Diploma Programme

The DP is a challenging and balanced programme for students aged 16–19 that prepares them for success at university and beyond. It encourages students to think deeply, research independently, and reflect on their learning. With its strong focus on academic rigour, international-mindedness, and ethical action, the DP develops compassionate, open-minded individuals who strive to make a positive impact in a complex world.

Secondary Leadership Team

Aaron Kane

Head of Secondary

Nicolas Walters

Deputy Head of Secondary

Well-being / Pastoral

Jennifer Grace

Deputy Head of Secondary

Teaching and Learning

DP Coordinator - Burcu Isik Keser

Burcu is a highly qualified and experienced chemistry teacher, certified and motivated IB educator and leader, with over 15 years of teaching experience, including 10+ years coordinating the IB Diploma Programme and leading IB World Schools and their communities.

Deeply committed to the IB philosophy, Burcu actively promotes the school’s vision, values, and development, fostering students’ academic progress and embracing the IB learner profile. She believes the IB offers a respectful school climate and culture, opening opportunities to create a better world.

Passionate about teaching and learning, Burcu values the role of international education in shaping students’ lives. She sees learning as extending beyond textbooks, encouraging students to question, evaluate, debate, and reason, while building a solid understanding of concepts and principles they can apply in real-life contexts.

What is the Diploma Programme?

The IB Diploma Programme is an academically challenging and balanced programme of education, with final examinations, that prepares students aged 16 to 19 for success at university and in life beyond. It has been designed to address the intellectual, social, emotional and physical well-being of students. The programme has gained recognition and respect from the world’s leading universities.

The DP Curriculum

DP students must choose one course from each of five subject groups delivering a breadth of knowledge and understanding in language and literature, individuals and societies, the sciences and mathematics. Furthermore, students must also choose either an arts course from the arts group or a second course from one of the other subject groups. DP courses can be taken at higher level (HL) or standard level (SL). At least three, and not more than four, are taken at HL (240 teaching hours), while the remaining courses are taken at SL (150 teaching hours). SL courses ensure students are exposed to a range of disciplines that they might otherwise opt out of, and HL courses allow students to spend more time with subjects they are more interested in by exploring options in addition to the SL core curriculum. In this sense, all DP courses, regardless of whether they are SL or HL, are integral to the programme. Students can study and take examinations in English, French or Spanish. Two courses are classified as interdisciplinary, meaning that they satisfy the requirements of more than one subject group.

• Literature and performance (studies in language and literature subject group and the arts subject group)

• Environmental systems and societies (individuals and societies subject group and sciences subject group)

In addition to disciplinary and interdisciplinary study, the DP features three core elements that broaden students’ educational experience and challenge them to apply their knowledge and skills.

DP Subject Groups

Group 1: Language and Literature

Language and Literature explores how meaning is shaped by language and context. Designed for students with academic experience in the language, the course enhances social, aesthetic, and cultural literacy while developing effective communication skills., preparing them for future academic study.

Group 2: Language Acquisition

Language B (HL or SL) is an additional language-learning course designed for students with some previous learning of that language. Language ab initio is a language acquisition course designed for students with no previous experience in-or very littler exposure to-the target language.

Group 3: Individuals & Societies

Individuals and Societies course challenges students to explore human behavior, society, and the world around them through critical thinking, inquiry, and research. It encourages global awareness and understanding, preparing students to engage thoughtfully with diverse cultures and complex global issues.

Group 4: Sciences

The IB DP Science programme fosters curiosity and inquiry through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. Students explore biology, chemistry, physics, design technology, computer science, sports science, and environmental systems, developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and a deep understanding of the natural world.

Group 5: Mathematics

The IB DP Mathematics course equips students with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Through topics like algebra, calculus, and statistics, students develop a deep understanding of mathematical concepts, preparing them for further study and real-world applications in various fields.

Group 6: The Arts

GIS DP Arts programme offers students the opportunity to explore their creative potential through Visual Arts, Music, and Film. With a focus on experimentation, techniques, and expression, students develop artistic skills and critical thinking, preparing them for a future in the arts and beyond.

The Diploma Programme Core

The extended essay (EE) requires students to engage in independent research through an in-depth study of a question relating to one of the DP subjects they are studying. The world studies EE option allows students to focus on a topic of global significance, which they examine through the lens of at least two DP subjects.

Theory of knowledge (TOK) develops a coherent approach to learning that unifies the academic disciplines. In this course on critical thinking, students inquire into the nature of knowing and deepen their understanding of knowledge as a human construction.

Creativity, activity, service (CAS) emphasizes helping students to develop their own identities in accordance with the ethical principles embodied in the IB mission statement and the IB learner profile. CAS complements a challenging academic programme in a holistic way, providing opportunities for self-determination, collaboration, accomplishment and enjoyment. It involves students in a range of activities alongside their academic studies throughout the DP. The three strands of CAS are creativity (exploring and extending ideas leading to an original or interpretive product or performance), activity (physical exertion contributing to a healthy lifestyle) and service (collaborative and reciprocal engagement with the community in response to an authentic need).

Assessment

Students take written examinations at the end of the programme, which are marked by external IB examiners. Students also complete assessment tasks in the school, which are either initially marked by teachers and then moderated by external moderators or sent directly to external examiners. The grades awarded for each course range from 1 (lowest) to 7 (highest). Students can also be awarded up to three additional points for their combined results on TOK and the EE. The diploma is awarded to students who gain at least 24 points, subject to certain minimum levels of performance across the whole programme and to satisfactory participation in the CAS requirement. The highest total that a DP student can be awarded is 45 points. Assessment is criterion-related, which means student performance is measured against specified assessment criteria based on the aims and objectives of each subject’s curriculum, rather than the performance of other students taking the same examinations.

Class of 2027 Handbook (16).pdf

Explore our IB Diploma Programme Curriculum in the Grade 11 & 12 Curriculum Handbook 2025–2027

Explore our IB Diploma Programme curriculum, designed to foster academic excellence, critical thinking, and global awareness. With a diverse range of subjects, students engage in rigorous learning, developing skills that prepare them for university success and a meaningful future.

University Pathways

The IB DP comprehensive curriculum equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in their chosen fields, while also promoting global awareness and personal development, ensuring they are ready for the challenges of university life and beyond. It offers students a strong foundation for pursuing higher education worldwide. Our graduates often apply to universities in the UAE, UK, US, Netherlands, and Canada. With a focus on critical thinking and academic rigour, our students often pursue courses in Business Management, Computer Science & AI, Medicine, Psychology, Biology, and Law.

Homework and Learning Management System in DP

Homework Expectations

Communication

We use ManageBac to for our planning, assessment and communication. Please use it too! Find out how to connect to Managebac by clicking on the link.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHAT ARE THE SUBJECT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IB DIPLOMA PROGRAMME?

IB DP requires students to take six subjects: three at Higher Level (HL) and three at Standard Level (SL) to earn the full diploma. These include subjects from six groups: Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and the Arts. IB DP diploma students must also complete the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Extended Essay (EE), and a Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE IB DP ‘DIPLOMA’ AND THE IB DP ‘COURSE’?

The IB DP Diploma is a comprehensive, two-year program that includes six subjects, the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course, the Extended Essay (EE), and the Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) component. To earn the full diploma, students must meet specific requirements across all areas.
In contrast, the IB DP Course allows students to take individual subjects without committing to the full diploma. Students can choose courses from the IB offerings based on their academic needs and interests, but they do not complete the TOK, EE, or CAS requirements.

ARE BOTH THE IB DP DIPLOMA AND IB DP COURSE RECOGNISED BY UNIVERSITIES?

Yes, both the IB DP Diploma and individual IB DP Courses are widely recognised by universities around the world. The IB DP Diploma is highly regarded by universities for its rigorous academic curriculum, while students who complete individual courses can also benefit from the recognition of their specific subject knowledge in university admissions, depending on the course requirements.

WHAT ARE THE ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR THE IB DP DIPLOMA?

To enter the GIS IB DP Diploma, students need to have successfully completed their previous academic studies (e.g., Grade 10 or equivalent) and meet specific GIS IB DP Diploma entry requirements such as academic performance criteria and meet any subject-specific prerequisites.

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