The International Baccalaureate

The IB diploma has as goal (‘mission statement’) to develop the capacity for research, knowledge and compassion in their students so that they will contribute to a better and more peaceful world and enhance intercultural respect and understanding.

The subjects of the IB are divided into six different groups. Students have to take one subject from each. Instead of taking a subject from the sixth group, you can also take a second subject from any of the other groups. At least three subjects have to be taken at Higher Level. More time is available for these subjects and there is ample opportunity to go deeper into the subject matter. Three other subjects have to be chosen at Standard Level.

The student follows lessons in these subjects during two years and then takes the exams. If you want, it is usually possible to take a seventh subject. In some cases you are allowed to take four subjects at Higher Level.

Dutch as mother language (A) is not taught at most Colleges. You usually have to do this subject by studying on your own, with some additional support in general lessons. The exam can be taken after the first year (and then you can take an extra subject the second year, if you want to). The oral part of the exam is recorded on tape and sent to the IBO. You practise this beforehand at school. In order to be admitted to a Dutch university you usually have to have the exam for Dutch A (see the heading FAQ’s concerning Education on this site for further information).

If you plan to study medicine in the Netherlands, it may be necessary to take Biology, Chemistry and Physics (the requirements differ per university, see the FAQ’s under the heading Education on this subject). In that case usually permission is granted to skip one of the Humanities (again, see the heading FAQ’s concerning Education on this site for further information). At which Colleges can you follow 3 sciences and Maths at Higher Level as required by some Dutch universities for the study of medicine? please click the document. 4 subjects HL 2007