Resources for Universities and Applicants

IB Diploma Programme Information

(Download The IB Diploma Programme leaflet [PDF] here)

The Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate (IB) is a demanding pre-university two-year course of study that leads to a set of six final examinations. Designed for highly motivated secondary school students aged 16 to 19, the Diploma Programme incorporates the best elements of many national systems without being based on any particular one.

The goal is to provide students with the opportunities that will enable them to develop sound judgment and values, exercise wise choices, and learn to respect others in the global community. IB was founded in 1968, and since that time has become a symbol of academic integrity and intellectual promise. Students who satisfy the rigorous demands of the Diploma Programme demonstrate 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 post-secondary success. Colleges and universities do well to encourage the enrollment of these able young scholars.

IB Diploma Curriculum: Six Subject Groups

Group 1:

• Language A1: First language, including the study of selections from world literature

Group 2:

• Language A2: A language and literature course for fluent or bilingual students
• Language B: A foreign language course for students with two to four years previous experience with the language
• Language ab initio: A foreign language course for beginners
• Classical languages: classical Greek, Latin

Group 3:

• Individuals and societies: business and management, economics, environmental systems and societies, geography, history, Islamic history, information technology in a global society, philosophy, psychology, social and cultural anthropology

Group 4:

• Experimental sciences: biology, chemistry, physics, design technology, environmental systems and societies

Group 5:

• Mathematics and computer science: mathematics HL, mathematics SL, mathematical studies SL, further mathematics SL, computer science (elective only)

Group 6:

• The arts: film, music, theatre, visual arts

The Diploma

IB Diploma Programme candidates are required to study six subjects: one subject each from groups one to five, and a sixth subject from group six or an elective. The electives include a second subject from groups one to four, Further Mathematics SL, Computer Science and a school-based syllabus approved by the IB. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at a higher level (HL), the others at a standard level (SL). Each subject is graded on a scale of 1 point (minimum) to 7 points (maximum). The awarding of a diploma requires candidates to meet defined standards and conditions. These include a minimum total of 24 points, and the satisfactory completion of three additional components: The Extended Essay (EE), the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and Creativity, Action, Service (CAS). The EE of some 4,000 words provides a first experience in preparing an independent research paper. The TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on knowledge and experience gained outside the classroom. Finally, the CAS component involves compulsory participation in three areas: creativity, action, and service.

Approximately 76% of candidates in the United States are awarded a diploma. In Canada, 92% of candidates receive a diploma. Throughout the world the average is 83%.

The Certificate

A candidate who does not satisfy all requirements of the Diploma Programme, or who has elected to take fewer than six subjects is awarded a certificate for the examinations completed. Diploma candidates who successfully complete more than six subjects receive an extra certificate for the additional subjects.

Grading Schemes and Results

A candidate’s examination performance for individual subjects is graded according to the following scale:

1. Very poor

2. Poor

3. Mediocre

4. Satisfactory

5. Good

6. Very good

7. Excellent N. No grade

IB scores are criterion referenced rather than norm referenced. Criteria are set out in course guides by subject and year and are available to download through the IB secure site for those with valid accounts. Full details can also be found in Diploma Programme Assessment: Principles and Practice, available here.

The Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Extended Essay (EE) are graded according to this scale:

A. Excellent

B. Good

C. Satisfactory

D. Mediocre

E. Elementary

N. No grade

Diploma Programme subjects can yield up to 42 points. Three further points can be awarded for the combination of the EE and the TOK. Therefore, the maximum possible score is 45 points. Achievement of less than 24 points will result in a certificate for courses successfully completed, but a Diploma is not awarded.

Results are available in mid-July for May examination session candidates, and mid-January for November examination session candidates. If requested, an official transcript of results will be sent electronically to universities. The transcript will indicate the level of each subject, the grade awarded in each, the total points scored, and the completion of the addition components. It is typically marked diploma awarded or certificate awarded. A transcript indicating bilingual diploma awarded means that the candidate has either studied two A1 language courses, or has studied one A1 language course and an A2 language course, or has taken an examination in at least one subject from group 3 or group 4 in a language other than his or her A1 language.

Authorization of Schools and Recognition of the IB Diploma by Universities

Only schools officially authorized by the IB may offer the Diploma Programme and present candidates for examination. As of February 2008, there were over 2,200 participating schools in more than 125 countries. Of these, about 45% are located in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.

The IB has shown that students are well prepared for university work and the Diploma Programme has earned an international reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. These include institutions such as Cornell, MIT, Princeton, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, University of California, and Yale among others.

The IB headquarters is located in Geneva, Switzerland. The Curriculum and Assessment Center (IBCA) is located in Cardiff, Wales (UK) and oversees two examination sessions per year. The May session serves the majority of candidates who are from schools in the northern hemisphere, and the November session serves schools in the southern hemisphere. Over 5,000 examiners worldwide are involved in the assessment of candidate work under the supervision of chief examiners in their respective fields.

Universities and governments in the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean are encouraged to contact the IB North America regional offices in New York or Vancouver for further information.

New York

475 Riverside Drive, Ste. 240, New York, NY 10115, USA
Phone: 212.696.4464

Email: ibna@ibo.org

Vancouver

Bob Poole, Head of Vancouver Office & Recognition Services

Email:  bob.poole@ibo.org
Sandra Wade Pauly, University and Government Liaison

Email:  sandra.wadepauly@ibo.org

202-1661 West 2nd Avenue, Vancouver, BC V6J 1H3 Canada

Toll free: 866.826.4262

Phone: 604.733.8980

Fax: 604.733.8970