How is the IB Structured? A Guide for Italian Parents
Understanding the International Baccalaureate (IB) system is crucial for Italian parents whose children are pursuing this form of education. This guide focuses on the IB Structure to help you navigate your child’s educational path.
Understanding the different Program Levels of the IB Structure
The IB offers four educational programs, designed for different age groups:
- Primary Years Programme (PYP): For children aged 3 to 12, focusing on holistic education and inquiry-based learning.
- Middle Years Programme (MYP): Designed for students aged 11 to 16, this program encourages critical thinking and global awareness.
- Diploma Programme (DP): For students aged 16 to 19, this rigorous pre-university course is widely recognised by universities worldwide.
- Career-related Programme (CP): Also for students aged 16 to 19, CP combines academic subjects with professional and career-related studies.
DP vs. CP: The DP is academically oriented with a broad and balanced curriculum, requiring students to take at least three Higher Level (HL) subjects. The CP, while integrating some DP courses, focuses more on career-related studies and does not require students to take three HL subjects. It’s important to note that the CP is not recognised as a High School Diploma in Italy; students may need to complete a foundation year for equivalent recognition.
IB System Structure vs. Italian System Structure Comparison
| Italian Programme | IB Programme | Age |
|---|---|---|
| Scuola dell’infanzia | Grade 1 (PYP) | 6 |
| 1a Scuola Primaria | Grade 2 (PYP) | 7 |
| 2a Scuola Primaria | Grade 3 (PYP) | 8 |
| 3a Scuola Primaria | Grade 4 (PYP) | 9 |
| 4a Scuola Primaria | Grade 5 (PYP) | 10 |
| 5a Scuola Primaria | Grade 6 (PYP) | 11 |
| 1a Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado | Grade 7 (MYP) | 12 |
| 2a Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado | Grade 8 (MYP) | 13 |
| 3a Scuola Secondaria 1° Grado | Grade 9 (MYP) | 14 |
| 1a Scuola Secondaria Superiore | Grade 10 (MYP) | 15 |
| 2a Scuola Secondaria Superiore | Grade 11 (MYP) | 16 |
| 3a Scuola Secondaria Superiore | Grade 12 (IBDP) | 17 |
| 4a Scuola Secondaria Superiore | Grade 13 (IBDP) | 18 |
| 5a Scuola Secondaria Superiore | 19 |
Diploma Programme (DP) Subject Groups
In the DP, students choose one subject from each of the six groups, including an art or a second subject from other groups. They must take at least three Higher Level (HL) subjects, with the rest at Standard Level (SL).
Subject Groups with Examples:
- Language and Literature: English Language & Literature, Italian Literature.
- Language Acquisition: French, Spanish.
- Individuals and Societies: History, Economics.
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics.
- Mathematics: Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
- The Arts: Visual Arts, Music.
See all the subjects that the IB offers here. This interdisciplinary approach is a key aspect of the IB structure and Philosophy
Subject choices should align with university admission goals, e.g., If a student wants to study Medicine, they should take Chemistry and Biology at HL. Note that subject availability varies by school.
Assessments in the IB Structure
Each DP subject includes an External Assessment (The Final Exam) and an Internal Assessment (IA). The IA is a unique component evaluated by the school and moderated by the IB. It typically comprises 20-30% of the final grade and can include projects, presentations, or research assignments, allowing students to explore areas of personal interest within the subject.
Core Components
The IB Structure is distinguished not only by its rigorous academic subjects but also by its core components, which are central to the IB philosophy. These core components—Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)—are designed to foster critical thinking, research skills, and personal development. Let’s delve into each component.
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is an innovative course that challenges students to reflect on the nature of knowledge and how we claim to know what we know. It is a core subject in the IB curriculum that encourages students to question the bases of knowledge, be aware of subjective and ideological biases, and consider the role that knowledge plays in their culture and the culture of others.
In TOK, students explore different areas of knowledge (such as the natural sciences, the arts, and history) and ways of knowing (like language, emotion, and logic). They discuss various knowledge issues, which can be as diverse as “What counts as evidence in the sciences?” to “How does language shape our experience?”
The TOK course culminates in two main assessments:
- An oral presentation on a real-life situation that students explore and question.
- A 1,600-word essay on one of six prescribed titles provided by the IB.
Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of research, finishing with a 4,000-word paper. It provides a practical preparation for the kinds of undergraduate research required at tertiary level and develops skills of critical argumentation and scholarly writing.
Choosing a topic from one of the subjects they are studying, students are guided through the research process by a supervisor (usually a teacher in the school). This process requires them to formulate a research question, gather and analyse data, structure an argument, and evaluate conclusions.
The EE helps students to develop the skills needed for independent research, which is a critical component for success at university.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
CAS is a framework for experiential learning, designed to involve students in new roles. The emphasis is on learning by doing real tasks that have real consequences and then reflecting on these experiences over time.
- Creativity: Encouraging students to engage in the arts and creative thinking.
- Activity: Physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle.
- Service: Voluntary exchange that has a learning benefit for the student while also benefitting others.
CAS enables students to enhance their personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enables journeys of self-discovery. There is no grade awarded for CAS, but students must complete a CAS project and provide evidence of their participation and reflection.
Students can achieve from 0 to 3 Core Points based on their TOK and EE grades, as demonstrated in the table below:
| TOK/EE Grade | A | B | C | D | E |
| A | 3 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Fail |
| B | 3 | 2 | 2 | 1 | Fail |
| C | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | Fail |
| D | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Fail |
| E | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail | Fail |
Grading and Assessments
Each subject in the IB Diploma Programme is graded on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). The core components (TOK and EE) can contribute up to 3 additional points. To obtain the IB Diploma, students must score at least 24 points in total, and the maximum achievable score is 45 points, including points from core components, these components comprise the IB structure.
IB Total Score Breakdown
| Component | Maximum Points |
|---|---|
| Subject 1 | 7 |
| Subject 2 | 7 |
| Subject 3 | 7 |
| Subject 4 | 7 |
| Subject 5 | 7 |
| Subject 6 | 7 |
| Core Components | 3 |
| Total | 45 |
We hope this guide provides a comprehensive understanding of the IB structure, enabling you to support your child in this globally recognised educational program.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!
