By Balkishan Sharma 

Today’s highly competitive job market demands more than education; it necessitates career-oriented education. Succeeding in a world that changes like anything requires making the right move at the right time. In the K-12 education space, this means incorporating smart and innovative curriculums that impart students with career-related skills and knowledge. One such way is the adoption of the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) by schools. Although new, this programme is already gaining popularity among both students and parents. 

What is IBCP?

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is a two-year programme for students in Grades 11 and 12 that combines academic rigor with career-related studies. It is a unique option for students who want to gain a strong academic foundation while also preparing for their future careers.

The IBCP has three main components:

  • Career-Related Studies (CRS): Students choose a specialisation from a variety of options offered by the World Academy of Career Programmes (WACP), such as Business Administration, Artificial Intelligence, Sports Management, Accounts and Financial Management, Event Management, Nutrition and Dietetics, and Filmmaking. CRS courses provide students with 720 guided learning hours in their chosen field, giving them a head start on their careers.
  • Diploma Programme (DP) Subjects: Students take two DP subjects at either Higher Level (HL) or Standard Level (SL). Recommended DP subjects that complement the CRS include English Language & Literature and Economics, or Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Mathematics. Students can also choose other subjects from the six DP subject groups.
  • Core Subjects: All IBCP students must take four core subjects: Personal and Professional Skills, Service Learning, Reflective Projects, and Language Development. These subjects help students develop essential life and career skills, such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

The IBCP is a rigorous programme, but it is also very rewarding. Students who complete the IBCP graduate with a globally recognized diploma that prepares them for success in university and beyond.

How does it benefit students?

With the IBCP curriculum, students can integrate career-focused courses of choice with select DP (Diploma) subjects. This provides students with the flexibility to combine academic knowledge and real-world, experiential learning skills. This amalgamation of theory and practice empowers students to develop 21st-century skills, an indispensable attribute to thrive in the workplace.

The IB curriculum is different from the conventional curriculums, as it encourages students to take charge of their learning process and facilitates acquiring future-ready skills. This curriculum enhances the students’ flexibility and thus their relevance for wider career options.

Pathways with the IBCP

This programme helps students in portfolio building as they can opt for specialisations that suit their interests. This also provides students with a seamless transition into university programmes. 

Recognised by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) as a Grade 12 qualification, the IBCP is an accepted qualification by universities in India and around the world. Among them, leading Indian universities include Ashoka University, Shiv Nadar University, Plaksha University, ITM University and many more. Besides, institutions like HTMi (Switzerland), Britts Imperial College (Dubai), Michigan College Alliance (USA), and some colleges of the University of Mumbai provide guaranteed admission offers to students completing IBCP with WACP CRS. The World Academy of Career Programmes (WACP) offers a range of career specialisations as a recognised CRS provider with IB.

Also Read

The popularity of the IBCP programme is rising globally. As a result, schools in major metropolitan areas and Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities in India are experiencing increased acceptance of the programme. Futuristic and career-oriented programmes like this are being implemented by schools across the world as they give students the freedom to choose their careers and empower parents to guide their wards to a better future. 

The author is the founder, World Academy of Career Programmes (WACP)