IB Diploma Programme

The IB Diploma Programme (DP) instills extensive breadth and depth of knowledge – developing future-ready students who flourish physically, intellectually, emotionally and ethically. The curriculum comprises six subject groups and three “core” aspects: theory of knowledge (TOK), creativity, activity, service (CAS) and the extended essay (EE). Overall, DP students reflect on the nature of knowledge, complete independent research and undertake a major project that often involves community service.

Why should students do the DP?

Research shows that DP graduates, on average, significantly outperform non-IB graduates at university.

How do our students perform in the DP?

Since we launched the DP Programme in 2015, our students have consistently surpassed the world average. This year, our DP candidates achieved a class average of 36 points. Congratulations to the graduating class of 2021!

What makes an DP education great?

Develops critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
Equips students with self-management skills for university
Immerses students in an additional language
Provides an internationally recognised qualification of the highest standard
Increases university and career opportunities
Instills empathy and a wider worldview
Encourages students to be independent and confident
Develops intercultural competencies
Develops the whole person through creativity, action and service
Exposes students to high-pressure situations that mimic real life
Provides clear assessment criteria for students to work towards

GROUP 1
English Language and Literature (SL/HL)

GROUP 2
French Ab Initio
French (SL)
Spanish Ab Initio
Spanish (SL)
Hindi (SL)
Hindi (HL)

GROUP 3
Business and Management (SL/HL)
Economics (SL/HL)
History (HL)
Psychology (HL)
Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)

GROUP 4
Chemistry (SL/HL)
Biology (SL/HL)
Physics (SL/HL)
Environmental Systems and Societies (SL)
Computer Sciences (SL/HL)

GROUP 5
Maths: Analysis and Approaches (SL/HL)
Maths: Applications and Interpretations (SL/HL)

GROUP 6
Visual Arts (SL/HL)
Music (SL/HL)

CORE
Theory Of Knowledge
Extended Essay
CAS

DP Grading and Awards

The IB Diploma Programme uses both internally and externally assessed components to assess student performance. For most courses, written examinations at the end of the DP form the basis of the assessment. Externally assessed coursework, completed by students over an extended period under authenticated teacher supervision, forms part of the assessment for several programme areas. In most subjects, students also complete in-school assessment tasks. These are either externally assessed or marked by teachers and then externally moderated by the IB.

DP students receive grades ranging from 7 to 1, with 7 being highest. Students receive a grade for each DP course attempted. A student’s final diploma score is the combined scores for each subject. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance. The theory of knowledge and extended essay components are awarded individual grades and, collectively, can contribute up to 3 additional points towards the overall diploma score. The remaining element, CAS, does not contribute to the points total, but authenticated participation is a requirement for the award of the diploma.

The IB awards the same number of points for higher level (HL) and standard level (SL) courses, reflecting the importance of achievement across a broad range of academic disciplines. HL and SL courses differ in scope but are assessed against the same grade descriptors, with HL candidates expected to demonstrate a greater body of knowledge, understanding and skills.