IB – Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing a school for your child is not an easy task. It gets even tougher when there are numerous recommendations from other parents, families, friends, and colleagues. However, a thing that is often missing from all these school recommendations is the ‘board’ of education. Yes, choosing a school for your child’s education is not just about the school itself – the board matters too.

Since International Baccalaureate is a fairly new ‘board’ there are still many questions in the minds of parents.  Ranging from specific questions such as, “what is IB curriculum” to even general questions asking about the IB syllabus – there’s much buzz around International Baccalaureate schools.

Here are some frequently asked questions that parents often ask about  International Baccalaureate

1. What is the International Baccalaureate?

International Baccalaureate, shortened as IB, is an international educational foundation that offers programs of international education to a global community of schools. International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) founded IB in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a non-profit organisation.

The main aim of IB is to provide high-quality programmes of international education. It provides a three-stage educational program for students of 3-19 years of age.

The three programs are:

• PYP – Primary Years Program for 3-12 years old (Kindergarten to Class 5)
• MYP – Middle Years Program for 11-16 years old (Class 6 to Class 10)
• DP – Diploma Program for 16-19 years old (Class 11 and Class 12)

The three programs are aimed at developing intellectual, emotional, personal and social skills to learn, work and live in a global world.

2. What is an IB School?

A typical question asked by many parents – “what is an IB school?”  An IB school is recognized by the International Baccalaureate Organization and provides education as per the IB curriculum.

3. How is IB different from other National Boards like CBSE ?

The IB program is application-based and is highly practical. IB has a much broader learning spectrum that focusses on all-round development.

The pedagogy in an IB program is not about ‘what to learn’, but ‘how to learn’. The examinations conducted under IB test a students’ knowledge and not their speed or memory.  Also, there are no externally evaluated examinations till the Middle Years Program.

4. Is IB recognised in India? What about global recognition?

IB is a superior board of education with rigorous standards that ensures universities and colleges around the world recognise it. Furthermore, IB Diploma Programme is rated on par with CBSE, ISCE, and other state boards by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is equivalent to CBSE’s 10+2 qualification.

5. What is an IB Diploma?

IB diploma is a two-year course done in Grades 11 & 12, that is equivalent to the Indian CBSE 10+2 qualification.

6. What is the IBDP curriculum?

IBDP (International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme) is a two-year course for students aged 16-19 years. It is a highly diverse programme designed to meet the requirements of different students. Additionally, IBDP also includes the CAS (Creativity, Action and Service) programme, TOK (Theory of Knowledge) and EE (Extended Essay).

There are three core elements and six subject groups in the IBDP curriculum.

• Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature – First Language (English)
• Group 2: Language Acquisition – Second Language (French, German, Hindi)
• Group3: Individuals and Societies – (History, Economics, Business and Management, and more)
• Group 4: Sciences – (Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems)
• Group 5: Mathematics
• Group 6: Arts – (either Visual Arts or a second subject from Groups 3, 4 or 5)

7. What are the advantages of International Baccalaureate? Why should I select IB for my child?

– Internationally recognised and smooth educational transitions when relocating

– Universal reputation for rigorous assessment that helps students in accessing the best universities in India and the world

– All IB world schools are subject to strict accreditation process which is closely monitored by the International Baccalaureate Organization; hence the education provided to your child will be top-notch

– The unique pedagogy of IB board helps develop students with a global outlook which further helps in grabbing professional opportunities

– Students can study anywhere in the world with an IB diploma, typically with an advanced credit

These are some of the most frequently asked questions concerning International Baccalaureate. Watch this space; we will keep on updating this list with more questions.