DP was established in the 1960s and is a highly respected qualification that has prepared students for the rigours of university life for the past 50 years. Today, worldwide, the DP provides a well-established and globally renowned education for 16-19 year olds. It is a viable and well-reputed alternative to the more main stream A Level programmes available.
According to the latest statistics published by IBO on 5 December 2017, there are 6,395 programmes being offered worldwide, across 4,783 schools of International Baccalaureate.
The IB’s goal is to empower students to flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically; have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge; and explore the nature of knowledge itself. The programme combines traditional academic disciplines across six subject groups with a ‘core’ made up of three areas that produce students who are better equipped for university and beyond.
Subjects offered for examination in 2020:
| Group 1: | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 | Group 5 | Group 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studies in Language and Literature |
Language Acquisition | Individuals and Societies | Sciences | Mathematics | The Arts |
| English A, Language and Literature | French ab initio | Business Management, Psychology, Global Politics, Economics |
Chemistry , Environmental Systems and Societies, Physics, Biology |
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Interpretations and Applications | Film , Visual Arts |
Why choose DP?
- Students are required to take a more rigorous course of study, encompassing six subject disciplines. This allows students the opportunity to study subjects in greater depth and identify their true aptitude and career choices.
- Students find it easier to score 35 points in the DP. This score is equivalent to two A* and one A in the A Level.
- A combination of Internal and External Assessments allow students to showcase their knowledge and skill without feeling the pressure to perform in a single examination cycle.
According to the IBO website, ‘Benefits for universities’ DP students tend to be strong in:
- Student Leadership Activities
- Finding opportunities to study in other countries
- Tutoring other students
- Taking part in voluntary community service
- Completing internships
