October
Administration
Create or update (as applicable) an ongoing programme development plan. This is an IB requirement of the IB 2020 Standards and Practices following authorisation and part of the five year evaluation cycle.
Consider the following:
potential growth in student numbers
any funding issues and university recognition
the CRS pathways and DP course offerings
staffing, resources, facilities
Core programme requirements
Communication with the wider school community including parents
Student voice! What voice and choice do they have in the direction of the programme?
Read the most recent CP coordinator’s notes from the PRC and pass on any updates to relevant personnel. Coordinators' notes are published in October, March and June.
Teachers
Facilitate IBCP faculty meetings and collaboration.
Update and check the assessment calendar (make sure it includes all CRS assessment deadlines to be certain the IB and CRS deadlines are well spaced out over the two years to support student time management). Include any periods of internships or work placements.
Include required formal meetings for students with RP advisor and SL supervisors.
Students
Draft college recommendation letters or references for full CP students in year 2.
Many colleges universities and employers will want a recommendation or reference from the CP coordinator.
Letters can be strengthened by specifics about the IBCP framework and qualification(s), students’ CRS work-related experiences, RP topics, service learning projects, or stand-out IA topics.
Marketing
Update IB Career-related Programme promotional materials and/or application form(s).
Develop a student recruitment plan, particularly if your school has recently introduced the CP programme. The CP is not yet widely understood by the school community or by university destinations of choice.
Make a plan for both internal and external promotion.
Internal promotion
Make sure the careers department and school counsellors are well briefed about the elements of the programme and have a solid understanding of the CP qualification and university recognition.
Visit classes and give assemblies (or have IB CP students or teachers visit targeted classes with a brief presentation and opportunity for Q&A).
Contact parents of CP alumni about attending information nights.
Schedule informational nights for parents with an introductory presentation, student testimonials, and IB faculty.
If yours is a new programme there are resources available on the PRC:
Consider both an in-person and a virtual event at different times to help accommodate schedules.
Consider recording a presentation for those who are unable to attend the event.
Provide a sign-in sheet with QR code link to a Google form for families to fill out their contact information and ask questions.
Communicate with any feeder schools about visiting to speak with students about secondary programmes of study.
Ask teachers to nominate students or invite them to apply to the CP programme.
External promotion
Make sure that the school website has up-to-date, accurate and visible information about the CP framework, success stories, and FAQs.
Review admissions policy and admissions criteria to maximise the number of potential CP students who can apply.
Review and revise the CP student handbook (both hard and digital copies), so it is appealing and widely available throughout the school and in local community spaces.
Social media! Consider student involvement in maintaining the profile of the CP.
Consider also using traditional media such as local radio and newspapers to run an article on the programme, perhaps referencing a particular career focus or service project.
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