The International Baccalaureate
Introduction
The International Baccalaureate (IB), formed in 1968, is an international educational foundation with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
IB offers four educational programmes for children aged 3–19.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme primarily aimed at students
aged between 16 and 19. It is an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education and may
be taken instead of A-Levels.
The majority of Universities in the UK accept IBDP. There are 157 IB World Schools in the United Kingdom, 150 of
which offer the Diploma Programme.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a challenging and well-rounded programme of education. The
course aims to prepare students for success at university and life beyond and has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. It has a reputation for being demanding but
very rewarding. It offers a broader programme of study than A levels, and encourages students to think independently,
and to explore their creativity. More subjects are taken than at A level and extra-curricular activities and
voluntary work are integrated into the curriculum.
The Subject Matter
There are three compulsory, core elements to the diploma.
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Theory of knowledge (TOK): your child will learn about where knowledge comes from, how to analyse evidence and how
to argue a point
-
Creativity, action and service: your child will be encouraged to get involved in theatre or musical activities,
sports and/or community service
-
Extended essay: your child will be asked to investigate a topic of interest and to write a 4,000-word essay.
The combined learning time is about 290 hours.
In addition children take three standard level (150 hour) courses and three higher level (240 hour) courses.
The six subject areas are:
-
English (if UK)
-
A second language
-
Experimental sciences (biology, chemistry, physics, design technology)
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Mathematics and computer science
-
The arts (visual, theatre and music)
-
Individuals and society (history, psychology, geography)
One subject must be taken from each area.
Assessment
IB students complete assessment tasks in school which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by
external moderators or sent directly to external examiners.
Written exams are taken at the end of the programme and are marked by external IB examiners. Each of the six subjects
taken is marked out of 7 (maximum of 42 points). Candidates can gain up to 3 extra points for the compulsory
elements. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, out of a total of 45 points.
Grading Value
An IB diploma total of 24 points is worth a B and two C grades at A level. The maximum 45 points is equivalent to
six A levels at grade A. (Only about 70 students worldwide score the top grade out of the 800,000 who sit it.)
The top UK universities usually make offers to students who achieve between 32 and 40 points.
Converting to UCAS Tariff
One grade A at A Level is worth 120 UCAS points.
International Baccalaureate UCAS Tariff Points
| Higher Level |
Standard Level |
Core |
| Grade |
UCAS |
Grade |
UCAS |
Grade |
UCAS |
| 7 |
130 |
7 |
70 |
3 |
120 |
| 6 |
110 |
6 |
59 |
2 |
80 |
| 5 |
80 |
5 |
43 |
1 |
40 |
| 4 |
50 |
4 |
27 |
0 |
10 |
| 3 |
20 |
3 |
11 |
|
|
Comparing International Baccalaureate to A Levels
It is much more difficult to specialise within the IB than with A Levels. A level students can avoid subjects they
disliked at GCSE level, however IB students must study a second language, some form of mathematics, art and science.
Some A Levels can be taken in modules, the IB examinations are always at the end of the two year course, with up to
18 exams over a two to three week period. Higher level IBs are comparable in difficulty to full A levels.
The standard level IBs are similar in difficulty to AS levels with more challenging questioning.
Given the number of subjects, IB involves more work than A Levels. A good IB student will need
to be well organised
and a good independent learner. If a student is particularly weak in a certain area or really struggles with
organisation and time management, A Levels are likely to be an easier route into university.