How IBDP Curriculum Structure is Designed for Student Success

 What exactly is IBDP? 

IBDP or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year diploma available in 140 countries and is overlooked by the International Baccalaureate (IB). It acts as a high school qualification for 16 to 19-year-olds to apply to higher education across the world.

There are three available mediums of instruction across the world, these are English, French or Spanish. The IBDP curriculum involves 6 subjects and 3 core requirements. The students are evaluated using internal assessments and external final assessments.

IBDP is recognised all over the world for incorporating practical aspects of learning and interdisciplinary thinking. 

Also Read: The Dilemma Around Choosing a Curriculum

What are the three core requirements of IBDP? 

All students of IBDP have to fulfil three mandatory requirements apart from doing well in their six subjects. These core requirements include Extended Essay (EE), Theory Of Knowledge (TOK), and CAS which stands for Creativity, Activity, Service.

• Extended Essay (EE) involves undertaking self-directed research on a subject from the list of approved EE subjects. This also includes an original research paper of around 4,000 words. This helps develop independent thinking, problem-solving and research abilities in the students. 
• Theory of knowledge (TOK) is a course that involves the study of basic epistemology and critical thinking. It involves 100 hours of instruction, a final assessment of 1600 words which is evaluated externally, and a presentation by the student which is assessed internally. 
• The Creativity, activity, service (CAS) course requires the students to do creative activities (creativity), physical activities or sports (activity), and volunteer in social or community work (service). This course purports to let students explore a diverse range of activities and find opportunities for personal growth. There is a minimum required amount of hours over two years of the course which differs from institution to institution. 

What are the available subjects in IBDP courses? 

Students in IBDP courses have to pursue six subjects from 5 Subject Groups prescribed by IB. The last subject can be picked from Group 6 or from Groups 1-5. The subjects in an IBDP course can be divided into Standard Level (SL) and a Higher Level (HL). Out of the six, three or four subjects need to be picked at the Higher Level and the rest at Standard Level. 

The six subject groups out of which the students can pick their subjects are as follows:

• Group 1 includes Language and Literature. This group includes more than 80 languages which can be picked at either standard or higher level. 
• Group 2 includes Language acquisition. This course includes an additional language taken at either standard or higher level.
• Group 3 includes Individuals and societies. This group involves social sciences courses available at both standard and higher levels. It includes subjects like Business Management, Economics, Geography, History, Philosophy, Psychology, Global Politics and more. 
• Group 4 includes Experimental sciences. It has various courses such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Design Technology, Computer Science, Sport, Exercise and Health Science, Environmental Systems and Societies and Nature of Science.
• Group 5 includes Mathematics. Maths is compulsory for all IBDP students. This subject group includes courses related to maths with different focal points in standard and higher levels. 
• Group 6 includes the Arts. It has various courses at standard and higher Levels such as Dance, foreign languages, Music, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Film.  Unlike the previous 5 subject groups, students can forgo picking a subject from group 6 and replace it with one of the subjects from the earlier 5 subject groups. 

How is IBDP viewed across the world? 

In 2006, TIME magazine described IBDP as an alternative, modern method of education. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program includes more challenging courses and a higher base rate. It is generally presumed to help students develop critical thinking, better comprehension and interdisciplinary thinking. This has led to IBDP garnering widespread acclaim across International Universities.  

How to pursue IBDP in India? 

An excellent centre for pursuing the IBDP is Knowledgeum Academy based in Jayanagar, Bangalore.

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Knowledgeum Academy provides an enriching environment to ensure that the students get the most value out of the IB curriculum. The language of instruction is English. With an impressive student-teacher ratio of 10:1, the institute aims at supporting every student to reach beyond their potential. 

Apart from the expansive IBDP curriculum, the academy provides various non- scholastic courses. These include the renowned Speechcraft offered by the Toastmasters, the international youth leadership course: Duke of Edinburgh Programme, Harvard Simulation Learning and Medha Yoga Meditation Programme in association with Art of Living. It also offers Life Skills education that includes Certificate Programme in First-Aid, Disaster Response and Preparedness in association with the Red Cross.

In addition to the expert guidance on IBDP and the impressive co-curricular activities, Knowledgeum Academy hosts a Think Tank Programme. This event allows the students to interact with several savants across numerous disciplines, to inspire creativity and innovation. 

All things considered, IBDP is a great alternative to traditional academic programs, and Knowledgeum Academy has the right resources to enrich a student's IBDP journey for a more fulfilling and stimulating education. 
 
 
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