Open international learning path for students with The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) - The Western Australian International School System

Open international learning path for students with The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP)

28.09.2019

On the 5th September 2019, the Western Australian International School System was authorised by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IB) as an IB World School for the Diploma Program. The IB Diploma Program is a pathway program for students aged between 16 to 19. It is designed to prepare students for higher education and to be active participants in a global society.

The IB Diploma Program challenges students to excel in their studies and in their personal growth. Throughout the program, students will be encouraged to think independently and drive their own learning. The students will also become more culturally aware, through the development of a second language and be able to engage with people in an increasingly globalised, rapidly changing world. As a result, students will have the opportunity to attend some of the highest-ranking universities around the world.

According to the IB Organisation, research suggests that the IB Diploma Program is a strong pathway to university. DP students apply to more than 3 300 higher education institutions each, in close to 90 countries.

Universities around the world want students who have completed the IB Diploma to study at their institutions. This is because they know that IB students will have expert subject knowledge and important study skills such as research, essay writing and independent learning. In addition, the students acquire the spirit of intellectual inquiry and critical thinking and the ability to challenge, argue and ask questions.

The uniqueness of the IB diploma program is the three core subjects: Theory of Knowledge; Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS); and the Extended Essay.

The Theory of Knowledge challenges students to think how they learn and challenges what they know. The CAS Project allows students to show initiative, demonstrate perseverance and develop skills such as collaboration, problem solving and decision making. In the extended essay, students complete a 4000-word piece of original research based on a specific question.

As described by Richard Garner, the IB Diploma program is practical, instructive and aspirational and excellent preparation for university. It develops future leaders as students learn how to collaborate and understand the value of teamwork. IB students also develop a sense of international mindedness and want to make a difference both at a local and global level.