Established in 1968, the IB’s Diploma Programme (IBDP) was the first programme to be offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization and it is currently offered in over 3000 schools in 147 countries worldwide. In 2003, St Andrew’s became the first school in the Bahamas to offer the IBDP.
All around the world, the IBDP is recognized to be the gold-standard of pre-college educational programs. It is intended for students aged 16-19 and aims to provide a balanced education that facilitates cultural and geographic mobility and promotes international understanding.
It is designed as a two year liberal arts style course that requires students to complete studies in a variety of subject areas including languages (both English and a second language), mathematics, the natural sciences, individuals and societies (humanities), and the arts. Each subject has a coursework component and includes external assessments/examinations that are taken at the end of the 2nd year (Grade 12).
IBDP candidates are also required to complete the three core components – the Theory of Knowledge course, Creativity-Activity-Service (CAS), and the Extended Essay (EE).
St Andrew’s graduates that complete the IBDP demonstrate a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of the mastery of subject content and in the development of the skill set and self-discipline necessary for success in an ever-changing and competitive world.
For more information on the IBDP, you can browse the IB’s website at http://www.ibo.org