The International Baccalaureate, also known simply as the IB, is an internationally recognised programme for students aged 3-19. The IB programme aims not only to develop students’ knowledge in a range of subjects and disciplines, but also to help them become confident, self-motivated, and resilient global citizens.
Through the IB, they’ll come to understand different perspectives and join a community of learners who want to make the world a better place.
The IB inspires students to learn in a holistic way, with equal importance placed on many different yet interconnected subjects.
We’ve summarised the IB's three core components and six subject groups to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your child.
TOK is a course designed to help students develop critical thinking. Your child will be asked to reflect on the nature of knowledge through open-ended discussions, with the central question being: “How do we know?” Throughout, they’ll develop their sense of reasoning, as well as their judgement around what really counts as evidence.
They’ll also examine different areas of knowledge through a lens of curiosity, and apply critical thinking to subjects such as history, ethics, and science.
As one of the most ambitious components of the IB, the Extended Essay is an externally assessed piece of independent research where students can engage in a topic that interests them. High-level research skills are needed too, so they can get familiar with the skills they'll use when writing academic papers at university.
Students will need to write an essay of up to 4,000 words in which their conclusions are articulated in a well-developed and coherent manner. They’ll also reflect on the entire essay writing process to assess their knowledge and understanding.
CAS sits at the heart of the IBDP and encourages students to get involved in activities outside of the classroom centered on creativity, wellbeing, and social awareness. The goal of CAS is to help them become well-rounded individuals with the skills they’ll need to succeed in the world beyond the classroom.
In the creativity strand, students work on developing their artistic appreciation through music, art, drama, or dance. Within the activity element, they’ll develop an understanding of physical health and wellbeing. And for the service element, they‘ll volunteer or get involved in community outreach, learning about the value of dedication, empathy, and hard work.
The CAS element asks students to reflect on their experiences too, including how it’s improved their sense of teamwork and their leadership and communication skills.
In the IB’s Language and Literature courses, students embark on a journey through reading material from all around the world. Alongside honing their literary analysis skills, they’re encouraged to explore the philosophical, psychological and socio-historical contexts of different works of fiction and nonfiction.
We give students the opportunity and tools to analyse complex ideas and express thoughts both verbally and in writing, so they develop an even deeper appreciation of the power of the spoken and written word.
Students can choose two course options, either pure literature or language and literature. In the Language and Literature course, they’ll consider a range of literary and non-literary texts—from print advertising to political speeches. This gives them analytical and critical thinking skills that’ll help them come up with independent opinions alongside the ability to appreciate different points of views and perspectives.
While learning about the world and becoming more globally minded, students will also benefit from acquiring an understanding of foreign languages, particularly in future studies and career opportunities.
Students can learn a new language through two courses: Language B and Ab Initio.
In the Language B course, students go deeper with a previously-learned language — for example they may have learned French in primary school and can continue studies in that subject. By the end of the course, they’ll be able to communicate effectively in different situations and scenarios, express ideas and concepts with fluency, and analyse written material with clarity.
Ab Initio, a Latin phrase that translates to “from the beginning”, is a course developed for students who are just starting to learn a new language. This will open students’ eyes to the diverse communication happening all around them and help them improve their comprehension.
In Individuals and Societies, students’ understanding of human nature is gained through the study of human behaviours and societies. Students dive into theories, concepts and arguments relating to the nature of human society across history.
It’s the perfect way to study the past, present and future of societies, and gives students a better understanding of their place in the world by looking at the experiences of others.
Students at international schools in the Nord Anglia family will have the advantage of studying this course alongside peers from different nationalities, leaving them better prepared for life in our increasingly global world.
As the basis of this course, students gain the skills to develop and test a hypothesis, including the ability to analyse data, answer technical questions, and refine their thought processes. They’ll learn how the sharing of scientific theories empowers society to continue progressing.
By the end of this course, students will the skill to question the world around them.
There are two course options for studying Mathematics in the IB. They are Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation (AI).
In Maths AA, students develop a mastery of mathematical arguments and thinking, and implement these skills through both real and abstract applications. In Maths AI, students take a practical approach to mathematics and harness the power of technology and mathematical models.
Study of the arts allows students to nurture all sorts of important skills, including not only creativity but also confidence, discipline, empathy, and interpretation.
Students will cultivate an appreciation for creative expression, learn to perceive and reflect upon a range of creative mediums, and see first-hand how art and creative practices are central to human expression. The IB helps students ignite their imagination!
The International Baccalaureate is a continuum of educational programmes for students aged 3 to 19.
For each of the six chosen subjects, students receive a grade of between 1 and 7, with 7 being the highest. The Theory of Knowledge and Extended Essay can collectively contribute another three points to a student’s total score. To pass the IB, students must receive a total score of 24 or above out of 45 potential points.
The minimum IB Diploma Programme score required for admission varies by university; however, the minimum admission score to attend the world’s best universities generally ranges from 37 to 42.
IB Primary Years Programme (PYP):
For pupils aged 3 to 12, this formative programme gives students the best possible start to education, helping them become active and lifelong learners.
IB Middle Years Programme (MYC):
For students aged 11 to 16, this course builds a solid academic foundation for students, turning them into confident learners who approach problem-solving with a broad, holistic method.
IB Diploma Programme (IBDP):
For students from 16 to 19, this programme inspires and sets up students to excel at university and throughout the rest of their lives, both personally and professionally.
IB Career-Related Programme (IBCP):
This course is specifically aimed at students in their final years at school and gives them all the tools they need to succeed, no matter what career path they choose to embark upon.
The benefit of the IBDP over other post 16 routes is centered around the way the programme prepares students for life after school, both at university and beyond.
While traditional qualifications often focus on developing a deeper understanding of a limited number of subjects, students in the Diploma Programme study a wide array of subject groups. This means that every student acquires a broad understanding, whilst the interdisciplinary nature of the programme enables students to cultivate well-rounded, global-minded observations.
Having a broader grounding across multiple subject groups means students don’t limit themselves when it comes to applying for university places. When, throughout their time studying the Diploma Programme, a particular subject or area lights a passion within students and encourages them to want to pursue it in higher education, they can do just that and aren’t limited by taking a smaller number of subjects.
The IB Diploma Programme also gives students transferable skills when it comes to university. The extended essay is an excellent blueprint for university essays and dissertations, in terms of independent research skills, the longer form of the essay itself and the process of presenting and defending their essay orally. Activities like this also increase students’ confidence in presenting, which is a vital skill when they are interviewing for a place at Oxbridge, Ivy League or other world-leading universities.
The perceived level of difficulty of the IB Programme will vary from student to student. The IB Programme is an academically challenging programme that is best suited for students who are willing to dedicate themselves to advanced courses, work well in a structured environment and can address areas of improvement.
Yes, IBDP students should send their results when applying to Harvard University in order to be considered for admission. IB admission requirements are often not detailed on US university websites. It’s best to speak with a university representative to understand the level of performance needed to gain entry.
While the IB Diploma Programme is widely recognised to be the most challenging course of study, universities worldwide respect the IB Diploma Programme as a prestigious and desirable qualification and look for this credential on applications. This demanding programme offers students the opportunity to go above and beyond in their education and study anywhere in the world. Additionally, the IB Diploma Programme offers students the potential to earn university credits.
Are you interested in a Nord Anglia school offering the International Baccalaureate for your child? Explore all our schools offering this international qualification by clicking the button below.
Our IB Schools
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