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What is the IB Diploma Programme?
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous pre-university course of studies, leading to examinations, which meets the needs of highly motivated secondary students between the ages of 16 and 19 years. Designed as a comprehensive two-year curriculum that allows its graduates to fulfill requirements of various national education systems, the Diploma model is based on the pattern of no single country, but incorporates the best elements of several.
To complete the full Diploma Programme, students are required to take six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level). These subjects must contain two languages, at least one of which must be the student’s best language, a Humanities, Maths and a Science. The sixth subject may be another language, another science, another humanities, or, preferably, an Arts subject.
In addition, students must complete a course in Theory of Knowledge, write an Extended Essay of up to 4,000 words and undertake a programme of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service).
What will I study for the Diploma Programme?
What will I study for the Diploma Programme?
Students studying the DP take three subjects at Higher Level, three at Standard Level, and complete the IB Core. They choose one subject from each of the six groups listed below, and which can be seen in the Diploma Programme model above:
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Group 4: Sciences
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
Students may choose an arts subject from Group 6 or they may choose a second subject from groups 2, 3 or 4.
Higher Level subjects provide the opportunity to explore subjects in significant depth, while Standard Level subjects maintain breadth and ensure students develop skills and competencies that are crucial for future success.
The Core is part of what makes the DP stand out from other post-16 qualifications. All DP students must complete the Core and points are awarded for this element of the diploma. The Core comprises Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS), an Extended Essay on a subject of the student’s choice, and Theory of Knowledge (TOK).
What DP subjects are available in CIS?
What DP subjects are available in CIS?
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
Language A: Literature, HL, SL (Danish)
Language A: Language and Literature, HL, SL (English)
School-supported, Self-taught Language A: Literature (SL only)
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Danish/French/German/Spanish B HL,SL
German ab initio SL, Danish ab initio SL (if sufficient numbers)
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
Business Management HL, SL
Economics HL, SL
Geography HL, SL
History HL, SL
Environmental Systems and Societies (HL, SL). ESS counts as a Group 3 OR a Group 4 subject, OR as both a Group 3 and a Group 4
Group 4: Experimental Sciences
Biology HL, SL
Chemistry HL, SL
Physics HL, SL
Computer Science HL, SL
Environmental Systems and Societies (HL, SL). ESS counts as a Group 3 OR a Group 4 subject, OR as both a Group 3 and a Group 4
Group 5: Mathematics
Applications and Interpretations, HL, SL
Analysis and Approaches, HL, SL
Group 6: The Arts
Visual Art HL, SL,
Theatre HL, SL
Music HL, SL
What is the difference between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL)?
What is the difference between Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL)?
Higher Level generally means more material, or material taught at a greater depth, and will also involve longer and/or additional examination papers at the end of the two-year programme.
The IB recommends 240 hours of study for HL courses, 150 hours for SL courses and 100 hours for TOK over two years. Although an IB Diploma consists of six subjects (three at HL and three at SL), exceptionally and only with the agreement of the IB DP Coordinator, a student may take four subjects at HL and/or a seventh subject. Both these options are subject to timetabling constraints.
What should students bear in mind when choosing their DP subjects?
What should students bear in mind when choosing their DP subjects?
As they finish MYP 5, Key Stage 4, I/GCSE exams or any education system at 16, students need to consider their choice of subjects for Grades 11 and 12 very carefully. In doing so, they must also think beyond the last two years of their schooling. Whether they choose the full IB Diploma or a selection of IB DP courses or the High School Diploma, the subjects they choose are likely to affect their options in further education.
Above all, students should choose subjects which they enjoy, which they are passionate about, which they can imagine studying beyond secondary schooling and which may play some part in life after education.
If a change of subject needs to be made later, in the light of careers advice, we will try to support this, but the new choices cannot be guaranteed. External students should take time to discuss their subject choices with their current school counsellor, if appropriate. Alternatively, they are very welcome to contact the DP Coordinator at CIS, (mary.donnellan@cis.dk)
What is meant by IB Diploma Programme 'Courses' or Certificate?
What is meant by IB Diploma Programme 'Courses' or Certificate?
A Diploma Programme 'Course' is one DP subject. Rather than taking all elements of the Diploma Programme, students might choose to take one, two or more of their subjects at IB Diploma Programme level. They will be awarded an IB Certificate, as opposed to an IB Diploma. The Certificate shows te grades they have achieved in each of the subjects they take at IB DP level.
For some students, taking a number of Diploma Courses (single subjects), rather than the full Diploma Programme may be a sensible option. The decision to take Courses rather than the Diploma may be the result of a student's future plans, or the advice of the counselling team. Students who take the IB Diploma but do not achieve a passing grade (24) will automatically be issued a Certificate by the IB indicating the Courses they have taken and the grades achieved.
Students and parents should be aware that while an IB Certificate (alongside a High School Diploma) is accepted by many universities as an entrance requirement, this is not always the case, especially in Europe. Students are strongly encouraged to check the entrance requirements of universities before they choose the Certificate pathway.
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