What is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is a secondary education course offered to students in year 11. It is another way for students to move into post school options including further education and training. The IBDP provides an academically rigorous learning experience aimed at developing students as active contributors within their society and beyond.
The IBDP allows students to study a broad range of subjects. Each subject area provides insight and understanding, supporting the student to become balanced and informed across broad disciplines, while making connections between their learning in the classroom and the world around them. In transitioning to tertiary study, the IBDP opens up doorways to opportunities both locally and internationally. As a globally recognised certification, student credentials can be used to gain entry into thousands of universities worldwide. The IBDP is also recognised within Australia, and student results are converted to an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
The IBDP seeks to develop the whole person; challenging students to maintain physical activity, make connections with the wider world, and create sustainable balance between learning and lifestyle. Students emerge as confident, well-equipped, internationally-minded citizens with a passion to drive real change within their world.
IBDP Subjects
To qualify for the IBDP, students must choose a subject in each of the six groups offered.
| IBDP Subjects | |
|---|---|
| Group 1: Language and Literature Group 2: Language Acquisition Group 3: Individuals and Societies | Group 4: Science Group 5: Mathematics Group 6: The Arts |
Students select one subject from each group.
Students are not required to choose a group 6 subject, and have the option to select an additional group 3 or 4 subject instead.
Some subjects, such as IB Environmental Systems and Societies can be counted as a group 3 OR a group 4 subject, however the subject can only be selected once.
As well as studying six subjects over two years, students will also complete the IB Core.
IB Core
As a crucial part of the IBDP, all students engage with the IB Core. This is three components designed to support student development and consolidate learning.
The three elements of the IB Core are:
1. Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
2. Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS)
3. Extended Essay (EE)
Each of these components must be completed to qualify for the IBDP. For further information click here.
Preparing to study the IBDP
For students interested in undertaking the IBDP, these are some recommended study pathways deigned to equip students to succeed in the IBDP.
For Year 8 students going into Year 9
The IBDP requires students to study an additional language as a requirement of the course, so choosing to continue studies in either Japanese or Spanish is essential.
For Year 9 students going into Year 10
Additional language study for the year is an essential requirement to take the IBDP in Year 11. The elective subjects of Extension Science, Extension Mathematics and Extension English are offered to students looking to pursue academic SACE subjects such as Chemistry, Physics, Specialist Mathematics, English Literary Studies, or IBDP subjects, and it is recommended that students select these electives in preparation for their final years of secondary education. Prospective IBDP students who choose the recommended electives are able to continue their study of Music at Year 10 through an offline program which is individually negotiated at the start of Year 10.
Further information
Further information about the IBDP can be obtained from using the links below and by contacting the Aberfoyle Park High School International Baccalaureate Coordinator, Ryan Brown at ryan.brown782@schools.sa.edu.au.
Please click on the link below to download the subject selection form.
Year 11 Subject Selection Form 2024
Year 12 Subject Selection Form 2024