The two post-16 choices provided by the IB serve as the catalyst for this change, setting its learners on a future-proof trajectory of success.

The Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme achieve this by helping students develop a range of attributes represented in the IB learner profile. Giving them the tools to be communicators, inquirers, risk-takers and principled, amongst other qualities that promote critical thinking in students; core competencies which a recently conducted employability research study highlighted as in short supply among young people.

Before DP and CP graduates move on to make their mark on the world, they can further refine these skills at universities around the world, with a high number naturally progressing into red brick and Ivy League institutions.

Both the DP and CP allow students to develop the self-confidence to participate successfully within higher education, with universities valuing IB graduates for a number of reasons. These largely include a student’s ability to manage challenging and varied workloads while also bringing a solid foundation of academic knowledge and understanding to their study. Secondly, DP and CP students arrive at university already having evolved their approaches to learning skills through encouraged independent study allowing them to successfully transition between school and university.

The Diploma Programme

As the IB’s flagship programme, the DP gives students a world-class preparation for university and employment beyond. It’s a comprehensive, challenging framework that allows students to flourish intellectually, physically, emotionally and ethically, helping them to succeed above their non-IB peers.

A recent study gathered data from a sample size of almost 1.3 million IB and A Level students across the academic years 2013/14 to 2018/19, revealed that DP students are:

• 40% more likely than a matched A Level student to obtain a first – or upper second-class honours degree.
• 38% more likely than an A Level student to engage in further study post-graduation.
• 21% more likely than a matched A Level student to continue to their second year of university.

It also provides necessary skills to thrive at university for students undertaking the theory of knowledge course, creativity, activity, service, and the extended essay.

Career-related Programme

The CP provides an unequalled opportunity for students who require the benefits of a university education and are simultaneously ready to begin training for their future careers. It helps to create workplace ready learners with guided development of important life skills, designed to inspire a strong sense of purpose, resilience, reflection, empathy and ethics.

Through the CP, a student studies two or more courses from the DP, ensuring a rigorous academic grounding; a career-related study (for example a BTEC); and the CP core, which consists of four components (service learning, personal and professional skills, language development and the reflective project).

“CP students develop real-world skills that are becoming increasingly valued by employers and university admissions departments”

CP students develop real-world skills that are becoming increasingly valued by employers and university admissions departments. Reflecting this, a recent study examining CP graduate experiences, postsecondary destinations and outcomes, suggested that CP students have increased functional skills such as: linguistic proficiency, critical thinking, IT, time-management, organisational, research and industry-specific employment skills. The study also revealed that more than 77% of survey participants agreed that they had gained skills for progression into higher education.

A separate study focusing on CP graduates in the US, showed that 81% of CP graduates enrol in university. Of these, 79% enrol in four-year programmes with more than half enrolling in a university ranked by Barron’s Selectivity Index as “very competitive” or better. In the UK, further research shows that nearly 90% of CP graduates continue to their second year of study and 70% achieve a first- or upper second-class honors degree.

The CP combines a quality academic foundation with real hands-on career experience. With its unique hybrid teaching approach, it will prepare students to launch directly into a career or excel in further study.

About the author: This is a sponsored post from Peter Fidczuk, UK Development and Recognition Manager, International Baccalaureate. Peter and industry representatives will be discussing the DP and CP effectively prepares students for their next academic step, sign up to the free webinar discussion: ‘How to prepare students for higher education and for success in the workplace’ on 29 March 2022 at 1pm (GMT).