Parents’ guide
IB Diploma:
Your child’s passport to university
Introduction Dear Parent,
One of the most crucial decisions students face is choosing the right academic program for high school. As a parent, you want your child's high school experience to provide ample opportunities for university and beyond. However, many programs limit students to a few subjects, restricting access to certain university subjects and careers. This early academic specialization also hinders valuable interdisciplinary connections that foster critical thinking and well-rounded perspectives.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is renowned for its excellence and breadth, allowing students to tailor their studies to their interests. IB students are not only challenged academically, but also given the chance to grow personally and ethically. Universities all over the world recognize the readiness of IB students for the challenges that come with university studies. In short, the IB Diploma offers both academic rigor and valuable soft skills.
At EF Academy, we are proud to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and have witnessed countless students achieve remarkable success through this curriculum. Read further in this guide as we will provide further insight into the benefits of this worldrenowned high school program at EF Academy.
What is the IB Diploma? The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is an internationally-recognized high school program offering students a wellrounded education and turning them into global, critical and creative thinkers. It is a holistic, academically challenging course that prepares students for the responsibilities they will encounter at university and in their careers.
The IB Diploma engages in personal and academic achievement. In addition to studying a range of subjects in depth, importance is given to students’ personal growth as ethicallyand business-minded global citizens. The program encourages students to make meaningful connections across subjects, and to let their individual curiosity guide their academic discovery.
Research into IB Diploma graduates frequently shows that students who complete the program have a higher rate of going to and succeeding at university compared to non-IB graduates. Therefore, the IB Diploma is the most high recognized and respected program by the world’s leading universities.
Amy Park
IB Coordinator
EF Academy New York
Established in 1968 by the IB Organization, the IB Diploma is offered by more than 5,000 schools in over 150 countries – including EF Academy in New York and Oxford. efacademy.org
IB at EF Academy EF Academy opens a world of opportunities for high school students by providing a superior education, thorough preparation for university and a future that knows no borders. Our mission runs parallel to that of the IB and we are proud to offer the IB Diploma at our schools in New York and Oxford. Our global student body enhances the international focus of the IB Diploma. Similarly, our campus environment complements the IB’s mission of learning inside and outside the classroom. Students who earn the IB Diploma at EF Academy Learn to think critically and independentl Build a path that can lead them to top ranked universities around the worl Become more culturally aware, considering both local and global context
The EF Academy Difference: There’s a lot to be gained from the IB Diploma when taught in a truly international environment. EF Academy students come from over 60 countries. Our students aren’t just taught to be globally minded; they live it every day by interacting with their peers from around the world. Studying the IB Diploma in a diverse high school environment enhances the educational experience and breathes life into the ethos of internationalism that the IB curriculum instills.
Are able to respectfully engage with and understand people in a diverse environmen Are adaptive to change, which is a constant in our world today
efacademy.org
10 reasonselocution to study
the IB Diploma at EF Academy 1 Breadth of study
2 Global pathways
3 Research skills
IB students study courses from six subject groups including languages, humanities, sciences and math.
The IB Diploma is internationally recognized by colleges and universities from nearly 90 countries.
The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge are two elements of the IB Diploma that cultivate inquiry and investigation.
4 Time management
5 Freedom of thought
6 Experiential learning
Time management is a skill picked up instinctively by IB students. They establish good study habits and set aside time for assignments.
IB students are encouraged to find connections between everything they learn and to seek out what interests and inspires them.
IB students participate in CAS – Creativity, Activity, Service activities.
7
8
9
Independent thinking
The challenge
University admissions
IB classrooms promote discussion and two-way communication between teacher and students.
It’s academically rigorous. It’s stimulating, inspiring, and allows students to truly excel and discover what they’re capable of.
A study by the Higher Education Statistics Agency showed that IB Diploma graduates have a better chance of enrolling in the world’s top 1% universities.
10 Personal growth Being exposed to multiple perspectives, learning to articulate your own opinions, balancing academic work with co-curricular activities and learning.
The structure of IB Age: 16-19
Program length: 2 years
Grade levels: Final two years of high school (Grades 11 & 12)
Next step: University
EF Academy locations: New York, Oxford
The curriculum
The IB Diploma curriculum includes six subject groups: languages, literature, social studies, science, mathematics and the arts. Students choose one course from each group and study three subjects at higher level and three at standard level. This allows students to focus on their strengths or interests while continuing to receive
a comprehensive high school education.
The IB Diploma is for
you if you want to: Take classes from a range of subjects at a rigorous leve Combine in-class lessons with hands-on opportunities outside of clas Explore your subjects through an international len Engage in creative or community service activitie Receive a high school degree that will help your university applications stand out
The additional IB core requirements – the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge course and ‘Creativity, Activity, Service’ (CAS) – challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding beyond the classroom. Hands-on learning is integral to the IB Diploma and gives students an even deeper level of understanding and appreciation for what they are studying.
efacademy.org
elocution
Grading
Assignments and exams are graded from 1 to 7, with 7 being the highest mark. At the program’s end, students receive an overall grade for each subject based on a combination of assessments and final exams. Together, the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge can award a student a maximum of 3 core points, so the highest total points that can be achieved with the IB Diploma is 45. To pass the IB Diploma,4:00 students must receive a 5:00PM minimum of 24 points and meet some additional passing conditions. IB courses offered at EF Academy:
Studies in Language and Literature:
English A
Chinese A
Spanish A
German A
French A
Italian A
Self-taught Literature
Language Acquisition:
English B
French B
French ab initio
Spanish B
Spanish ab initio
Mandarin ab initio
Individuals and Societies:
Business Management
Economics
History
Global Politics
Sciences:
Biology
Chemistry
Environmental Systems and Societies
Physics
Mathematics:
Mathematics
Mathematics Applications and Interpretation
Mathematics Analysis and Approaches
Art:
IB Film
Music
Visual Arts
Theater
Core requirements:
Creativity, Action, Service (CAS):
A co-curricular program to supplement academic studies.
Extended Essay: A 4,000-word independent research essay. Students focus on a topic of their choice that relates to one of their six subjects.
Theory of Knowledge: A course where students reflect on the nature of learning,
and develop skills to apply knowledge credibly and critically.
Subject offerings subject to change based
on availability and campus e f academy. org
Creativity, Activity,
Service A core component of the IB Diploma, CAS promotes personal and interpersonal development and gives students the chance to pursue passions and new hobbies. Students complete projects in each category through enriching extracurricular activities.
Creativity
There are plenty of opportunities for students to develop their creative thinking. From mastering a challenging piece of music, performing in an after-school play or organizing an art show, students explore original ideas and forms of creative expression.
Activity
Active experiences encourage students to find a healthy balance between mental and physical wellbeing. Achieving this balance through regular exercise and team sports is particularly important as students approach young adulthood.
Service
Service experiences provide opportunities for students to collaborate with their communities. Fundraising, volunteering and humanitarian trips are examples of how lending time and knowledge can benefit others. efacademy.org
Clubs and activities at EF Academy New York and Oxford
We offer a range of clubs and activities to support our IB students with
CAS – including sports, arts and off-campus excursions. Clubs:
Sports:
Origami
Soccer
Book
Volleyball
Law
Cross Country
Polyglot
Running
Model United Nations
Cheerleading
Pride
Basketball
Italian Film
Track and Field
Duke of Edinburgh
Tennis
Art Workshop
Golf driving range
Ted-ED Students Talk
Baking
Activities:
Knitting, Crochet & Natter
Blenheim Palace
Yearbook
Harry Potter Studios
Faith Time
City trip to Bath
Rock-Climbing
Paintball
Pride Not Prejudice
Thorpe Park
Academy Rocks
Bristol Graffiti Tour
Analog Photography
Trips to New York City
NBA Fantasy Basketball League
Metropolitan Museum
Biomedical Science
Bear Mountain hiking
Chess
Ski trip to Vermont
Clay Creation
DNA Learning Center
Debate
Plaza Hotel
Drama
Choir/Glee
Literary Magazine
Virtual Art Media
Yoga
Feminist
Dance
... and more!
Comparing programs
The course structures of the IB Diploma is very different from other programs, such as the US High School Diploma with APs and the British A-Levels. US High School Diploma and A-Level students select subjects from a range of year-long courses, while IB students follow a two-year curriculum in six subjects. The length of the curriculum gives IB students time to develop richer knowledge of subjects by going deeper into course content. US High School Diploma and A-Level courses are
Tianchen ‘Jerry’ Xia
IB Diploma graduate
assessed by final exams, while the IB Diploma takes into account various assessments
EF Academy New York
Class of 2017
throughout the two years, as well as final exams.
Unlike the other two programs, the IB Diploma is recognized in the US and globally, and has a strong reputation among prestigious universities.
The IB Diploma challenges students to grow outside of the classroom and prepares them for the challenging, competitive environment they’ll find at university. At EF Academy, we offer IB, A-Levels, and the US High School Diploma with AP.
e f a c a d e my. o r g
The passport to university Studies commissioned by the IB Organization and independent educational institutions often point to these common findings:
• IB students go to university at higher rates than their counterparts
• IB students attend more selective universities than their counterparts
• IB students perform better at university than their counterparts
The IB Diploma’s reputation as a superior high school program is acknowledged by many world-leading universities. Recognized in nearly 90 countries, no other program is as widely accepted. Its strong standing has led to it being dubbed ‘the passport to university.’
6 qualities IB students graduate with Motivation
The IB classroom isn’t confined to four walls. The CAS module allows students to pursue their interests and learn experientially through projects, volunteering and co-curricular activities.
Adaptability
The Extended Essay component of the IB requires students to choose a topic, learn how to conduct in- depth research, find new sources of information and complete an entirely original piece of research.
Cultural awareness
The core ethos of the IB curriculum is to prepare students to be open-minded and culturally aware global citizens.
Responsibility
In CAS, the Service component asks students to consider their role within society and work in their community to enact change.
Confidence
IB students are used to voicing their opinions and presenting their ideas.
Independence
The IB Diploma teaches students to study independently – a key skill for success.
efacademy.org
Why top universities
prefer IB graduates Did you know that IB graduates are 21.4% more likely to be admitted into the top 10 universities in the US? That includes Harvard, Princeton, Yale and Stanford. There’s clearly a reason, so why are IB students such a good fit for universities?
University preparation
Universities in the US require applicants to prove they’ve mastered independent study, time management, critical thinking and research skills. In high school programs where learning is entirely teacher-led, students aren’t self-motivated and can struggle to gain acceptance into top universities. A study at the University of Virginia found that the IB Extended Essay helped students prepare for undergraduate research, and that good grades correlated with good undergraduate research projects. Universities in the US know that IB students are likely to excel at university because they’re already equipped with the skills they need
to succeed.
The IB diploma is for
you if you want to Take classes from a range of subjects at a rigorous leve Combine in-class lessons with hands-on opportunities outside of clas Explore your subjects through an international len Engage in creative or community service activitie Receive a high school degree that will help your university applications stand out
efacademy.org
Flexibility and choice
Universities in the US and globally, have a strong focus on flexibility and choice. Students are encouraged to try a range of subjects and have a wide field of interest. IB students have a similar experience already in high school, studying six subjects and tailoring their schedules to suit their ambitions. There is flexibility to try out various courses before deciding which is right for them. They’re also able to complement their classroom learning with personal projects, community work, clubs, sports and more. As a result, IB students become undergraduates who know how to explore and hone their interests. Global pathways
Universities are international communities. They’re committed to educating the youth of today to solve the global challenges of tomorrow. They encourage students to learn from one another and to reflect on globally significant issues across the curriculum. The key aim of the IB Diploma is for students to develop an international mindset that will enable them to build a better future. IB students learn to see the world from different cultural perspectives and study languages that allow them to communicate with peers from different backgrounds. As an internationally recognized qualification, the IB also prepares them for a career anywhere in the world. IB students are true global citizens. Perhaps more so than any other reason, it’s this that makes IB students so appealing to universities.
efacademy.org
Choosing the right IB school It can be hard to judge a school from the outside. Here are a few indicators 20th with January to help you choose a school that delivers an IB Diploma teaching excellence and expertise. 4:00 - 5:00PM Strong IB Diploma results
Diverse student community
How have the school’s IB students performed in recent years? Strong IB scores usually point to schools
with the most resources, additional support and experience teaching the curriculum successfully.
Many schools today offer the IB Diploma but few have the international student body to match. Choosing a school with a diverse community will help your child put what they learn in class into practice with their friends from around the world.
IB-oriented mission
Talk to them
A school whose mission aligns with the IB’s aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and global citizenship will often go above and beyond to bring the spirit of the program into all of its activities. In doing so, they embrace the IB not only as a curriculum but as a way of life.
IB schools are used to meeting with first-time IB parents. At EF Academy, our Enrollment Advisors around the world support our international applicants by providing them with the information and guidance they need to make an informed application decision.
efacademy.org
Learn more about the
IB Diploma Programme at
EF Academy Talk to our Enrollment Advisors Download our brochure