International Baccalaureate Diploma

TASIS England offers the IB Diploma to eligible students entering eleventh grade. The IB is widely recognized and considered to be an international passport to higher education, as its strengths are based on the best practices of educational systems worldwide. It is a comprehensive two-year program that encourages critical thinking, research skills, and service as part of the learning process.

What is the IB?

In 1968, the International Baccalaureate program (IB) first sought to create a diploma that would be “recognized by universities around the world,” according to the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). Candidates for the IB Diploma study a range of subjects and choose courses from six areas: language (the student's mother tongue), a second language, individuals and societies, experimental sciences, mathematics and computer science, and the arts. In addition, students must submit an extended essay (a 4,000-word research project), complete a course on the philosophies of learning and knowing (Theory of Knowledge), and take part in community service. The IB Diploma culminates in an examination period at the end of the program, and final grades are based on both achievement on the exams and course grades.TASIS is also a member of IBSCA (IB Schools and Colleges Association).

Recognition

The IB Diploma meets the requirement of many national educational systems and Ministries of Education, including Great Britain, the United States, Canada, and European countries. In fact, taking the IB diploma often helps in the university admissions process, as it is a clear sign to admissions officials that a student is capable of following a rigorous course of study.

Which students are eligible to apply to the IB program?

The IB Program is a challenging 2-year program that places serious demands on a student's time and energy. Entry into the IB Diploma program is made in consultation between the school, student, and family, and is open to highly motivated students with strong academic, time management and study skills.

Prerequisites for entry to the program include a “B” average in previous and current courses of study, as well as specific requirements for particular IB courses. For non-native English speakers, the following English language levels are possible pre-requisites: SLEP score of 55 or above; TOEFL score of 550 (computer-bases TOEFL score of 213); or a score of 79-80 on the Internet-based TOEFL. In some cases, where a student's math, language, or science background prevents participation in the program, TASIS may recommend that the student enroll in a post graduate year in order to complete the IB Diploma in grades 12 and 13.

Given the differences between IB courses of study it is not always possible for a student to transfer into the IB program after completing the first year elsewhere. Any students who are allowed to transfer must arrange for all internal assessment work to arrive at TASIS England by September 1st.

Coursework

IB diploma candidates must take a total of 6 IB courses, one from each of the groups below. For a full list of courses, please see IB Coursework.

Group 1: Language A 1

Group 2: Second Language

Group 3: Individuals and Society

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Group 5: Mathematics and Computer Science

Group 6: The Arts 

Of these courses, at least 3, but no more than 4, are taken at Higher Level (HL) and the others are taken at Standard Level (SL). Each course is taught over the two years of study. In addition to the 6 courses, IB Diploma candidates must meet the requirements for Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Action, and Service (CAS).

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