International Baccalaureate Learner Profile

The learner profile provides a long-term vision of education. It is a set of ideals that can inspire, motivate and focus the work of schools and teachers, uniting them in a common purpose.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme

AICJ Junior and Senior High School is an IB World school, authorised to offer the IB Diploma Programme in 2009. IB World Schools are schools that share a common philosophy and commitment to high quality, challenging, international education that AICJ believes is important for our students

The IB Diploma Programme is a demanding course designed for able students aged 16-19 years. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognised by the world’s top universities. While highly academic, the programme aims to educate the whole person, helping students to become independent, caring and critical thinkers. Through the 'CAS' programme, all students must give their time to provide service to others in the community.

Students learn more than a collection of facts. The Diploma Programme prepares students for university and encourages them to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and culture, and develop the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

Students study six subjects selected from the subject groups shown in the hexagon below. Normally three subjects are studied at higher level (courses representing 240 teaching hours), and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (courses representing 150 teaching hours). Student performance is graded according to criteria which are moderated internationally and consistent across all IB schools throughout the world.

The broad concept of the IB curriculum ensures that students develop a well-rounded understanding, with each student selecting one subject from each of the groups shown in the hexagon diagram below. Three key curriculum components, apart from the subjects are Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge (TOK) and Creativity, Action and Service (CAS).

The Extended Essay is a research paper of 4000 words. Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest. The essay requirement acquaints diploma candidates with the kind of independent research and writing skills expected by universities. The IBO recommends that a student devote a total of about 40 hours of private study and writing time to the essay, which may be written in one of 60 subjects, including many languages. The essay permits students to deepen their programmes of study, for example by selecting a topic in one of their higher level (HL) courses. Or they might add breadth to their academic experience by electing to write in a subject not included in their programme choices.

The Theory of Knowledge is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases, to develop the ability to analyse evidence that is expressed in rational argument. It is a key element in encouraging them to appreciate other cultural perspectives. The course is unique to the IBO, which recommends at least 100 hours of teaching time spanning the programme’s two years.

Creativity, Action and Service. The IB goal is to educate the whole person and foster responsible, compassionate citizens. The CAS programme encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others: students may, for example, participate in theatre or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Students should, through these activities, develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively with other people.

The IB works closely with universities in all regions of the world to gain recognition for the IB diploma. To aid this process, university admissions officers and government officials have direct online access to all syllabi and recent examinations. To assist IB diploma students in making appropriate choices, the organisation holds a database containing contact details of universities around the world together with up-to-date information about their requirements for admission. Students applying to a particular university may also grant permission for their grades to be accessed directly from the IB’s secure website.

Our other AIC school in New Zealand has already proved that the programme is so challenging and advantageous to students as our AIC graduates have been accepted by top overseas universities like Cambridge, Princeton, Oxford, London and so on.

All students study the IB Diploma programme in English with exception of subjects in Block 1 and 2. Students will be motivated to demonstrate qualities of the IB Learner profile through their participation in school life.

Contact Details

For further information about the IB Programme please contact AICJ or visit our IB page by following the link provided:www.ibo.org