IB Diploma Programme

Becoming an IB World School means adopting international standards of educational quality, emphasizing holistic student development, and committing to continuous improvement. For students, this means access to education that is academically challenging, develops independence, critical thinking, and global awareness, and prepares them for study anywhere in the world.

The IB summarizes the IB Learner Profile—ten characteristics of an ideal graduate: Inquirer, Knowledgeable, Thinker, Communicator, Principled, Open-minded, Caring, Risk-taker, Balanced, Reflective.

Holistic development is at the core of the IB philosophy – the goal is not just to “produce a successful student,” but to “raise a well-rounded and value-based young person who thinks about the world and wants to improve it.”

The IB DP is a two-year program for students aged 16–19 (i.e., 3rd and 4th year of high school). Compared to the Czech maturita, it offers:

• a choice of 6 subjects from different areas (languages, mathematics, natural sciences, humanities),

• a compulsory core (CORE): Theory of Knowledge, Extended Essay, CAS,

• instruction in English,

• a strong emphasis on skills, not just knowledge,

• formative assessment, and international exams.

The IB Diploma is recognized by hundreds of universities around the world. Most of them offer IB students specific admission conditions. In the Czech Republic, the IB Diploma is recognized as equivalent to the maturita (often with nostrification). Here you will find a list of universities from around the world that are registered with the IBO and recognize the IB DP:

You can also filter by specific countries. If you cannot find a university that interests you here, it does not mean that it does not accept IB DP education, only that it is not registered with the IBO. It is best to contact the university directly to find out the details; it is possible that it still recognizes the IB DP as proof of completed secondary education.

The IB DP emphasizes:

• analytical and critical thinking (Theory of Knowledge and other subjects),

• research skills (Extended Essay),

• personal development and social responsibility (CAS),

• communication, collaboration, digital literacy, and global citizenship.

• Students choose their subjects and essay topics.

• They are responsible for planning their projects and managing their time.

• They keep reflective journals, participate in debates, and argue their points.

• They learn self-motivation and perseverance.

• 6–7 teaching hours per day,

• most lessons in English,

• independent work on essays, CAS activities,

• individual consultations with teachers,

• blocks for TOK or mentoring.

• Combination of formative (ongoing) assessment and final IB exams,

• emphasis on feedback and self-assessment,

• final assessment (0–7 points for each subject, max. 45 points in total).

• Students appreciate the international environment, project work, and independence.

• They often mention the difficulty, but also the meaningfulness and practical application of what they have learned.

• For them, the IB diploma is a “passport to the world.”

• International student conferences (e.g., IB World Student Conferences),

• collaboration on online projects between schools,

• the possibility of individual exchange stays as agreed between schools.

• The MyIB online platform for students and teachers,

• international projects within CAS,

• meetings with experts from around the world,

• a strong alumni network of IB graduates.

• IB is a mark of quality and innovation,

• helps attract ambitious students and teachers,

• increases the school's credibility in the eyes of parents and partners,

• international recognition = better cooperation with universities and companies.