International Baccalaureate Diploma Program: Inspiring

Lifelong Learning

Do you remember the good ol’ days of Kindergarten when all you had to choose was whether to use a

camlin pencil or an Apsara pencil? Well, the further you climb the ladder of education; you’re forced to

take plenty of choices. The good thing here is that with a wider variety of choices, the higher are your

options.

Recently, the IB Diploma program has seen an increase in popularity among schools as well as parents

and kids. This has led to the emergence of several IB Board schools in Mumbai, Pune and other metros

around the country. More than 4000 schools have embraced the International Baccalaureate

Programme, and over one million students graduate with an IB degree worldwide every year.

The increasing popularity speaks volumes on the unique academic rigour of the program and its

emphasis on the personal development of each and every single child. There are several IB schools in

Pune and Mumbai which offer this innovative academic program.

A Brief History of the IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) was established in Geneva, Switzerland in

1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organisation. The academic philosophy of the IBO is summed

up in its mission statement.

A thorough, balanced and comprehensive curriculum that teaches young minds to relate their

subjects with the real world.

A strong emphasis on being a responsible citizen and promoting international understanding,

apart from focussing on high academic standards.

Essentially, the IB program helps students to become lifelong learners who are informed

participants in their local as well as global community.

The Structure of the Diploma Programme

It’s a two-year educational programme for students of the age group 16 to 19 years. It’s recognised by

universities all over the world and provides the requisite qualification for admission to higher studies.

The curriculum is made up of six subject groups and the DP core.

The DP core trains students to widen their educational experience and challenges them to apply their

skills. Elements of the core are:

Theory of Knowledge – This component focuses on the nature of knowledge and helps students

understand what they know and how they know it.

The Extended Essay – This culminates with a 4000-word independent research paper on a

subject chosen by the student.

Creativity, Activity and Service – The student has to finish a project that is inclusive of these

three concepts.

The Six Subject Groups are

Science

Mathematics

Arts

Individuals and Societies

Language Acquisition

Language & Literature

Students have to choose some subjects at the Higher Level and a few for the Standard Level. At least

three higher level subjects (but not more than four) are required.

The IBO also offers the Primary Years Programme for kids between 3-12 years and the Middle Years

Programme for children between 12-16 years.

Contact an established IBDP school in Pune like the The Cathedral Vidya School , Lonavala to know

more about this challenging academic programme and help your children become global thought

leaders.