The Diploma Programme (DP) is preceded by the IB’s Primary Years Programme (Primary School Programme) and Middle School Programme (MYP). The three programmes are philosophically aligned, each centred on developing attributes of the IB learner profile.The programmes are consistent in their pedagogical approach. Students who have taken the Primary School Programme and MYP will therefore be well prepared for the challenges of the DP. The DP aims to develop students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge, students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically.

The DP curriculum is made up of six subject groups Students choose courses from the following subject groups: studies in language and literature; language acquisition; individuals and societies; sciences; mathematics; and the arts. The DP core is also part of the curriculum comprising theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay. Through the DP core, students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a project that often involves community service.

International research shows that there are many benefits to choosing the DP over other 16-19 curricula. For example:

• DP students are better able than their peers to cope with demanding workloads, manage their time and meet the expectations placed on them, according to one study

• Analysis of DP students in Canada, the UK and the USA found that the DP’s extended essay improves students’ approach to learning in higher education

• 72% of students taking the DP in China attend one of the world’s top 500 universities, according to a 2013 study.