The International Baccalaureate (IB) program is an internationally accepted compr
ehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum for students aged between sixteen and nineteen who may wish to pursue their education overseas or in Australia. The general objectives of the IB are to provide students with a balanced education; to facilitate geographical and cultural mobility; and to promote international understanding through a shared academic experience.
In the years since its founding, the IB diploma has become synonymous with academic integrity and intellectual promise. The student who satisfies its demands demonstrates a strong commitment to learning, both in terms of mastery of subject content and in the development of the skills and discipline necessary for success in a changing world.
The IB curriculum at Narrabundah College consists of six subject groups:
- Language A - Includes the study of selections from Literature (English).
- Language B - Second language - French, German, Japanese, Italian, Spanish, Chinese, Korean.
- Individuals and Societies - History, Economics, Psychology, Environmental Systems and Societies.
- Experimental Science - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Exercise Science, Environmental Systems and Societies.
- Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL/SL , Applications and Interpretations SL.
- Electives - Art, Music, Theatre Art : a third modern language, a second subject from Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences and the Arts.
All IB Diploma candidates are required to complete one subject from each of the groups. At least three and not more than four of the six subjects are taken at the Higher Level, the others at Standard Level. Each examination is graded on a scale of 1 (minimum) to 7 (maximum). The award of the Diploma requires a minimum total of 24 points and the satisfactory completion of three additional requirements: The Extended Essay of some 4000 words which provides the first experience of an independent research paper; a course entitled Theory of Knowledge (TOK) which explores the relationships among the various disciplines and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom; compulsory participation in CAS extra-curricular service activities. Bonus points may be awarded for exceptional performance in the Extended Essay, or TOK.
Only schools officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) are authorised to offer the curriculum and to present candidates for examination. There are around 4,000 member schools in 147 countries throughout the world; Schools offering the IB Diploma Programme are almost evenly divided between state or national system schools and private schools. Significant numbers of IB Diploma holders both from within and outside Australasia have gained admission to the regions' prominent institutes of tertiary education. The Examinations Office oversees two examination sessions per year. Most schools in the Southern Hemisphere prepare their candidates for the November session. Examiners worldwide participate in the assessment of student work. The final, official IB transcript is sent to candidates in early March, following the awarding of grades. This document indicates the level of the subjects, the grade awarded in each, the total point score and the completion of the additional Diploma requirements.
Cost of IB program $2400. (Year 11 and 12 - this includes a subscription to Kognity and Managebac) $1200. Exam fees (approx $1200).
NARC IB information guide 2025 
(PDF) (2.0mb)
Email the Narrabundah College IB Coordinator at