International Baccalaureate

IB Diploma Programme students must choose one subject from each of five groups (1 to 5), ensuring breadth of knowledge and understanding in their best language, additional language(s), the social sciences, the experimental sciences and mathematics. Students may choose either an arts subject from group 6, or a second subject from several which are repeated in groups 1 to 5.

Three subjects are taken at Higher Level (240 teaching hours), while the other subjects are taken at Standard Level (150 teaching hours).

In addition to disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, the IB Diploma Programme features three core elements that broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

• The Extended Essay asks students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying.

• Theory of Knowledge develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

• Creativity, Activity/Action, Service (CAS) involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the IB Diploma Programme. Creativity encourages students to engage in the arts and creative thinking. Action seeks to develop a healthy lifestyle through physical activity. Service with the community offers a vehicle for a new learning with academic value. The three strands of CAS enhance students’ personal and interpersonal development through experiential learning and enable journeys of self-discovery.