INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP)

Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught and assessed for students aged 16 to 19. It is designed to provide an internationally recognized qualification that prepares students for university and life beyond school. 

The IBDP is offered in over 5,000 schools across more than 150 countries, making it a truly international program. 

The DP was established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding.

It was created by teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several other international schools.

Since then, innovative and committed teachers and examiners from around the world have played a significant role in the development of the programme.

Through the DP, schools are able to develop students who:

• Have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge

• Flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically

• Study at least two languages

• Excel in traditional academic subjects

• Explore the nature of knowledge through the programme’s unique Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course.

Informed by the International Baccalaureate (IB) mission to develop active, compassionate and lifelong learners, the IB programmes foster a distinctive set of attributes. These qualities—embodied in the IB learner profile—prepare IB students to make exceptional contributions on campus.

1. Inquirers: They develop their natural curiosity. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct inquiry and research and show independence in learning. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.

2. Knowledgeable: They explore concepts, ideas and issues that have local and global significance. In so doing, they acquire in-depth knowledge and develop understanding across a broad and balanced range of disciplines.

3. Thinkers: They exercise initiative in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to recognize and approach complex problems, and make reasoned, ethical decisions.

4. Communicators: They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication. They work effectively and willingly in collaboration with others.

5. Principled: They act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of the individual, groups and communities. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them.

6. Open-minded: They understand and appreciate their own cultures and personal histories, and are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and communities. They are accustomed to seeking and evaluating a range of points of view, and are willing to grow from the experience.

7. Caring: They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to service, and act to make a positive difference to the lives of others and to the environment.

8. Risk-takers: They approach unfamiliar situations and uncertainty with courage and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are brave and articulate in defending their beliefs.

9. Balanced: They understand the importance of intellectual, physical and emotional balance to achieve personal well-being for themselves and others.

10. Reflective: They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experience. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development.