International Baccalaureate

Answer: The IB Programme is an internationally recognized education programme that aims to develop knowledgeable and caring young people who are motivated to succeed. It focuses on intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills needed to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. 

Answer: The IB Programme fosters critical thinking, independent research, and a global perspective. It is highly regarded by universities worldwide, often leading to advanced standing or course credits, and prepares students for success in higher education and beyond. 

Answer:

The Core is compulsory and central to the philosophy of the IB Diploma Programme. The Core requirements are:

The Extended Essay (EE) – This asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The EE has a prescribed limit of 4,000 words and equips students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – The interdisciplinary TOK course develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students explore the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – Participation in the school’s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Activity seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical exertion complementing academic work elsewhere in the Diploma Programme. Service within the community offers a vehicle for new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.

Answer: The IB assessment is a combination of internal assessments (conducted by teachers) and external examinations (graded by external IB examiners). These assessments are designed to measure a wide range of skills and knowledge. 

Answer: The IB Programme's rigorous curriculum and emphasis on research, critical thinking, and global perspectives prepare students for the challenges of higher education. Universities around the world recognize and value the IB Diploma. 

Answer: Yes, IB students are encouraged to engage in extracurricular activities, including sports, arts, clubs, and community service. These activities are an integral part of the CAS component of the IB Diploma Programme. 

Answer: To earn the IB Diploma, students must complete six subjects, three at a higher level (HL) and three at a standard level (SL), along with the Core components (TOK, CAS, and the Extended Essay). Students must achieve a minimum of 24 points out of 45, with specific performance criteria in each area. 

Yes. Comparative data from top U.S. universities reveals that IB Diploma holders consistently enjoy higher acceptance rates than the general applicant pool. This reflects how admissions committees value the IB programme’s academic rigour, global perspective, and emphasis on critical thinking. The IB’s holistic approach gives students a distinct advantage in competitive university admissions, especially at leading institutions across the U.S.

Click here for a visual comparison of IB vs. general applicant acceptance rates.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) programme offers students a significant advantage when applying to top universities globally. As the graph demonstrates, acceptance rates for IB students are considerably higher compared to the general population. For top US universities, IB students enjoy a 70 percent acceptance rate, significantly higher than the 52 percent acceptance rate for the general population. Similarly, in the UK, IB students achieve a 75 percent acceptance rate to top universities, compared to 55 percent for non-IB applicants. This highlights the academic rigor and global recognition of the IB Diploma, providing a strong foundation for students seeking to enter competitive higher education institutions.

Click here to view the visual comparison chart.

Students who have completed an International GCSE or GCSE programme must achieve at least three B grades and two C grades to be accepted onto the IB Diploma Programme. Most Higher Level (HL) courses require at least a B grade at International GCSE or GCSE level. HL Mathematics and HL Physics require an A grade in International GCSE Mathematics.

If a student has not studied a subject at International GCSE or GCSE level, or under another examination system, it may be possible to begin the subject at IB Diploma level without prior knowledge. Students should consult the relevant Head of Department or the IB Diploma Coordinator if they are considering a subject they have not studied before.

If a student does not meet the minimum entry requirements, either for the IB Diploma overall or for a specific subject, the school will carefully consider the student’s individual circumstances, attitude, and academic record.