IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

Dear Year 10 Parents, Guardians and Students,

Welcome to the 2022 school year! I want to invite you to an information evening about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) that is the alternative Year 11 & 12 Senior Studies option at BSC. I can share with you all the benefits of this course as I am an IBDP graduate, so I have first-hand experience of the challenges and rewards this programme offers. Our current cohort of BSC IBDP students includes some who undertook a year of VCE studies, and they can impart direct experience of the differences between the two courses of study.

Created in the 1960s with the Cold War as the backdrop, the intention of the IBDP is to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who will help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. It adopts a holistic educational approach where students study both deeply and broadly, challenging themselves across a range of subjects. That all sounds very lofty so here are significant facts.

Research shows that IB Diploma graduates are more likely to enrol in selective universities, stay enrolled and perform better during university study. This is because the Diploma requires the development of advanced independent research and organisational skills, which are crucial for students who want to pursue higher learning and excel in their careers. Students also develop good study habits effectively managing their time for assignments and revision while avoiding distractions, an increasingly important skill in todays wired world.

I personally had a very positive university experience as I was thoroughly prepared with the necessary skills through undertaking the IBDP.

The IBDP also focuses on developing critical thinking skills and again research has found that IB students demonstrate the ability to critically analyse sources and challenge the consensus thus leading innovation.

Furthermore, through the Community, Activity and Service (CAS) aspect of the programme, the IBDP develops the whole person. A wide-reaching survey of over 9,000 participants found that CAS had a significant impact on their personal dispositions and interpersonal relationships, developing both a sense of accomplishment by challenging themselves and the self-worth that arises when you identify as a valued contributor to society.

This is just a brief snapshot of some of the benefits for IBDP students. To find out more about this two-year Senior Studies programme, please join me at the information evening.

When: Wednesday March 16th, 2022

At: 6pm

Where: Da Vinci Building E202

RSVP: pek@brightonsc.vic.edu.au

In the meantime, do feel free to get in touch with any questions or comments. 

Kind regards,

Katherine Perry

IBDP Coordinator