what course are offered in the high school international baccalaureate program

There are different courses within each subject group. Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

Full Answer

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program?

While the most popular and well-known IB program is for high school students, they have programs for younger students as well. We will focus on the high school program in this article. The official name for this is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

What are the requirements for the International Baccalaureate (IB) program?

Applications may require teacher recommendation letters, grade reports, essays, writing samples or a personal statement, vaccination reports and a list of extracurricular activities. Students may also have to live within a certain distance from the school offering the IB program.

How many subjects are there in the IB Diploma Program?

High school students will mostly be concerned with the IB Diploma Program (DP) and the Career-related Program (CP), which consist of six main subjects. Who is eligible for an International Baccalaureate program?

What are the benefits of the International Baccalaureate program?

One of the chief benefits of the IB program is that it provides academic preparation for college. IB courses are known for being interdisciplinary, requiring a good deal of independent thinking, and assigning oral presentations and original research —all characteristics of college courses.

What are the 6 subjects in IB?

The six subject groups are:Studies in language and literature.Language acquisition.Individuals and societies.Sciences.Mathematics.The arts.

What does the International Baccalaureate offer?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) offers a continuum of international education through four challenging, high quality educational programmes to students aged 3 to 19.

What are IB courses?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is a high-level college preparatory program designed for outstanding high school students. Students in the IB program have the option of pursuing either the full IB Diploma or Certificates in one or more areas of selected study.

How many subjects are there in International Baccalaureate?

six subjectsOver the course of the two-year IB Diploma Programme, students study six subjects chosen from the six subject groups, complete an extended essay, follow a theory of knowledge (TOK) course, and participate in creativity, activity, service (CAS).

What is IB English in high school?

The International Baccalaureate is a high school program that doubles as a highly respected college prep curriculum. The IB program encourages students to think broadly, beyond the boundaries of their communities, and to see themselves as members of a global society.

Which is more difficult AP or IB?

Frequently Asked Questions About IB and AP Classes Some students argue that IB is more challenging because of the emphasis on critical thinking and the more application-focused evaluations. However, both IB and AP classes are considered college-level courses that many students find challenging.

How difficult is the IB program?

Getting a 45 in the IB is an extremely difficult task. Not only does it require extreme effort but a lot of help along the way. That being said, there are a number of students who reach this unreachable goal every year. Last year that number was 275 students, or 0.41% of candidates.

What is better AP or IB?

IB higher level is, at some high schools, considered harder than AP. Most colleges give credit for AP exams and higher-level IB exams, but not all give credit for standard-level IB exams. You can search the AP credit policy of various colleges at the AP college database.

What are the easiest IB subjects?

Which Courses Should You Take for the EASIEST IB Diploma?English A Language & Literature SL - Average Score: 5.09.Spanish B HL - Average Score: 5.32.Economics HL - Average Score: 5.09.Biology SL - Average Score: 4.18.Mathematics HL - Average Score: 4.69.French B SL - Average Score: 5.03.More items...•

How many IB classes should I take?

IB students are required to take at least three subjects at the higher level, known as HL, while the remaining classes may be taken at the standard level, or SL. Higher level courses typically have at least 240 hours of instruction, while standard level classes have at least 150.

Can you do 7 IB subjects?

You can do 7 subjects.

How Does College Credit Work For IB?

IB exams are recognized for college credit in a way similar to how AP exams are used. You don’t have to earn the IB diploma to get credit for indiv...

What Are The Benefits of The Ib Program?

One of the chief benefits of the IB program is that it provides academic preparation for college. IB courses are known for being interdisciplinary,...

What Are The 6 CORE Courses in The Ib Program?

To earn the full IB diploma, you have to take courses from six subjects, one each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from...

What Are The 3 CORE Requirements in The Ib Program?

In addition to IB classes and exams, there are three more core requirements students must complete to earn an IB diploma. Read about them below:

Ib vs AP: Key Similarities and Differences

We have a complete rundown of AP vs IB in this post, which includes a guide to deciding between the two programs. That being said, here are some of...

What is the first group of IB diploma courses?

The first group of IB Diploma courses are the language and literature ones . According to the IB, these classes hope to "develop a student's lifelong interest in language and literature, and a love for the richness of human expression."

What is the final course for IB?

In this course, "students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know." Students are assessed in TOK through an oral presentation and a 1,600-word essay. You must complete this course to receive your diploma and may take it online.

What is the third group of IB diploma?

The third group of IB Diploma courses spans various social science subjects, such as social studies, psychology, and politics. This group's goals are for students to develop "a critical appreciation of human experience and behavior" and learn more about cultural institutions and the different types of environments people inhabit.

What is the final group of IB classes?

This final group of IB classes focuses on creativity and a variety of artistic endeavors, including the visual arts (e.g., drawing and painting) and the performing arts (e.g., theatre and dance). If you do not want to take an arts course, you can substitute this requirement by taking an additional class from groups 1, 2, 3, or 4.

What is a history course?

A world history course based on a comparative, multi-perspective approach to history and focused around key historical concepts such as change, causation, and significance. Involves the study of a variety of types of history, including political, economic, social, and cultural. No. HL and SL.

Will IB exams be non-exams in 2021?

Because of the ongoing COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, May 2021 IB assessments will have two routes, exam and non-exam, depending on which your school chooses. Stay up to date with the latest information on what this means for IB diplomas, course credit for IB classes, and more with our 2021 IB COVID-19 FAQ article.

Choosing subjects in the Diploma Programme

Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts.

DP subject briefs

Our course selection guidance contains subject briefs for both standard and higher level, including information about core requirements, aims and assessment.

What is an IB in high school?

International Baccalaureate (IB) One factor some students consider when choosing a high school is whether it has an International Baccalaureate (IB) program. Often compared with the Advanced Placement (AP) program, the IB program allows students to take college-level courses while in high school. So what is International Baccalaureate?

What are the two forms of IB?

Most IB classes come in two forms: Higher Level (HL) and Standard Level (SL). We will discuss this in more detail below. Some colleges only give credit for HL classes, as Stanford does. Also, some colleges will completely waive General Education requirements for students who have completed the full IB Diploma.

How much does an IB exam cost?

IB exams are more expensive than AP tests at $119 per exam . AP exams cost a bit less at $94 . Remember that these fees are much lower than college tuition for the same classes!

What is the IB score?

IB exams are graded on a scale of 1-7, with 6 and 7 considered an A, and anything 4 and up generally considered a passing score (though the IB doesn't set official passing grades). Most colleges give IB credit for scores of 5 and higher.

What is an IB?

An Overview. The International Baccalaureate (IB) program was designed in Switzerland in the 1960s. Its purpose was to give students around the world a chance to earn a rigorous, internationally recognized diploma, which they could then use for entry into universities.

What is paper in IB?

A paper is essentially an exam section, and they usually have a combination of multiple-choice, short-answer, extended-response, and data- or case-analysis questions. You won't spend much time bubbling in answers on an IB exam.

What are the benefits of IB?

One of the chief benefits of the IB program is that it provides academic preparation for college. IB courses are known for being interdisciplinary, requiring a good deal of independent thinking, and assigning oral presentations and original research —all characteristics of college courses.

How to get an IB diploma?

To earn an IB Diploma, you have to attend an IB-approved school, take courses in all 6 subjects, pass the respective exams, and complete additional core requirements. Please note some IB schools allow you to take IB classes without the pressure of pursuing the two-year IB program.

How many schools offer IB DP?

According to the International Baccalaureate Organization, 960 schools in the US are offering the IB DP Program, while 136 schools in the US offer the IB CP Program. There are schools that offer both DP and CP, so don’t forget to double-check the schools if you decide to attend an IB-approved school.

What are the similarities between the IB and the American curriculum?

The American curriculum and IB Diploma Program have some similarities, as the American curriculum requires students to satisfy certain years of student in English, Mathematics, World Language, Natural & Physical Sciences, Social Studies, and Art. For IB DP, students are required to take courses in 6 subjects within the curriculum:

What is an IB?

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a program for students from ages 3 to 19 that challenges them to excel and achieve in both their academic and personal lives. IB has four main educational programs:

How long is the IB?

International Baccalaureate, or IB, is a two-year rigorous program (junior year and senior year) for high school students from 16-19 years of age. This program will develop students into experts with excellent breadth and depth of knowledge. Upon completion of the program, students will receive a globally recognized diploma ...

How many DP courses are required for CP?

CP students are required to take a minimum of 2 DP courses out of 6 subjects, on top of the core CP curriculum and an approved career-related study. The combination of two encourages and prepares students for higher education, an internship/externship, or an apprenticeship.

When is the IB program 2021?

Complete Guide to IB (International Baccalaureate) Program. Aralia. May 19, 2021. Students entering high school have numerous options when it comes to class selection, especially when choosing between AP and IB programs. So, what is the International Baccalaureate Program really?

What is the IB Program (Summary)

Designed in Switzerland in the 1960s, the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is an academically challenging program of study, designed to prepare students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and life beyond.

What are the benefits of the IB Program?

Established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility, and to promote international understanding, the DP offers countless benefits to students. According to IB, these include:

University Credit for IB

As any student with international ambitions knows, the requirements for university admissions and transferring credits from high school can be different from one country to the next.

Outcomes of IB classes

In addition to university readiness, DP students are also more likely to persist at university (continue on to their second year).

Why are IB classes worth taking?

The IB classes are unique from other advanced classes, like an honors-level class or Advanced Placement courses, because they fit into the educational ecosystem created by IB. The classes are part of the IB diploma and intentionally developed to promote interdisciplinary learning and critical thinking across different fields of study.

IB at ASP

At ASP, where we teach an American curriculum for a diverse group of international students, and as such, we offer both individual IB classes, as well as the full, International Baccalaureate Diploma in our Upper School.

What is an International Baccalaureate Program?

Founded in Geneva, Switzerland, in 1968, IB was intended to provide academic coursework that would prepare students for university, and for careers in diplomacy or government. The organization is still headquartered in Geneva, and all IB schools must be officially licensed before they are allowed to offer IB courses.

IB Examinations

As with AP courses, students complete a series of exams at the end of the IBDP to demonstrate their mastery of the concepts taught. Your work in class observed and scored by your teachers is also counted for some subjects, such as lab work done for the sciences, or speaking for languages.

Covid Impacts

Due to the pandemic, exams have not been offered everywhere. This year, IB is using a dual assessment model. This means that exams are offered where it is safe to take them, and where it isn’t coursework, and projected scores are used to award final scores. This has received some criticism for perceived unfairness.

College Credit for IB Courses

As with AP classes, many colleges will grant course credit to students who score well on their IB examinations. How high you need to score, and which subjects you can earn credit in, vary greatly between colleges. Generally, however, you will get course credit for scores of 6 or higher on IB exams.

Should I take IB courses?

This depends on your own unique situation, but generally, yes, if they are offered and you are academically prepared. Colleges want students who have challenged themselves academically, especially top schools, and taking the hardest courses available is a good way to demonstrate this.

AP vs IB

Some schools offer both AP and IB courses. Advanced students can and should take both. Since you cannot enter IB coursework until you are 16, AP courses allow you to take advanced coursework in your sophomore or even freshman year.

Final Thoughts

More than 800 high schools in the US offer an IB curriculum, though it is still far less prevalent than AP courses. If you would like advice on which AP courses or exams you should take, see our guide on the subject.

When do IB students start taking prep classes?

While the DP and CP programs technically don’t begin until a student’s junior year, IB students start taking prep courses as soon as they enter high school. Because of this, the application process typically begins in 8th grade, about a year before a student starts their freshman year.

How many IB programs are there?

There are four IB education programs, all of which are intended to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills. High school students will mostly be concerned with the IB Diploma Program (DP) and the Career-related Program (CP), which consist of six main subjects. Who is eligible for an International Baccalaureate program? ...

What is an IB?

International Baccalaureate (IB) is a worldwide, nonprofit education program founded to give all students the opportunity to receive an education fit for a globalizing world. There are four IB education programs, all of which are intended to develop students’ intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills. High school students will mostly be concerned with the IB Diploma Program (DP) and the Career-related Program (CP), which consist of six main subjects.

How much does an IB test cost?

However, the IB assessment tests, which can lead to college credit with a passing score, do have fees ranging from $10 to $170. Learn more about registration fees and subject fees at the International Baccalaureate website.

What is the difference between AP and IB?

AP allows students to take classes that play to their strengths and are graded independent of one another. IB, on the other hand, is a course of study, encompassing six areas: English, history, science, foreign language, math and an IB-approved elective. There is also a great amount of writing in the IB program.

What do I need to apply for IB?

Applications may require teacher recommendation letters, grade reports, essays, writing samples or a personal statement, vaccination reports and a list of extracurricular activities. Students may also have to live within a certain distance from the school offering the IB program.

Why do IB students go to college?

IB students take college-level courses in high school, which helps them make a smooth transition into higher education. Studies have found that IB students are more likely to attend college and feel more prepared to succeed and excel in their studies than students who do not participate in IB.

What is an international baccalaureate?

The International Baccalaureate is a high school program that doubles as a highly respected college prep curriculum. The IB program encourages students to think broadly, beyond the boundaries of their communities, and to see themselves as members of a global society.

What is an IB diploma?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an intense curriculum for high school juniors and seniors that emphasizes intercultural understanding and enrichment. It culminates in six rigorous subject exams. The program was originally a standard curriculum for students moving from one country to another ...

What are the main areas of study in IB?

The IB has six main areas of study: language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts.