Diploma Programme (DP)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) is a rigorous, holistic, two-year course of study for students in grades 11 and 12.

The IB DP is widely regarded as the best pre-university course that is offered anywhere in the world. No other qualification is recognized by so many institutions in different countries and no other programme prepares the student better for tertiary education and the world of work.

IB DP students are encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning. They are able to engage with people in an increasingly globalized, rapidly changing world. They are strong in academic, social and emotional characteristics and are likely to perform well academically – often better than students in other programmes. Finally, they are likely to enroll at top universities.

The character education of IB DP students is based around the development of the ten IB Learner Profile attributes, which are intended to inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose. More information about the IB Learner Profile can be found here.

The IB DP is designed as a pre-university programme for students aged 16 to 19 years old. It is unique in that it is based on no particular national education system but is a deliberate balance between the breadth and the specialization which is required by some countries’ national systems. There are a wide range of courses designed to meet the interests and requirements of different students. In addition to six academic subjects, the IB DP includes the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) programme, which focuses on helping students develop balance in their lives by engaging in and reflecting on co-curricular activities; the Extended Essay, a 4000 research paper on a topic of the students’ choice; and the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which focuses on metacognition and critical thinking. Together, these components offer IB DP students experiences and skills they will not find in other programs.

All IB programmes encourage international mindedness, an understanding of global issues and a concern for others in our community and the broader world. The IB believes that students must develop an understanding of their own cultural and national identity while also engaging with issues of global significance. Thus, all IB DP students study a minimum of two languages. Through the IB DP, students develop the skills to live and work in an international context which is essential for life in the 21st century. The IB DP provides a balanced education for the whole student and provides excellent preparation for both university and adult life.

Universities prefer IB DP graduates because the DP curriculum develops a balanced variety of skills. DP graduates, with the range of subjects they have studied, have a greater choice of undergraduate programmes. Employers, too, are increasingly looking for flexibility and adaptability, which is something all DP graduates are able to offer.

Further information can be found on the IB website www.ibo.org.