AISL IB Student Paths

Students who pursue the full IB diploma ​must​ complete six examinations: three at higher level and three at a standard level. The majority of the IB courses are taught over a two-year period. IB examinations are given each May in the twelfth grade year. For more detailed information, refer to: Earning the IB Diploma

In addition to course requirements, Full IB Diploma Candidate Must Also Satisfactorily Complete the IBDP CORE (CAS / TOK / EE)

CAS (Creativity, Activity & Service)

Diploma candidates are expected to be actively engaged outside the classroom setting in the creative endeavors, sports, physical activities and community service projects. While participating in such activities the candidate will critically reflect upon their activities and involvement, outlining their learning and personal journey in a reflective journal.

This journal is a compulsory element of the full diploma and the CAS program and journal is supervised by the CAS Coordinator.

Theory of Knowledge (TOK)

Theory of Knowledge at the American International School is designed to call upon reason to understand and explore the different perspectives and beliefs that we as human beings hold to be true. Using the eight ways of knowing as the central component ​(Emotion, Perception, Reason, and Language, etc.)​, the course will take students through each of the eight areas of knowledge ​(Ethics, History, The Arts, Human Sciences, Natural Sciences, Mathematics, etc.) ​and determine how the information gathered in each​ ​area becomes true. TOK emphasizes critical thinking, personal reflection, and stresses the importance of seeing events from multiple perspectives. Ultimately, the course is designed around the knower, not the teacher. The teacher should be an essential element to the course only in facilitating Socratic dialogue and eventually leading the knower to what he/she believes and why. What’s more, the instructor’s goal is to have a classroom full of knowers who are as good at arguing against their beliefs as they are supporting them.

Assessment for TOK consists of an essay based on prescribed topics given by the International Baccalaureate Organization, which is worth 70% of all possible points and is externally assessed by IB examiners. The remaining 30% is internally assessed by the teacher, and comes in the form of a major oral presentation.

The Extended Essay (EE)

For More Detail Visit: AISL Extended Essay Website

The Extended Essay is a required analytic paper of 4,000 maximum​ ​words. Candidates will select their subject and topic by late in the first semester of their first year in the program. Rough drafts are due at specific times during eleventh grade year and the final essay will be due in May. The process of producing the essay will follow a series of due dates, and be supervised by a qualified advisor. Due dates will be appropriately spaced throughout the 6-7 months the students are given to complete the paper. Up to three bonus points are awarded to students who effectively complete the TOK and Extended Essay requirements (this is outlined here in the EE/TOK Matrix). Students missing deadlines will be placed on probation. After the third missed deadline the candidate will be withdrawn from the IB diploma program.

Students who want to earn official recognition for the IB classes but who are not interested in enrolling in the Full IB Diploma can instead enroll in their eleventh grade year to take “certificate” exams. These exams will be taken in May of the twelfth grade year. A certificate student does not need to take IB exams in every class that they take at AISL. For example, a student may choose to take IB exams in French, Math, and Art, but not in Physics, History, or English. It is highly advisable for students who are not eligible for the full diploma to take IB exams only in the subjects in which they are strongest and to very carefully choose any classes they wish to take at the Higher Level. However, if obtaining college credit is a goal, HL classes are more likely to be granted credit or exemption.

Certificate classes can be taken at either the Higher or Standard Level. Certificate students can choose to take only

Standard Level classes. Certificate students can have the official grades earned in these classes sent to University

directly from IBO.