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The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
 
What is the IB Diploma Programme?

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme was established in 1968 by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO), a non-profit educational organization based in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a challenging two-year curriculum aimed at students in grades 11 and 12 that leads to a qualification, which is recognized by the world’s leading universities. Today, over 2000 schools in more than 130 countries are authorized to offer the IB Diploma Programme.

Students in the diploma programme learn more than a collection of facts; they are encouraged to ask challenging questions, learn how to learn, develop a strong sense of their own identity and the ability to communicate with and understand people from other countries and cultures.

 
 
Courses

Students in the IB diploma programme study six subjects selected from the following subject groups:
 
- Group 1: Language A1 / Literature
- Group 2: Second Language
- Group 3: Individuals and Societies
- Group 4: Experimental Sciences
- Group 5: Mathematics
- Group 6: The Arts / Elective
 
Three of the subjects are studied at higher level (240 teaching hours) and the remaining three subjects are studied at standard level (150 teaching hours).
 
 ToK - Extended Essay - CAS
 
In addition to these subjects, students also follow a course of study in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK), an interdisciplinary course that explores the nature of knowledge across disciplines.
All IB diploma students are required to complete a 4,000 words Extended Essay, on a topic of their individual interest. The extended essay acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
IB diploma students are also expected to be involved in the school’s Creativity-Action-Service (CAS) programme, including artistic pursuits, sports and community work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life beyond academics.
 
Assessment
 
Students take the IB final examinations at the end of the programme in May of their second year, which are externally marked by IBO examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks  for their subjects during the two years of study, which are either internally marked by teachers and then moderated by IBO moderators (Internal Assesment), or sent directly to external examiners.