Program Overview

Introduction to the International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP)

The IBCP is a unique educational framework designed for students aged 16-18 who seek a hands-on, immersive learning experience that prepares them for the world of business and creative industries. This programme empowers students to gain practical, real-world experience while laying the academic groundwork for future success.

The Academic Programme for Aspiring Professionals

The IBCP provides a robust educational framework that encourages personal growth, critical thinking, and professional skills development. All students will choose a BTEC Level 3 International Diploma as their career-related study, in addition to selecting two or three additional IB subjects to complement this vocational focus. The IBCP Core, consisting of Personal and Professional Skills (PPS), the Reflective Project (RP), Service Learning (SL), and Language Development (LD), rounds out the students' development as career or higher education-ready graduates.

Hands-on Experience Meets Academic Rigour

One of the standout features of the IBCP is its flexibility, allowing students to tailor their educational journey to meet their passions and career aspirations while maintaining high academic standards. The emphasis on experiential learning enables students to step outside the traditional classroom setting and engage with the community, industries, and projects that spark their interests.

Concentrate on Your Passions

The IBCP offers various focus subjects, including:

• Business: Equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a globalised market, fostering a strong foundation for those aiming to pursue further studies or commence their career in business straight away.
• Art & Design or Creative Media: Encourages students to think outside the box, experiment with innovative ideas, and prepare for exciting opportunities in the creative industries.

Who is this Subject For?

• IBCP in Business is suitable for students who aspire to be business professionals, entrepreneurs, or pursue related careers.
• IBCP in Art & Design or Creative Media is a great fit for students who aspire to be practising artists, interior designers, event managers, or art/museum curators.

Other Subjects

The programme also offers approval to run the IBCP in additional subject areas, including Travel and Tourism, Sport, E-sports, and Applied Science, with courses running each year depending on student numbers.

The IB Career-Related Programme Core

The CP core components give context to the DP courses and the career-related study, drawing all aspects of the framework together. Through the CP core, students develop personal qualities and professional skills, as well as intellectual habits required for lifelong learning.

Component 1: Personal and Professional Skills (PPS)

PPS is designed for students to develop attitudes, skills, and strategies to be applied to personal and professional situations and contexts. This component is taught through regular timetabled lessons, and students evidence their progress through a portfolio of work and regular reflections on topics such as:

• Personal development
• Intercultural understanding
• Effective communication
• Thinking processes
• Applied ethics

Component 2: The Reflective Project (RP)

The reflective project is an in-depth body of work produced over an extended period, submitted towards the end of the CP. It promotes high-level research, writing, and extended communication skills, intellectual discovery, and creativity.

Component 3: Service Learning (SL)

Students are expected to be involved in Service Learning activities for 18 months of the programme, regularly reflecting on their learning during this time. This may take place as part of the vocational learning on the BTEC Diploma or as activities embedded into PPS class.

Component 4: Language Development (LD)

Language development ensures that all students have access to a language programme that will assist and further their understanding of the wider world. Students will evidence their progress through a portfolio of work and regular reflections, demonstrating 50 hours of language learning.

Why Choose the IB Career-Related Programme?

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. It provides real-world experience and know-how, adding a different dimension to a student's skill-set and capabilities. The combination of academic challenge integrated with flexible vocational learning enhances the IBCP qualification to support students in lifelong success.