IB BILINGUAL DIPLOMA PROGRAMME – BACCALAUREATE

There are six key pedagogical principles that underpin all IB programmes. Teaching in IB programmes is:

• Based on inquiry
• Focused on conceptual understanding
• Developed in local and global contexts
• Focused on effective teamwork and collaboration
• Differentiated to meet the needs of all learners
• Informed by assessment (formative and summative).

This area develops essential skills that include skills of behaviour and emotional management, skills that allow the student to monitor their own effectiveness in their learning and skills that allow them to process information effectively (often called “study skills” in a school environment).

Although these skills may be in use when developing a certain natural ability or talent, they are different from both ability and talent themselves because proficiency in any skill can be increased through the deliberate use of techniques and strategies, feedback and challenge. Skills are therefore highly teachable.

Teaching and learning in the Diploma Programme (DP) therefore incorporates the development of:

• Thinking skills
• Communication skills
• Social skills
• Self-management skills
• Research skills

Although these are presented as distinct categories, there is some overlap and close connections between them. These categories should be seen as interrelated, as well as linking closely with the attributes highlighted in the IB learner profile. IB students work to become inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced and reflective.

The Diploma Programme core

The extended essay (EE) requires students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies EE option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance, which they examine through the lens of at least two DP subjects.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) emphasizes helping students to develop their own identities in accordance with the ethical principles embodied in the IB mission statement and the IB learner profile. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the DP. The three strands of CAS are creativity (exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance), activity (physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle) and service (collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need).

Assessment

Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The grades awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), with 4 being the pass mark. Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on TOK and the EE. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the CAS requirement. The highest total that a DP student can be awarded is 45 points.

Access to Spanish and international universities

The IB Diploma Programme is recognised and accepted as an admission criteria in international universities. Each university establishes its own admission requirements.

In Spain, each autonomous community or private university establishes its own admission criteria, admitting the IB Diploma Programme as a valid university admission programme, according to the table of equivalences. In Andalusia, the points obtained from the IB Diploma Programme can give the student up to 10 points for direct access to university. In order to reach the 14 points required for some qualifications, we prepare our students to sit 2 subjects in the PCE exams.

IB Learner Profile

What does the IB say about us?

What does the IB say about us?

• The School has developed an obvious culture of open communication based on mutual understanding and respect.

• The School´s approach to communication is consistent and effective and takes into account the ethos of the school community, the relationships between parents, students teachers and school leaders, the culture of collaboration, and the need for accurate and plentiful information.

• The School effectively supports student language learning by assisting students in developing their home language as well as acquiring other languages and cultures, including those of the host country.

• The School has a system of (university) counselling connected with local and international organizations that will provide DP students with detailed support.

• The School has developed detailed plans which reflect a clear understanding of students previous learning experiences and demonstrate the caring nature of teachers within the school.