IB Diploma

The International Baccalaureate (IB) program, founded by a non- profit Swiss educational foundation in 1968, is known as one of the most rigorous and respected university preparation programs in the world. Students experience rapid intellectual, emotional, and ethical growth in this program, which usually spans the 11th and 12th grades. The Leysin American School is proud to be authorized to teach the IB program, and we are especially thrilled to see how successful our IB students have become at gaining acceptance to the most prestigious universities in the world. 

These are some of the reasons why you should consider the IB diploma: 

1. The IB diploma provides both academic breadth and academic depth. 

Students pursuing the IB diploma get a chance to explore a variety of options before they go to university. They study six core subjects- including two languages and courses chosen from science, math, social studies, and the arts- and they select three of those subjects to study at a more intensive level. 

2. Learning extends beyond the classroom. 

The IB program is academically rigorous, but it also goes beyond academic learning. Special components of the syllabus encourage reflection and experiential learning. 

One of the core principles of the IB program is that it teaches students to learn how to learn. The required Theory of Knowledge course gives students an opportunity to reflect on how they know what they know. That reflection includes questions such as "What counts as evidence in a particular situation?" and "How does a specific theory work in the real world?"

IB students also complete creativity, activity and action (CAS) projects. Students select projects that are personally challenging and that involve actions with significant outcomes. Thoughtful planning and reflections on the outcomes are essential parts of the projects. 

3. The IB diploma program is recognized worldwide. 

Earning an IB diploma puts students on a path to success, both in higher education and in their careers. Studies show that the IB students are 21 percent more likely to be admitted into the United States' most prestigious universities. Diploma program students are sought after in universities throughout the world, and they have applied to institutions of higher learning in nearly 90 countries.

4. The IB program gives students skills for life. 

In addition to begin challenged academically, students are challenged to grow personally. They develop skills in the IB program that will serve them well throughout their lives, in their multiple roles- going on to higher education, building a career, growing a family, and becoming involved with their communities and with the world beyond. Students learn to think critically and to challenge assumptions and to consider issues from both a local and global perspective. 

In all of its components, the IB diploma program emphasizes critical thinking. By learning to challenge the information and interpretations they are given, students develop the ability to understand and meet the needs of a varied and constantly changing world. 

Posted by: Veronika R. '15 on20/07/16