What does IB High School mean?

Hey guys, I've heard of IB high schools, but I'm not exactly sure what that means. Can somebody explain what the International Baccalaureate (IB) program is and how it differs from a regular high school curriculum?

Hey there! The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is an internationally recognized educational framework designed to provide students with a well-rounded, globally-minded education. IB high schools offer a rigorous curriculum that focuses on critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and independent research. The program aims to develop students who are compassionate, inquisitive, and knowledgeable.

The IB program is structured in two components: the Middle Years Programme (MYP) for students aged 11-16, and the Diploma Programme (DP) for students aged 16-19. The DP is essentially a two-year curriculum that culminates in students earning an IB diploma when they graduate from high school, provided they meet the necessary requirements.

The main differences between the IB program and a regular high school curriculum are:

1. Curriculum structure: The IB program has a unique structure that requires students to take six subjects, three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL). These subjects span various disciplines, including languages, sciences, humanities, arts, and mathematics.

2. Core components: In addition to the subject courses, IB students must complete three core components- the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, an Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) hours. TOK encourages students to think critically about the nature of knowledge, while the EE is a 4,000-word independent research paper. CAS is a set of activities that promote personal growth and development outside of academics.

3. Assessment: The IB program uses a varied assessment approach that includes internal assessments, such as essays and oral presentations, as well as external examinations. These assessments are designed to evaluate both content knowledge and skills application.

4. International focus: The IB program emphasizes a global perspective in its curriculum and encourages students to learn at least one foreign language. This focus prepares students to navigate the increasingly interconnected world they will encounter in college and beyond.

So, an IB high school is one that offers this comprehensive program, providing students with a challenging and internationally-focused educational experience. It's worth noting, though, that not all high schools offer the full IB Diploma Programme; some may only have a few IB courses available. Make sure to research what is offered at the schools you're considering if you're interested in pursuing the IB!