Origin of the International Baccalaureate ® Diploma Programme
Are you wondering whether you should do the IB (International Baccalaureate ®) program?
50 years ago (1968) Geneva, Switzerland, saw the creation of the IB Diploma Programme. The objective was and still is, to provide an international education to live, learn and work in a world which was and is becoming more and more connected. Currently, the program uses three official languages: English, French and Spanish.
The IB Diploma Programme first official exams occurred in 1970. To this day, this two-year program is the sesame to enter universities and colleges across the world. However, other programs, which were added in the 90’s such as the Middle Years Programme in 1994 and the Primary Years Programme in 1997, now prepare students in their early years from 3 years of age. Since 2012, the Career-related Programme offers an additional option to the 16-19 year old crowd.
If you’re French and wonder if the International Baccalaureate® is the same as the “Bac” that you get at the end of secondary school in France, well, not quite. If you’re planning in continuing your higher studies in France, you should probably follow the French curriculum. But if you’re planning on studying in the UK or the US, or anywhere else for that matter, you’re probably better off with the IB. You will find a bit more details here.
IB – International Baccalaureate’s Mission
Taken from the International Baccalaureate ® Organization (IBO) website, here is its mission:
“The International Baccalaureate ® aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the organization works with schools, governments and international organizations to develop challenging programmes of international education and rigorous assessment.
These programmes encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.”
This short video presents the IB’s aims and spirit.
What does the Diploma Programme (DP) consist of?
I’ll only cover here the two-year program that prepares students to enter colleges and universities of their choice internationally called the Diploma Programme or DP. In short:
1) the program is for 16-19 year old students.
2) the program is delivered in schools who have been authorized to do so by the IBO.
3) The DP curriculum is composed of three mandatory elements called DP Core and I quote from the horse’s mouth:
a) “Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.”
b)”The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.”
c) “Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.”
4) “The six subject groups are:
a) Studies in language and literature
b) Language acquisition
c) Individuals and societies
d) Sciences.
e) Mathematics
f) The arts.”
You will find all the details on their website.
People who are successful have a specific goal in mind and follow the needed steps with persistence which will lead them to it. “Specific”, “needed steps” and “persistence” are in bold as these points are paramount to success. This is nothing new, simply a reminder. Wishy-washy hope in any endeavor won’t get anyone anywhere and so it is for your high school diploma. To succeed, you’ve got to know why you’re doing it and what’s your purpose.
If you’re wondering whether the IB is for you, a good way to find out is to go to YouTube and watch some of the people who have done it successfully and listen to what they recommend. Just because they’ve been there, they know what it takes, and they will tell you. Start with Brighton below:
What schools deliver the IB in the Conejo Valley and have the French subject as a choice?
Below are the schools I found delivering the IB in the neighborhood. If you happen to come across my site and your school is delivering the IB but is not listed below, use the contact form on this site and let me know, I’ll add it to the list.
Royal High School – 1402 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065. This school offers the IB French SL (Standard Level).
Newbury Park High School – 456 N Reino Rd, Newbury Park, CA 91320. The school offers the French IB.
Agoura High School – 28545 W Driver Avenue Agoura Hills, CA 91301. The school offers the French IB.