International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

In every student’s life, there comes a time to say goodbye to the eighth grade of elementary school, choose a high school, and set the path for the future.

It is worth noting that for many years, Krakow has offered schools that prepare students for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma. One such institution is the European College – IB World School 001528, a high school with extensive experience in offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP). Over the years, the European College has demonstrated its ability to teach effectively and modernly, establishing itself as a significant player in Krakow’s educational landscape.

Choosing the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma at European College in Krakow: Curriculum and Accreditations

The curriculum offered by Kolegium Europejskie is fully aligned with top international standards. As an accredited International Baccalaureate Organization school, it undergoes regular reviews to ensure compliance with certification requirements. The school is also supervised by the Regional Board of Education and the Ministry of National Education.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) offered at Kolegium Europejskie promotes intercultural mobility, thus paving the way to almost all foreign universities frequently chosen by our students, alongside prestigious Polish higher education institutions.

Structure of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP)

Teaching in the IB DP programme includes six subjects chosen by the student from the following groups:

⇒ Native Language – Literature,

⇒ Foreign Languages (English, Spanish, German),

⇒ Social Sciences (e.g., History, Geography, Psychology, Economics, Business),

⇒ Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Computer Science),

⇒ Mathematics,

⇒ The Arts.

All subjects in the IB programme are taught in English (except for non-English literature in Group 1 and foreign languages).

Each student selects at least 3 subjects at Higher Level (HL) and 3 at Standard Level (SL). The International Baccalaureate diploma is awarded based on performance in all six subjects (3 at Standard Level and 3 at Higher Level), which are studied over a period of 2 years.

Additional Mandatory Components of the IB DP Programme

In addition to studying the six chosen subjects, the mandatory components of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) include:

⇒ Theory of Knowledge (TOK) – An interdisciplinary course, conducted for 2 hours per week, aimed at teaching the fundamentals of epistemology and critical thinking.

⇒ Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) – A program that is systematically implemented over 18 months, designed to promote the holistic development of the student’s personality, including intellectual growth, physical fitness, and social awareness.

⇒ Extended Essay (EE) – Each IB student must write a research paper over two semesters, based on original scientific research on a topic related to one of the subjects taught in the IB programme. The essay should be approximately 4,000 words long. The goal of the Extended Essay is to encourage students to develop analytical and reasoning skills, conduct research on a chosen issue, stimulate critical thinking, and learn how to organize and manage their work systematically. This prepares students for academic study at the university level.

Assessment and Examination Process of the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma

In the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, students can earn up to 30% of their final diploma score through Internal Assessments (IA), which are subject-specific written assignments. Additionally, oral examinations (in literature and foreign languages) contribute up to 20% of the final grade.

The final grade for each subject is the sum of several components, including the IA and various parts of the written exams, known as Paper 1, Paper 2, and Paper 3.

Advantages of Studying at European College with the IB DP Programme

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme, offered at Kolegium Europejskie for several years, provides students with an international education and skills that encourage independent learning, problem-solving from various perspectives, and understanding of other people, cultures, and languages.

Studying in the IB system significantly differs from the Polish education system. It offers greater opportunities, focuses on practical knowledge rather than rote memorization, and emphasizes multimedia learning. Critical thinking and the application of knowledge are crucial in this system. Therefore, our school places a strong emphasis on laboratory work, research projects, and an active attitude towards the surrounding world (such as volunteering and international connections).

It is important to note that, since English is the language of instruction in the IB DP programme (for 11th and 12th grades), students become fluent in English by graduation and are well-prepared for academic studies conducted in this language. Many young people struggle with studying at universities where English is the medium of instruction.

The 10th and 11th grades, known as pre-IB, are designed to bridge the gap in English proficiency, familiarize students with specialized vocabulary, and ensure that they can study entirely in English during their senior years.

Students in all grades also have the opportunity to learn a second foreign language, with Spanish and German available. Proficiency in a second foreign language is an additional asset when applying to universities and later when seeking employment.

Since Kolegium Europejskie is an international school with students from various countries, learning English is highly effective. During breaks and in their free time, students communicate in English, which enhances their language skills and fluency.

International Culture and Personal Development

Kolegium Europejskie is a unique school with an international character. Our students come from various parts of the world, including Australia, China, Canada, Korea, Germany, New Zealand, Ukraine, and the USA. This diversity allows them to explore different cultures, learn tolerance, and remain open to others.

Every young person entrusted to Kolegium Europejskie who chooses the International Baccalaureate (IB) programme has a unique opportunity to discover and develop their potential.

Supporting the Individual Development of Students

We help students build individual success, believing that everyone has the potential for outstanding achievements in some area of life! We support personal development through self-reflection and the acquisition of skills to assess both strengths and areas needing attention. At our school, we teach respect for others and foster self-confidence, so that students can approach new and unfamiliar situations with the courage and independent thinking necessary to take on new challenges and defend their own beliefs.

Benefits of Choosing the IB DP Programme at Kolegium Europejskie

Studying at a school with the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme offers many benefits comparable to attending a high school abroad, without the need to send your child overseas. There will be time for that during their first year of university, as European College graduates have been accepted and studied at universities across many countries around the world for years.

Additional Courses and Opportunities for Student Development

At Kolegium Europejskie, students can also participate in additional courses such as speed reading and writing, as well as SAT preparation courses.