IB in 6 points

As written on the homepage of IB, this is a quick summary of what IB is.

Summing up the IB in 6 points:

1. Every student studies 6 subjects: a first language, a second language, mathematics, a natural science, a human science and an elective which can (but doesn’t have to be) an arts/creative subject. 3 of these are done at Higher Level (equivilant to a full A-level in the UK), and 3 of them are done at Standard (equivilant to an AS level in the UK).


2. Each subject is scored out of 7 (but don’t estimate the effort and achievement of achieving this).


3. In addition, every student studies a course on Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and writes an extended essay (EE). Together, these can add 3 bonus points to your score.


4. Hence, the maxium possible score is is 45. (6 subjects at 7 points each, plus 3 bonus points from ToK/Extended Essay.) This is scored by 0.2% of the world. A typical Oxbridge offer is 40 points. The average score worldwide is 30 points.


5. ToK is a course of applied philosophy. It is designed to give students an insight into the problems of knowledge in their life, and some of the limitations of their ability to know something. The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word research essay, written over the two years of the course, on a subject chosen by the student. Both are compulsory. Failing either results in failing the diploma.


6. As a “counterbalance” to the academic rigour of the course, every student completes around 150 hours of community service, known as CAS (Community, Action, Service).