IB terminology
General terminology
The registered trademark, “International Baccalaureate”, is used to refer to the name of the organization and “IB” is preferred in most other contexts, for example, IB programmes (Diploma Programme, Middle Years Programme, Primary Years Programme), IB World Schools (only those authorized to offer one or more IB programme), IB schools (including both candidate and authorized schools), IB teachers, IB students.
The learner profile is central to the ideology of IB programmes and is referred to as the “IB learner profile”.
IB Diploma Programme
The official name of the Diploma Programme is the “IB Diploma Programme” (not shortened to “DP”).
The official name of a subject is, for example, “IB Diploma Programme mathematics”. “Diploma Programme mathematics” is also acceptable as long as the “IB” is included in the first instance. Please do not use “IB mathematics” because this could refer to any of the IB programmes, not just the Diploma Programme.
The Diploma Programme model used to be referred to as the IB hexagon but is now known as the “Diploma Programme model”.
“higher level” and “standard level” can be referred to as “HL” and “SL” as long as this is defined when they first appear.
“Theory of knowledge” may be referred to as “TOK” as long as this is defined when it first appears.
“Creativity, action, service” may be referred to as “CAS” as long as this is defined when it first appears.
Please do not abbreviate “extended essay”.
IB Middle Years Programme
The official name of the Middle Years Programme is the “IB Middle Years Programme” (not shortened to “IBMYP”) or the “MYP”.
The official name of a subject group is, for example, “MYP mathematics”.
IB Primary Years Programme
The official name of the Primary Years Programme is the “IB Primary Years Programme” (not shortened to “IBPYP”) or the “PYP”.
