THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a post-secondary education programme, taken by students between the ages of 16 and 18. In Singapore, it is an alternative to the Singapore GCE A-level and Polytechnic Diploma. Well-regarded internationally, the IB diploma programme is recognised by universities worldwide.
The IBDP’s key strength is in its depth and breadth of assessment. Immersed in a range of subjects, students are exposed to holistic learning, independent research, non-academic activities, and flourish in world-class education system.
IB students are required to take a total of 6 examinable subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). In general, IB subjects that are taken at HL tend to be more challenging as compared to their SL counterparts. IB advises an estimated 240 hours of instruction time for HL subjects and 160 hours for SL subjects.
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a post-secondary education programme, taken by students between the ages of 16 and 18. In Singapore, it is an alternative to the Singapore GCE A-level and Polytechnic Diploma. Well-regarded internationally, the IB diploma programme is recognised by universities worldwide.
The IBDP’s key strength is in its depth and breadth of assessment. Immersed in a range of subjects, students are exposed to holistic learning, independent research, non-academic activities, and flourish in world-class education system.
IB students are required to take a total of 6 examinable subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). In general, IB subjects that are taken at HL tend to be more challenging as compared to their SL counterparts. IB advises an estimated 240 hours of instruction time for HL subjects and 160 hours for SL subjects.
Group 1: Studies in Language and Literature
- Usually taken in the IB student’s first language
- Requires fluency in the chosen language
- Studies literary texts in the language
Group 2: Language Acquisition
- A language they have no prior study (ab initio) or build on pre-existing knowledge of a language.
- Develops language-learning ability
- Cultivates a deeper understanding of another culture.
Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Subjects in humanities
- Includes History, Geography, Economics, and Business & Management.
Group 4: Sciences
- Traditional sciences: Chemistry, Physics, and Biology
- Includes Environmental Systems and Societies (ESS), Computer science, Design Technology, Sports science.
Group 5: Math
- Math Analysis and Approaches (AA) and Math Application and Interpretation (AA).
- AA focuses on abstract mathematical theories.
- AI focuses on practical applications of mathematical concepts.
Group 6: Arts
- Visual arts, Drama, Film and Music
- Students can also opt to take a further subject in a language, a social science, or a science.
Apart from the final IB exams, IB students are also required to complete additional coursework components, majority of which counting towards their final IB grades. Typically, these courseworks are completed over several months. To do so, students will have to embark on their own independent research, typically with assistance from resources beyond their curriculum and IB tutors.
The three coursework components IB diploma students will have to complete are:
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
- Extended Essay (EE)
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS)
The IB Diploma Structure
IB students are required to take a total of 6 examinable subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). In general, IB subjects that are taken at HL tend to be more challenging as compared to their SL counterparts. IB advises an estimated 240 hours of instruction time for HL subjects and 160 hours for SL subjects. Some subjects like ESS, Math studies, and Further Maths are only available at one level.
Apart from the final IB exams, IB students are also required to complete additional coursework components, majority of which counting towards their final IB grades. Typically, these courseworks are completed over several months. To do so, students will have to embark on their own independent research, typically with assistance from resources beyond their curriculum and IB tutors.
The three coursework components IB diploma students will have to complete are:
The IB aims to nurture students who are principled, risk-takers, open-minded and thinkers. The organisation’s dedication to creating a community of life-long learners well-versed in the values of citizenship and moral practice is clear. An intellectually challenging curricula, the IB exams often have a global average of 30 points. In the past years, students from Singapore have outperformed the global average in the IB exams. Students taking the IB at ACS (Independent), SJI (Independent) account for almost half of the world’s 45 pointers in the IB. To do well in the IB, students should focus on IB content mastery, do well in IB coursework like the IA, EE, and TOK.
QE is Singapore’s leading IB tuition specialists. We offer a range of IB tuition programmes for students in Singapore IB schools, International IB schools (online classes). All IB programmes are intelligently designed by IB examiners, IB graduates from Singapore’s leading schools. These courses provide comprehensive coverage on textbook content, question practice, review, and IB coursework. Read more about our IB tuition programmes here.
The programme offers a chance for the all-rounder to shine, while providing those with a clear focus of their ambitions with a worthwhile grounding for further study.
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