Foundations
Students commence their IB Diploma Programme courses and career-related study, and begin the Personal and Professional Skills course.
Worldwide School
At Sunshine Worldwide School, the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) unites the academic depth of IB Diploma Programme courses with a recognised career-related qualification. Our graduates are prepared for higher education, specialised training and the professional world.
Grades 11 and 12
IB Diploma Programme courses
Components of the CP Core
Career-related study
The IBCP is one of four programmes offered by the International Baccalaureate, the non-profit educational foundation established in Geneva in 1968. Designed for students aged 16 to 19, it integrates academic study, personal and professional development, and applied learning. Select each component to learn more.
The academic foundation
Personal and professional development
Applied professional learning
Students undertake a minimum of two IB Diploma Programme courses. These are the same courses studied by IB Diploma candidates worldwide, taught and examined to the same international standard, and they provide the theoretical depth that underpins the programme.
Four components connect academic study with the career-related study, developing the reflective, ethical and professional capacities valued by universities and employers alike.
Preparation for professional life
Knowledge applied in the community
Communication across cultures
Ethical inquiry and argument
A taught course that develops the attitudes, skills and strategies students need to succeed in higher education, the workplace and wider society. It emphasises transferable skills applicable across contexts.
Five ThemesStudents commence their IB Diploma Programme courses and career-related study, and begin the Personal and Professional Skills course.
Students set targets for Language Development and establish their language portfolio.
Students investigate an authentic community need and plan their service learning experience.
Students explore ethical issues within their career field and identify a focus for the Reflective Project.
This outline is indicative. Specific dates are communicated to each cohort at the start of the academic year.
Both are rigorous two-year programmes of the International Baccalaureate. They differ in the breadth of academic study and in the role of career-related learning.
| Career-related Programme (IBCP) | Diploma Programme (IBDP) | |
|---|---|---|
| Academic study | A minimum of two IB Diploma Programme courses | Six subjects across the IB subject groups |
| Career-related learning | A career-related study in a chosen professional field | Not a formal requirement |
| Core | Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Language Development and the Reflective Project | Theory of Knowledge, the Extended Essay, and Creativity, Activity, Service |
| Extended research | The Reflective Project, examining an ethical dilemma in the career field | The Extended Essay, an independent research investigation |
| Best suited to | Students with a defined professional interest who value applied, practical learning | Students seeking a broad academic education across disciplines |
Every IBCP student pursues a career-related study alongside their IB courses. Each pathway pairs a recognised professional qualification with carefully selected Diploma Programme courses.
Qualification: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Business
Leads towards: Degrees in business management, finance, marketing and economics; entrepreneurship
Qualification: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Information Technology
Leads towards: Degrees in computer science, information systems and data; roles in software and technology
Qualification: Pearson BTEC International Level 3 in Creative Digital Media Production
Leads towards: Degrees in media, communication and design; careers in content, film and digital marketing
The International Baccalaureate awards the IBCP certificate to students who satisfy each of the following requirements. Select each requirement to see how the award is achieved.
The programme is designed to keep a range of routes open to its graduates.
Progression to undergraduate study, supported by IB Diploma Programme courses and a professional qualification.
Advanced vocational training and apprenticeships that build directly on the career-related study.
Entry into the workplace with applied skills, professional conduct and evidence of real-world experience.
Admission requirements vary between institutions and countries. Our university counselling team advises each student on the requirements relevant to their chosen path.
The IBCP broadens the range of pathways available to our senior students. It allows those with a defined professional interest to pursue it in depth, while retaining the academic rigour and international perspective of an IB education.