What Is the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate is an internationally recognised educational framework founded in 1968. It was originally created to give the children of diplomats and internationally mobile families a consistent, high-quality education that would be recognised by universities wherever they ended up in the world.
Today, the IB is offered in schools across more than 140 countries and recognised by universities worldwide, including leading institutions in the UK, the Netherlands, the United States, and beyond. It is known for developing students who think critically, communicate well, and approach problems with curiosity rather than simply memorising facts.
There are several IB programmes across different age groups. At Nord Anglia International School Rotterdam (NAISR), the IB comes into the picture in the final two years of school, when students are aged 16 to 18.
The Two IB Pathways at NAISR
At NAISR, students choose between two IB programmes at upper secondary level. Both are two-year qualifications, both are internationally recognised, and both prepare students well for what comes next, whether that is university, a specific career path, or both.
A Quick Comparison
| IB Diploma (IBDP) | IB Career Programme (IBCP) |
| Who is it for? | Students aiming for traditional university entry | Students with a clear career direction |
| Duration | 2 years (ages 16-18) | 2 years (ages 16-18) |
| Focus | Six academic subjects plus a core | Six academic subjects plus a core |
| University recognition | Recognised by universities in 140+ countries | Recognised and growing in acceptance globally |
Best suited for
| Plan to stay long-term and want deep local integration | Move internationally or want a globally portable qualification |
| University options | Academic learners who enjoy breadth | Motivated learners who know and seek specific academic focus |
The IBDP is an academically rigorous programme that asks students to study six subjects drawn from different disciplines, including languages, sciences, maths, humanities, and the arts. Learning is unified and contextualised to the learner's own experience through the following Core Components, which foster the critical thinking needed to succeed in the world of today.
• Theory of Knowledge, which encourages students to question how we know what we know.
• An Extended Essay, a 4,000-word independent research project on a topic of the student's choice.
• Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), which involves meaningful engagement outside the classroom through creative projects, physical activity, and community engagement.
The IBDP is designed for students who enjoy academic breadth, who are comfortable working across multiple subjects at once, and who are aiming for university entry. It is recognised by universities in more than 140 countries, and research consistently shows that IB students are more likely to go on to higher education than non-IB students.
The IBCP combines academic IB Diploma Programme courses with career-related study that connects learning to the real world. Students take a minimum of two DP courses alongside a career-focused pathway, developing both academic rigour and practical skills.
This programme suits students who have a clear sense of direction for their future career, who learn well through applied and practical experience, and who want a qualification that bridges academic and professional worlds. The IBCP is recognised by universities and employers globally, and its reputation continues to grow.
The choice between the IBDP and IBCP is not about which one is “better”, but about which one best fits your child’s strengths, interests, and future goals.
Why Does the IB Matter for University?
The IB is one of the most widely recognised pre-university qualifications in the world, making it an excellent choice if your child plans to apply to universities abroad. Universities in the UK, Netherlands, United States, Canada, Australia, and across Europe and Asia all accept and respect the IB Diploma as a strong basis for undergraduate admission.
Beyond the qualification itself, IB students typically arrive at university well prepared for independent study. The Extended Essay, the research components, and the emphasis on critical thinking mean that IB graduates are used to managing their own learning and can make independent and ethical positive choices, giving them an advantage in the transition to university.
At NAISR, students also benefit from dedicated university counselling to help them navigate applications, identify the right institutions, and present themselves confidently when the time comes.
A Note for Parents Who Are New to the IB
It is completely normal to find the IB system confusing at first, particularly if you went through a different educational system yourself. With a bit of time, many parents soon become familiar with the curriculum’s terminology, structure, and grading scale.
.
Want to See the IB in Action at NAISR?
The best way to understand how the IB works at our school is to visit. Our open days give you the chance to meet the academic team, talk to current students, and see exactly what an NAISR education looks like in practice.
Book a school visit
.jpg?h=499&iar=0&w=887&rev=93ca01738cd34b6ea2834a19fd92d149&hash=A6CD606CB8FD3F184D0207A73B616D9C)
.png?h=499&iar=0&w=887&rev=97cb1d973ac6459d8c818c4e5ba33917&hash=58B34E364F1B5FE70FBC0FC09C6986DE)
