IB: International Baccalaureate

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) programme offers an international education for students aged 16-19 years. The globally-recognised course of study offers a challenging and high-quality educational programme which develops inquiring, knowledgeable and caring students, who can think critically. Additionally, the course encourages students to create a better and more peaceful world through respect of their external environment, and a deep understanding of how to apply wide-ranging skills. The IB Diploma Programme fosters an appetite for learning and is considered the most-respected pre-university course for Senior school students. 

The IB Diploma Programme offers a world-class IB education to students. Classes cover a range of subjects, including English language and literature, sciences, Individuals and Societies, mathematics, and visual arts. 

The main between a IB school and a regular school is the difference in the approach to learning, as well as the depth and breadth of the curriculum. The IB education system focuses on enquiry-based learning, allowing students the space to actively learn and discover. The IB curriculum also gives students vital skills required at university and beyond.  

An IB education equips students for university by encouraging academic excellence, curiosity about the world we live in, and the leadership skills to bring about sustainable change. These in-demand skills will be of benefit to students who wish to be leaders in an increasingly progressive, globalised world. In addition to providing an excellent academic foundation, IB participants will also develop a progressive mindset, confident communication skills and strong leadership qualities.

As English is the global language of business and communication, it is important that students enrolled onto the IBDP use the English language it as their primary language of study. At AIS, around 85% of DP students achieve the bilingual diploma, compared with a global average of 27%. This is a strong indicator that AIS IB graduates are truly internationally-focused. It is our goal that all learners on this course are well-prepared with confidence in their English-speaking abilities. 

Diploma Programme candidates study one DP course from each of the six subject groups. Three of these subjects must be at higher level (HL) and three subjects at standard level (SL). This ensures that students study a wide range of subjects across several disciplines during the course of their Diploma Programme (DP). All DP participants must also complete an Extended Essay, the Theory of Knowledge assessment, in addition to undertaking the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) element of the programme.  

The International Baccalaureate is a rigorous course designed to be the perfect stepping-stone from high school to university. The IB Diploma Programme curriculum profile is carefully planned, so that students are challenged but also understand how to manage their time well to succeed. The IB syllabus is intended to prepare students for real-life as it is a career-related programme. 

When seeking the best education provider of the IB syllabus, parents and students should look at a school's IBDP results as a reliable indicator of performance. At AIS, Ho Chi Minh we had 100% pass rate in 2021, with an average grade of 35 - far above the global average. However, there is far more to an IB education than just exam results. AIS, Vietnam is also committed to helping students grow into responsible, balanced, and caring young adults. 

The IB course of study is neither American nor British. An IB education is an international programme and offers a world-recognised diploma. The IBDP route of education is offered in 5,400 schools in 159 countries, making it a globally-renowned syllabus of high regard. 

The (I)GCSE and the International Baccalaureate both offer strong programmes, however, the (I)GCSE is a qualification for 14–16-year-olds, while the IB is typically taken by 16–18-year-olds Research shows that universities generally prefer to take IB graduates because they are well-prepared for further education. As an IB World School, AIS in HCMC focuses strongly on ensuring students have the necessary soft skills for university and beyond. More information can be found here.

Vietnam is a dynamic, welcoming, and exciting country. Situated in the well-connected Ho Chi Minh City, AIS is fortunately located in a fascinating and culturally rich environment. Vietnam’s vibrant history and rich culture enriches our students learning experience, making AIS a unique place for IB students to learn and grow. 

Senior students enrolled onto the IB course of study will be entered for assessments and examinations in their chosen subjects. Coursework, also known as internal assessments, follow a marking criterion set by the IBDP exam board. Exams are taken in our purpose-built IB centre, in line with the International Baccalaureate Organisation's high standard. 

The IB Diploma Programme (IBDP) Certificate of Qualification is awarded to senior students who gain 24 points or more out of 45 and meet the additional requirements for this course. It is the gold-standard among pre-university courses and IBDP graduates can use this international diploma as the gateway to the world's best universities. 

The prestigious diploma gained on completion of an IB education programme, gives students access to a broad range of subjects. Equipping young adults with the essential life skills they will need for the 21st century, IB diploma holders are able to apply the breadth and depth of their international education to countless areas of future study. 

Only schools accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organisation can offer IB coursework and examinations for the Diploma Programme. AIS in Ho Chi Minh, has been offering Diploma Programme (DP) courses since 2012. 

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