Perhaps you have heard of the International Baccalaureate (otherwise known as IB) but you're not quite sure what it is, who it is for, or what the benefits are?
You're in the right place.
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a leading global education foundation with the core aim to develop 'inquiring, knowledgeable, confident and caring young people'. With the original IB school opening in Geneva in 1968, the IB has expanded to include four programs, catering to students from the ages of 3 through to 19 in over 5,000 IB schools worldwide.
In Australia, the International Baccalaureate is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to the Year 12 certificate (ATAR, HSC, VCE etc.) and is recognised by leading university institutions throughout Australia and the world.
The IB consists of four parts:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP)
- Middle Years Programme (MYP)
- Diploma Programme (DP)
- Career-related Programme (CP).
A student may enter the program at any point or may start in primary school and move through until they graduate from senior secondary school or college. To apply for enrolment in an IB program, contact must be made with individual schools.
If your interest has been piqued and you'd like to know more, read on.
Why Should I Do the International Baccalaureate Program?
Schools that offer one of the IB programs are still bound by the Australian Curriculum. However, their pedagogy and approach are different and the academic expectations are more challenging and rigorous than in general mainstream schools.
One of the key benefits of studying within the IB framework is that it allows students to focus on their areas of strength and, by association, develop their areas of weakness.
Another advantage is that the curriculum, while meeting Australian standards, is based on international standards, encouraging participants to think in global terms. Each major course assignment, project and examination is graded by an international assessment team.
In all facets of the program, from Primary Years through to Career-related, the IB values are embedded. These values incorporate the following qualities that are important for children to develop as they grow:
- inquirer
- knowledgeable
- thinker
- communicator
- principled
- open-minded
- caring
- risk-taker
- balanced
- reflective.
Students who apply to enrol in the IB program usually do so because they want to maximise their chances at university. Often, a student will start on this pathway very early with enrolment in the Primary Years Programme. However, much of the time, students will complete their education through to Year 10 level in the mainstream system, then apply to enter the Diploma Programme.
One of the greatest advantages of studying in the IB Diploma Programme is the preparation it gives you for university. In academic terms, it is one of the most challenging pre-university courses but also one of the most worthwhile as it provides students with a university entrance qualification that is globally recognised.
Academic study aside, the Diploma Programme also includes creative activities, community service, and support to develop physical and mental wellbeing. It is a well-rounded program of study that prepares students with key learning in not only English, maths and the science subjects of chemistry, physics and biology but also the skills and capacity to be able to function in the adult world.
Of course, not every student necessarily wants to follow a pathway to university, and this is where the IB Career-related Programmes (CP) come in. Studying in the CP addresses the needs of each student with regards to their desired future career and leads to higher education (in TAFE or other non-university education institutions), apprenticeships or employment.
There are multiple reasons why enrolment in one of the IB programs may improve your prospects or be right for you. However, it is important to investigate what is offered. Ask questions. Visit different IB schools. Talk to teachers, parents, students and the IB community.
In addition, you need to carefully consider your goals — your education goals, your career goals and your personal goals. Consider your learning style, your academic ability and your commitment to studying.
Ask yourself, is the International Baccalaureate right for me?
When Should I Start Looking for IB Schools?
There is absolutely no harm in investigating IB schools and the programs they offer early — even well before you intend to apply. As mentioned above, gathering as much information as you can is going to help you make an informed decision. There is nothing worse than rushing into something only to find it is not right for you. Similarly, sitting back and letting opportunities slide by may only end in regret later.
Start by checking out the International Baccalaureate website. Here, you'll be able to read lots of general information about the program, the subjects and curriculum, and different options for study. It also points you in the direction of schools that offer the programs.
Then go to the websites of each school you're interested in. They will (or should) have information and links to answer your questions about what they offer.
Finally, contact the school or schools you are interested in. They'll probably run a few Q&A sessions each year. Ask for a tour. Ask to speak to students about their experience. Maybe they have orientation days where you can sit in on an English class, or maths or science?
The earlier you start learning about what is available, the more prepared you will be and the more comfortable you will be with your decision.
Will I Need an IB Tutor?
Nobody is going to tell you that engaging a tutor is mandatory but it is important to be aware that there are tutors available who specialise in International Baccalaureate. Our recommendation is that you keep tabs on how you are going with your studying, and how you are feeling, and ask for help sooner rather than later.
This advice applies to every student and year level.
There is nothing to be ashamed about when it comes to admitting you need help from a tutor.
How can tutors help?
There are a number of ways an IB tutor can help students in the program.
Tutoring in specific subjects
Not everyone is perfect (or even near perfect) in everything. Most people have a subject or two they just seem to struggle with. It might be quadratic equations in maths. Or literature analysis in English. Or perhaps you're great in physics and biology, but chemistry is the science that gets you down. An IB tutor is going to be an expert in their field, whether it's English, maths, science, French or another language. Plus, they will understand the pressures of the program and the examination expectations.
Tutoring in specific skills
It may be that the academic side of things is not your issue but that you struggle with your time management skills, effective research, study and revision or examination technique. There are tutors out there who can help you out. They'll provide tips and strategies to use and will walk you through your assignments, examination prep and projects until you feel comfortable handling them on your own.
Short-term tutoring
Tutoring does not always need to be over a long period of time. It may be that you need help to study for a particular examination. Or help with a big literature project. Or targetted support to get you through a tricky maths course or an assessment piece. Remember that your tutor will not do the work for you; their job is to support you and provide strategies so you can complete the tasks yourself.
How do I work with a tutor?
If you get your tutoring through one of the many agencies, you will more than likely need to attend the premises in person. However, more and more agencies now provide online options or tutors who travel to your home.
A freelance tutor (i.e. a tutor who works for themself), will usually provide the same options — online, in-person at your home or in-person at another location.
Online tutoring is becoming increasingly common and is often the preferred option, both for its flexibility and because it is often cheaper than in-person tuition.
Many tutors also offer the option of private or small group tutoring. This really is down to a student's personal preference, although the nature of the lessons may dictate which is better — private tutoring is going to be more effective if you have a particular need; group tutoring works well when communication and interactivity are the focus, such as in French language lessons.
Make sure you check the tutor's credentials and ensure they have IB experience before you engage them. The tutors on the Superprof platform state clearly in their profiles where their experience and expertise lie.
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