ChandlerHigh School

WHAT IS CP?

The International Baccalaureate® (IB) Career-related Programme (CP) is a three-part educational framework.

It consists of:

• courses from the IB’s Diploma Programme (DP)
• the CP core
• career-related studies. 

Students complete at least two DP courses in any of that programme's subject groups. DP courses provide and enhance the theoretical underpinnings and academic rigour of the CP.

The CP core consists of four components - community and service, a personal and professional skills course, language development and a reflective project - blended together to enhance critical thinking and intercultural understanding. 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.

Each school chooses the career-related study most suited to local conditions and the needs of its students. The career-related study must satisfy IB criteria for accreditation, assessment and quality assurance.

• The CP enables students to:
  • follow their chosen education and career pathways in life with a concrete background.
  • combine academic subjects with their personal and professional interests and skills.
  • Challenge themselves with rigorous programs
  • engage in learning that makes a positive difference to their community.
  • think critically and creatively.
  • communicate clearly and effectively in a variety of situations.
  • work independently and in collaboration with others.
  • consider new perspectives and other points of view.
  • Decipher and engage in critical, ethical conflicts in the world.
  • develop greater self-confidence and self-awareness.
  • demonstrate high levels of resilience and flexibility.
  • be internationally-minded and globally aware.
  • apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios and situations.

WHAT KIND OF STUDENT IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR THE CP?

The CP is an excellent choice for students who seek academic rigour, have already determined their area of career specialization (or have a focused interest in an area of study), and want hands-on learning and experience in their chosen field. The programme provides students with an impressive portfolio of accomplishments for university study and employment.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE CP AND THE DP?

The DP consists of six academic courses plus a different core than the CP. The DP core components are creativity, activity, service (CAS), a theory of knowledge course (TOK) and an extended essay. Moreover, the DP does not include a career-related course of study. 

HOW DO IB PROGRAMMES SUPPORT COLLEGE AND CAREER READINESS?

College and career readiness refers not only to content knowledge but skills and habits that students must have to succeed in postsecondary education or training that leads directly to the workforce.

Check out this video from IB about college readiness from the Career Programme!

DO CP TEACHERS RECEIVE SPECIAL TRAINING?

All CP teachers receive professional development in the IB's approaches to teaching and approaches to learning from certified IB workshop leaders. This is a requirement for IB World Schools implementing the CP. The Personal and Professional Skills educator receives additional training that helps to support students in the core components of the CP programme.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THE IB AND CP?

• Visit the IB website at ibo.org
• Sign up and follow the IB Remind for important announcements
• Get involved in the IB Club and in activities on campus
• Get involved and volunteer in the community and on the CHS campus
• Speak with the CP coordinator, Courtney Kemp
• Speak with the many CTE educators on the CHS campus.

*Information provided by the International Baccalaureate at www.ibo.org

CAREER PROGRAMME ASSESSMENT INFORMATION – In order to earn the CP Diploma, all of the following must be met:

• The candidate must complete 50 Community/Service Learning hours and thorough reflections (posted in managebac) 
• The candidate must complete their Language Portfolio (requiring a minimum of 50 hours of dedicated language work)
• The candidate must be awarded a grade of at least D for the Reflective Project—Internally and Externally moderated. Any student awarded a grade of E for the reflective project will not be awarded the IBCP diploma.
• The candidate must earn a passing grade in the Personal & Professional Skills classes with adequate participation in class activities.
• The candidate must be awarded a grade 3 or more in at least two of the DP courses registered for the IBCP. (Internal Assessment and External Assessment)
• The final award committee will review all of the requirements and ensure all components have been met prior to the awarding of the IBCP Diploma.