WHAT IS THE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME (IBDP)?

For over 40 years, the International Baccalaureate (IB) has provided schools with learning programmes that prepare students for a future beyond the classroom. “The IB aims to “develop internationally-minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.” - IB mission statement The IBDP is a rigorous, demanding pre-university curriculum that is designed for highly motivated students aged 16 to 19. The programme has earned a global reputation for the depth, breadth, and challenge of its teaching and learning and for its focus on developing students who are knowledgeable, caring, and balanced. IB Diploma-educated students gain access to leading universities and institutions of higher learning worldwide. Research has shown that IB Diploma students are often better prepared for university learning than their peers. 

DIPLOMA PROGRAMME OVERVIEW 

The IBDP is taught over Grades 11 and 12 and provides a rigorous educational experience across six academic subjects and the CORE - Theory of Knowledge (ToK) - Extended Essay (EE) - Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). At the center of the CORE is the Learner Profile which delineates 10 attributes that underpin all IB programmes in their quest to provide a holistic and human approach to education and to achieve their aim. Students at AISJ can choose to study for a full IB Diploma, or they can choose to study any number of IB Courses that will suit their educational goals.

THE CORE OF THE PROGRAMME 

The Extended Essay (EE) piece of the CORE offers students the opportunity to investigate a topic of special interest and acquaints them with the independent research and writing skills expected at the university level. Every IB Diploma candidate must submit an Extended Essay to obtain the Diploma. The essay is expected to take approximately 40 hours of work and be 4,000 words in length. Every student works with a mentor whom they meet on several occasions throughout the essay-writing process. 

Theory of Knowledge (TOK) is central to the educational philosophy of the IBDP and to the CORE. It challenges students and their teachers to reflect critically on diverse ways of knowing and areas of knowledge while encouraging students to become aware of themselves as thinkers. Teachers engage students in a critical examination of knowledge and encourage them to gain and apply their own knowledge with greater awareness and responsibility.

Participation and reflection in Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) is the final element of the IBDP CORE. The students gain autonomy and independence through their own CAS program in the activities they create and in which they become involved. Involvement in CAS requires sustained involvement over an 18-month period. 

Full IB Diploma students participate in a dedicated CORE course that covers all three required elements of the program.

PAMOJA COURSES 

If there is an IB Diploma Course that a student wishes to take that is not offered at AISJ, we are affiliated with Pamoja and can offer courses from their catalog. Details of Pamoja Courses can be found here. 

If a student wishes to take a Pamoja course, there is a separate application process, and course fees will be at the student’s expense. Pamoja courses are most suited to students who are highly independent and self-motivated. Upon agreement that a Pamoja course is suitable for a student’s IB Diploma, they will be scheduled one block to work on the course during their regular schedule.

IBDP COURSES IN THE HSP 

Students do not need to be enrolled in the full IBDP to benefit from the DP courses. All courses are open to all AISJ G11 students. Many students choose to complete IBDP courses in subjects they are passionate about or have a keen interest.

They can be studied at HL or SL based on student preference and/or teacher recommendation. For each successful IBDP course, a student achieves, they will receive a Course Certificate from the IB.