International Baccalaureate
The International Baccalaureate Organization’s Diploma Program was founded in 1968. It is a demanding pre-university course of study that leads to external examinations.The program has earned a reputation for rigorous assessment, giving IB diploma holders access to the world’s leading universities.
American School of Valencia was authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program in 2004, and the first IB Diploma cohort graduated in 2006. Today, it is the preferred pathway for most of our Grade 10 students who matriculate to Grade 11.
The IBDP Curriculum
The program has the strengths of a traditional and broad curriculum and is organized in six curricular areas that are studied concurrently, experiencing the humanities, social studies and the sciences courses without exclusions.
IB Diploma candidates must select one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four are taken at higher level (HL), and the others at standard level (SL). HL courses represent a recommended minimum of 240 teaching hours, SL courses cover 150 hours. Consequently, students are able to explore some subjects in depth and others more broadly, a deliberate compromise between the early specialization of some national systems and the breadth found in others.
In addition to the six IBDP courses, all IBDP students must study the three core elements of the IB Diploma: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity and Service Program (CAS).
TOK is an interdisciplinary requirement intended to stimulate critical reflection on the knowledge and experience gained inside and outside the classroom. The course challenges students to question the bases of knowledge, to be aware of subjective and ideological biases and to develop the ability to analyze evidence that is expressed in rational argument. TOK is a key element in encouraging students to appreciate other cultural perspectives.
This program encourages students to share their energy and special talents with others. Students may participate in theater or musical productions, sports and community service activities. Through these activities, students develop greater awareness of themselves, concern for others, and the ability to work cooperatively.
Each student has the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest in one of the IB disciplines that the student studies in Grade 11. The Extended Essay requirement acquaints IB Diploma candidates with independent research and writing skills expected by universities. Students devote a total of about 40 hours of research and writing time to the essay. The essay may be written in English, Spanish or French.
ASV students study English A Language and Literature as one of their Group 1 subjects. The focus on the language and literature course is on examining and understanding the different meanings of language and the context in which they operate.
Subjects in this group cover the field of Social Studies and Economics. ASV currently offers Economics, Business Administration. and 20th Century World History. Availability is subject to the course enrollment.
ASV offers all four science IB courses at both standard and higher level: Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems and Societies. Practical laboratory skills are developed and collaborative learning is encouraged through an interdisciplinary group project. Students develop an awareness of moral and ethical issues and a sense of social responsibility is fostered by examining local and global issues.
All candidates for a diploma are required to complete a mathematics course. We offer three different levels: Mathematics Analysis and Approaches (HL and SL) and Mathematics Applications and Interpretations (SL) to accommodate the different abilities and levels of student interest. These courses aim to deepen a student’s understanding of mathematics as a discipline and to promote confidence and facility in the use of mathematical language.
Students at ASV may study Visual Arts which focuses on production by the student and exploration of a range of creative work in a global context.
Instead of a group 6 subject, a candidate may select an additional subject from groups 2 to 4 and often students take a third language, both Economics and History or two science subjects.
The IB Diploma Program around the World
The IB Diploma Programme is a curriculum framework implemented by schools, such as ASV, that wish to offer a high-performance, globally-designed preparatory program for university.
Detailed information on history, courses and assessment standards is available at the official International Baccalaureate Organization website in three languages (English, French, and Spanish).
Below you will find useful information about the IBDP global acceptance by students, families, and universities.
Congratulations to the Class of 2024
For their outstanding results in the IBDP externals exams taken in May 2024
IB Results
Students complete the IB Diploma Program by taking final exams that are administered at ASV in May and assessed by external examiners certified by the IBO.
Each one of those results is combined with the internal assessments taken at ASV during Grade 11 and 12, and they provide the final grade in each course. Then, the student earns up to three extra points for the core subjects: CAS, TOK, and the Extended Essay.
Year after year, ASV students achieve highly remarkable IB results. The most recent data (2022) is summarized below:
- Average grade: 34.60 (second highest since ASV began offering the IB) // World average: 31.98
- Pass rate: 97.22% | World pass rate: 85.6%
- Bilingual IB Diplomas: 60%