Like any education organization or framework, the IB has their own lingo. I found it confusing myself when usused to the terms, so I will try to provide a little dictionary here (in alphabetical order) for the uninitiated.
COMMAND TERMS - These are words and phrases which have specific definitions for testing purposes. Teachers should familiarize students with these so students understand the intention of the terms and respond appropriately. The are specifically articulated and defined and fall into three levels of difficulty and complexity.
DP- This is short for "diploma program" which is the grade 11-12 program students can take all (or part of) to earn certificates on IB courses or to collect the whole package of the IB's DP diploma. At schools which only, or first offered, the DP, this term "DP" is often used interchangeable with "IB." However, IB is the name of the organization which has 3 programs divided by school year: PYP (grade K-5), MYP (grade 6-10) and DP for grade 11-12.
IB - This is perhaps the most obvious abbreviation standing for "International baccalaureate" which is the trademark name of the organization our curricular frameworks and external assessments come from.
MYP - "middle years program" is a curricular framework and teaching philosophy for teacher children in grade 6-10. Unfortunately it is rather self contained at this writing (June 2009) and does not, by itself, prepare students for the DP. I am sure the IB will modify the structure and tie these three programs more closely in the near future.
PRACTICAL - This is the IB word for what American teachers call "labs." I assume the term practical is common usage in the larger Commonwealth but as an American trained educator I a
SUBJECT GUIDE - This is the thick document outlining everything you have to know in the subject; in the is case "biology." Every student should have, love and digest a copy of this document. Download yours by clicking on the link.