What is it and where can my child follow it in Barcelona?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an internationally recognised educational program for students aged 16 to 19. It is administered by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), a non-profit educational foundation based in Switzerland.
A large majority of international schools in the Barcelona area offer the IBDP as well as an increasing number of public institutos and concertadas.
The IBDP is officially offered in one of three languages, either English, Spanish or French with the option of also gaining bilingual diplomas. This means that exams will be taken in this language (apart from the subject-specific language components). However, it is important to understand what the primary teaching language will be when applying for a programme in Barcelona because this does differ between schools.
The IBDP is designed to provide students with a challenging and comprehensive academic experience that prepares them for success in higher education and beyond.
It is known for its academic rigor, breadth, and depth. It consists of six subject groups, each offering a range of courses from which students can choose based on their interests and career aspirations.
The six subject groups are:
Studies in Language and Literature: This group includes courses in the student's native language or a language they are proficient in, focusing on the analysis and interpretation of literary texts.
Language Acquisition: Students study an additional language, which may be a foreign language they are learning or a language they already speak fluently. Courses focus on developing communication skills in listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
Individuals and Societies: This group encompasses courses in subjects such as History, Geography, Economics, Psychology, and Philosophy. Students explore human behavior, societal structures, historical events, and global issues.
Sciences: Students choose courses from disciplines such as Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Societies, and Computer Science. Courses emphasize inquiry-based learning, experimentation, and the application of scientific principles.
Mathematics: This group offers courses at different levels, catering to students with varying levels of mathematical proficiency and interests. Courses cover topics such as algebra, geometry, calculus, and statistics.
The Arts or Electives: Students have the option to study a course in the arts (such as Visual Arts, Music, Theatre, or Film) or choose an additional course from one of the other subject groups.
In addition to these academic subjects, the IBDP includes three core components that are designed to develop students' critical thinking, research skills, and personal growth:
Theory of Knowledge (TOK): TOK is a course that explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines and encourages students to critically reflect on the ways in which knowledge is constructed, evaluated, and applied.
Extended Essay (EE): The EE is an independent research project in which students investigate a topic of personal interest in-depth, guided by a supervisor. The EE allows students to develop research and writing skills and pursue their passions.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS): CAS is a program that encourages students to engage in creative pursuits, physical activities, and community service projects. CAS fosters personal growth, leadership skills, and a sense of social responsibility.
At the end of the two-year program, students are assessed through a combination of internal and external assessments, including written examinations, oral presentations, coursework, and the completion of the core components.
Based on their performance in these assessments, students receive a final score out of 45 points, with additional points available for exceptional performance in TOK and the EE.
The IBDP is widely respected by universities and colleges around the world, and completion of the program can provide students with advanced standing and academic credit at many institutions.
This brings us to the important question of where to follow the programme in Barcelona?
There are currently 31 schools offering the IBDP in and around Barcelona and the number grows year-on-year. In conjunction with the Barcelona City Council, I have created the following guide for people with this particular question.
Table 3 in this downloadable resources lists all the schools in Barcelona and the surrounding areas who offer the IBDP.
In it you will find the school name and contact details, the type of school, location and which language the course is taught in.
Click the icon to download your copy.
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