The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma is a two-year pre-university qualification designed in consultation with UNESCO in 1968 as a rigorous international curriculum for students wanting to study at universities around the world. Such is its high reputation that students can gain university credits at university level for their IB subjects in countries such as the United States.
There are now more than 1400 IB World schools in over 100 countries. Many are international schools where the language of instruction and assessment is in the English language. All IB diploma candidates sit the same examinations, no matter where in the world their school is located, and the same examiners mark these exams. Therefore IB diploma students? examination results mean the same from country to country, which gives universities a reliable and objective way of assessing the results of IB diploma students. The IB Diploma is regarded by the world?s top universities as a programme of academic rigour and integrity. It enjoys a high reputation among universities worldwide.
Students study 6 subjects, three at a high level and three at standard level from each of the following groups of subjects: First language literature(in this case Thai);second or foreign language such as English; a humanities subject (e.g. Economics, History or Geography); a science subject(e.g. Physics or Chemistry or Biology), Maths, and a sixth subject from a range of choices which include Visual Arts, Computer Science or a second subject from one of the five other categories. In addition they do a mini-thesis called the Extended Essay under the guidance of a teacher. This prepares them with the research and essay writing skills needed for university study. The Theory of Knowledge course develops the ability to evaluate information and to base opinions on carefully researched evidence enabling students to think critically. And the IB diploma Creativity Action and Community Service programme develops individual talents as well as compassion.
In summary the IB Diploma develops not only smart thinkers with a high standard of academic knowledge. It also develops students with good hearts.
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)
