In addition to the general education, pupils in Year 7 and 8 are taught six IB subjects of their choice.
There is a great deal of freedom in the choice of IB subjects but there are also some requirements. To ensure a well-rounded education, every student's six chosen subjects must include their mother tongue language and then at least one science, humanities, and foreign language.
By individually choosing three subjects at ‘higher level’ and three at ‘standard level’, the programme is tailored to each student.
Various specialisations can be chosen, such as a focus on natural sciences with 8 laboratory lessons per week. Alternatively, students can also choose two foreign languages and become experts in literature interpretation, for example.
The core and one of the great advantages of the IB is the subject ‘Theory of Knowledge’, a pre-academic assignment (‘Extended Essay’) and participation in extracurricular activities of a creative, sporting and social nature (‘CAS’).
The Core - the central elements of the IB
Theory of Knowledge (TOK)
Theory of Knowledge is a core element of the IB programme and poses the fundamental question: ‘How do we know what we know?’ TOK encourages students to critically reflect on and discuss perception, knowledge acquisition and scientific methods. It prepares them to face the complex realities of the modern world and to act in a responsible, open-minded and well-informed way.
Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS)
Creativity, Activity, Service emphasises extracurricular activities and complements the IB's academic education. Students are encouraged to pursue creative, sporting and social/charitable projects according to their individual interests and talents. From piano lessons and football training to volunteer work in an old people's home, CAS helps students to develop into well-rounded individuals.
The Extended Essay (EE)
The Extended Essay is the first piece of independent academic work and is an important preparation for university study. Each pupil researches a topic of their choice and writes an extended essay of 4000 words. The focus is on personal commitment in developing the research question, the independent research process and the effective presentation of the research results. Universities highly value Extended Essays as it provides students with practical preparation for the kind of undergraduate research required in higher education.
University admission with the IB Diploma
The IB Diploma is accepted as a university entrance qualification at Austrian universities. Below is a short list of links to information regarding admission to Austrian universities with an IB Diploma.
International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) (in English)
BG/BRG Klosterneuburg IB World School offers a dedicated university counselling service which guides and assists pupils in their applications to colleges and universities in the UK and USA. In case of any questions, please contact the University Counsellor Heewon Park MA.