IB Diploma Programme
The IB Diploma Programme is a curriculum framework designed by the International Baccalaureate for students in their final two years of high school. The Diploma Programme is centred around the Learner Profile, a group of ten characteristics that define an IB student and highlight the qualities which are central to the IB philosophy.
Students who undertake the Diploma Programme will:-
study six subjects in both year 11 and 12
three subjects will be completed at standard level and three at higher level.
complete three additional core subjects:-
Theory of knowledge (TOK)
Extended essay (EE)
Creativity, activity and service tasks (CAS)
All IB programs have a focus on international-mindedness, ensuring students understand their place in their local, national and international community. IB students are required to learn an additional language separate to their native language. The study of a foreign language allows students to build an understanding and appreciation of other perspectives and cultures while respecting their own language and cultural context. It also helps develop their communication skills.
Why choose the IB Diploma Programme?
The Diploma Programme challenges students to excel in their studies and personal growth. It aims to inspire a lifelong quest for learning hallmarked by enthusiasm and empathy. To that end, the IB gathers a worldwide community of supporters who share a belief that education can help to build a better world. Students who have undertaken the IB report that it has given them the tools needed to succeed beyond high school. In particular, students comment on their sense of preparedness, self-confidence, research skills and their ability to manage their time at university or in the workplace. Even more importantly, they report it has developed a sense of the world around them and their responsibility to it.
Aims
provide a balanced, consistent and challenging academic experience, which emphasises the education of the whole person
provide an internationally accepted university entrance qualification into universities in Australia and around the world
promote international understanding through shared academic connections and experience
develop a student’s sense of identity and cultural awareness
develop critical and compassionate thinkers who are informed participants in local and world affairs
support learning relationships across communities, both locally and globally
make transfer between international schools more convenient for internationally mobile families.
Fees
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is an alternate course of study for students at APC and it carries with it additional fees to cover the costs of administration, examinations and IB annual registration. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme annual fee is approximately $4300. Students wishing to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme are required to pay these fees in full prior to enrolment.
IB Assessment
To successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme, students must undertake examinations in their chosen subject areas at the end of the two-year course. These exams are marked by externally appointed IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in school, which are marked by subject teachers and externally appointed IBO assessors.
Marks are awarded for each subject on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also gain up to three additional points for their combined results in Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay. The Diploma is awarded to students who obtain an overall score of 24 or above. The maximum score for the Diploma is 45. Unlike the local VCE award, assessment of the Diploma is criteria-based and students are not ranked in order to obtain a final score.
Notional ATAR
The IB Diploma Programme has become well known at Australian universities as an increasing number of secondary students are choosing to undertake the IB and go on to perform well in tertiary study. IB scores are converted into a Notional ATAR for the purpose of application to universities in Australia. A Notional ATAR is calculated for all students who successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme across Australia. A score of 24 out of a maximum of 45 is the pass mark for satisfactory completion of the Diploma. Some universities give credit for certain IB subjects, and a number of universities now accept IB students on the basis of their predicted IB score.
The IB score conversion table and information about universities that give credit for IB studies is linked here.