What is the International Baccalaureate program?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the academic program followed in the United World Colleges. It is a two-year pre-university course of study that is recognized worldwide. International schools follow the same curriculum. In the U.S. school system, the program is equivalent to Grade 11 and 12 of high school. In the British school system, students obtain the equivalent of the ‘A’ levels. Filipino students who decide to pursue university degrees in local Philippine universities may get accreditation for IB subjects taken that are similar to required courses for their university degree. To earn the International Baccalaureate diploma, each student must complete six subjects from various disciplines. IB subjects offered include languages, history, economics, social anthropology, world cultures, physics, chemistry, biology, environmental systems, mathematics, art and design, theater arts, music and world religion. All IB diploma candidates must also take a course in the Theory of Know
The IB Diploma program is a two-year pre-university coursework for 11th and 12th grade which provides a core and elective curriculum and is measured through internal and external examinations. To earn the IB diploma, students complete and test in six IB subjects; write an extended essay of independent research guided by a faculty mentor; complete 150 hours of creativity, action, and service activities (CAS); and participate in a critical thinking course called Theory of Knowledge (ToK). This advanced, comprehensive program of study offers an integrated approach to learning across the disciplines with an emphasis on meeting the challenges of living and working in a global, technological society. Students who take IB courses without completing the entire program may earn IB certificates by testing in selected IB courses.
The International Baccalaureate Program is a rigorous, academically challenging two-year course of studies. This programme is designed to develop student potential within a holistic approach, thus emphasizing all aspects of learning and becoming a life long learner. Academic challenge is combined with athletic, creative, and volunteer involvement. Even though the credentials students receive for completing the IB Programme are impressive and often extrinsically useful, the most important aspect of this programme is the actual EXPERIENCE of participating in an international community. It is the “journey” through this programme which is most helpful – a “journey” which does not just provide concrete, academic knowledge, but also one which helps provide self-awareness, confidence without arrogance and tolerance and open mindedness. This programme is suitably designed not just for an “elite” group of learners but also for anyone who has enthusiasm, determination, desire, and interest in le
