If you have school-going children, chances are you’ve already heard other parents mention the term “IB” in their conversations. IB, which stands for International Baccalaureate, is one of the most in-demand educational programmes in the world. It’s studied by over 1.4 million students worldwide and offered by around 5,300 schools in 158 countries.
The perks of IB come from its ability to foster creativity and imagination among students. But what does IB really mean for your child’s overall education? Should you enrol your kid in the IB program? In this article, you’ll learn the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the IB programme and its examinations.
What is the IB programme?
International Baccalaureate(IB) is an educational programme established in 1968 that offers excellent quality and challenging education intended to develop and enhance students’ intellectual, emotional, social, and personal skills. In Singapore, IB programmes come in three different levels: the IB Primary Years Programme for children aged 3 to 12; the IB Middle Years Programme for those who are 11 to 16; and the IB Diploma Programme for students between 16 to 19.
The IB curriculum essentially puts great emphasis on imagination and creativity. It is widely known for its high academic standards that help students become highly developed and truly global 21st-century citizens.
Why take the IB examinations in Singapore?
IB has a solid reputation for being a very “international” curriculum. At the heart of the programme is the objective to mould international-minded students who can contribute to the world. Being an international programme, the IB diploma is widely recognised around the world, even by top educational institutions in the West like Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. If your child is gunning for a spot in a prestigious university, their IB grades can help them secure a place easily.
Moreover, since the IB curriculum requires students to take subjects across a wide range of disciplines, they can become better prepared for the academic rigour and independent learning that is ordinarily expected of university students. If you want your child to experience extensive and independent learning and gain an international perspective, you can consider signing them up for an IB programme and let them take the IB examinations.
How to pass the IB examinations?
The IB curriculum in Singapore basically involves taking six subjects (three at standard level and three at higher level) within a period of two years. These subjects are Math, Science, Language Acquisition, Studies in Language and Literature, Humanities, and the Arts. Student assessments are based on a combination of coursework and final examinations.
Every subject is scored from 1-7, with 4 as the passing mark. A maximum of 3 extra points may be awarded for Theory of Knowledge (TOK) essays, Extended Essays (EE), and Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) experience. To obtain the IB diploma, a minimum of 24 points is needed, while the maximum is 45 points.
When are the IB examinations usually held?
For this year, the IB assessments will generally have two routes – exam and non-exam – in consideration of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The IB examinations are usually held in the months of May and November. For the May examinations, the IB results are usually already out on July 6 of the same year. But for this year, students taking the May 2022 IB exams can expect their scores to be released on the 7th of July.
On the other hand, for the November examinations, IB scores are usually released to the schools on January 2 of the year following the test. But for those who are taking the November 2022 IB exams, they can expect to have access to their IB results starting January 3, 2023.
Which schools offer the IB programme in Singapore?
IB is becoming an increasingly popular curriculum in Singapore. While it is still less popular than the A-Levels, it nonetheless bolsters the hallmark educational quality that Singapore is widely known for. As a matter of fact, IB scores from Singaporean students (both locals and international) have been consistently outperforming the global average, thanks to the various international IB schools in the country.
Here are some of the best education providers in Singapore that offer high-quality IB programmes:
- Quintessential Education
- Dulwich College
- Australian International School
- Canadian International School
- Global Indian International School
- Hwa Chong International School
- Dover Court International School
- EtonHouse International School
- Chatsworth International School
- ISS International School
- Nexus International School
- North London Collegiate School
- One World International School
- Ascensia International School
- Overseas Family School
- Singapore Sports School
- Stamford American International School
- Tanglin Trust School
- XCL World Academy
Conclusion
Enroling your child in an IB programme and letting them take the IB examinations will not only encourage them to excel academically but also achieve personal development. In an IB programme, your child will essentially learn how to learn. They’ll understand the importance of quality education and recognise the benefits of hard work, especially when it comes to studying for exams. However, we have to mention that both IB and IGCSE programs are extensive tracks that can lead to success and opportunities in your child’s life. The only difference can often boil down to the skills you want to equip your child with for their journey further down the road.
Still, if you want your child to achieve stellar scores on their IB test, we recommend that you sign them up for our IB tuition classes here at QE. We have smart and seasoned IB and IGCSE tutors in Singapore who’ll help your child improve in their studies and acquire the best study habits in preparation for their exams. To learn more about our reliable programs or IB tuition in Singapore, feel free to contact any of our advisors and educators.
