International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
Some History…
The IBO’s Diploma Program (DP) was created in 1968. It is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to examinations. It is designed for highly motivated secondary school students aged 16-19.
The program has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities. The DP’s grading system is criterion-referenced, which means that each student’s performance is measured against well-defined levels of achievement. These are consistent from one examination session to the next and are applied equally to all schools.
The IBO has shown, over the course of 30 years, that students are well prepared for university work. They are accepted by universities all over the world.
The program is a comprehensive two-year international curriculum, available in English, French, and Spanish.
It generally allows students to fulfill the requirements of their national or state education systems. The DP incorporates the best elements of national systems, without being based on any one.
Internationally mobile students are able to transfer from one DP school to another. Students who remain closer to home benefit from a highly respected international curriculum.
The program was born of efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealistic vision. They believed that students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding and exposure to a variety of points of view.
What is it?
- An internationally recognized program established in 1968 and noted for its depth and challenging curriculum
- A rigorous pre-university program leading to assessment in six subject areas
- A high quality curriculum that aims to encourage critical thinking by the study of traditional disciplines while encouraging an international perspective
- Beyond completing college-level courses and examinations, IB students are also required to engage in community service, individual research, and an inquiry into the nature of knowledge
Why do it?
- IB has an international acceptability which allows for both flexibility and mobility
- IB educates the “whole person”
- IB encourages students to appreciate cultures and attitudes other than their own and to be informed, tolerant, and willing to communicate with others
- The IB approach to education is not encyclopedic. The emphasis is on helping students to learn how to learn and how to analyze.
- The IB approach to education is not encyclopedic. The emphasis is on helping students to learn how to learn and how to analyze.
- IB provides a broad general education while still allowing specialized study in areas corresponding to the individual’s particular interests and plans for the future.
Heather Golly
Honors Coordinator
(760) 727-7284 ext. 72206
Rancho Buena Vista Highschool
1601 Longhorn Drive
Vista, CA 92081