The IB Diploma Programme (IB-DP) is a two-year programme for young people who are internationally minded.
IB at Viborg Katedralskole
The programme is recognized world-wide and opens the doors to universities and other institutions of further education. The programme is offered in more than 5500 schools in more than 159 countries (2021), and the exam (the Diploma) is recognized around the world as a qualifying examination for numerous institutions of further education worldwide.
It is an academically challenging and well-balanced education, where the students work in depth across a variety of subjects. The reputation and quality of the programme is based on rigorous external assessment and a strong focus on the development of the whole student, intellectually, ethically, physically, and emotionally.
IB students become part of a global community guided by the mission statement of the International Baccalaureate Organization, the first lines of which are:
The International Baccalaureate aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect...encourage students across the world to become active, compassionate, and lifelong learners who understand that other people, with their differences, can also be right.
Subjects at VK
Each student must choose six subjects: three or four at higher level (HL), and two or three at standard level (SL). You must choose one subject from each group with the following exceptions. If you do not choose Visual Arts you can choose an additional subject from groups 1-5. You may choose two subjects from group 1 (e.g. English language and literature and Danish literature) instead of a subject from group 2.
Environmental systems and societies (ESS) is an interdisciplinary course offered only at standard level (SL). This course can fulfill either the individuals and societies or the sciences requirement. Alternatively, this course enables students to satisfy the requirements of both subject groups simultaneously while studying one course.
Group 1: Studies in language and literature
Group 2: Language Acquisition
Group 3: Individuals and societies
Group 5: Mathematics
Group 6: The Arts
We do not offer any group 6 subjects. Please make an extra choice from groups 1-4 instead.
I have lived in Egypt and chose IB because I enjoy international learning and learning in English as opposed to my native language, Arabic. If I do my part, studying, I will be able to travel to the places where I want to go.
Adam, IB2
Personal and social education
The Diploma Programme has three additional core elements which challenge the students to apply what they learn in personally and socially meaningful ways. These requirements include a 4,000-word extended essay on a subject of the student's choice; a course called Theory of Knowledge (TOK) that examines different ways and kinds of knowing; and a requirement called Creativity, Action and Service (CAS) where students engage themselves in personally and socially relevant activities beyond the classroom and the school.
The student coursework and exams is assessed by external examiners. The IBO maintains rigorous standards in both the development and grading of the work to secure the quality and recognition of the programme.
