The Gold Standard of Education Around the World
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a challenging two-year program of international education. The IBDP is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course of study, leading to examinations, that demands the best from motivated students and teachers. It is widely recognized for its high academic standards.
- The two-year curriculum is rigorous and intellectually coherent, encouraging critical thinking through the study of a wide range of subjects in the traditional academic disciplines while encouraging an international perspective.
- Beyond completing college-level courses and examinations, IBDP students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge.
- The two-year course of study leads to final examinations in six subject areas and a qualification widely recognized by the world's leading colleges and universities.
- Since 1968, more than half a million students in 136 countries have participated in the Diploma Programme.
Why is IB So Important?
Top Colleges expect candidates to prove, not only their performance, but also the strength of the programme in which they performed. To prove the strength of a program, you need look no further than the coveted IBDP.
Put simply, Windermere Preparatory School is a College Preparatory school, and in our determination, the best way to prepare our students for college, with the highest placement and maximum credit, is through the IBDP.
Requirements for the IB Diploma and Certificate
The Diploma Programme is a two-year, full-time program. Students must choose one subject from each of Languages A and B, Social Sciences, Experimental Sciences, and Mathematics, thus ensuring breadth of experience. The sixth subject may be an Arts subject, or the student may choose another from the original choices. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), the others at standard level (SL).
In each examination, the student is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the diploma requires students to meet defined standards and conditions. These include a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three compulsory core components: 1) theory of knowledge (TOK); 2) extended essay; and 3) creativity, activity, service (CAS).
A student who does not satisfy the requirements of the full Diploma Programme, or who has elected to take fewer than six subjects, is awarded a certificate for any examinations completed.
(Courtesy of IBO)