Educational program
Educational Program
The educational program offered by the Queensland Academies is characterised by accelerated studies, extension and enrichment work with universities, industry experience and personal and social development.
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is the curriculum framework for the Queensland Academies. The IB Diploma Program has become a leading, internationally recognised pre-university qualification and is a symbol of academic excellence worldwide. It aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
View the IB learner profile here. (pdf 190 kb)
Key features of the IB Diploma Program:
- High quality curriculum with breadth, depth and balance
- Curriculum flexibility allowing students to accelerate studies and re-sit examinations
- Student centered philosophy that is focused on preparation for life by encouraging social responsibility, critical thinking, and international awareness
- The quality assurance requirements of the International Baccalaureate Organisation ensure high standards are maintained
- Externally moderated examinations allow results to be compared on an international level (no limit to number of students who can attain a perfect score)
- Because of the focus on independent study and self directed learning, research conducted by the International Baccalaureate Organisation indicates that IB graduates are significantly less likely to drop out of university.
- IB Diploma graduates regularly gain admission to some of the best known universities in the world (universities have adopted a range of processes for IB graduate entry including: full scholarships, second year entry credit for IB subjects studied and automatic entry)
The IB Curriculum framework
As displayed in the diagram below the curriculum contains six subject groups together with a core made up of three separate parts.
The six subject groups of the IB Program used at the Academies:
- Students choose from 6 subject groups:
- Group 1 - English Language
- Group 2 - Second Language
- Group 3 - Individuals and societies
- Group 4 - Experimental Sciences
- Group 5 - Mathematics
- Group 6 - The Arts
Core components of the IB Program:
- Extended Essay (EE) allows students to choose and complete an independently researched essay to a level similar to that required at university
- Theory of Knowledge (TOK) focuses on the development of critical and analytical thought
- Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) aims to educate the whole person and foster more compassionate and active citizenship through the Program. Students engage in community service in a range of ways, from local to global action. They develop their creative, leisure and sporting abilities and gain a sense of citizenship. There are also opportunities for students to gain valuable work experience in current and emerging industries.
How are students scored with the IB?
Students receive a total score out of 45. This score is calculated in the following way:
- Each subject is awarded up to 7 points (6 groups) = 42
- Core subjects TOK and EE can earn 3 points
