Is your child at an international school and preparing for the International Baccalaureate (IB)? This demanding diploma takes two years, often in a language other than the one spoken at home. Here is how it works, how it is scored and how you can help your child succeed.
What is the International Baccalaureate?
The International Baccalaureate, often simply called the “IB”, is the Diploma Programme of the International Baccalaureate Organization, a foundation set up in Geneva in 1968. It is designed for students aged 16 to 19 and covers the last two years of secondary school.
It is taught only in schools authorised by the IB. In Belgium, these are mainly international schools, attended by expat families, bilingual families and young Belgians who plan to study abroad. Each school sets its own admission requirements: check with the school directly.
The programme is offered in English, French and Spanish, the IB’s three working languages.
International Baccalaureate or CESS: what is the difference?
In French-speaking Belgian schools, students finish secondary education with the CESS (the upper secondary certificate of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation). The International Baccalaureate is a separate diploma, awarded by the IB in Geneva rather than by a school or a community.
Good news for families staying in Belgium: to enrol at a university of the Wallonia-Brussels Federation, an IB Diploma awarded by the International Baccalaureate Office in Geneva is exempt from the equivalence application with the CESS. It is also recognised by many universities abroad. Specific requirements (required subjects, minimum scores) vary from one institution to another: check them early.
Not to be confused with the European Baccalaureate, a different diploma awarded by the European Schools.
The International Baccalaureate programme
Students choose six subjects, in principle one from each group:
- language and literature (often the mother tongue or strongest language);
- language acquisition (a second language);
- individuals and societies (history, geography, economics, psychology…);
- sciences (biology, chemistry, physics…);
- mathematics;
- the arts, or a second subject from another group instead.
Three or four of these subjects are taken at higher level (about 240 teaching hours), the others at standard level (about 150 hours). This choice matters later on: many universities look at higher level subjects.
The core: TOK, extended essay and CAS
Alongside the six subjects, every student completes three compulsory components:
- theory of knowledge (TOK): a course that reflects on how we know what we claim to know;
- the extended essay: an independent 4,000-word research paper on a topic chosen by the student, guided by a supervisor;
- creativity, activity, service (CAS): artistic, sporting and volunteer projects carried out over the two years.
How is the International Baccalaureate scored?
Each subject is graded from 1 to 7. Theory of knowledge and the extended essay together earn up to 3 additional points. The maximum total is therefore 45 points.
To be awarded the diploma, students need at least 24 points, but that is not the only condition. The IB also requires, among other things:
- that CAS requirements are met;
- a grade in every subject, in TOK and for the extended essay;
- at least 12 points in higher level subjects and 9 points in standard level subjects;
- no more than two grade 2s and no more than three grades of 3 or below.
Assessment combines internal work, marked by teachers and then moderated by the IB, and written exams marked by external examiners. The IB holds two final examination sessions a year, in May and in November; the school registers its students for one or the other.
Keys to succeeding in the International Baccalaureate
1. A solid study method from the first year
The International Baccalaureate involves a steady stream of work over the two years: essays, internal assessments, the extended essay, CAS projects. Students who struggle often lack organisation rather than ability.
- A schedule of every deadline over the two years, on display and kept up to date.
- Short term goals (the week), medium term goals (the term) and long term goals (the exams).
- Regular revision, with practice on past papers, rather than one big push at the end.
Our 5 tips to study and succeed in your exams apply very well to the IB too.
2. An excellent level in the language of instruction
When lessons are taught in English, as is common in international schools, a student may understand the subject yet lose marks on writing, precise vocabulary or speaking. The problem then lies with the language, not the subject.
To improve, students need to practise beyond their lessons:
- films, series and podcasts in the original language;
- reading newspapers and novels in that language;
- regular conversations, without fear of making mistakes.
Language skills are built over years. Private English lessons focused on academic writing and speaking can speed up this work.
3. Preparing the extended essay and research skills
The 4,000-word extended essay is often a student’s first real research project. They need to learn to frame a question, find reliable sources, build a bibliography, structure an argument and meet deadlines.
Starting early and breaking the work into steps avoids last minute panic. These skills will be directly useful at university.
4. Keeping up with maths and sciences
Mathematics is compulsory in the IB, and higher level maths has a reputation for being demanding. An old gap in algebra or functions quickly takes its toll. Private maths lessons can close it before it weighs on the final score.
5. Supporting your child over the long haul
Two intense years inevitably bring moments of fatigue or discouragement. Your role matters:
- talk regularly about what is not going well, without dramatising;
- show that you trust their abilities;
- celebrate each milestone and protect time for rest and sleep.
Getting support during the International Baccalaureate
At My Sherpa, an educational advisor chooses the right coach for your child, based on the subject, the level and the language of instruction. Our team welcomes you in French, Dutch and English.
Lessons take place at home anywhere in Belgium, or online: support in a subject, help with study methods or with organising the extended essay.
