IB Diploma Programme

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a 2-year course of study at the High School level i.e. Grade 11 and 12.

The structure of the DP is different from other courses, because the programme reflects the educational practices of other countries. For example, students take a wider range of subjects, but some of these are studied in depth, preparing students for university.

Subject Areas

Students must take 3 subjects at a standard level (150 hours of teaching) and 3 subjects at a higher level (240 hours of teaching) or 2 subjects at a standard level and 4 subjects at a higher level.

There are six groups of study and students at Indus International School must pick 1 from each group. These are:

Group 1: Language A1

English

Group 2: Language B

French, Hindi, German and Spanish

Group 3: Individuals and Societies

Economics, Geography, History, Business and Management, Information Technology in a Global Society, Psychology, Environmental Systems & Societies (trans-disciplinary subject)

Group 4: Experimental Sciences

Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Systems & Societies (trans-disciplinary subject).

Group 5: Mathematics

Group 6 :Art

Visual Art or a second subject from Groups 3 or 4

All students must complete 3 additional requirements:

• An extended essay of some 4000 words, which provides the first experience of an independent research paper. The focus of the essay must relate to one of the student's academic subjects.
• A course entitled Theory of Knowledge, which explores the relationships among the various disciplines, and ensures that students engage in critical reflection and analysis of the knowledge acquired within and beyond the classroom.
• Participation in Creativity, Action, Service (CAS) activities. All IB students are expected to contribute at least half a day per week to CAS. This is to create opportunities for service and enhance interpersonal and communication skills.

At Indus International School we offer 2 options:

Option 1

Students can chose one subject from each group or select the sixth subject from Groups 1 – 5 instead of Group 6.

Option 2

Students can select one subject each from Groups 1, 2 and 3, three subjects from Group 4 and Mathematics from Group 5. This enables them to take up professional courses like Engineering/Medical for admission to universities in India and some universities abroad. Students taking the second option will do 7 subjects in all.

Assessment

Various methods of assessment are used, such as coursework, practical work and orals. Written examinations are conducted at the end of the two years, and coursework makes up 20% – 50% of the final score.

Performance is measured against standards that are used worldwide. Students are given a grade from 1 (min) to 7 (max) for each subject they are examined in. To pass the Diploma, they need a minimum of 24 (the maximum is 42). It is possible to earn an additional three points for superior work on the essay, TOK course and CAS.

University Recognition

All universities in the world, and in India, recognise the IB Diploma Programme. This means they will grant university entrance based on the student’s performance in the IB exams.

This information can also be looked up on www.ibo.org