International Baccalaureate. What is the IB Program

Traditionally, the A-level course includes up to 45 different disciplines, from which students choose 3-6 depending on their goals and learning ability. The choice of subjects studied is an important step in obtaining education, it must correspond to the future specialty. Typically, the list of disciplines offered for study includes the following subjects:

Mathematics
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Accounting
higher mathematics
English literature
Politics
Art and design
Economy
Environmental management
Psychology and others.

A-level usually has two levels, the development of each of which takes an academic year - AS-level and A-level. Students have the right to determine the number of subjects they study, but most often it is 4 academic disciplines in the first year of preparation and 3 in the second. For foreign students, English becomes an additional subject of study.

The academic year consists of three trimesters: autumn, spring and summer. At the end of each term, students take exams. After completing their studies and receiving a certificate of education, students can apply to institutions. The higher the grades for the A-level, the more likely it is to enter a prestigious university.

Requirements for foreign applicants may differ depending on the school:

Results not lower than 5.0 - 5.5 (may differ in different educational institutions), 500

A feature of this program is the possibility of passing it in some schools at an accelerated pace in a year or a year and a half. Many educational institutions in the UK also offer A-level preparation courses, designed to make it easier for a teenager to adapt to life in another country, improve his knowledge of the English language (expand vocabulary, study specialized vocabulary) and academic subjects, and develop learning skills.

For admission to the British A-level, you should first get acquainted with the list of necessary documents for the chosen educational institution and the rules for their submission.

IB Diploma

The educational program International Baccalaureate (International Baccalaureate) is a program aimed at obtaining a complete secondary education abroad. This course is taught in one of three languages - English, Spanish or French. Education under the IB Diploma program can be completed in more than 120 countries around the world. The IB Diploma course of study is becoming increasingly popular, because the certificate of completion makes it possible to enter various well-known universities in Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, France, Sweden, Norway and some other countries.

Institutions offering the IB Diploma program are generally ranked among the best, reflecting the level of mastery in the disciplines. International Baccalaureate is known for its objectivity due to the student passing a single exam.

The IB Diploma program was developed in 1968 by . IB is aimed at developing the student's personal potential, instilling a desire for academic success, mastering the ability to think critically and independent work skills. A feature of the program was the use of various methods of analysis, the writing of a huge number of research papers, the emphasis on experimental activities.

The current duration of the program is 2 years. During this time, students are required to master 6 compulsory disciplines, write an essay (scientific work). The study of the main subjects is conducted at two levels:

Higher level (advanced level) involves 240 hours of classes. As a rule, it studies 3-4 disciplines that are necessary for admission to the institute
Standard level (standard level) - 150 hours of study.

IB Diplom subjects are usually grouped into 6 groups. The student is required to choose one subject to study in each class:

First language, selective study of works of world literature
Foreign languages and literature on them
Man and society (history, psychology, geography, economics, philosophy, business and management, information technology, etc.)
Natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, ecological systems, etc.)
Mathematics
Additional electives (design, music, theater arts, one of the subjects of group 3 or 4, mathematics at an advanced level).

An obligatory part of education in the IB program is the passage of the Theory of Knowledge (knowledge theory) and Creativity, Action and Service (creativity, sports and social work) courses:

The theory of knowledge is a general course that includes a number of disciplines and is aimed at the practical application of the theoretical knowledge gained.

The duration of the course is a minimum of 100 teaching hours. It helps to develop students' critical thinking, logic, the desire for self-education. Upon completion of the course, students write an abstract, the volume of which is 4-5 pages of printed text. Upon successful presentation of the project, the student can be awarded up to 3 additional points.

CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) is an additional education block. The purpose of the course is to motivate students to go in for sports, creativity, participation in socially significant projects. This allows you to go beyond the school curriculum, learn how to interact with other people.

The duration of the course is at least 150 hours of study (50 hours for creativity, 50 for sports, 50 for social work). Upon passing the CAS, the student receives a diploma on completion of the course.

Admission requirements (may vary depending on the educational institution and the internal curriculum):

Age - from 16-17 years old (completed 10th or 11th grade of Russian education)
Report card with grades for the last 2-3 years (for successful admission, grades in the main disciplines must be at least 4)
English level - IELTS 5.5 / TOEFL 194 CBT / 71 IBT / SLEP 57
A high level of academic achievement or a certificate of passing 5 GCSE exams (including math) with a score of at least C or equivalent.

After completing the program and passing the exams, the student receives a certificate of completion. Grades are given in points, where 7 is the highest. The maximum possible result that a student can get is 45 points. To receive a diploma, a student must score a minimum of 24 points.

Comparison of A-level and IB Diploma programs

The main difference between the A-level and IB Diploma programs is their different focus.

A-level allows the student to focus on the few core subjects he needs to get into university. Perfectly suited for students who have decided on the choice of specialty.
IB Diploma (International Baccalaureate) provides a broader outlook and makes it possible to decide on the necessary subjects and future profession a little later.

high school

is a program of study that allows a child to spend an academic year or semester in another country. This course is most widely used in the USA. It allows a teenager to immerse himself in the culture of another country, significantly increase his knowledge of the English language, complete an academic program, adapt to living abroad and make friends.

The main goal of education is to familiarize a teenager with the education system, its values, cultural characteristics and the main ideals of the country. High School can be both an independent program aimed at developing the language skills of a child, and an excellent preparation for entering the A-level or IB Diploma programs.

The curriculum of the course is aimed at adapting foreign students to the philosophy and rules of international education, where the main value is critical thinking, independence and the disclosure of personal potential. During their studies, students improve their English, expand their vocabulary, and improve their oral speech skills. Students also learn how to make competent presentations, write interesting essays, analyze educational texts and build independent judgments.

Different schools offer different options for the duration of the program - from 3 months to a year. The most popular are courses lasting 6 months or a year.

Basic requirements for a High School participant:

Age - 15-18 years old (students who have completed grades 8.9 or 10)
English language:
For a course of 9-12 months: minimum IELTS 4.0/TOEFEL 60 CBT/19 IBT/SLEP 40 or equivalent score on the free EF Academy test
For a course of 6 months: minimum IELTS 4.5/TOEFEL 103 CBT/34 IBT/SLEP 43
Report card with grades for the last 2-3 years (for successful admission, grades in the main disciplines must be at least 4).

The necessary personal qualities traditionally include independence, politeness, responsibility, sociability and others.

Successful completion of the High School course, A-Level or IB Diploma programs opens the door to the best universities in the world. High School is perfect for students whose level of English is below the level required for admission to the A-level or IB Diploma programs, those who are younger than entry age or have insufficient academic preparation.

As we can see, each of the programs has its own characteristics, pros and cons. That is why the choice of a course of study should be built in accordance with the needs and abilities of the child. Another factor in choosing a training program may be its main goal - entering a prestigious university, obtaining an excellent education or revealing the personal potential of a teenager.

There is no unequivocal answer to the questions “what is better - to enter the program or to give a year of preparation” or “which program to enter” there is no. A year of preparation is a great opportunity for a teenager to get used to a new environment, improve their language skills and make friends. It is also ideal for catching up with the academic program in the chosen direction.

IB today along with Advanced Placement (AP) - two recognized university preparation programs. Both the AP and the International Baccalaureate (IB) program teach students to think analytically, be responsible, curious, and strive to know more and deeper. This is their main value.

The IB International Baccalaureate program is divided into 3 stages:

Primary Years Program (3 - 12 years old)
Middle Years Program (11 - 16 years old)
Diploma Program (16 - 19 years old)

International Baccalaureate, the universal pre-university program International Baccalaureate (IB) was developed in 1968 in Switzerland. IB was conceived as an ideal program of complete general education, the same for all countries. International experts participated in its development, which means that this school education system has incorporated the best elements of various secondary education programs. To date, teaching under this program is conducted in 1341 schools in 112 countries of the world.

In most countries, the International Baccalaureate or IB is taught in English, although there are programs in German, Spanish and French. The diploma is recognized, which means that applicants who have it are admitted without exams to most universities in the world - the USA, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, France and Belgium, etc. The diploma is recognized in 160 countries of the world.

Despite expectations, the program did not receive huge popularity: it turned out to be too complicated. On average, no more than 70% of students graduating from this school system of education can successfully pass the final exam and receive a diploma that they have completed the complete general education program.

The IB International Complete General Education Program is considered one of the most effective and balanced, and in addition, the most difficult school education programs. It is designed for 2 senior classes (schoolchildren aged 16-19) and, in addition to specialization, provides general education in various fields of knowledge.

The main feature of this school education system is that exams do not evaluate the level of knowledge that the student has, but the progress that he has achieved during the reporting period. It enhances motivation, develops curiosity and purposefulness. Therefore, as a rule, the level of knowledge of the graduate of the IB program is higher.

Programs

The basis of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is the study of 6 main subjects chosen by the student from 6 groups of academic subjects:

First Language and Literature: Literature (choice of 55 languages, SL and HL), Language and Literature (choice of 17 languages, SL and HL), Literature and Theater (English, Spanish, French, SL)
Foreign language, training is conducted at two levels - for beginners (SL) and advanced (SL and HL): modern languages, classical languages \u200b\u200b- ancient Greek or Latin
"Man and Society": business and management (SL and HL), economics (SL and HL), geography (SL and HL), history (SL and HL), information technology (SL and HL), philosophy (SL and HL) , world religions (SL), psychology (SL and HL), social and cultural anthropology (SL and HL), global politics (SL and HL).
Sciences: Biology (SL and HL), Computer Science (SL and HL), Chemistry (SL and HL), Design and Technology (SL and HL), Physics (SL and HL), Ecology and Society (SL and HL), Sports, exercise and health (SL).
Mathematics: Higher Mathematics (HL), Mathematical Research (SL), Mathematics (SL and HL).
Arts and Electives: Choreography (SL and HL), Music (SL and HL), Cinematography (SL and HL), Theater (SL and HL), Visual Arts (SL and HL).

3 items must be at the advanced level, and 3 - at the standard:
advanced (HL): 240 teaching hours,
standard (SL): 150 teaching hours.

At an advanced level, 3 subjects are studied, which allows students to better prepare for entering a university. At the end of the course, students must write an essay - a kind of research report on a topic previously selected and agreed with the teacher.

According to IBO, the organization that developed the International Baccalaureate standards and is responsible for their implementation, IB not only absorbed all the best from national educational systems, but also added 3 very important components, namely:

TOK: "Theory of knowledge", the purpose of which is to encourage young people to critically comprehend the acquired knowledge, learn to argue and ask questions, form their own opinion and defend it with arguments. This course has a minimum of 100 hours.
CAS: “Creativity, action, service to society”, the purpose of which is to educate a person as a responsible person, able to use his energy and talents for the benefit of others, for example, to participate in charity events.
own creative and research work to write the final essay, for which at least 40 hours are allotted in the curriculum, and the topic is selected from 60 subjects.

Final examinations are held at the end of the two-year training program. The number of points based on the results of exams is taken into account by universities when considering applicants' dossiers. The maximum possible number of points is 45 points, the minimum possible is 24 points, subject to participation in the creative program. Most UK universities require 32 points for direct admission to undergraduate programs.

What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program?

The International Baccalaureate program is designed to be an academically challenging and balanced educational program that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and beyond. The program is designed for 2 years and is universal for the entire world community. Upon graduation, students take exams in all subjects, and if they pass successfully, they receive an international diploma, which makes it possible to enter leading universities both abroad and in Moscow without entrance examinations.

Since the 1960s:

The program balances the breadth and depth of the study of all subjects, and also takes into account the nature of knowledge in different disciplines through a unique theory of knowledge (Theory of Knowledge).
The program promotes international understanding, fosters respect for other languages, cultures, religions, as well as pride in one's own language and culture.
The program develops a positive attitude towards the acquisition of knowledge, which prepares the applicant for subsequent studies at the university.
The program is known for its strict external assessment system, the standards of which are identical in any country in the world.
The program contributes to the comprehensive development of students: physical, intellectual, emotional and ethical.

Ten essential characteristics that any graduate of the Diploma Program has are spelled out in a special document "Learner Profile" (see Appendix): students of the program strive to ask questions, think, communicate, take risks, learn, adhere to principles, think openly, be attentive and caring , be harmonious and meditate.

Program

Students in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program study 6 subjects at an advanced or standard level. Everyone must choose one subject from each group from 1 to 5, which guarantees a full coverage of knowledge in various fields: languages, humanities, experimental sciences and mathematics.

The student can choose the sixth subject from the sixth group (area "Art"), or prefer one more subject from groups 2 to 4.

At the advanced level, mainly 3 subjects are studied, although 4 are possible if desired (the required number of hours is 240), the remaining subjects (3 or 2, respectively) are studied at the standard level (150 academic hours). Students can study these subjects and take exams in English, French or Spanish.

Evaluation

At the end of the program, students take written exams, which are assessed by IB examiners. In addition, during the two years of study, the guys also write several in-school papers, which are either initially evaluated by school teachers and then by external experts, or directly sent to IB examiners.

Grades for each subject range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also receive additional points (up to 3) based on the results of their essay on the theory of knowledge and Coursework (Extended Essay) in one of the core subjects. The Diploma is awarded to a student who has scored at least 24 points, if he submits the CAS Journal (a diary that each student of the Diploma program keeps for two years in the Creativity. Action. Service program). The maximum score for the sum of all completed tasks is 45.

Evaluation is made according to the criteria. This means that papers are scored according to pre-scheduled descriptors that take into account the aims and objectives of each subject in the course, and are not compared with the results of other students taking similar exams.

Group 1: Native language and literature

Group 2: Foreign languages

Group 3: Humanitarian sciences

Group 4: experimental sciences

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science

Group 6: Art

Coursework (Extended essay) is required so that students can conduct independent research through a comprehensive analysis of a problematic issue in one of their chosen subjects.

Theory of knowledge (Theory of knowledge) is a course designed to encourage each student to analyze, critically explore different ways of knowing (perception, emotions, language and arguments) and different types of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

Creativity, Action, Service (Creativity, Action, Service) - this program assumes that students actively learn "inside" and outside the school walls. Children can combine all three components or perform actions related to one of the components separately.

Quality assurance and professional development.

Any school wishing to operate the IB Diploma Program and become an International School must first go through an authorization process. The requirements for authorization are the same for all schools, although it may vary slightly by region.

This is a challenging and exciting program that requires both motivated students and teachers to perform to their best potential. Educational institutions should motivate not only their students, but also teachers. Schools have access to an expanded IB Diploma Program package for teachers and administrators, and opportunities for ongoing professional development. Schools are required to participate in a continuous process of testing and development of teaching staff, using the standards and methods applied in all schools operating under the programs of the International Baccalaureate.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program (DP) is an educational program taught in one of three languages (English, French or Spanish). This program prepares graduates for admission to the best universities in the world.

The IB program operates 2,718 international schools around the world in 125 countries. Most of the DP (Diploma) teaching schools are publicly funded schools. Officially founded in 1968 in Geneva with the support of UNESCO, the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) is a non-profit foundation that does not belong to any particular country. Now IBO offers three options for educational academic programs.

IB programs

The International Baccalaureate is a recognized leader in international educational programs. It is represented by three coordinated programs for students from 3 to 19 years old:

primary school program (Primary Years Program, PYP) for children aged 5 to 11;
middle school program (Middle Years Program, MYP) for children aged 11 to 16;
high school program (Diploma Program, IB) for students aged 16-19 years.

Academic plan

The Diploma Program includes:

six subjects for compulsory study;
extended essay (scientific thesis) up to 4000 words;
obligatory subject for study - Theory of Knowledge (combined course of various disciplines and skills of practical application of theoretical knowledge in life).

Each Diploma student is encouraged to spend 150 hours developing creative skills, fitness (sports) and charitable activities (environmental, philanthropic).

Each subject is graded on a 7-point system, with 7 being the highest score. An additional three points can be obtained for an excellent thesis (essay) and for a project on Theory of Knowledge.

45 points is the maximum possible result that a student can get while studying under the Diploma program.

To receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a student must score a minimum of 24 points.

However, there are some points due to which a student may be denied a Diploma, despite the points they have earned. This is non-participation in the program of creative, sports and spiritual development (CAS), copying other people's ideas, unfinished thesis.

On the other hand, there are certain conditions that allow a student to receive a Diploma, despite his possible failures in any disciplines: successful passing of examinations for knowledge of the native and one foreign language, as well as the fulfillment of other additional requirements of the program, entitles the candidate to obtain a Bilingual Diploma education.

The student has the right to study not the entire list of required subjects and may refuse to participate in some compulsory school activities, not attend a Theory of Knowledge course or not write a thesis. In this case, the student will not receive a Diploma, but he will be issued a certificate with the results of his success in each of the subjects studied. Such a certificate is nothing more than a statement of the student's payment for exams and an extract of grades with the results of these exams. This certificate is issued to all students at the end of the course.

Subject areas

Each student chooses to study six subjects (one subject from each of the following groups 1-5), and also takes an additional sixth subject from groups 1, 2, 3, 4 or 6.

He is required to study at least three subjects in the advanced program (HL), the remaining three subjects will be studied by him within the framework of the high school standard. You cannot study more than 5 subjects in an advanced program without the special permission of the IB school coordinator.

Advanced subjects require 240 hours of study per course. The subjects of the standard course are given 150 hours of lessons during the program.

Group 1: Languages A1: Usually the student's first language (80 different languages to choose from).

Group 2: Second language: Foreign language in addition to the first language studied from group A1 (advanced or standard).

The study of a second foreign language is divided into three categories according to the level of knowledge of this language: A2, B and ab initio (from the Latin "from the beginning").

A2 - the second language that the student speaks as a mother tongue;
B - the second language that the student has been studying for two years;
ab initio - the student has never learned the language.

The choice of studying each of the languages from Groups 1 and 2 is determined by the student.

Group 3: People and Society: Humanities such as: Philosophy, Economics, Business and Management, Psychology, Anthropology, Law, Peaceful Conflict Management, Information Technology, Geography, History.

Group 4: Experimental sciences: physics, chemistry, biology, ecology, environmental protection technologies.

Group 5: Mathematics: Standard Mathematics, Intermediate Mathematics, Advanced Mathematics, Higher Mathematics. Computer technology and programming can only be an additional sixth subject, but not part of the mathematics course.

Group 6: Creativity and additional courses: painting, graphics, ceramics, music, choreography, drama. The proposed subjects of this group can be replaced by a student with any other subject from Groups 2,3,4 or computer technology from Group 5.

Graduate work

The student must write a thesis consisting of 4000 words (10-11 pages of A4 text) in any subject he studies (not necessarily an exam). Each course has special explanations, following which the student will be able to properly organize and formalize his first scientific work. The topic for work can be anything, but forcing the student to explore and study the subject of the topic. The thesis is written under the guidance of a teacher who simultaneously develops the same topic and gives written advice to the student. The thesis work must be completed if the student is applying for a Diploma.

CAS

CAS is an abbreviation of the English words: Creativity, Movement, Service (Creativity, Action, Service).

This program block is optional. It invites students to take part in socially significant events, participate in sports competitions, and engage in creativity. This section of the program is aimed at motivating students to go beyond the school academic program, to feel their significance and importance in the world, sharing their skills with others. Each student wishing to receive a Diploma must spend 150 hours on charitable, sports and creative activities during the course. Of course, a student can devote much more time to sports, creativity or charitable activities, but in order to receive a Diploma, it is important that he is engaged in creativity, sports and social work for at least 50 hours for each type of activity. Hours are documented in official school journals, which are submitted annually in January to the head office of the International Baccalaureate Organization. A diploma is issued if the required course is completed in full.

Theory of Knowledge

Each student must successfully pass the Theory of Knowledge course. There is a minimum of 100 hours of study for this subject. The purpose of this course is to develop students' critical thinking, logic and ability to study independently. The condition for the successful passing of this subject is the writing of an abstract of 1200-1600 words (4-5 pages of A4 printed text) on one of the proposed topics of choice and its presentation.

Grades for the abstract and presentation are compared with grades for the thesis according to a special table (matrix) developed by the International Baccalaureate Organization, as a result of which a student can be awarded up to three additional points.

Efficiency mark

All knowledge in subjects is evaluated in points given by the school itself and according to marks given by independent experts of the organization, as well as by the results of exams that are held in the month of May. Each exam usually consists of two or three sets of tests. All test kits are taken on the same day. For example, a chemistry exam may consist of test 1 with tasks and answer options for them. Test 2 will have tasks requiring a written substantiated answer. Test 3 may require the student to answer one specific question in depth.

Retake the exam is possible only next year. The candidate has the right to retake the exam three times.

Each test option takes between 45 minutes and 3 hours, but the exam usually lasts one to two hours.

Since usually a large number of different subjects are tested during the exam month, students often have to write several different tests on the same day. Test results are verified by an independent expert from the International Baccalaureate Organization.

The forms of internal testing and examinations that the school itself (IA) conducts are different: oral presentations, practical work, written work, homework. 20-50% of the final score that a student will receive in the subject under study depends on the grades of the school.

The grades given by the school and the experts for the examination papers are processed and analyzed. The general performance indicators of schools around the world determine the boundaries of the minimum passing score for a student to receive a Diploma in any given year.

Conditions for obtaining a diploma

To obtain an IB Diploma, the following requirements must be met:

At least three subjects are studied in depth and three according to the standard program.
Four subjects were studied in depth and two according to the standard program.
Each of the six subjects studied is given a score of 2 and above: for example, the native language - 2 points, then the second language - 3 points, and so on. The minimum student must score 24 points.
150 hours must be spent on creativity, sports and social work during the course.
You need to submit your thesis.
Provide an abstract and presentation on the course Theory of Knowledge. To receive a Diploma, a student must receive a grade of at least D (three) for a thesis or for an essay on Theory of Knowledge.

Certificates

A student may opt out of the full Diploma course and enroll in a certificate program in a specific subject. Applicants who study only in a certain subject may neglect additional requirements for obtaining a Diploma (do not write a thesis, do not take a course in Theory of Knowledge and do not participate in social work, do not engage in creativity and sports). However, if a student decides to take a certificate in the subject of World History, then he must attend and study a course in Theory of Knowledge.

Those students who, in addition to the IB Diploma program, have also managed to study and successfully pass the exam for knowledge of an additional subject, also receive a certificate certifying their level of knowledge in this subject.

Confession

In Canada and the United States, some IB Diploma programs are recognized as a first-year university or college level. Universities and colleges may allow a student to enter the second year, depending on the final grades in his IB Diploma. Thus, the IB Diploma is the equivalent of the Advanced Profile Program.

In England, most universities, including Oxford and Cambridge, accept the IB Diploma as an alternative to the English A-levels or the Scottish High School Certificate. The UCAS organization in 2008 created a table for IB Diploma scores, which indicates the minimum scores for admission to each university in the country.

In some countries, such as Turkey or Peru, the IB Diploma is not considered equivalent to a national high school diploma. Usually this position is explained by the fact that the IB Diploma program is not as specialized as in a particular country, or the IB Diploma program does not offer certain subjects for study. However, in Peru, some universities accept students with an IB Diploma.

Other countries, such as Germany, have set certain requirements for applicants with an IB Diploma:

The applicant must retake the following disciplines in Germany:

a foreign language in the A2 program (the language was already studied by the student for two years before the start of the IB course) at a standard level;
mathematics at the standard level;
one of the subjects of an experimental course or mathematics in an advanced program.

Some universities, however, prefer to accept students with IB Diplomas from their country of study. The list of German universities accepting applicants with IB Diplomas without retaking exams is always updated on the official IBO website.

In Australia, all universities accept the IB Diploma. Students with high scores in Advanced Program subjects may apply for extra credit in their first year of study at university.

Russia accepts the IB Diploma at most universities, including Moscow State University, MGIMO, Russian Academy of Economics. Plekhanov, but these universities require very high final scores in the Diploma. For example, to enter the Faculty of Economics at Moscow State University, an applicant must have 36 points in the IB Diploma, including an examination grade of at least 6 in each subject studied in depth.

In France, the IB Diploma is an alternative diploma for an applicant entering any university in the country.

In Hong Kong, applicants with an IB Diploma can enter the country's universities as foreign students.

Singapore State University recognizes the IB Diploma as a worthy certificate for applying to the first year of the university.

You can find out information about the recognition of the IB Diploma by universities in the country you are interested in on the official IBO website: http://www.ibo.org/country.

Together with Global Dialog you can enroll in the IB program at the following schools:

St Clares (Oxford, UK);
King's-Edgehill School (Canada);
College du Leman (Switzerland).

The educational program International Baccalaureate (International Bachelor) was created in Switzerland in the late 60s as a universal school program with a common curriculum that would allow educational institutions in one country to consider education received in another country as equivalent to the national one.

As the program expands IB Diploma(so-called IB Diploma, in fact - a school leaving certificate) began to be recognized by the leading universities in the world. Now in the USA, Canada, Ireland, Great Britain, Belgium, France, Norway, Sweden and some other countries, applicants with such certificates are admitted to universities without entrance exams. Only the passing score and the requirements for grades in the certificate for a certain set of subjects are negotiated. In other countries - for example, in Spain - a diploma International Baccalaureate recognized along with the national, but does not exempt from passing entrance exams. Thus, a student who has received an International Baccalaureate degree has sufficient qualifications to enter almost any university in the world.

Today according to the program International Baccalaureate you can study in 1020 schools in 100 countries of the world. The fastest growing number of schools in the United States. As a rule, in all countries, schools that practice teaching according to this model are among the best. This, in essence, means that the level of secondary education received in IB schools is above the national standard.

The IB program is primarily designed to give students the knowledge and skills necessary in life for everyone, regardless of profession, as well as social adaptation skills. Within the framework of the program, the main emphasis is on academic achievements, the ability to think critically, and independent work skills. Thanks to this approach, students increase motivation and interest in knowledge, and consequently academic performance.

The IB program is designed for two years. The specific curriculum may vary from school to school, but in general it looks like this. Education is conducted in one of the three working languages of IB: English, French or Spanish (teaching of the native language, native and world literature in the national language is allowed). The basis of the program is the study of six subjects that the student chooses himself. The subjects of the program are taught at two levels: “advanced” (Higher level) and “standard” (Standard level). The first one involves the study of the discipline in the amount of 240 academic hours, the second - 150 hours. At the “advanced” level, three or four subjects are studied, as a rule, necessary for him to enter a university.

The subjects of the IB program are grouped into six groups, and from each group the student chooses one subject to study.

First language (usually native) and selective study of works of world literature.
Foreign languages and literature in these languages.
Man and society (history, psychology, geography, economics, philosophy, business and management, information technology, etc.).
Natural sciences (biology, physics, chemistry, ecological systems, etc.).
Mathematics
Additional electives (design, music, theater arts, one of the subjects of group 3 or 4, mathematics at an advanced level).

Also, students must take powerful comprehensive courses:

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) - “Theory of knowledge”. This is a philosophical course, a certain theory of research, ways and models of comprehending the new. In a word, in these classes they teach to learn and not be afraid to argue in search of truth, but here the basis for self-study is given. As part of this course, students are also taught to write essays correctly, argue their point of view, give definitions and formulate hypotheses, and competently discuss.
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) - "Creativity, action, service." Creativity may include publishing a school newspaper, writing a script for a Christmas tree, etc. Action is a sport, dancing is, in a word, all moving activities. Service to the community is any activity aimed at helping the disadvantaged, protecting the environment, etc. – from visiting orphanages to helping build a church. Participation in theatrical performances, sports, social work contribute to the fact that they not only reveal their talents, but also develop such important qualities as attentiveness, caring for others, and the ability to work in a team.

By the end of the program, each student must write a so-called “extended essay” (Extended Essay) with a minimum of 4000 words. It should be a kind of report on self-conducted research on a chosen topic, which is carried out under the guidance of a teacher. This allows students to acquire research skills.

One of the main differences of the IB program is, first of all, the approach to studying the subject. As a rule, the IB program uses various methods of analysis, with an emphasis on writing research papers and independent experimental activities of students.

In order to receive the International Baccalaureate Diploma, a student must complete the program by completing all the requirements: successfully pass examinations in all six subjects (three subjects at the advanced level and three subjects at the standard level), write an Extended Essay and two papers according to Theory of Knowledge, work at least 150 hours in the Creativity, Action, Service program and complete all projects and mini-projects. Every year, about 30 thousand students receive the IB Diploma.

The credibility of the IB diploma is also facilitated by an objective assessment of the results. A graduate of the program must receive two assessments: an internal one, which is set by a school teacher, and an external assessment of foreign examiners from a single examination center in Cardiff, the UK.

Of particular note is the flexibility of the program. It is updated every three years. The specialized committees of teachers are constantly working on improving the courses. Thus, the International Baccalaureate is a universal program that has absorbed all the best that exists in school education in various countries. This is a kind of universal language that is understood by almost any university and college.