IB Career-related Programme: All that You Need to Know

Suppose you are a parent or student who is looking for an educational programme for career preparation. In that case, the IB career-related programme can be an option. It offers various benefits for students seeking a blend of academic prowess and career readiness. This career-focused curriculum ensures that students not only excel academically but also gain real-world competencies that are vital for today’s global job market.
However, it is important to note that the Career-related Programme (CP) differs from the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Let’s discover the detailed explanations and the most queried questions regarding the programme below.
What is the Career-related Programme in IB?
The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) is a specialised educational framework designed for 16 to 19-year-old students.
This unique programme integrates the values of the IB into a comprehensive curriculum tailored to meet the specific needs of students pursuing profession-oriented education.
Also Read: International Baccalaureate Programme with Its Unquestionable Qualities
The Aims of Career-related Programme
As mentioned previously, the Career-related Programme (CP) aims to empower students with a unique blend of international education and career-focused learning.
Through the integration of 2 IB Diploma Programme courses at a minimum, a personal and professional skills course, and a career-oriented study, the CP fosters the development of academic prowess, practical expertise, and lifelong learning competencies.
Therefore, in this programme, students will engage in practical methodologies, preparing them for further education, apprenticeships, or employment.
Who is the IB Career-related Programme Made For?
The IB CP is crafted for students aged 16-19. Specifically intended for students seeking career-related learning, this program uniquely combines academic subjects with practical skills, offering a pathway to acquire lifelong skills.
It caters to individuals keen on pursuing a profession-oriented education in the last two years of secondary school. This program ensures an excellent foundation for further studies and constructs students for success in the workforce.
Cores of IB Career-related Programme (IB CP)
The CP fundamentally amalgamates the principles of the International Baccalaureate (IB) into a holistic educational framework that caters to the requirements of learners who are engaged in career-oriented studies.
One crucial aspect of the CP’s curriculum is the “4 CP Core,” which comprises four interrelated components designed to enhance student’s personal and interpersonal development. The cores consist of:
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Personal and Professional Skills
This is a course aimed at fostering attitudes, skills, and strategies applicable to various personal and professional situations. The emphasis is placed on skill development for the workplace, ensuring transferability across diverse scenarios.
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Service Learning
It involves the application of knowledge and skills to address authentic community needs. Students engage in service initiatives related to their academic disciplines, connecting theoretical comprehension with practical, real-world scenarios.
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Reflective Project
The project entails a substantial body of work developed over time, requiring students to identify, analyse, critically discuss, and evaluate ethical issues arising from their profession-related studies.
This project also supports the development of students’ proficiency in writing, research, and communication.
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Language Development
It ensures students have access to a language program, enhancing their comprehension of the wider world. This proficiency in more than one language aligns with the IB’s concept of an international education.
Types of Assessments in IB CP
The IB CP employs a diverse range of assessments, combining external examinations with internal evaluations to gauge students’ academic and practical skills comprehensively. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
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Exams at the End of Each DP Course
Students enrolled in the IB CP undertake written examinations at the conclusion of their Diploma Programme (DP) courses. These exams adhere to rigorous international standards and are externally evaluated by IB examiners.
In detail, the marks awarded range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest), reflecting the students’ proficiency in the respective courses.
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Performance Within Courses and Modules
As mentioned before, the CP core consists of four interrelated components, which the school will assess to ensure students meet the specified criteria.
Also Read: IB Diploma Programme: Benefits & The Subjects
The Curriculum of IB CP
The IB career-related programme offers a comprehensive curriculum for students wanting to pursue profession-oriented education. Furthermore, the curriculum of IB CP consists of three main components:
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IB Diploma Programme (DP) Courses
CP students enrol in at least two courses from the IB Diploma Programme (DP), acquiring theoretical foundations and maintaining academic rigour.
The DP courses cover subject groups like language and literature, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
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CP Core
As a key element of the IB career-related programme, the CP core enhances personal and interpersonal development, emphasising experiential learning. As written previously, it consists of four components:
- Personal and Professional Skills
- Service Learning
- Reflective Project
- Language Development
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Career-Related Studies
Students must simultaneously fulfil the requirements of completing DP courses, the CP core, and an approved career-oriented study. The career-oriented study prepares students for higher education, internships, apprenticeships, or positions in a designated field.
Requirements of IB CP
To successfully complete the programme and graduate, students must fulfil several key components that encompass both academic and practical aspects, according to the IB CP cores. The requirements including:
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IB DP Courses
To graduate, IB CP students must complete at least two IB DP courses, achieving a score of 3 or higher on the 1 to 7 scale. These courses, comprising both higher and standard levels, offer exposure to diverse academic disciplines.
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Personal and Professional Skills Course
These skill sets are usually delivered during the senior year. This module provides students with a unique opportunity to cultivate workplace skills, attitudes, and strategies.
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Service Learning
Distinct from traditional internships, service learning involves recognising and addressing real community needs. In this programme, students must document their engagement in a portfolio.
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Reflective Project
This is a key element that requires students to analyse an ethical healthcare dilemma and can be presented through essays, skits, interviews, videos, or other creative formats.
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Language Development
Language development mandates achieving at least level three proficiency in a second language, incorporating the related vocabulary.
What Career-related Programme Offers to Students
One key aspect that the CP offers for the students is its comprehensive curriculum, encompassing courses from the IB Diploma Programme. Overall, the CP offers students the opportunity to:
- Pursue their chosen education and career pathways. he programme supports diverse university and career pathways, giving students the flexibility to tailor their education based on their long-term aspirations
- Integrate academic subjects with their personal and professional interests.
- Participate in learning experiences that contribute positively to their community.
- Cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication skills.
- Excel in both independent and collaborative work.
- Foster self-confidence, resilience, and flexibility.
- Develop an international mindset and global awareness.
- Apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios effectively.
For those eager to embark on this transformative educational journey, BINUS SCHOOL Simprug stands ready to provide a nurturing and enriching environment with a comprehensive High School Diploma Programme, including the IB career-related programme. As a leading international school in Jakarta, BINUS SCHOOL Simprug offers an ideal setting for students to thrive academically and professionally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you still have some queries regarding the programme? Here are the most frequently asked questions and their answers:
What does IB stand for in a Career?
IB stands for the International Baccalaureate, a renowned educational organisation that offers various programs, including the Career-related Programme (CP).
Is IB British or American?
The IB curriculum has its roots neither in British nor American education; it originated in Switzerland during the 1960s. It is widely recognized globally, including in the UK and the US.
What is the difference between CP and DP?
The main difference lies in the focus and structure. The DP (Diploma Programme) primarily emphasises academic studies and prepares students for higher education/
Meanwhile, the CP (Career-related Programme) combines academic studies with career-related learning, aiming to prepare students for both higher education and the workforce.
References
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/curriculum/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/assessment-and-exams/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/who-is-the-cp-for/
https://www.ibo.org/programmes/career-related-programme/what-is-the-cp/
https://www.jisedu.or.id/academics/ibap/ib-career-related-program
https://www.pusd.us/Page/4981#:~:text=Requirements%20of%20the%20IBCP,reflective%20project%2C%20and%20language%20development.
https://ignitetraininginstitute.com/ib-curriculum-vs-british-curriculum/#:~:text=The%20International%20Baccalaureate%20(IB)%20curriculum%20is%20neither%20British%20nor%20American,rounded%2C%20globally%2Dfocused%20education.
https://ignitetraininginstitute.com/ibcp-vs-ibdp/