The International Baccalaureate (IB) at DSM in Years 11 and 12

We are excited to expand our secondary school program to offer education through Year 12, with the goal of providing an International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma program with a focus on English and German as a leaving certificate. This international program echoes DSM’s approach of nurturing students’ curiosity, with a focus on critical thinking and problem-solving. The globally recognised IB gives students access to a vast range of tertiary opportunities, including university courses in Germany and internationally.

What is the International Baccalaureate (IB)?

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) is an international school matriculation qualification offered by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Geneva. The curriculum of the IBDP is made up of six subject groupings and a core program. The six groupings are: Studies in languages and literature; Language Acquistion; Individuals and societies; Sciences, Mathematics; and Arts. Students participate in one subject from each grouping. The core program is comprised of three parts: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS), and an extended essay. These encourage students to engage critically with the process of learning, examine their roles and responsibilities as members of their community, and explore an area of personal interest more deeply. While content is adapted to the local context, all work is assessed externally.

Why the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP)?

Due to its requirement that students take a subject from each learning area, students who successfully complete the IBDP graduate with a well-rounded knowledge base. Additionally, the program’s focus on critical and creative thinking as enacted in both its pedagogy and core program, encourage students to engage actively with the learning process and apply their knowledge in meaningful ways, setting them up to succeed in tertiary studies and future employment.

Further, the IBDP is recognised globally as a qualification for university admission. In Australia, IBDP study scores are converted into an Australian Tertiary Admission Ranking scores, with the passing IBDP grade of 24/45 being converted to an ATAR of around 68*. This allows students graduating with an IBDP to apply for any tertiary institution in Australia. In Germany, the IBDP is acknowledged as a general university entrance qualification under the conditions set by the Kultusminister Konferenz (KMK, the German government body responsible for education).

Currently, there are 30 German Schools Abroad which offer the IB as a leaving certificate, and the IBDP is accepted by over 1,200 universities in more than 100 countries world-wide.

* The exact conversion rates differ slightly year to year, based on the distribution of raw scores within the ATAR and IBDP respectively.

The following diagram visualises the IB program: 



Source: www.ibo.org

Differences between The International Baccalaureate (IB) and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) are both well-regarded high school programs, but they offer different advantages depending on a student's goals and preferences.

Here are some of the advantages of the IB Diploma compared to the VCE:

International Recognition

  • Global Recognition: The IB Diploma is recognised by universities worldwide, making it an ideal choice for students planning to pursue higher education abroad. The VCE is primarily recognised within Australia.
  • Uniform Curriculum: The IB offers a standardized curriculum across the globe, ensuring that the quality of education is consistent regardless of the country or school.


Holistic Education

  • Comprehensive Curriculum: The IB Diploma requires students to study a broad range of subjects, including languages, humanities, sciences, and mathematics, along with the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course. This promotes a well-rounded education.
  • Core Components: In addition to subject areas, the IB includes the Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) program, which develop research skills, creativity, physical activity, and community service involvement.


Skill Development

  • Critical Thinking and Research Skills: The TOK course and the EE emphasize critical thinking, research, and academic writing skills, preparing students for university-level work.
  • Interdisciplinary Approach: The IB encourages connections between different subjects, fostering an interdisciplinary understanding and analytical skills.


Language Proficiency

  • Bilingual Diploma: Students can earn a bilingual diploma if they study two languages at a high level, enhancing their language skills and cultural awareness.


University Preparation

  • Rigorous Assessment: The IB's assessment methods, including internal assessments, exams, and coursework, are designed to be rigorous and demanding, preparing students for the challenges of university studies.
  • Higher Academic Standards: The IB's focus on higher-order thinking skills and in-depth study can give students an academic edge in university admissions.


Global Perspective

  • International Mindedness: The IB curriculum promotes international mindedness and a global perspective, encouraging students to think beyond their local context and consider global issues.


Teacher Support and Resources

  • Professional Development: IB teachers undergo specialized training and professional development, ensuring they are well-equipped to deliver the curriculum effectively.


Community and Network

  • IB Community: Being part of the IB program connects students to a global network of IB schools and alumni, providing opportunities for collaboration and networking.


Comparison to VCE

  • While the VCE is also a robust and respected program, particularly suited to students planning to study in Australia, it does not offer the same level of international recognition and may have a more flexible subject choice compared to the IB's prescribed subject groups. The VCE allows for greater specialization in specific subject areas, which can be advantageous for students with a clear focus on a particular field of study.

    Ultimately, the choice between the IB Diploma and the VCE depends on the student's individual goals, learning preferences, and future plans.


Recognition of the IB in Australia

  • Australian universities recognise the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. The IB Diploma is highly regarded and accepted for admission to most Australian universities. Here are some key points regarding the recognition and acceptance of the IB Diploma by Australian universities:


Admission Criteria

  • Equivalent to ATAR: Australian universities convert IB scores to the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), which is the standard for university admissions in Australia. Each university has its own conversion table, but generally, an IB score is equated to an ATAR score for admission purposes.
  • Direct Entry: IB Diploma holders can apply directly to Australian universities through the same channels as VCE students, typically via state-based admission centers like the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).


Competitive Programs

  • High IB Scores: For competitive programs, especially in fields like medicine, law, and engineering, universities may require high IB scores, similar to the high ATAR scores needed for these courses.
  • Prerequisite Subjects: Some universities may require specific IB subjects or scores in certain subjects as prerequisites for particular courses.


Scholarships and Advanced Standing

  • Scholarships: Many Australian universities offer scholarships specifically for high-achieving IB students.
  • Advanced Standing: Some universities may grant advanced standing or credit for certain IB subjects, allowing students to potentially shorten the duration of their degree.


Examples of University Policies

  • University of Melbourne: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides a conversion table for IB scores to ATAR. They offer detailed information on subject prerequisites and additional requirements for specific courses.
  • Australian National University (ANU): Accepts IB scores for admission and provides a comprehensive guide on how IB scores translate to entry requirements for different programs.
  • University of Sydney: Recognizes the IB Diploma and provides information on the minimum IB scores required for entry into various courses.


Application Process

  • Same Process as VCE Students: IB students apply through the same university admission systems as VCE students, such as VTAC in Victoria or UAC in New South Wales.
  • International Recognition: The international recognition of the IB Diploma can be an advantage for students considering exchange programs or further studies abroad.


Overall, the IB Diploma is well-regarded and widely accepted by Australian universities, providing a strong foundation for further education in Australia.