OUR INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) CURRICULUM 

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a globally recognized educational program that offers a rigorous curriculum designed to prepare students for university and life in a globalized world. It was founded in 1968 and aims to develop intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills in students. The IB emphasizes critical thinking, global awareness, and intercultural understanding. Their programmes empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes fast.

"International Mindedness - An IB education fosters international-mindedness by helping students reflect on their own perspective, culture and identities, as well as those of others. By engaging with diverse beliefs, values and experiences, and by learning to think and collaborate across cultures and disciplines, IB learners gain the understanding necessary to make progress towards a more peaceful world." IBO 2019

Choosing the International Baccalaureate (IB) program offers several key advantages, especially for students who are academically motivated and want a global, well-rounded education. The IB's holistic approach to education not only values intellectual achievement but also seeks to cultivate attitudes and skills that empower students to navigate and contribute to a rapidly changing global community. 

Here are some reasons why families and students might choose IB:

1. Academic Rigor

The IB is known for its challenging curriculum that pushes students to think critically, engage deeply with subjects, and develop research and analytical skills. If you're looking for a program that provides a strong foundation for higher education and builds college-readiness, the IB's emphasis on independent learning, inquiry-based education, and comprehensive assessments is a strong benefit.

2. Global Perspective

The IB focuses on international-mindedness, encouraging students to think globally, appreciate cultural differences, and engage with issues that impact the world. This makes it particularly valuable for students who plan to study or work internationally, as it fosters skills in communication, cultural understanding, and global awareness.

3. Holistic Education

Unlike some other programs that may focus more narrowly on academic subjects, the IB encourages holistic development. The curriculum includes:Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS): Students participate in extracurricular activities to develop personal interests, engage in physical activity, and contribute to the community.Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A unique course that challenges students to reflect on how knowledge is acquired and evaluated, helping them think more deeply about the nature of knowledge. Extended Essay (EE): A research-based project that encourages independent inquiry and academic writing, fostering skills in research and critical thinking.These components ensure that students not only excel in academic subjects but also grow personally and socially.

4. Preparation for University

The IB is widely respected by universities and admissions offices around the world because of its rigorous curriculum. Students are often seen as well-prepared for the demands of university life, both academically and in terms of time management, problem-solving, and critical thinking. In fact, many universities offer advanced standing or course credits for high IB scores, which can give students a head start in their university education.

5. Flexibility and Breadth

The IB offers a broad range of subjects, allowing students to explore a variety of disciplines, from sciences to humanities to arts. Students must take six subjects, which encourages a well-rounded education and gives them the flexibility to choose from different areas of interest. This can be a great fit for students who want to keep their options open and not limit themselves to a narrow field of study.

6. International Recognition

Because the IB program is offered in schools across the globe, the IB diploma is recognized by universities and employers worldwide. If you're considering studying abroad or attending a university in a different country, the IB can give you an advantage since its rigorous standards and emphasis on global thinking are valued by institutions across the world.

7. Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

IB students are not just asked to memorize facts but to question, analyze, and synthesize information. The program is designed to encourage students to think independently, develop well-reasoned arguments, and approach problems from multiple perspectives. These skills are invaluable in university and beyond, whether in academia, the workplace, or life.

8. Character Development

The IB aims to foster qualities like integrity, resilience, and responsibility, which are central to the IB learner profile. Students are encouraged to be reflective, open-minded, principled, and caring individuals who can contribute positively to society. The CAS component also emphasizes personal development through volunteering and other activities, making the IB a great choice for students interested in building character alongside academic skills.

9. Supportive Learning Environment

IB schools typically provide a supportive and collaborative learning environment. Students are encouraged to work together, share ideas, and engage in discussions. Teachers often take on a more mentoring role, guiding students through complex concepts and helping them with independent research projects like the Extended Essay.

10. Access to Opportunities

IB students often have access to a variety of extracurricular opportunities, leadership positions, and events that can enrich their learning experience. These opportunities can help build skills, broaden horizons, and provide valuable experiences for college applications and career paths.

"The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment. These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right." (IBO.org)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, two-year pre-university course of study for students. It offers a broad education and is designed to prepare students for university and beyond. To earn the IB Diploma, students must meet several requirements across various areas:

 

1. Subject Requirements

Students must complete six subjects, selected from six different subject groups. These are:

• Group1: studies in language and literature (e.g., English A, a mother tongue language)
• Group 2: language acquisition (e.g., French, Spanish, Mandarin)
• Group 3: individuals and societies (e.g., History, Economics, Psychology)
• Group 4: sciences (e.g., Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Group 5: mathematics (e.g., Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation)
• Group 6: the arts (e.g., Visual Arts, Music, Theatre) or another subject from Groups 1–5

Here are our NBPS IB course offerings.

2. Core Components

In addition to the six subjects, students must complete the following core requirements:

• Theory of Knowledge (TOK): A course that encourages students to think about the nature of knowledge, how we know what we know, and what counts as knowledge in different fields. The course involves regular classes and a final oral presentation and essay.
• Extended Essay (EE): A 4,000-word research paper on a topic of the student's choice, which encourages independent research and writing skills. It must be on a subject from one of the six subject groups.
• Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): A component where students engage in extracurricular activities involving creativity (e.g., arts), physical activity (e.g., sports), and service (e.g., community work). Students must complete a specified number of hours (usually about 150 hours over the two years), reflecting on their experiences and growth.

3. Assessment and Grading

Each subject is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest. The maximum score a student can achieve from the six subjects is 42 points (6 subjects × 7 points). The TOK and EE contribute up to 3 additional points, based on a combined score from the TOK essay, TOK presentation, and the Extended Essay. Thus, the maximum total score a student can achieve is 45 points (42 points from the subjects + 3 points from TOK/EE).

 

4. Awarding the IB Diploma

To earn the IB Diploma, students must:

• Score a minimum of 24 points overall, including at least 12 points from the Higher Level subjects.
• Complete all components of the core (TOK, Extended Essay, and CAS).
• Satisfy specific conditions regarding the grades in different subjects (e.g., no more than two grades at 3 or below, and specific combinations of HL/SL grades).
• Achieve a certain level of performance in the core elements (especially in TOK/EE), which can affect the final score.

If students meet the requirements but fail to reach the minimum 24 points, they may be awarded a Certificate for individual subjects.

IBO.org