Paper 3 (approaches to research) 20%
Internal Assessment 20%
- Math Analysis and Approaches – SL
Paper 1 (No calculator) 40%
Paper 2 (With calculator) 40%
Internal Assessment 20%
- Biology, HL
Paper 1 (MCQ) 20%
Paper 2 (Subjective) 36%
Paper 3 (Optional) 24%
Internal Assessment: 20%
6.
- Visual Arts – SL
Comparative Study 20%
Process Portfolio 40%
Internal Assessment (Exhibition) 40%
- Music, SL
Listening Paper 30%
Musical Investigation 20%
Creating, Solo, Group 50%
- Business Management, SL
Paper 1 (case study) 30%
Paper 2 45%
Internal Assessment: 25%
- Chemistry, SL
Paper 1 (MCQ) 20%
Paper 2 (Subjective) 40%
Paper 3 (Optional) 20%
Internal Assessment: 20%
- French B – SL
Paper 1 (Writing task) 25%
Paper 2 (Listening) 25%
(Reading) 25%
Individual Oral 25%
- Fall Seven Times But Get Up The Eighth Time:
A wise man once said, “When you’re fighting a gorilla, you don’t stop when you’re tired but rather when the gorilla is tired of fighting with you.”
You may come across failures and repetitions. You may even lose your heart, but the key is to not give up on the situations of life and to shine beyond them.
The entire program is not just a destination that you would like to achieve; the main essence is the journey. The journey will shape you as an individual who is ready to take on the world with confidence. These days of tiring nights and working hard will be your memories to reflect on. Amidst all the chaos of deadlines, don’t forget to be a part of community clubs where you can continue your hobbies. The D-day will arrive, but live life to the fullest till then.
- It’s Just A Part Of Your Life:
Don’t make the diploma your life; it is a part of your life which means you are here to learn, enjoy, and achieve all that you need. Put on your best shoes and let the world know you’re here, but then reflect internally. Focus on meditation to have a calm and peaceful mind. Remember, no one achieved anything in isolation. Everything was achieved when you tried to work for it. Make it a part of your life, but do not revolve your entire life around it.
Keep learning and keep working.
