IBO

International Baccalaureate Diploma Program

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program is a comprehensive and rigorous two-year curriculum, aimed at students in Grades 11 and 12. It leads to a qualification that is widely recognized by leading universities around the world. Since September 1999, Pinewood is officially approved by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) in Geneva, Switzerland, to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program. The IB Diploma Program consists of a core of six academic subjects, including at least two languages, and the required Theory of Knowledge component, a special overarching course designed to establish connections between and among themes and ideas from the various subject areas. Students are also required to engage in two or three hours per week of CAS (Creativity, Action, Service) and to submit an Extended Essay of 4,000 words on a topic of their choice.

IB Diploma candidates are required to study one subject from each of the six subject groups. At least three and not more than four of these subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL), the others at Standard Level (SL). The six subject groups are:

Group 1 - Language A1 (literature): English
Group 2 – Language B (second language): English, French or Greek
Group 3 – Individuals and societies: Economics, History or Psychology
Group 4 – Experimental sciences: Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Group 5 – Mathematics: Mathematics or Mathematical Studies
Group 6 – Electives: Visual Arts or a second subject from groups 2, 3 or 4.
Another language A1 instead of English may be available dependent upon student demand, or as a school supported self taught course.

The IB courses themselves are challenging, but manageable, provided students are willing to put in long hours of extra study. Students interested in committing themselves to the Diploma Program need to begin preparing well before Grade 11, if possible. As an alternative to the full Diploma Program, Pinewood also offers the option to highly motivated students to take certificate exams in selected IB courses of their choice. Special handouts for the IB Program are available upon request and additional information and guidance may be obtained from the IB Coordinator.