What is the IBCP?
The CP is a framework of international education that incorporates the values of the IB into a unique programme addressing the needs of students engaged in career-related education.
The programme leads to further/higher education, apprenticeships or employment.
The CP curriculum
CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses. Pupils will also take part in the core which consists of four components that includes approaches to learning, community and service, language development and a reflective project as well as an approved career-related course.
For CP students, DP courses provide the theoretical underpinning and academic rigour of the programme; the career-related study further supports the programme’s academic strength and provides practical, real-world approaches to learning; and the CP core helps them to develop skills and competencies required for lifelong learning. CP students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses. Pupils will also take part in the core which consists of four components that includes approaches to learning, community and service, language development and a reflective project as well as an approved career-related course.
IBCP Curriculum Framework
The framework consists of the following three elements:
Career-related Study
Students will follow a professional course (e.g. a BTEC) in a specialist area, using a practical, real-world approach to learning. The IB collaborates with a range of major accredited providers, including the Chartered Institute of Securities & Investment (CISD, the IFS School of Finance, the Council for Awards in Care, Health and Education (CACHE), and Pearson BTEC, with qualifications ranging from marketing to performing arts. The IB is continuously developing additional career-pathways with professional communities in the UK. Schools determine the appropriate career-related study course(s) to offer, therefore may have chosen to offer courses from another provider.
Academic Study
As part of the programme, students are required to complete at least two DP courses, from the following subject areas: language and literature; a foreign language; individuals and societies: science, mathematics; and the arts.
CP Skills-based Core
The programme’s core is what defines the programme and makes it unique. It consists of the following:
- The personal and professional skills course emphasises the development of the skills and attributes needed to flourish in the chosen career pathway.
- The reflective project is an independent, in-depth piece of work undertaken over an extended period of time for which the student investigates an ethical issue within their career-related subject area.
- Service learning focuses on community service as a vehicle for learning. Through service, he or she will develop and apply their personal and social skills, gaining experience of teamwork, decision-making and problem-solving, with opportunities to show initiative and take responsibility.
- Language development gives access to learning a second language. This component is not examined, but will enable him or her to develop a skill that employers value, and emphasises the importance of language in an increasingly interconnected and globalised world.
Building your IBCP Programme
Students can build their IBCP programme from the following ‘menu’:
IB Diploma Subjects
Psychology
Maths Studies
Social and Cultural Anthropology
Film
English Language and Literature
Information Technology in a Global Society
Career-Related Study
Applied Science
Dance
Drama
Sports
Business
Health and Social Care
Law
Core (compulsory)
Reflective Project – This carries UCAS points.
Personal and Professional Skills
Language Development
Service Learning
Assessment and Exams
Students take written examinations at the end of their IB Diploma Programme courses which are marked by external IB examiners.
The components of the CP core are assessed by the school.
Find out more about CP assessment & examsWho is the CP for?
The CP was specifically developed for students who wish to engage in career-related learning while gaining transferable and lifelong skills in applied knowledge, critical thinking, communication, and cross-cultural engagement.
If you have any questions regarding the assessment of the core, or any other questions about the IBCP, please contact Mr Simmons the IBCP Coordinator.
Learn more about students in the CP
