The Careers-related Programme (CP)
Why the CP?
This page is designed to provide you with a clear route map to navigate the key components of the CP.
Below, you'll find links to key pages on the InThinking Careers-related Programme website written by Rebecca Pickard. I am grateful to Rebecca for recommending key pages on her website for you to get an introduction to this IB programme.
If you are considering the CP you may be asking some of these questions:
- What are the key benefits of the CP?
- Which students is it best for?
- What are the practical implications?
- How do we implement the CP?
- How does the CP support students after graduation?
- What pathways does the CP open for students?
The CP is the newest of the four IB programmes. It began in 2012, as the IB Career-related Certificate (IBCC), and was re-launched as the CP in November 2014.
Three parts:
The IB Career-related Programme (CP) offers a flexible educational framework that combines:
- rigorous IB Diploma Programme (DP) courses
- an approved career-related study
- a CP core consisting of personal skills, service learning, language development, and a reflective project
This approach helps students develop academically, practically, and personally, fostering skills like critical thinking, collaboration, resilience, and self-direction.
Find out more by visiting ...
Rebecca's InThinking site which provides an overview of the structure of the programme on the page The IB and the IBCP.This page provides a good number of links to other pages available on the site.
The IB website which provides a clear introduction to the CP. Click HERE.
What’s the difference between IBDP & IBCP?
Both the IBDP and IBCP prepare students for higher education and career success, but they differ in focus, structure, and assessment. The IBDP offers a broad, academically focused education, while the IBCP integrates academic studies with vocational training, providing practical skills and knowledge in a specific career field.
Top benefits of the IB Career-related Programme (CP):
- Career & academic balance: Combines academic rigour with career-focused studies, preparing students for both higher education and their future career.
- Personal growth: Provides a focus on their personal growth, building practical skills, resilience, and confidence.
- Global recognition: The qualification is respected by universities and employers worldwide.
- Personalized learning: The programme has inbuilt flexibility tailored to students’ interests and career goals.
- Civic engagement: Encourages community service and global awareness, fostering responsible, engaged citizens.
In this video the CP Coordinator describes their CP programme.
Some practical implications of implementing the IBCP include:
Curriculum design: Schools need to balance academic courses from the IB Diploma Programme with career-related studies, ensuring appropriate resources and staff for both areas.
Teacher training: Teachers must be trained not only in IB DP courses but also in supporting career-related education and the CP core components, such as service learning and the reflective project.
Partnerships with industry: Schools may need to establish partnerships with local businesses or training providers to offer relevant career-related studies and work placements.
Personalized learning: The programme requires schools to provide flexible pathways, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.
Assessment & reporting: Schools must adapt assessment methods to cover both academic and vocational elements, requiring adjustments in how progress is tracked and reported.
Resource allocation: Schools may need additional resources for career-related studies, including vocational training materials, technology, and support for internships or service learning.
The InThinking website dedicated to the CP has a wealth of resources. Here's a selection.