The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
Programme is an internationally recognised
qualification for students aged 16 to 19. It is
based around detailed academic study of a wide range
of subjects, including languages, the arts, science,
maths, history and geography. It leads to a single
qualification, rather than separate qualifications
for individual subjects. However if you don't
achieve the full diploma, you'll be awarded a
certificate for each subject taken.
to encourage you to learn how to learn, ask
challenging questions, develop a strong sense of
your own identity and culture, and develop the
ability to communicate with and understand people
from other countries and cultures.
The IB Diploma
Programme is at level 3 on the National
What form does it take?
Most of the assessment
is done through exams, marked externally. However,
in nearly all subjects, some of the assessment is
carried out by your teachers, who mark individual
pieces of coursework. The diploma normally takes two
years to complete, with exams taking place in May
You are awarded points for each part
of the programme, up to a maximum of 45:
- up to seven points for each of the six
optional subjects you take;
- up to three points from your performance in
the core elements;
- to achieve a full diploma, you must score 24
points or more.
From 2008 entry onwards, successfully completing
the diploma will officially count towards your UCAS
tariff for getting into higher education.
Diploma total of 24 points will earn 280 UCAS
points - the same as two Bs and a C grade at
The maximum of 45 points will earn 768
UCAS points - equivalent to more than 6 A-levels
at Grade A.
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Who takes it?
Diploma is available in more than 70 schools and
colleges in the UK, both state and independent,
and can be taken in English, French or Spanish. It
is suitable for highly motivated students and
those who want to study a wide range of subjects
at a detailed level.
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What subjects are available?
The IB Diploma programme is made up of a
compulsory 'core', plus six separate subjects
where you have some choice over what you study.
The compulsory core contains three elements:
- theory of knowledge: you'll learn about the
bases of knowledge, and how to analyse evidence
and express yourself in rational argument;
you'll also be encouraged to draw on experiences
you've gained outside the classroom
- creativity, action and service: this part of
the programme encourages you to get involved in
theatre or music activities, sports and/or
- extended essay: you'll investigate a
particular topic of interest and be asked to
write a 4,000 word essay about it
As well as the three core elements, you'll also
select one subject from each of the following six
- first language (normally your mother
- second language (this could be a language
you already study, or a new one)
- experimental sciences (biology, chemistry,
physics, design technology)
- mathematics and computer science
- the arts (visual, music and theatre)
- individuals and society (history,
Normally, you'll study three of your six optional
subjects at a ' higher' level (240 teaching hours
per subject), and the other three at a 'standard'
level (150 teaching hours). However, you can also
opt to take four subjects at the higher level and
two at the standard level.
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Where can they lead?
Most students who take the IB Diploma
Programme go on to higher education; the
qualification is recognised by universities in
more than 100 countries. However, you may be
asked to gain a certain number of points at
the 'higher' level in specific subjects if you
want to study a particular course. You could
also use the qualification as the route to a
job, or to work-based training.
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