The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is a modern qualification that prepares students for their chosen careers while completing an IB Diploma recognised worldwide by universities and employers.
IBCP students are equipped for the future world of work, where transferable skills and learning attitudes are increasingly crucial for success. They benefit from workshops led by industry experts in fields such as film and performing arts, alongside a rigorous and balanced IB programme that offers flexibility with a wide range of IBDP subjects.
As a group of schools, we have been teaching the IB for over fifty years, including a comprehensive suite of IB Art options encompassing visual, performing arts, and film. Our expertise in these areas has enabled us to pioneer the adoption of the IBCP, offering a unique programme in Theatre Arts and Digital Arts (games design, animation, and visual effects).
The Programme Framework
Specifically designed to empower students who want to specialise in, and focus on, a career-related education, the programme’s three-part framework comprises:
- Two-four IB Diploma Programme courses*
- Career related study in Theatre Arts or Digital Arts (game design, animation and VFX)
- Language development portfolio
*It is recommended that students also take maths, if not IBDP, at High School level.
How does the programme prepare students?
Personal and Professional Skills
Preparing students for future leadership roles in their industry is a crucial aspect of the IBCP. Students are equipped with tools highly sought after by employers, such as project management skills, effective written and verbal communication, and proficiency in navigating business environments, including current industry protocols. They are supported by visits to professional environments like Pinewood Studios.
Reflective Project
Students explore various global perspectives on an issue affecting their chosen industry. They apply research, critical thinking, and evaluation skills to assess the ethical problem and its potential impact on workers, consumers, employers, and other stakeholders.
Service Learning
Helping others is central to the IBCP, and students participate in several service projects, including at least one designed and implemented within the local community. This involves a range of volunteering opportunities both within the school and with our local partner organisations, allowing students to make a positive impact while gaining insights from diverse perspectives.
I was able to choose classes that would better prepare me for university and continue my passion, while still receiving a well-rounded education. Knowing I wanted to study arts at university, the IBCP was the perfect fit for me.
Theatre Arts
IBCP Theatre Arts is a course tailored for students with an interest and passion for performing arts, directing, and production. This unique course focuses on devising and analysing theatre, developing various acting styles and skills ranging from classical to contemporary texts, and directing for stage and set design.
Theatre Arts can be paired with LAMDA, covering Speech and Drama with Performance studies, or pursued as a stand-alone qualification. Each student will build their own portfolio, which becomes part of their application for related courses at university.
Digital Arts
ACS Hillingdon has been a longstanding partner of the UK film industry, maintaining strong ties with Pinewood Studios, known for Hollywood blockbusters like the James Bond, Star Wars, and Jurassic Park franchises.
The course encompasses animation, 3D modelling, game design, visual effects, and computer programming, culminating in the development of a personal portfolio.
Students will gain from collaboration with industry specialists and mentors throughout the two-year course.
Why choose the IBCP?
How does the IBCP differ from the IBDP?
How is the IBCP assessed?
Is the IBCP accepted by universities and colleges around the world?
From an admissions perspective, this looks like a very exciting development. These programmes are good feeders for universities like ours. And it is obviously always good to receive applications from students already engaged in the subject area.
