The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers high quality programmes of international education to a worldwide community of schools. There are approximately 880,000 IB students at 3,083 schools in 139 countries. In 2009, there are more than 35000 students who received the IB diploma. [Quoted from http://www.ibo.org on 15-Nov-2010]
IBO mission statement
The International Baccaulaureate Organization aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better andmore peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
To this end the IBO 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.
What is IBDP?
IBDP stands for International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
The Diploma Programme is a challenging 2 year programme of international education for students aged 16 - 19. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by the world's leading universities.
Students learn more than a collection of facts. They are prepared for university and encouraged to:
-
ask challenging questions
-
learn how to learn
-
develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
-
develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures
Essence of IB Philosophy
IB believes that students should be developed through Inquiry-based learning in promoting high order thinking. It emphasizes on the inter-relatedness of subjects through inter-disciplinary learning (similar to HKDSE Liberal Studies). The IB programme aims to develop internationally minded people (students and teachers alike) who are striving to become:
|
Inquirers |
Their natural curiosity is nurtured. They acquire the skills necessary to conduct constructive inquiry and research, and become independent active learners. They actively enjoy learning and this love of learning will be sustained throughout their lives.
|
|
Thinkers |
They exercise initiatives in applying thinking skills critically and creatively to approach complex problems and make reasoned decisions.
|
|
Communicators |
They understand and express ideas and information confidently and creatively in more than one language and in a variety of modes of communication.
|
|
Risk-takers |
They approach unfamiliar situations with confidence and forethought, and have the independence of spirit to explore new roles, ideas and strategies. They are courageous and articulate in defending those things in which they believe. |
|
Knowledgeable |
They explore concepts, ideas and issues which have global relevance and importance. In so doing, they acquire, and are able to make use of, a significant body of knowledge across a range of disciplines.
|
|
Principled |
They have a sound grasp of the principles of moral reasoning. They have integrity, honesty, a sense of fairness and justice and respect for the dignity of the individual.
|
|
Caring |
They show empathy, compassion and respect towards the needs and feelings of others. They have a personal commitment to action and service to make a positive difference to the environment and to the lives of others.
|
|
Open-minded |
Through an understanding and appreciation of their own culture, they are open to the perspectives, values and traditions of other individuals and cultures and they are accustomed to seeking and considering a range of points of view.
|
|
Well-balanced |
They understand the importance of physical and mental balance and personal well-being for themselves and others. They demostrate perseverance and self-discipline.
|
|
Reflective |
They give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and personal development. They are able to analyze their strengths and weaknesses in a constructive manner.
|
Curriculum Structure
 |
3 Higher Level Subjects
+
3 Standard Level Subjects
+
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
+
Extended Essay (EE)
+
Creativity, Action & Service (CAS)
|
IB subjects offered in Diocesan Boys' School 2010-2011
Group 1 - Language A1
English A1 HL/SL
Chinese A1 HL/SL
Group 2 - Second language
English A2 HL/SL
Chinese A2 HL/SL
French B HL/SL
Group 3 -Individuals and societies
Economics HL/SL
History HL/SL
Psychology HL/SL
Group 4 - Experimental sciences
Physics HL/SL
Chemistry HL/SL
Biology HL/SL
Group 5 - Mathematics and computer sciences
Mathematics HL/SL
Mathematical Studies SL
Group 6 - The arts
Visual Arts HL
Music HL
Bridging Programme
To better prepare and equip our boys, who are interested in the IBDP, the school developed the Bridging Programme in the year Grade 10 with its teachers and professional curriculum advisors. This will be divided into 3 streams, with an average of 20 boys per stream. New aspects are to be introduced, including: Project Learning, Extended Essay, and Introduction to Culture.
Why IB?
The IB diploma is widely recognized by more than 2500 universities, with 77% of diploma programme students admitted to their first choice universities. More than 100 universities worldwide offering scholarships for IB diploma recipents.
Students applying to a particular university may grant permission for their grades to be accessed directly from the IB's secure website, making tertiary application convenient and efficient.
The choice of IBDP depends primarily in the following 3 points:
-
Location of pursuing further studies
-
Subject choice
-
University Choice
More information about the IB Diploma Programme is available [here].
International Baccalaureate Official Home Page | 