Students these days are powered by imagination and driven by curiosity; traits that have proven to be quintessential in becoming successful individuals in society. With the advent of unconventional education systems and people’s familiarity with a variety of different curriculums; International Baccalaureate (IB) has become a potential course to explore for competent students of grades 11 and 12.

The International Baccalaureate is a high school diploma that emphasises critical and independent thinking. It’s a renowned educational programme that prioritises students’ self-advocacy and intellectual growth over memorisation and exam preparation. By incorporating research and problem-solving skills, it attempts to prepare students for all-around development. Many universities worldwide acknowledge the curriculum as an internationally-recognised qualification for acceptance into higher education.

Its approach focuses on teaching learners “how to learn” by leveraging their natural abilities rather than restricting them to “what to learn”. The delivery of the curriculum is such that, learners take ownership of their own learning as the main objective of the course is to prepare them to devise practical answers to real-world problems.

A recently conducted study on the Diploma Programme (DP), came up with some interesting findings:

• The findings revealed that IB students had much greater critical thinking levels than their non-IB peers.
• DP students displayed a higher level of open-mindedness on various parameters.
• The key themes of the DP programme, namely, the impact of creativity, activity and service shaped students into more communicative, collaborative and creative learners.
• In comparison to their non-DP colleagues, DP alumni claimed a stronger capacity for a range of 21st-century skills. IB graduates also rated their DP learning experiences as excellent preparation for higher education.

In addition to the above, there are a plethora of compelling reasons why IBDP is a preferred choice for students across the globe:

Flexible and Interesting Subject Choices 

Students pursuing the IB diploma programme (IBDP) get a chance to explore a wide array of subject options before they go to university. They study 6 core subjects – including two languages and courses chosen from science, mathematics, social studies, and the arts – and they select three of those subjects to study at a more intensive level.  

Learning extends beyond the classroom

The academically rigorous IB programme goes beyond academic learning. Particular elements of the syllabus encourage contemplation and experiential learning. 

A quintessential principle of the IB programme is that it teaches scholars to learn how to learn. The required Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course equips students with a chance to reflect on how they know what they know. That reflection comprises questions such as ‘What counts as proof in a specific situation?’ and ‘In the real world, how does a specific theory work?’ IB students also complete creativity, activity, and service (CAS) where they select projects that are personally challenging and involve actions with significant outcomes. Thoughtful planning and reflections on the outcomes are important parts of the projects. 

The IB diploma programme is globally recognised

An IB diploma places its learners on a path to success, both in higher education and in their professions. As per studies, IB students are 21 percent more likely to be accepted into the world’s most sought-after universities.

Also Read: Get a Business Degree in only Three Years at University of Dundee

Role of the IB programme in developing life skills among learners

 In addition, to begin being challenged academically, students are encouraged to grow personally. They develop life skills in the IB programme that will serve them in multiple roles – going on to higher education, building a career, raising a family, and connecting with the community and with the world beyond. Students learn analytical thinking and challenge conventional norms and consider issues from both a local and global perspective. 

In all of its features, the IB diploma programme prioritizes individual thinking. The ability to challenge the information and explanations given ensures the development of the student’s capacity to comprehend and fulfill the requirements of a continually evolving world.

Aparna Prasad
Founder, Knowledgeum Academy

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