Diploma Programme @ DISV

This Curriculum Website is intended to provide you with an understanding of the IB Diploma Years Programme (IB DP) and how it is uniquely implemented at DISV.

At Danube, we strive to create a culture that encourages students to discover their individual gifts and talents. The school endeavours to nurture and support each student to reach their full potential. The school's family atmosphere is grounded in mutual respect, trust, compassion and community service.

In addition to high academic standards, the international education that we offer focuses on three fundamental concepts: holistic learning, intercultural awareness, and the idea of global interconnectedness. We guide students to develop their skills to become independent learners and leaders in the global community. We also provide a wide range of activities and experiences that will not only prepare our students for the future but also make their professional and personal life more enjoyable and rewarding.

To gain the IB Diploma all candidates must:

• Take one subject from each group*.

*Group 6 is one exception:  A group 6 subject may be replaced by an additional subject from Group 2, 3 or 4. Another exception is that a student may choose an additional group 1 subject instead of group 2)

• Take at least three and not more than four of the six subjects at Higher Level (HL) and other subjects at Standard Level (SL).

  1. Total point score must accumulate to 24 points and above

  2. Student cannot score Grade 1 in any subject.

  3. Student cannot score more than two Grade 2.

  4. Student cannot score no more than three Grade 3 or below

  5. For HL subjects, student must score 12 points and above.

  6. For SL subjects, student must score 9 points and above.

• Submit an Extended Essay (EE) in one of the IB subjects: students's final grade must be D or above.

• Complete all set assessments for Theory of Knowledge (ToK): students's final grade must be D or above.

• Complete the requirements for Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS).

The Bilingual Diploma

A bilingual diploma will be awarded to a successful candidate who fulfils one of the following criteria:

• Two Language and Literature courses (in groups 1 and 2, or groups 1 and 6).

• Takes examinations in at least one of the subjects from group 3 or group 4 in a language that is not the same language as his or her Language and Literature course nominated for group 1.

• Submits an extended essay in a group 3 or group 4 subject written in a language that is not the same language as his or her language A nominated for group 1.

A Non-regular Diploma

If the conditions of entry into an institution of higher education require a candidate to offer a choice of subjects different from that specified in the regulations for the Diploma Programme, the candidate may be allowed to make a reasonable substitution on presentation to the IB of the appropriate documentary evidence. This may affect, for example, candidates proposing to study medicine, veterinary science or engineering.

Assessment in IB is criterion-related, so students around the world are measured against pre-specified criteria for each subject group. At the end of the two-year programme, students are assessed both internally and externally in ways that measure individual performance against stated objectives for each subject.

Internal assessment 

In nearly all subjects at least some of the assessment is carried out internally, when our teachers mark individual pieces of work produced as part of the course of study. Samples of internally assessed work are sent for moderation to the IB. Internal assessment tasks are prescribed by the IB, and often involve using the theoretical knowledge acquired in a real- world context. Examples of internal assessment include oral activities in language subjects, projects, practical laboratory work, mathematical investigations and art portfolios.

External assessment

Some assessment tasks are conducted and overseen by teachers without the restrictions of examination conditions, but are then marked externally by examiners. Examples include the HL essay in 'Literature and Language' and 'Literature' courses, essays for TOK and EE. 

Because of the greater degree of objectivity and reliability provided by the standard examination environment, externally marked examinations form between 75% and 80% of the assessment for each subject (except in Visual Arts).

How is the IB Score Calculated?

Students may achieve a maximum of 7 points in each of the 6 subjects, and a maximum of 3 bonus points can be achieved for the Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge.

The score is then composed of: 6 subjects x 7 points = maximum 42 points + 3 bonus points = maximum total of 45 Diploma points.

Alternatively, Grade 11 & 12 students can take the IB Courses Programme, which is recognised by some, but not all universities. Courses students may take up to 6 subjects (often all at standard level) and are not required to complete EE or TOK. However, as IB students, they are still required to complete the CAS programme. Please note that the school does not normally accept applications from new students for the IB Courses programme. At the end of the 2 year programme, courses students are issued with an IB certificate with the marks achieved for each subject taken. The College Counselor will provide university choices for IB Courses candidates.

The IB grading scheme is as follows:   1 = very poor | 2 = poor | 3 = mediocre | 4 = satisfactory | 5 = good | 6 = very good | 7 = excellent