So, what is International Baccalaureate? What is the IB Program and an IB Diploma, and why are IB classes worth taking?

Don’t be scared. Its purpose is to give students a chance to earn a rigorous, internationally recognized diploma, which they could then use for entry into universities.

A major advantage of the IB programme is that it’s well-known for preparing students for college. IB courses are designed to develop critical thinking skills, and require students to do research and oral presentations, which they will need to do as they progress to college.

Which courses do you need to study?

To receive your IB Diploma, you must take from all 6 categories/subjects. You can also study an additional science, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts) Pick one from each group.

one each from groups 1-5, and either one from group 6 or a substitute from one of the other groups:

  • Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature (most likely an English literature course if you’re an American student)
  • Group 2: Language Acquisition (a foreign language course)
  • Group 3: Individuals and Societies (history, economics, geography, other social sciences)
  • Group 4: Experimental Sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, other sciences)
  • Group 5: Mathematics
  • Group 6: The Arts (dance, theater, visual arts, etc.)

What Are IB Exams?

For each of those six core classes, you also have to take an IB exam. IB exams are given in May or November in some schools. They consist of two parts: an external assessment and internal assessment.

Core Requirements in the IB Program?

In addition to the IB classes and exams, you still have to complete these requirements:

  1. Take an extended essay of up to 4,000 words.
  2. Complete a presentation on Theory of knowledge.
  3. Participate in an out- of the class activity like sports.
Image result for people taking IB exams

Preparing for IB courses

You know that feeling you get when you here “exams” you don’t have to feel like that anymore! You just need to start preparing early.

  • Explore your interests- At that age it can be difficult to know what you want to do in future but find out what you enjoy.
  • Seek help from tutors, parents and mentors on what’s best for you.
  • Check what universities are looking for. – There’s that one university you are targeting, find out what it takes to go there.
  • Talk to your teachers- they know your strengths and weakness.

If you want to know more about this program and whether or not you should take it, talk to our life skills couch and mentors here @ Parinama academy

References

Seigel, D. (n.d.). The Complete List of IB Courses and Classes. Retrieved from https://blog.prepscholar.com/the-complete-list-of-ib-courses-and-classes

Staff, S. I. (2019, October 9). How to choose your IB subjects. Retrieved from https://www.studyinternational.com/news/how-to-choose-your-ib-subjects/

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