Why Study the IB Diploma in High School? Pros & Cons

The International Baccalaureate Diploma is a great programme to finish off your high school career, but there are many factors to consider in making the decision to become an IB student. We're here to help. In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down all of the factors to consider in deciding whether the IB is for you.

In brief- the IBDP is an internationally recognised educational programme that offers a holistic approach to learning for high school students aged 16-19. It has a great reputation, successfully prepares students for university and beyond, allows you study a wide range of subjects, and incorporates extra-curricular opportunities into the syllabus. There's a lot to recommend it! We'll go through in more detail each of the advantages of the IB.

But, there are some disadvantages to the IB, depending on what you're looking for from a high school education - if you'd rather, for example, have more choice over your subjects or want a lower workload. Have a read of the consideration of the cons too, to make a balanced decision.

Pros of the IB

1. Global Mindedness

The IB aims to provide an international education. Students learn that their understanding of the world is influenced by their own culture, and that cross-cultural discussions can be beneficial. This is enhanced by the requirement to study a second language in Group 2 and to study literature in translation in Group 1.

A study across six countries (Australia, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Spain and the United States (US)) measured DP and Career-related Programme (CP) students’ global mindedness and found that DP students have higher levels.

This means the IB is perfect if you're looking to study at a university abroad, or if you just know that you want your future career to have an international angle, because you'll be able to study from a wider perspective than a national curriculum allows.

Source: 'Key findings from research on the impact of the Diploma Programme', International Baccalaureate

2. Study Lots of Subjects

The International Baccalaureate programme offers a wide range of subjects for students, providing you with the opportunity to tailor your education to their individual interests and future goals. This is perfect if you're not sure what you want to study at university yet, or if you just enjoy a diversity of subjects.

Academic subjects

Students can choose one subject from each of six subject groups: Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts - although it is optional to do an Arts subject, and many students instead do another language, humanity, or science.

Within each subject group, there are multiple courses to choose from. For example, within the Studies in Language and Literature group, students can choose courses in English, French, Spanish, and many other languages. Within the Sciences group, students can choose courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Systems and Societies.

Students are graded from 1-7 in each of these subjects, based on their Internal Assessment and final exam achievement.

Have a read of our article about subject choice to see more detail about what's available.

Theory of Knowledge

In addition to the six subject groups, the IB programme also requires students to complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, which encourages students to think critically about the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired. You'll complete and be assessed on an essay and an exhibition.

Extended Essay

Students are further required to complete an Extended Essay, which is a research project on a topic of their choice. This results in a 4000-word essay which contributes to the 3 ‘core points’ along with TOK, giving students a potential total score of 45 points.

3. Develop Transferable Skills

The IB programme aims to develop students' critical thinking, creativity, and communication skills, which are essential for success in any career. This provides a more holistic approach to education, which aims to develop students academically, emotionally, and socially. Unlike traditional educational programmes, the International Baccalaureate curriculum encourages students to think critically and creatively, to challenge their assumptions, and to develop a global perspective.

The programme encourages students to develop critical thinking skills, through working independently to questioning assumptions and biases. The Theory of Knowledge course is fundamental to this, as it prompts students to question the nature and origin of knowledge in the abstract. The practical advantage of this is greater media literacy, as students learn to question why they know things and how their own paradigms influence their interpretation of knowledge.

The IB also develops communication skills. The programme emphasises written and oral communication, and encourages students to express their ideas clearly and concisely. The Internal Assessment components of each subject are particularly helpful here, as they encourage independent, long-form writing, with an emphasis on effective communication of often complex topics.

To practically develop communication skills, the IB programme also encourages collaboration. For example, the compulsory Group 4 project puts students into teams in order to work on a scientific project. The CAS programme also emphasises teamwork, in encouraging students to work together on their CAS Projects.

These skills are key for university and job success.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB Study Notes and IB Practice Questions, developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

4. University Acceptance Rates

The IB programme is widely recognised and respected by universities around the world. In fact, many universities actively seek out IB diploma holders due to the programme's rigorous curriculum and focus on developing well-rounded students.

A recent survey of 80 UK university admissions officers, who represent almost half of the universities in the UK, found that the majority of them favoured the IB Diploma as the superior preparation for university and the workforce. This suggests that IB students may have an advantage in applying to university, as admissions staff recognise how well the programme prepares you.

A study from the US found that 84.6% of DP candidates enrolled in university immediately after graduating from high school compared to 66% of all US high school graduates. Of the DP students who enrolled in college immediately after high school, 90.4% returned to the same institution the following year compared to 80% of all US students.

Source: ‘Key findings from research on the impact of the Diploma Programme’, International Baccalaureate.

5. Chances of Future Success

The International Baccalaureate curriculum is designed to develop a range of skills that are highly valued by universities and employers, including critical thinking, research, communication, and time management skills.

The IB will help you get into university and, once you’re there, the skills you’ve developed will help you thrive. IB students are often viewed as well-rounded individuals with a global perspective, which can give them an advantage in higher education.

In the UK, IB diploma students were three times more likely to enrol at a top 20 higher education institution (HEI), 40% more likely to achieve at least an upper second-class honours degree, and 7% more likely to earn a first-class honours degree compared to matched A level students. Moreover, post-university, IB diploma holders were 38% more likely than their A level peers to be engaged in further study.

Furthermore, the IB programme can help to prepare students for a wide range of professional careers. The skills that students develop through the IB curriculum are highly transferable and can be applied to a range of fields, from business and law to engineering and medicine. The IB programme also encourages students to become active and responsible members of their community, which is a highly valued attribute in many professional settings.

6. Extra-curricular Opportunities

The International Baccalaureate programme provides opportunities for students to develop leadership and teamwork skills through the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component of the programme. This involves undertaking a range of creative, physical, and service-based activities, and encourages students to become active and responsible members of their community. So, if you're already an athlete, artist, or local volunteer, the IB will encourage you to develop the interest, through reflecting on it periodically and undertaking a group project.

The benefits of CAS were demonstrated in a large, global study which showed that students learned to challenge themselves, persevere, and communicate through CAS.

Cons of the IB

1. The IB is Hard!

The IB programme is known for its rigorous and challenging curriculum, and is often considered more difficult than other high school programmes such as A-levels. The programme is designed to prepare students for success in university and beyond, and as such, requires a high level of dedication and hard work.

One of the reasons the IB programme is considered difficult is its workload. Students are required to complete assessments throughout the two-year programme, including exams, essays, and other assignments. In addition, the programme's requirements, such as the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay, require independent research and critical thinking skills.

However, despite its difficulty, many students find the IB programme to be rewarding and beneficial in the long run. It prepares students for university and often opens the door to international opportunities.

If a subject feels tough, think about getting an IB tutor. They're really helpful in breaking down tough concepts and can boost your confidence and performance in the subject.

In May 2022, there was a 86.11% pass rate for achieving the IB Diploma, which requires a minimum of 24 points, alongside fulfilling CAS requirements. The mean score was 32 points.

2. Another Course May Suit You Better

One key course you may be considering as an alternative is the A-Level track. The IB programme and A-levels differ in several ways. One of the key differences is the breadth of subjects offered. While A-levels typically focus on three to four subjects, the IB programme requires students to study six subjects from a range of subject groups, including languages, sciences, mathematics, and the arts. This allows students to have a more well-rounded education and develop a broader range of skills and knowledge.

It's difficult to make a direct comparison between the IB programme and A-levels, as each programme has its own strengths and benefits. The IB programme offers a more well-rounded education, with a focus on developing a broad range of skills and knowledge across six subject groups. In addition, the programme includes additional requirements such as the Theory of Knowledge course and the Extended Essay, which encourage students to engage in independent research, critical thinking, and creative pursuits.

If you want to concentrate on fewer subjects and aren't fussed about the wide ranging opportunities, A-Levels may be a better choice for you than the IB.