The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is a rigorous pre-university curriculum designed to give students around the world a chance to earn an internationally recognized diploma, which they can use for entry into universities. IB courses follow a curriculum mandated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IB) in Cardiff, Wales. IB courses can be taken either on their own as part of a separate diploma or as part of the two-year International Baccalaureate Diploma. IB courses are recognized for college credit in a way similar to how AP courses are used.
IB courses are very rigorous and are the most rigorous courses that high schools offer. They are designed to prepare students ages 16-19 for college-level coursework. Students must take courses from six areas of study: sciences, mathematics, studies in language and literature, language acquisition, the arts, and individuals and societies. Courses are either standard level (one or two years of study, followed by the IB exam) or higher level (two years of study, followed by the IB exam). IB diploma students must take at least 3 higher level courses. Students must earn at least 24 points (based on exam scores of 1 to 7 and the extended essay) to receive an IB diploma.
IB courses include papers and IB exams graded by B-CC teachers (known as internal assessments) and papers and IB exams graded by IB external assessors. IB final exams are given in May and are graded on a 1 to 7 scale, with 7 being the highest. Scores are reported in early July. IB classes are unique from other advanced classes, like an honors-level class or Advanced Placement courses, because they fit into the educational ecosystem created by IB.
In summary, IB courses are a comprehensive and rigorous pre-university curriculum designed to prepare students for college-level coursework. They follow a curriculum mandated by the International Baccalaureate Organization and include papers and exams graded by both internal and external assessors. IB courses are recognized for college credit and are unique from other advanced classes.
