Biddle's Bits and Bytes: Henrico High School IB Program

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Advanced Placement (AP)

International-emphasis on global perspectives

Mostly US- more academic than philosophical

From the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) Mission:

Through challenging programs of international education and assessment, IBO seeks to develop inquiring, knowledgeable, and caring young people, who will become compassionate citizens seeking a better and more peaceful world.

The College Board Mission:

To be a great educational organization dedicated to preparing, inspiring, and connecting students to college success and opportunity, with a commitment to excellence and equity.

Holistic or Total Program- The IB Program is a course of study, encompassing six areas: English, history, science, foreign language, math and an IB-approved elective.

Single Strength or Cafeteria Style in which students choose AP courses that fit their strengths and that are independent of one another.

Students also take a class called Theory of Knowledge, write a senior research project called the Extended Essay, and complete 150 CAS (Creativity, Action, and Service) hours.

No additional requirements

More divergent- asks why more than what

More Convergent- asks what more than why

Graded World-wide

Graded in US

Many factors, such as papers, orals, and projects, in addition to the written exam, determine the final score (1-7)

Score (1-5) hinges on the exam

Emphasizes process and integration of content across content areas

Content driven

IB students may also sit for AP exams

AP students may not sit for IB exams