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The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, leading to examinations, for students aged between sixteen and nineteen. Based on the pattern of no single country, it is a deliberate compromise between the specialization required in some national systems and the breadth preferred in others. The general objectives of the IBO are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographic and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience. In the 30 years since its founding, the IB Diploma has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a competitive world. Colleges and universities are well served by encouraging the enrollment of these able young scholars. The IB Diploma curriculum consists of six subject groups: Language A1: First language, including the study of selections from World Literature. Language A2, B, ab initio: Second modern language. Individuals and Societies: History, Geography, Economics, Philosophy, Psychology, Social Anthropology, Business and Organization, Information Technology in a Global Society, History of the Islamic World. Experimental Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems, Design Technology Mathematics: Mathematics HL, Mathematical Studies, Mathematical Methods, Advanced Mathematics SL Electives: Art/Design, Music, Theatre Arts, Latin, Classical Greek, Computer Science, a second subject from Individuals and Societies or Experimental Sciences, a third modern language, Advanced Mathematics SL, a school-based syllabus approved by the IBO. All IB Diploma candidates are required to offer one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at Higher Level, the others at Standard Level. Each examined subject is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three additional requirements; the Extended Essay of some 4000 words which provides the first experience of the independent research paper; a course entitled Theory of Knowledge (TOK) which explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom; and the compulsory participation in CAS- Creativity, Action, and Service to the community. The maximum score of 45 includes 3 points for the combination of the extended essay and work in TOK. Approximately 80% of diploma candidates earn the Diploma. The student who does not satisfy the requirements of the full programme is awarded a certificate for the examinations completed. Only schools officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation are authorized to offer the curriculum and to present candidates for examination. Of the approximately 750 current member schools in more than 90 countries, some 325 are located in the United States, Canada or the Caribbean. Experience has shown that IB Diploma holders gain admission to selective universities throughout the world. These include prominent institutions such as Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Brown, Wellesley, MIT, McGill, Toronto and Stanford. The International Baccalaureate Organisation is based in Geneva, Switzerland, with regional offices in Geneva, New York, Buenos Aires and Singapore. The Curriculum and Assessment Centre, located in Cardiff, Wales, in the United Kingdom, oversees two examination sessions per year. The May session serves the large majority of candidates; schools in the southern hemisphere subscribe to the smaller November session. Some 2100 individual examiners worldwide participate in the assessment of student work. A final, official transcript will be sent by IBNA in New York following the grade awarding and upon the request of the student. The document will indicate the level of the subjects, the grade awarded in each, the total point score and the completion of the additional Diploma requirements. Results are available in mid-July for May session candidates. Universities requiring additional information are invited to contact the regional office. International Baccalaureate North America and the Caribbean 200 Madison Avenue, Suite 2301 E-mail: ibna@ibo.org
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New York, NY 10016