IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (DP) is a two-year course of study at the High School level.
The structure of the DP is different from other courses, because the programme reflects the education practices of other countries. For example, students take a wider range of subjects, but some of these are studied in depth, preparing students for universities.
Subject Areas
Students take three subjects at a standard level (150 hours of teaching) and three at a higher level (240 hours of teaching) or 4 subjects at a higher level and 2 subjects at a standard level.
There are six groups of study and students at Indus International School must pick one from each group. These are:
- Group 1
- Language A - normally the students' first language e.g. English. This includes a study of world literature
- Group 2
- Language B - a modern foreign language. Indus has selected French, German, Hindi and Spanish
- Group 3
- Individuals and Societies - Economics, Geography, History, Business and Management, Information in a Global Society, Psychology, Philosophy and Social Anthropology
- Group 4
- Experimental Sciences - Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems and Design Technology
- Group 5
- Mathematics and Computer Science
- Group 6
- The Arts, or a second subject from Groups 1-5
All students must perform satisfactorily in all chosen subjects and must complete three additional requirements. They are:
- 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 two 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.
There are over 3,400 trained IBO examiners across the world, who assess the work of 40,000 students a year. Eighty per cent of students who attempt the DP course are awarded with the DP qualification.
University Recognition
Every university in the world and in India recognizes the IB programme. This means they will grant university entrance based on the student’s performance in the IB exams. The curriculum committee is formed from IB teachers around the world.
This information can also be looked up on www.ibo.org
