IB Diploma Programme
What is the IB Diploma Programme?
The IB Diploma Programme, often referred to as the International Baccalaureate, is a two-year educational programme designed for students aged 16 to 19. At VIII PALO, it is taught in Years 3 and 4 of upper secondary school, following a two-year preDP preparatory stage.
The term “International Baccalaureate” does not refer only to the final examinations. The IB DP is a complete programme of study that combines six subjects with the development of research skills, critical thinking, communication, independent planning and responsibility for one’s own learning.
Assessment includes both examinations taken at the end of the programme and coursework, projects, investigations, oral presentations and other tasks completed throughout the two years of study. Some components are assessed directly by IB examiners, while others are assessed by the school’s teachers and subsequently moderated by the IB.
Who is the programme for?
The IB Diploma Programme may be a suitable choice for students who:
- would like to study most subjects in English;
- are prepared to work consistently throughout the two-year programme;
- want to develop knowledge across several disciplines while studying selected subjects in greater depth;
- are looking for an education that includes project-based work, research and source analysis;
- are considering university study abroad or in Poland;
- want to develop independence, argumentation skills and responsible organisation of their work.
Starting the programme does not require students to have fully defined plans regarding their future field of study. It does, however, require a thoughtful choice of subjects, a willingness to respond to feedback, respect for deadlines and adherence to the principles of academic integrity.
A fresh start without repeating Years 1 and 2
The IB Diploma Programme at VIII PALO is also an attractive option for students who, after two years at another upper secondary school, feel that their previously chosen subject profile, teaching approach or school environment no longer meets their needs and aspirations.
Students may join the first year of the IB DP, corresponding to Year 3 of upper secondary school, after completing the first two years of secondary education or an equivalent stage. There is therefore no need to start secondary school again or repeat Years 1 and 2.
Changing schools at this stage can provide an opportunity to begin a new and more consciously chosen chapter of education, with an individual combination of subjects, most of them taught in English, and a stronger emphasis on independence, research and preparation for university study.
Admission of an external candidate depends on their previous academic results, language preparation, readiness to meet the demands of the programme and the possibility of confirming a valid subject combination available for the relevant cohort.
A programme with more than fifty years of tradition
The IB Diploma Programme was established in 1968 as the first programme offered by the International Baccalaureate. Its aim was to provide students with a balanced education, facilitate mobility between countries and education systems, and promote international understanding.
Since then, the programme has developed into a global educational framework delivered by public, private and international schools around the world.
IB Diploma Programme w VIII PALO
VIII PALO was authorised by the International Baccalaureate in January 2011 and operates as IB World School No. 006265.
The school began offering the IB Diploma Programme in the 2011/2012 academic year. The first examination session for VIII PALO students took place in May 2013. Since then, successive cohorts have prepared at the school to obtain the IB Diploma and apply to universities in Poland and abroad.
Why choose the IB DP?
Excellent preparation for university
The programme develops skills required in higher education, including independent research, the analysis of sources and data, the preparation of extended written work, the formulation of research questions, argumentation and the presentation of one’s own findings.
A balance between breadth and specialisation
Students study six subjects of their choice representing different academic disciplines, with three or four taken at Higher Level. This makes it possible to maintain a broad general education while exploring in greater depth the areas most relevant to the student’s interests and future educational plans.
More than final examinations
The final result does not depend solely on a single examination. Over the course of the two-year programme, students complete, among other things, research assignments, projects, oral assessments, experiments, analyses and portfolios, depending on the nature of their chosen subjects.
An internationally recognised diploma
The IB Diploma is widely recognised by universities around the world. Each year, more than 4,500 universities in over 110 countries and territories receive IB candidates’ results [source]. Detailed entry requirements, expected subjects and minimum scores are determined individually by each university.
The opportunity to study in Poland
In Poland, the IB Diploma is recognised by law as a document confirming the completion of secondary education. It also allows students to participate in the admissions process at Polish universities. Each university and degree programme sets its own rules for converting IB results and specifies the subjects required for admission. These requirements should therefore be checked before selecting SL and HL courses.
How is the programme structured?
The IB Diploma Programme consists of six selected subjects and three compulsory core components:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK) develops students’ ability to reflect critically on knowledge, the ways in which it is justified, and the role of evidence, language and different perspectives.
The Extended Essay (EE) is an independent research paper of up to 4,000 words, completed under the guidance of a teacher-supervisor.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) includes experiences related to creativity, physical activity and community engagement. CAS is not awarded points, but its successful completion is a requirement for receiving the IB Diploma.
Detailed information about the six subject groups, SL and HL courses, and the subjects available at VIII PALO can be found on the School Offer page.
How is the final score calculated?
Each of the six subjects is graded on a scale from 1 to 7, giving a maximum total of 42 points. Theory of Knowledge and the Extended Essay can contribute up to 3 additional points. The highest possible overall score is therefore 45 points.
To receive the IB Diploma, students must obtain at least 24 points and meet the remaining requirements set by the IB, including successful completion of all core components.