International Baccalaureate (IB) School

What Is an International Baccalaureate (IB) School?

IB emphasizes in-depth, student-led dialogue. IB was created in Switzerland in 1968 for international students and is now offered at 5,175 schools in 157 countries, including 1,852 in the US. IB is popular because it emphasizes creativity and critical thinking. IB students choose their own topics and projects, and teachers function more as supervisors or mentors than data providers. International Village School is one of the popular IB schools in Chennai, which encourages students to learn from their classmates by actively critiquing their work. The IB curriculum prepares students for critical thinking and college-level work, including writing, and strives to "produce curious, educated and compassionate young people who help create a better and more peaceful world through international understanding and respect".

Everything You Need to Know About IB Syllabus

Middle and high schools are not all IB. Many high schools offer an IB program as a school within a school. If so, students may take a single IB course or receive an IB diploma by taking a full course load to meet the prerequisites. Given this range, ask what your school offers and allows.

IB vs AP

AP Comparison works in a high school with an IB diploma program where students can take IB courses in their strongest subjects. However, IB and AP classes differ in instruction and assessment. Some consider AP to focus on memorization and quizzes. IB curriculum tests emphasize research, writing and practical assessment. The final test is essential. IB exams test students' ability to react to new material in a limited time by challenging them to apply what they have learned in new circumstances, such as examining a case study. Assessments (usually essays) are scored by one of 6,000 foreign examiners alongside the work of other IB students. Passing AP tests can earn college credit, although IB exams may not. Many IB students take the associated AP exam (but not the coursework) for college credit. At all levels, the IB explores broad topics that span disciplines. Students delve into topics and look for solutions.

A Brief Summary of Your Child's Future in IB

In an IB class, your child will take fewer notes during teacher-led conferences and focus more on individual or group projects. IB programs require students to take the initiative, create and complete projects, and speak in front of their classmates. IB students thrive in a difficult environment and prefer to have choices.

IB programs emphasize asking questions and seeking answers, no matter how contentious. Teachers will invite students to study topics from global warming to gay rights. As problems arise, the only rules are that inquiry is acceptable and students look for solutions and cultural biases in competing arguments.

Depending on the school, high school kids participate in IB to varying degrees. Some schools accept one or two IB courses; others need the whole diploma. Students must complete IB courses in six areas: language and literature, foreign language, people and society, science, mathematics, and the arts.

Seniors write a 4,000-word essay to receive their IB certificate. Senior projects prepare students for college-level research and writing. Completed essays are submitted to independent examiners who mark them using general IB criteria.

IB recently added the IB career-related program for high school students seeking vocational or CTE. Students take fewer IB courses but still meet diploma-level requirements, such as studying a foreign language, doing a community service, and completing a capstone project related to their CTE or career field.

An Overview of IB School Criteria

Find out what type of IB an IB school offers. Ask how the program works for different levels of participation if it is a school within a school or if children can attend IB courses without seeking a diploma. How will studies, meals and breaks coincide, and what options do students have if they struggle with the IB? Find out which foreign languages, arts, and electives match the IB standards. Some IB programs have GPAs or assessment criteria, so you will need to assess whether your child can meet them.

Depending on your district's program funding, students may be required to pay for exams. Students can pay $172 + $119 for each IB high school test. IB diplomas are expensive. IB is not magic. Like any program, its effectiveness depends on the weather, instructors, students, and school facilities, so consider the big picture. IB students appreciate their lessons because of the interaction with the instructor and the camaraderie.

End-note

IB is offered at public, private, and religious institutions, so you need to choose which one is best for your family. Visit the International Village School, one of the most reputed IB schools in Chennai, to check on the excellent amenities they offer for IB programmes.