The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is famous worldwide for all the right reasons. And while it does entail a harder curriculum than the conventional school, it allows students to develop vital skills necessary for the rest of their lives.
IB was established in 1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland, the goal is to deliver academic excellence in all the schools around the world. It has a comprehensive two-year pre-university programme that encourages both students and teachers to realize their full potential.
Research conducted around the globe proved the effectiveness of the Diploma, along with the advantages to students. Here are a few factors that demonstrate the benefits of the IB Diploma:
Higher university admission potential. The Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) in the UK confirmed that graduates of the IB Diploma fare better in enrolling in most Higher Education Institutions than other students with similar qualifications. Another research by the Chicago Postsecondary Transition Project on revealed that IB Diploma graduates are more likely to enroll in university and are also able to enroll in selective universities as well as stay enrolled and perform better during university study.
Develop global proficiency. Graduates from the IB Diploma have continuously exceeded global standards of academic achievement, which gives graduates the confidence to pursue higher learning. Diploma graduates also have an advantage for elite institutions. In fact, IB graduates are more likely to be admitted into 10 of the most prestigious universities in the US, including Harvard, Yale, Princeton, and Stanford.
Enhanced research skills. The IB Diploma requires the development of cutting-edge independent research and organizational skills, which are vital for students who are looking to pursue higher learning and do better in their careers. IB Program has proven that Diploma graduates have profited from their experience writing the Extended Essay, which allowed them to be prepared for research projects for undergraduate courses. Furthermore, students’ performance in their Extended Essays interrelated with their grades in undergraduate studies.
Advance critical thinking and time management skills. IB Diploma students have better academic skills than their non-IB Diploma counterparts, which can be seen in analytical writing. The research found that IB Diploma students show the ability to look beyond details, analyses sources and test the consensus. Furthermore, these same students learned to develop better study habits by having time for assignments and revision and avoiding distractions.
Develop an altogether better person. Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) is a keystone element of the IB Diploma that uplifts personal and interpersonal growth via direct experiences, such as participating in international outreach projects or creating resource materials for a community.
A survey about CAS among 8,000 students that was conducted by researchers from the University of Bath conducted found that CAS made noteworthy changes in the students’ personal dispositions, behavior and interpersonal relationships. Based on the survey respondents, CAS improved risk-taking and challenge and assisted students to endure and develop interpersonal skills. Respondents noted that the entire programme is challenging yet rewarding.
End Note
There are many benefits of the IB Diploma, which you can get from Singapore IB schools like Global Indian International School (GIIS). There is a wealth of evidence listing student achievements which can be attributed to their IB Diploma studies. The pursuit of real-life knowledge and truth, as well as the advancement of an individual’s character will undeniably become more noticeable as graduates grow and become responsible citizens.
