International Baccalaureate Basics

By Brooke Strickland

Parents who are interested in training their children with a challenging, internationally-driven academic program, listen up. The International Baccalaureate (IB) Program has built a reputation in the field of international education since it began in 1968. Its curriculum focuses on integrating subject matter with global awareness. The IB is offered in 2,445 schools in 131 countries.

The International Baccalaureate Program not only encourages cultural awareness, but also gives students the tools to embrace new skills that reach beyond the traditional schools subjects. Overall, the goal of this program is to cultivate international awareness in children and promote inquiry while learning and successfully participate in a global society. It can provide lasting rewards – both personally and educationally.

Although offered at both primary and middle years, the most common IB program is the to-year Diploma Program, offered to students aged 16-19. Many IB courses are recognized as equivalent to college-level courses, and some U.S. universities and colleges award entering students with first-year credit depending on their points totals. (This is similar to the AP credit awards). The curriculum is standard throughout the world and IB degrees are recognized abroad.

The three key activities required to achieve an IB degree are an extended essay (up to 4,000 words), the interdisciplinary Theory of Knowledge course (exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives) and what the IB calls “Creativity, action, service (CAS).” Participation in the school’s CAS programme encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena.

Currently, many high schools throughout the Portland area offer the IB Diploma Program. Visit www.ibo.org for more details and a list of participating schools.