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    Established in 1968, the International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) was the first programme offered by the IB and is taught to students aged 16-19.

    As of 16 March 2017, there are 3,104 schools offering the DP, in 147 different countries worldwide.

    The DP was established to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate geographic and cultural mobility and to promote international understanding. It was created by teachers at the International School of Geneva, with assistance from several other international schools. Since then, innovative and committed teachers and examiners from around the world have played a significant role in the development of the programme. 

    Curriculum

    The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) curriculum sets out the requirements for study of the DP. The curriculum is made up of the DP core and six subject groups. 

    Made up of the three required components, the DP core  aims to broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

    The three core elements are:

    • Theory of knowledge, in which students reflect on the nature of knowledge and on how we know what we claim to know.
    • The extended essay, which is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper.
    • Creativity, activity, service, in which students complete a project related to those three concepts.

    The six subject groups are:

    There are different courses within each subject group. 

    Choosing subjects in the Diploma Programme

    Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. Students may opt to study an additional sciences, individuals and societies, or languages course, instead of a course in the arts.

    Students will take some subjects at higher level (HL) and some at standard level (SL).  HL and SL courses differ in scope but are measured according to the same grade descriptors, with students expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills at higher level.

    Each student takes at least three (but not more than four) subjects at higher level, and the remaining at standard level. Standard level subjects take up 150 teaching hours. Higher level comprises 240 teaching hours.

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