Do IB Diploma Students have an Advantage at University? The Top Six Strengths of the IB for Students in a Rapidly Changing, and Demanding, World.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) might have been around for 50 years, but it’s only in the past decade or so that its popularity has really skyrocketed.

The number of IB programmes offered worldwide grew by a whopping 34.2% between 2018 and 2022 – a trend that has been echoed in the UAE, where the number of IB schools bloomed by 2% in the same timeframe, now reaching a total of 17 IB schools in Dubai, representing 7% of the emirate’s school market.

What is behind this burgeoning trend for IB schools? Opinions differ, but one of the overarching arguments is that the IBDP is a better preparation for university – something especially important to expat parents, whose children often go abroad to study, without the safety net of friends and family nearby.

As part of our continuing exploration of the benefits of the IB, SchoolsCompared.com spoke with Joel Nainie, Director of IB Programmes, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis. We asked Mr Nainie: “What makes the IB such a good qualification for preparing students for university…”

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Do IB Diploma Students have an Advantage at University?

The Top Six Strengths of the IB for Students in a Rapidly Changing, and Demanding, World.

by

Joel Nainie, Director of IB Programmes, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis

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As students come to the crossroads between school and university, the selection of the most appropriate pathway that ensures academic rigour but additionally, prepares pupils for the challenges of tertiary study, becomes critical. The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP) is a universally recognised pre-university qualification, known for its intellectual challenge, flexibility, inclusivity, and its development of lifelong learners.

So, what exactly makes the IBDP the Ideal Qualification for University? In the following I choose those six features of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme which I believe are the stand-out fundamentals of this pioneering, world-beating qualification for young men and women.

1. The IB Diploma… is an internationally recognised qualification

First and foremost, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is internationally benchmarked, allowing students to continue their studies anywhere in the world. The Diploma programme aims to balance local and national identity with an international mindset as part of its commitment to building a better future. As such, in planning where to study, students are not locked into one geographical region or one country. With an IBDP education, students have the flexibility to pursue their tertiary study in any part of the globe.

2. The IB Diploma… increases academic opportunities

American research has discovered that students who completed the IBDP showed greater rates of university enrolment, persistence in the course and successful completion of their degrees compared to the average non-IB student across the country:

Similarly, a UK study reveals that, among full-time first-year students at Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), those who had previously participated in the IB programme were significantly more likely (57%) to attend one of the top 20 HEIs, even when considering differences in their academic abilities:

In a broader context, this data suggests that IBDP graduates not only have a higher probability of getting into prestigious HEIs but also exhibit a greater likelihood of staying and successfully completing their academic courses.

3. The IB Diploma… develops critical thinking and research skills

According to the World Economic Forum’s The Future of Jobs Report 2020, critical thinking is one of the top 10 skills to be developed by 2025. Additionally, research conducted at the University of Oxford reveals that IB students display markedly superior critical thinking abilities compared to those who do not participate in the IB programme:

The Extended Essay component of the IBDP requires students to conduct independent research, culminating in a 4,000-word paper. This fosters research skills, academic writing, and intellectual discovery, providing an excellent precursor to the type of research and writing that will be expected at the university level. Moreover, these skills play a pivotal role in determining both individual and collective success, making them highly coveted by universities.

4. The IB Diploma… uses continuous assessment to better reflect the achievements of students

On-going assessment, is a common practice throughout the two-year Diploma programme, thereby alleviating the stress associated with a high-stakes final examination. In contrast, other non-IB pathways, which do not have a balance between examinations and internal assessments, potentially create a more stressful and less flexible environment for students who may perform better with continuous assessment.

5. The IB Diploma… offers a broad and balanced curriculum

The IBDP requires students to study a range of subjects, including mathematics, science, humanities, languages, and the arts. This breadth of subjects ensures that students receive a well-rounded education, which can be especially advantageous for those who are unsure about their future academic or career interests. In contrast, some non-IB pathways, which are mainly examination based, typically involve a narrower focus on a smaller number of subjects, offering less opportunities to explore diverse fields of study and little flexibility to change academic direction.

6. The IB Diploma… inspires the holistic development of every student

Another key element that sets the IBDP apart is that it places a strong emphasis on the development of personal, social, and emotional skills. Through the core components like Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Creativity, Activity & Service (CAS) and the Extended Essay (EE), students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, leadership, and community engagement skills. This holistic approach can help students build a broader skill set, making them adaptable and well-rounded individuals.

Pictured: Joel Nainie, Director of IB Programmes, GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis with International Baccalaureate Diploma programme students

Walking into an exceptional IB school is an unforgettable experience.

Here, you encounter vibrant debates, inventiveness, and creativity—qualities highly sought after by future businesses. Unlike traditional classrooms with regimented rows, IB schools bring student voices to life. Students actively engage in making and deconstructing the world around them, addressing real-world problems that matter to both them and society at large.

In short, the IBDP is more than just academics.

It is a holistic journey shaping internationally-minded, multilingual, well-rounded thinkers. With its academic rigour, inclusivity, focus on global awareness and holistic growth, IBDP graduates are not only academically prepared but also equipped for success in a ‘glocalised’ world.

Choosing the IBDP means embarking on a transformative journey beyond the classroom, and fostering lifelong skills and values, vital for personal and academic success.

Bottom Line? The International Baccalaureate Curriculum

If I had to choose the perfect curriculum to give students the absolute best start in life and unlock amazing opportunities for their future, I’d go with the IB curriculum without a second thought. It beats any other option, hands down.

And I’m not just saying this – I’m living it.

My life as an educator is dedicated to the IB.

Further Information

Read official IB research on the 34.2% growth in the number of IB programmes offered worldwide between 2018 and 2022.

Read about the 2% growth in the number of IB school in Dubai between 2018 and 2022. Today  there are a total of 17 IB schools in Dubai, representing 7% of the emirate’s school market:

GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis is a flagship GEMS Education school. The school delivers a modern campus with state-of-the-art facilities for students, these including auditoriums, sports halls, swimming pools, performing arts suites, and media suites. The school is GEMS Education’s lead school in blended learning and technology integration.

GEMS Wellington Academy – Silicon Oasis is led by Principal/CEO Sarah O’Regan. The school has consistently garnered ‘Outstanding’ ratings in both KHDA and British Schools Overseas (BSO) inspections. You can read our review here.

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