What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally recognised senior high school diploma. It is a challenging two-year programme primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. When students have completed it, they have a qualification that is universally accepted by leading universities throughout the world.

Why study the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme provides students with an excellent opportunity to acquire a highly prestigious education with worldwide recognition. Successful completion of the programme allows students access to the best universities around the world. Due to the broad range of subjects offered, students are stimulated and encouraged to acquire knowledge. Working as individuals and in groups, students discover and learn in interesting and innovative ways.



Style of learning
Students learn much more than simply a collection of facts when studying with EF International Academy. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme thoroughly prepares students for university and encourages them to:

• ask challenging questions
• become independent, self-motivated learners
• develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture
• refine their ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures
• grow into responsible world citizens

How does the curriculum work?
The curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core consisting of three separate parts (see diagram below). Students usually study one subject from each of the six different groups. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level and the remaining three are studied at standard level. All three core parts are compulsory and are central to the philosophy of the programme.

Course content
The IB Diploma Programme has broadranging academic content. Students must study literature, either in their own language or in English, humanities, mathematics, science, and the arts. All students write a 4000-word Extended Essay based on a topic of personal interest. They also follow the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which teaches them how to approach their studies with a critical eye.

Serving a higher purpose
Students also participate in a programme called Creativity, Action, Service (CAS), which encourages them to participate in community service and engage in creative projects outside the classroom. Among other things, EF International Academy students have travelled to Nicaragua to help build a school, and students regularly conduct service projects in their local communities. By working outside the classroom, students gain valuable realworld experience and develop a broader perspective about the world.

How is the diploma assessed?
At the end of the two-year programme, students are assessed internally and externally to measure individual performance against stated objectives for each subject.

IB PROGRAMME MODEL
Candidates complete a course from each of these six areas of study
© International Baccalaureate Organization 2002, 2007