International Baccalaureate

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International Baccalaureate (IB) is an internationally recognized educational foundation headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland. Founded in 1968, the IB offers four educational programmes for children aged 3–19. The organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.

History

The International Baccalaureate was established in 1968 by a group of educators in Geneva. The goal was to create a standardized curriculum that would be recognized worldwide, facilitating the mobility of students and promoting international understanding. The first IB Diploma Programme (DP) was offered in 1970.

Programmes

The IB offers four programmes:

• Primary Years Programme (PYP) for students aged 3–12
• Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11–16
• Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16–19
• Career-related Programme (CP) for students aged 16–19

Primary Years Programme (PYP)

The PYP focuses on the development of the whole child as an inquirer, both in the classroom and in the world outside. It is designed for students aged 3 to 12.

Middle Years Programme (MYP)

The MYP is designed for students aged 11 to 16. It provides a framework of academic challenge and life skills through embracing and transcending traditional school subjects.

Diploma Programme (DP)

The DP is a two-year programme for students aged 16 to 19. It is widely recognized by universities around the world. The curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core, comprising Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

Career-related Programme (CP)

The CP is designed for students aged 16 to 19 who wish to engage in career-related learning. It incorporates the vision and educational principles of the IB into a unique programme specifically tailored for students who want to focus on career-related education.

Assessment

IB assessments are criterion-referenced, meaning that student performance is measured against pre-specified criteria for each subject. The assessment methods include both internal and external assessments. External assessments are exams taken at the end of the programme, while internal assessments are tasks completed during the course.

Global Recognition

The IB is recognized by universities and employers worldwide. The DP, in particular, is highly regarded for its rigorous academic standards and its emphasis on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view.

Related Pages

• International education
• Advanced Placement
• A-levels
• Education in Switzerland
• List of International Baccalaureate schools

See Also

• International General Certificate of Secondary Education
• European Baccalaureate
• Global citizenship education