What is the Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is designed as an academically challenging and balanced programme of education with final examinations that prepares students, normally aged 16 to 19, for success at university and life beyond. The programme is normally taught over two years and has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities.

Diploma Programme Curriculum

The curriculum is modeled by a circle with six academic areas surrounding the three core requirements.

IB Diploma Programme students study six courses at higher level or standard level. Students must choose one subject from each of groups 1 to 5, thus ensuring breadth of experience in languages, social studies, the experimental sciences and mathematics. The sixth subject may be an arts subject chosen from group 6, or the student may choose another subject from groups 1 to 5. 

In addition, the programme has three core requirements that are included to broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding.

The Extended Essay (EE) is a requirement for students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the subjects they are studying.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is a course designed to encourage each student to reflect on the nature of knowledge by critically examining different ways of knowing (perception, emotion, language and reason) and different kinds of knowledge (scientific, artistic, mathematical and historical).

Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requires that students actively learn from the experience of doing real tasks beyond the classroom. Students can combine all three components or do activities related to each one of them separately.

Normally:
Three of the six subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL courses representing 240 teaching hours) the remaining three subjects are studied at Standard Level (SL courses representing 150 teaching hours).

The key features of the Diploma Programme are:
-  A broad and balanced curriculum
-  Flexibility of choice within a structure
-  Concurrency of learning
-  Development of international understanding
-  Rigorous assessment
-  Community service
-  Development of research skills, critical thinking, enquiry and reflection skills

University Recognition

• The IB diploma is a passport to higher education. Universities around the world welcome the unique characteristics of IB Diploma Programme students and recognize the way in which the programme helps to prepare students for university-level education.
• IB students routinely gain admission to some of the best-known universities in the world. Most of these institutions have established recognition policies for the IB diploma.
• The IB maintains information about university recognition that is displayed on the Country information pages of its website.
• We always advise that you read this information carefully and consult the School's Careers Advisor or admissions office of any university in which you are particularly interested as this information can change.