An Experiential Pathway to University and Beyond

The International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) is designed for students interested in pursuing a career-related education in the final two years of secondary school. The programme is increasingly valued by universities as it leads to higher education, practical apprenticeships, and increased employment opportunities.

KIS International School is currently a Candidate School* for the IBCP. Beginning in August 2022, KIS will offer this innovative employment-based curriculum, giving our students yet another challenging course of study. 

Why CP?
 

• Combines academic and practical real-world approaches to learning
• Students take career-related courses that align with their passions, interests and career goals
• Students earn a high school diploma, IBCP diploma, and the potential to earn university credits

Students study at least two IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses alongside the distinctive career-related studies and IBCP core curriculum for a holistic education model. The result is a well-rounded understanding of the working world through project-based learning that develops skills such as cross-cultural collaboration, critical thinking, and responsibility.

Components of the IBCP Core Curriculum

• A personal and professional skills course. Supports development of attitudes and skills needed to successfully navigate higher education, the workplace, and society.  
• The study of an additional language. Ensures that all students have access to and are exposed to a language programme that will assist and further their understanding of the wider world. 
• A reflective project. Students identify, analyze, and evaluate an ethical issue arising from their career-related studies through a long-term project. It promotes high-level research, writing, intellectual discovery, and creativity.
• Service learning. Through experiential learning, students apply their knowledge and gain practical, real-world practice and meeting community needs. 
   

University and Business Partnerships
 

Through partnerships with universities and companies around the world, students earn university credits while taking university level coursework. Experiential learning allows students to apply their knowledge and gain practical, real-world skills. Each IBCP certified school creates its own distinctive version of the CP to meet the needs, backgrounds and contexts of its students. Vocational curriculum can include art, business, drama, film and media, sport, culinary arts, and hotel management. The coursework incorporates practical, hands-on activities such as work experience, industry visits, talks by industry professionals, internships, and apprenticeships.

IBCP at KIS

• Students are enrolled in 3-4 KIS IBDP courses depending on their area of focus.
• Students will earn a KIS High School Diploma.
• For at least two of those courses, they will complete all the course requirements and exams. 
• For other courses, they may have a revised syllabus and course requirements.  
• Students take a Personal and Professional Skills course
• Students have study periods to work on their KIS coursework and their Career-related studies.
• Students participate in service and internship opportunities.

Art & Design Pathway (SCAD)

For students who are interested in pursuing a creative career in the world of art and design. Students complete IB studies at KIS alongside university-level courses through the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the US. 

POSSIBLE CP CAREER PATHWAYS: 

• Architect
• Interior Designer
• Game Designer
• Photographer
• Performing Artist
• Advertising and Branding Executive
• Artist
• Author/Playwright
• Digital Design Consultant
• Sketch Artist

Business & Sustainability Pathway (SUMAS)

For students who are interested in pursuing a career in the world of business, with a specific focus on sustainability and leadership. Students complete IB studies at KIS alongside university-level courses through the Sustainability Management School (SUMAS), a top business school in Switzerland.

POSSIBLE CAREER PATHWAYS: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Consultant
• Sustainability Program Coordinator
• Ecotourism
• Environmental Lawyer
• Green Entrepreneur
• Financial Advisor for Responsible Investments
• Chief Sustainability Officer
• Fashion Design
• Interior Design
• Sustainable Hospitality
• Operations and Production Manager

Who is the IB Career-related Programme for at KIS?

• Academically motivated students.
• Students who may be considering more specialized schools for art, design, fashion, hospitality, etc.
• Students who want a deeper emphasis on art / design or management and sustainability.
• Students who are looking to apply to less competitive traditional universities for non-applied maths / science faculties.
• Students who are looking to apply to art / design or management / hospitality focused specialty programmes.

Who is the IB Diploma Programme for at KIS?

• Academically motivated students.
• Students who want a college preparatory programme.
• Students who want a traditional liberal arts education that is broad and deep.
• Students who are looking to apply to competitive traditional universities.
• Students who are considering applying for applied math/science degree programs in the UK, Europe, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

The IBCP should not be perceived as less academic than the IBDP as it is just challenging. In fact, the IBCP can involve more independent study and a higher level of self-discipline and organisation than the IBDP. 

21st century life places complex demands on graduates – so enabling students to become self-confident, skilled, and career-ready learners must be an integral part of their education. Students in the CP develop skills that are valued by both universities and employers. 
 

• Linguistic proficiency
• Critical thinking skills
• Maturity and responsibility
• Time management skills
• Strong work ethic
• Social and communication skills