6 Reasons why I want to study the IB

Why 6 reasons?

I rarely see posts with 6 reasons why so I chose 6 to correspond with the program itself. 3 subjects chosen at a Higher Level and 3 at Standard Level. Relative to the A level program which is commonly seen as the other route of study, the IB is now seen to be more challenging providing a more all-rounded approach to education.

Although this is definitely open to debate I want to introduce my 6 reasons why I am going to study the IB. Specifically the Diploma programme which is not to be confused with any of the other 3 programs that the IB caters for.

1. The Holistic Approach

The International Baccalaureate (IB), founded in 1968, provides a more holistic approach to education. It prides itself in providing a high standard of education to those who decide to take it.

A student who participates in the IB must select 6 courses, 3 at Higher Level (HL) and 3 at Standard Level (SL). The HL courses being more difficult and containing more material than those chosen at SL. Subjects are categorised into 6 groups where taking one subject from group 1–5 is compulsory with the sixth subject being selected from the sixth group or open to free choice of any subjects in any of the groups. Just to give a number, there are 168,480 combinations of subjects available.

By making students choose from many different groups of subjects, the IB constructs an engaging yet challenging programme for anyone’s interest. They are educated in all areas so that their understanding is balanced. An approach I admire.

2. Variety

Not to take away from other programmes because I am sure they have a large variety of subjects too but the IB’s subject range is extremely expanse. I recall a Lower Sixth being able to choose Hindi. Even though at his level he was the only one that had chosen it, he was catered for.

I think variety is one of the things that makes the IB so great. Even though you may be limited in the phase of group selection, each group has a wide range to choose from. From Classics such as Greek, Latin and Classical Civilisations to Computer Science, Design and Technology and Economics, I am sure that there will be subjects of interest to any student who applies themselves to the program.

3. Breaking the comfort zone

I enjoy the challenge. Many who have done the IB have said that it was hard and the workload was so significant they couldn’t cope. I cannot say how much of that is true. Others have said that it really isn’t a challenge, as long as you put in the effort you will be able to handle the programme easily.

Either way, the IB presents itself as something worth putting the effort in for. Breaking your comfort zone to see where the magic happens — as seen in the picture above — is something I think the IB caters for. Any student can take part but the final outcome is someone who has understood many different perspectives and is more comfortable in situations outside their own comfort zone. They can adapt.

4. The Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile shows what IB students should strive to be like.
Here is the IB Learn Profile.

1. Inquirers — To learn how to learn independently and with others, nurturing the nature of curiosity.
2. Knowledgeable — To develop understanding and to explore knowledge across various disciplines.
3. Thinkers — To use critical and creative thinking to solve problems by creating ethical solutions.
4. Communicators — IB Students express themselves with confidence in more than one language.
5. Principled — To act with fairness and integrity, to take responsibility for one’s own actions and to be respectful and just.
6. Open-minded — To seek and evaluate different perspectives on ideas whilst appreciating one’s own personal history and beliefs.
7. Caring — IB Students strive to show empathy, compassion and respect and they act to make a positive difference around them.
8. Risk-takers — To be resilient and determined against hard tasks and to be open minded about trying new challenges.
9. Balanced — To understand to balance one’s lifestyle — intellectual, emotional and physical along with appreciating our own independence.
10. Reflective — Students thoughtfully consider the world and their own ideas. They work to understand their strengths and weaknesses.

10 points that certainly sum up the aims of the IB Diploma. The construction of the degree allows everyone to express themselves in their own way through their own choices. Through the IB you can become this all rounded learner able to tackle any challenge.

5. Three Challenges

The IB Diploma, along with the six subjects chosen at the other levels, has an additional three sections to be completed before one can earn their diploma.

1. Theory of Knowledge(TOK)
2. Extended Essay (EE)
3. Creative, Action and Service (CAS)

These three sections provide foundations for the holistic approach that I mentioned previously in point 1. They all relate to the Learn Profile in one way or another and are certainly a very important feature in the IB Diploma.

Theory of Knowledge

The Theory of Knowledge provides an opportunity for students to reflect on the nature of knowledge.

One of the characteristics in the Learner Profile was this idea of “Reflection” and the TOK presents an opportunity for all students to reflect. It provides a chance for IB Students to take on their own perspective and interpretation of this nature of knowledge.

Extended Essay

The extended essay is a independent, self-directed piece of research.

Looking back again on the learner profile, the EE allows a chance to Inquire, Think and be Open-Minded. Though it does encompass much more than just those three aspects, the EE is a chance to conduct your own piece of research giving you the freedom of choice and independence the IB wants to nurture.

Creative, Action and Service

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) is one of the three essential elements that every student must complete as part of the Diploma Programme.

These three elements are once again linked to the learner profile but the exciting thing is you can do whatever you want in each of these categories as long as they show themes of Creativity or Action or Service.

I remember being greeted by a Lower Sixth — year 12 that was selling jumpers for his creative and service hours. The money was going to a good cause — charity, and he was being creative by setting up shop. It comes back to the idea of a more holistic approach to education. You are educated in many more perspectives and it allows you to empathise and learn with and from others.

6. It allows You to be You

A lot of people say that the IB makes you a better person. It may be true. Through the Learner Profile that I mentioned earlier along with the courses you have to do, the IB develops every essential aspect of a student — his or her physical, mental as well as emotional capability.

This doesn’t take away from your individualism though. The IB allows you to make your own choices and find your own ways to tackle the challenges it presents. Becoming more apparent today, the IB Diploma is highly regarded as one of the many degrees of education that provides a high level of education. It doesn’t take away, it only gives.

That’s why I want to do the IB.

The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character — that is the goal of true education.

- Martin Luther King, Jr.

Cedric