Diploma Programme background and principles

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme (DP) at Arendal vgs is a two-year, academically challenging and balanced programme for students aged 16–19. The DP is internationally recognized and prepares students for higher education and life beyond school.

For a full overview of the IB’s mission and learner profile, please see our website: https://arendal.vgs.no/utdanningstilbud/international-baccalaureate/.

Historical Background

The IB Diploma Programme was established in 1968 to provide a consistent, high-quality education for students worldwide. Today, the DP is offered in thousands of schools across the globe and is valued for its academic rigour and emphasis on international-mindedness.

Core Principles

  • Holistic development: The DP aims to develop students intellectually, personally, emotionally, and socially.
  • International-mindedness: Students are encouraged to appreciate their own cultures and the cultures of others.
  • Academic integrity: The programme emphasizes ethical academic practices and independent thinking.
  • Inquiry-based learning: Students are taught to ask questions, think critically, and reflect on their learning.

The IB Learner Profile

The IB Learner Profile describes the attributes of a lifelong learner. IB students strive to be inquirers, knowledgeable, thinkers, communicators, principled, open-minded, caring, risk-takers, balanced, and reflective.

For more about the learner profile, visit our https://arendal.vgs.no/utdanningstilbud/international-baccalaureate/.

Structure of the Diploma Programme

The DP curriculum consists of six subject groups and three core elements:

  • Six subject groups: Studies in language and literature, language acquisition, individuals and societies, sciences, mathematics, and the arts.
  • Three core elements:
    • https://arendal.vgs.no/utdanningstilbud/international-baccalaureate/what-is-cas/
    • Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
    • Extended Essay (EE)

For detailed information about CAS, please see the dedicated https://arendal.vgs.no/utdanningstilbud/international-baccalaureate/what-is-cas/.
Information about TOK and EE is available on our https://arendal.vgs.no/utdanningstilbud/international-baccalaureate/.

Recognition and Benefits

The IB Diploma is widely recognized by universities in Norway and internationally. The programme equips students with strong academic skills, intercultural understanding, and a global outlook—qualities highly valued in higher education and future careers.

For More Information

For more information about the IB Diploma Programme, visit the official IB website:
https://ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/

Publisert 06.12.2019 11.50
Sist endret 23.09.2025 14.39