IBDP - INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
DEVELOPING INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED LEARNERS
IES College offers Year 11 and 12 students the opportunity to undertake the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) in the heart of Spring Hill.
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum holistically develops the whole student, as students learn to balance academic subjects with student-led personal development. This balance is highlighted through the CAS programme of Creativity, Activity and Service and the Extended Essay, an individual research project that prepares students for university-level study. All aspects of the IB Programme help students grow into responsible, independent learners.
You will also receive the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at the end of Year 12, dependent upon meeting eligibility requirements. Your passing IB Diploma score will also be converted to an ATAR equivalent.
An IBDP WORLD SCHOOL IN BRISBANE
WHAT IS AN IB PROGRAMME?
A growing number of students around the world are choosing to study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Years 11 and 12.
The IBDP was established in Geneva, Switzerland in 1968 with an aim to provide an outstanding curriculum to achieve international academic standards across local schools. More than 50 years later, close to 5,000 schools across 153 countries are delivering IB programmes, and between 2012 and 2017, the number of IB programmes offered worldwide grew by 39.3%.
Many governments around the world are also recognising the value of the IB and are working to expand the number of IB schools and programmes offered to students in their respective countries.
The INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE® MISSION STATEMENT
The International Baccalaureate® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
For further information about the IB and its programmes visit www.ibo.org.
IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME CURRICULUM
The IB Diploma Programme curriculum is made up of three core elements and six subject groups. The core elements are at the heart of the IB and aim to broaden students’ educational experiences and challenge them to acquire and apply their knowledge and skills in diverse ways.
Click here to view our Learning Overview.
THE THREE CORE ELEMENTS OF THE IB ARE:
Theory of Knowledge – in this timetabled interdisciplinary course, students investigate knowledge, the process of learning, how we know what we know, and who determines what we know to be true. Theory of Knowledge helps students think critically about the types of knowledge they are constructing in their selected subjects, enhancing critical thinking and metacognition. Theory of Knowledge has two (2) assessment tasks: an internally marked exhibition of objects that relate to their exploration of a knowledge question, and an externally marked essay.
Creativity, Activity, Service – students complete projects related to physical activity, creative pursuits and community service, contributing to their health and well-being and their development as well-rounded and community-minded citizens.
Extended Essay – this independent, self-directed piece of research is channelled into a 4,000-word paper and gives students the skills to question, research, and analyse a self-formulated inquiry question in a subject of their choice.
GLOBAL UNIVERSITY PREPARATION
The IB Diploma Programme is respected and recognised among the world’s higher education institutions. Each year, Diploma Programme students request transcripts to be sent to over 3,300 higher education institutions in close to 90 countries.
Students who achieve strong results in the IB can often also benefit from advanced standing, course credit, scholarships, and other admissions-related benefits at many universities.
If you are planning to apply to a university or college located outside of Australia, we recommend you view the FAQ on the IB website, check directly with the University’s Admissions team regarding IB recognition, and talk to your Careers Counsellor at IES College.
AUSTRALIAN UNIVERSITY ADMISSION
Just like any other Year 12 student at an Australian state or independent school, when you study the two year IB Diploma Programme at IES College, you will receive a score at the end of Year 12.
You will require a minimum of 24 points to graduate and can achieve up to a maximum of 45 points. In fact, some universities offer advanced placement, credit, and bonus schemes for Diploma Programme graduates.
“The University of Queensland welcomes IB students from around the world. We recognise that the IB Diploma is a comprehensive and challenging programme. Our experience is that IB Diploma graduates are incredibly well prepared for university success. The programme’s international flavour, academic rigour, and emphasis on inquiry-based learning means that IB students enter university with a global outlook, an excellent work ethic, and the critical thinking skills to ensure they achieve great results. IB students may be offered credit or exemption for selected courses. Depending on the degree program, students may be awarded up to one semester (8 units) credit.”
